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About Big Ray & the Kool Kats

We don't just play music, we make memories.

A multi-talented wedding band in Charlottesville, Virginia, Big Ray and the Kool Kats is the perfect choice for newly engaged couples looking to appeal to a variety of styles and tastes. Specializing in everything from Motown to classic rock, the 11-piece ensemble has been blowing couples away since 1996. Founded by longtime professional musician Ray Caddell, Big Ray and the Kool Kats knows exactly how to make your affair one to remember!

Experience
Big Ray and the Kool Kats has won five WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards! They were named one of the best wedding bands in America by Modern Bride Magazine. Ray Caddell has appeared and recorded with Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra, among others. With credits like these, you can't go wrong with this wedding band!

Services Offered
Big Ray and the Kool Kats’ large ensemble of professional musicians leaves nothing to chance in order to ensure the smooth success of your event. In addition to their extensive set list, their services include:

  • Ability to learn new songs
  • Music during breaks
  • Lighting
  • Microphones
  • Sound/PA system
  • MC


Areas Covered
Big Ray and the Kool Kats is more than happy to assist couples in an array of locations. In addition to the Charlottesville area, the band also services D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

Categories: Wedding Band

Regions serviced: Richmond, Washington DC, Hampton Roads

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101 Reviews for Big Ray & the Kool Kats

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Cocktail Hour (8)
Reception (8)
Sound/PA System (7)
Microphones (6)
Learning New Songs (5)
MC (5)
Music During Breaks (4)
Liability Insurance (4)
Willing to Travel (4)
Instrumentals (3)
Lighting (3)
Ceremony (2)
79 Big Ray & the Kool Kats Reviews
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FEATURED
5.0

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Big Ray and the Kool Cats!!! They played classical music for our daughter's outside wedding, perfect music during dinner, and the best dancing music ever ( with no breaks!) for the rest of the night. The dance floor was packed until the evening ended. Everyone, young and old, danced to every song! They honored our every request before and during the reception. I could go on and on.............

Photo of Big Ray & the Kool Kats in Charlottesville, VA - Farmington CC Charlottesville, VA
Profile Picture Elizabeth, 7/7/18, 1 Review
Category: Band
5.0

One word - perfection! At my niece's wedding, we heard over and over, "This is the best band we've ever seen!" Thanks to Big Ray and the Kool Kats for making the wedding a happy event for everyone - from ages two to 88! Big Ray is awesome! He honors all requests. When he heard that my niece's proposal was at Cinderella's Castle in Disneyworld, he had the band play 'When You Wish Upon a Star' while the wedding couple danced to this special surprise song. The band is a perfect mix of talent, friendliness, and professionalism. Many, many thanks to Big Ray and the Kool Kats for making this the best wedding ever with the best band ever!!

Photo of Big Ray & the Kool Kats in Charlottesville, VA - Big Ray and the Kool Kats were the best!!
Profile Picture Susan, 5/27/18, 1 Review
Category: Band
5.0

I had the absolute pleasure of Big Ray & the Kool Kats being my wedding band. I have nothing but compliments. Everyone was so kind, the entertainment was amazing, and the entire band was engaging. They provided personalized touches (playing a Disney song after they learned that my husband popped the question in Cinderella's castle and playing the fight song to my Alma mater) and even invited the ceremony violinist up for a song with the band! I heard over and over again from various guests that it was the best wedding they had ever been to and I can't help but give the credit to this wonderful group of talent. They truly provided an experience and not just entertainment. I am forever grateful to them for the memories they provided to me, my family, and my friends.

Profile Picture Lauren, 5/27/18, 1 Review
Category: Band
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Big Ray & the Kool Kats Pricing

Reception Price Range (4 hours)
Peak Season:
$7000 - $10000
Off-Peak Season:
$7000 - $10000
Price Range Includes:
Cocktail Hour
Learning New Songs
Lighting
MC
Reception
Music During Breaks
Sound/PA System
Band Package Pricing
Most Popular Wedding Package:
$8500.00
Package Includes:
Learning New Songs
Lighting
MC
Reception
Music During Breaks
Sound/PA System

Big Ray & the Kool Kats FAQ

Agency or Band
Band
7+
1-3
4-6
Big Band
Classic Rock
Country
Dance
Funk
Jazz
Latin
Motown
Orchestra
Pop
R&B/Soul
Rock
Swing
Acapella
Acoustic
Blues
Caribbean
Classical
Folk
Gospel
Hip Hop
International
Mariachi
Oldies
Punk Rock
Reggae
Strings
Top 40
Ceremony
Cocktail Hour
Instrumentals
Learning New Songs
Liability Insurance
MC
Music During Breaks
Reception
Willing to Travel
Bilingual MC
Karaoke
Rehearsal Dinner
Sample Music
Vocals
Lighting
Microphones
Sound/PA System
Disco Ball
Fog Machine
Gobo Projector
Projector
6 AWARDS

Photos & Videos

32 Photos

Weddings

32 Photos
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6 VIDEOS

Professional Network & Endorsements

3 ENDORSEMENTS
FEATURED
If you want the best time EVER for your wedding or special event, you need this band! It is important to me as a wedding professional for all to work together as a team. Big Ray does it right and is a joy to work with.

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Barb Wired LLC
We love working with Big Ray & the Kool Kats! They are a great band, not just a great wedding bad! Easy to work with, flexible and keeps the guests dancing! We love working with Big Ray, as do our clients!

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Donovan-Groves Events
We have worked more than a few times with Big Ray and his Kool Kats and crowd pleasing and entertaining are always the words heard after the event. It has always been a real pleasure to work with them. They are grade A professional and extremely easy to work with. If a live band is your entertainment choice, you can't loose with Big Ray & the Kool Kats.

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Blue Ridge AV and Lighting
22 PROS I KNOW

Map

1131 Rio Road E., Charlottesville, VA 22901   See On Map
434-960-4595 (phone)
Big Ray & the Kool Kats is a wedding band from Charlottesville, Va. We service weddings throughout the local area, including Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland. Big Ray & the Kool Kats is a professional wedding band that has been part of the Washington, D.C. wedding industry for over 20 years. We specialize in elegant, fun wedding receptions.