Unique Weddings and new music I've played- 2010

2010 was quite the interesting year for playing weddings for me- groundbreaking weddings, new alternative music, and you'd think I've been playing wedding music so long that I'd be immune to tear jerkers- but there was one wedding where there wasn't a dry eye in the place, mine included.

Don't get me wrong, as a musician I'm challenged and excited by every opportunity I get to play, but some weddings just stick out because of unique circumstances and, as in one case late this past summer, historical significance.  I was asked to play a same gender wedding in a church, which was a first for me. Not the same gender part, the same gender wedding in the church part. I knew there were several progressive churches out there that recognized same sex weddings, the Episcopal church being one of the better known.  I thought it was definitely cool to be booked for such an event at St. Paul's Cathdral in Bankers Hill, just north of Downtown San Diego. Little did I know that it was not just my first same gender wedding in a church, let alone a gigantic cathedral, but it was the first same gender wedding to be officiated by an Episcopal Priest in St. Paul's Cathedral, period. It was a beautiful event and I was lucky enough to not only play the wedding, but also the dinner in the great hall upstairs in the north wing of the Cathedral, which was decked out with a wooded entry path and candles everywhere.  I was honored to be a part of the event historical or not, but it's always rewarding to be part of something like that.  And on a less historic note, I was also inspired to buy a music stand light thanks to the candle lighting at dinner.  I got through the dinner just fine, I just occasionally use lyric sheets and need to read request lists so it wasn't a big deal. The light of my iPhone worked in a pinch but proved to be a less than perfect permanent solution. 20 years in music and I still get thrown curve balls.

I learned some great music this past year... The Promise by Tracy Chapman was played at the above mentioned wedding and worked perfectly.  I did Falling In Love at a Coffee Shop by Landon Pigg at another client's request, and now it's part of my regular repertoire.  It's just beautiful, wish I'd written it.  Meadowlarks by Fleet Foxes was also a winner, I have no idea if the lyrics mean but when you play it instrumentally that doesn't matter, does it.  It's haunting and dramatic, just perfect for an ultra hip wedding.  I know it's not brand new, but I don't claim to be ultra hip myself.  Just an average aging hipster.  I also absolutely can't stop playing The Lucky One by Alison Krauss, it's just some simple county cliches but something about it is so fun I play it just about every time I pick up a guitar.

I had a lot of fun expanding my ukulele repertoire this year, not to mention my ukulele inventory. I now have all 3 sizes of traditionally tuned ukuleles, but generally stick to my tenor uke with built-in electronics for weddings. It's a great instrument on its own acoustically but it's really convenient to be able to plug straight into an amp or PA without an extra microphone. I had a lot of fun playing Hey Soul Sister by Train, probably the most famous uke song to come out in some time, but I also love converting appropriate guitar songs to ukulele- I'm Yours by Jason Mraz immediately comes to mind, it really sounds great.  Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash also sounds great on uke as it turns out, I had a request for that for a cocktail hour, had the uke in my hand already, so I gave it a shot and it worked. I don't anticipate doing that for a wedding ceremony any time soon, but you never know.  And of course, I played lots of Somewhere Over the Rainbow/ Wonderful World.  Am I sick of it? Is it overdone? Absolutely not.  It's a creative, brilliant arrangement that lots of people really love.  No, I don't throw it on my home stereo, but I'm always happy to practice and play it.  And in the grand scheme of things, how bad can playing a song be, really.

So I mentioned a tear jerker before.  Here goes.  I played a wedding in the early fall that I don't think I'll ever be able to forget. First off, it was at the stunning Santaluz Club, it was very big wedding, and the bride and groom were by all accounts two of the warmest people you'd ever meet.  I mean plenty of people are friendly but these guys just were just a step above somehow.  To see how light and relaxed the 300+ guests at their wedding were was a testament to their energy.  Everything was flowing smoothly and reasonably on time for such a big wedding, the processionals were played flawlessly (ahem) by yours truly, and the wedding was moving along, and then... the bride's sister took the podium and started reading a speech written by her and the bride's deceased father before his passing.  It was funny, sweet, fatherly, and I'm getting choked up just writing about it.  The bride's sister did an amazing job reading through her tears, better than I was doing anyway, sobbing on my guitar.  This was heavy.  I'm a dad and this was heavy.  And for crying out loud, it was the best speech I'd ever heard at a wedding, not just based on the circumstances, it was just a great speech.  He opened by saying he was sorry he couldn't make it, his tux was stuck at the cleaners. I can't remember what he closed with, I was crying too hard.  It was just unbelievable.  I think of this often, especially when my 3 year old daughter is especially horrible, and am thankful for every moment I have and get to share with my family and others.  And I'm thankful to have this job where I get to be a part of so much joy. Very thankful.

Pop and Rock Music Can Add a Tasteful, Unique Touch to Your Wedding Ceremony

For those of you who want music more unique than "Canon in D," "Bridal Chorus," etc., for your wedding, this article is for you. However, easy as it is to pump in your favorite music from an ipod or cd nowadays, that's hardly elegant.  That's why I've created Steel String Weddings- to fill in the gap between live traditional wedding music and recorded popular music.

Essentially what I do is talk with the client and find out their favorite music, learn those songs and adapt them to acoustic guitar or ukulele, and perform at the wedding.  It's really an ideal situation, since you get your favorite music played at one of the most important events of your life, and the wedding still "feels like a wedding." Your traditionally minded guests will not be put off, and those who share your musical taste will be all the more impressed.  After all, who can deny that a well played acoustic guitar is a beautiful instrument to listen to?

So the first thing to consider is... what music do you want to hear? This is entirely up to you.  I'm capable of learning most any pop or rock song, and generally include up to 3 custom songs with my wedding package. So whether you like the laid back simplicity of Jack Johnson or the driving complexity of Radiohead, or anything else for that matter (Beatles? Jason Mraz? Postal Service? Metallica? Yes, I've played Metallica at a wedding, it was actually quite beautiful), I can interpret any music and perform it at your wedding. And just in case you're not sure your song can be done, I offer 1 free custom sample to every client (I also have several past samples ready to go, just contact me and I'll email them to you).

You'll also want to consider how much guitar music you want at your wedding.  After the ceremony, I am fully capable of performing for cocktail hours and dinners as well- again, it's really a nice, unique touch that will be appreciated by all generations and tastes. My repertoire consists of classic and modern rock, some jazz and country, folk, soul... really a blend that can be appreciated by many listeners, and since it's just me, you'll have everything at a constant, conversational volume that is never obtrusive.  While I do not consider my solo acoustic work appropriate for receptions, I do have a partnership with an outstanding DJ- so Steel String Weddings by Nick Weiss Music can actually handle all your musical needs. 

Obviously I'm a biased endorser of my services, so of course I have references available on request.  I really pride myself on my professionalism as much as my playing, and my past clients have noticed.  I'm married myself, so I know what a hassle it is to find trustworthy, skilled vendors for the big day. I like saying "I'll be the least of your worries" to my clients, and I really prepare to deliver on that promise by showing up on time, playing well, and extending friendly courtesy to all those I encounter.

If I can be of service, please don't hesitate to contact me via my website, just click the link under contact to the right.  I'd be happy to take the time to consult you and answer any questions.