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About

Joe Clarke has had a life long love affair with Big Band music. As a child, he would spend hours listening to Sinatra, Henry Mancini, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller just to name a few. As a youngster, Joe studied percussion and then the trumpet and piano while in high school and college.

While obtaining a degree in psychology at the Citadel, Joe pursued his own musical interests and dreams of leading his own big band. He was musical director for all the yearly talent shows while at the Citadel and while serving as the band director for the College of Charleston, he began writing his own 3 and 4 horn arrangements. While working at the college, he began gathering musicians and finally organized his own big band.

Being a child of the 70s and 80s and it’s music, Joe brings a new twist to the fine art of singing the big band and jazz standards. He often says, "I like a little rock & roll in my jazz and a little jazz in my rock & roll."

In the past eight years, Joe Clarke has served as musical director for several shows; "Swingtime Canteen," "Behind the Rainbow-The Harold Arlen Story" (He played Harold Arlen in this production.) "Stardust Man - The Hoagy Carmichael Story," "The Wild One" the life and times of Louis Prima. Keely Enright, Producer and director of these shows has given Joe his first taste of the stage. I think he's hooked. In 2009 Joe played in "Splish, Splash" another production at The Village Playhouse. This was a review of the the music and life of Bobby Darin. Joe sang all the greatest hits that Bobby Darin made famous: Splish Splash, More, Mack the Knife, Beyond the Sea, etc.


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Frequently asked questions

What is the starting price for wedding ceremony music?

$1,000

What is the price of your most popular wedding package?

$3,000

Which of the following are included in the price of your most popular wedding package?

Reception Music

What ceremony music arrangements can you provide?

Brass - Trio
Brass - Quartet
Brass - Quintet
Instrumental - Solo
Instrumental - Duo
Instrumental - Trio
String - Trio
String - Quartet
String - Quintet
Soloist / Vocalist

How many musicians are in your band(s)?

1 - 3
4 - 6
7+

What instruments does your group play?

Cello
Flute
Guitar
Harp
Piano
Trumpet
Viola
Violin

What services do you provide?

Ceremony Music
Cocktail Hour Music
Microphones
Sound/PA System
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Reviews of Joe Clarke Big Band

4.7 out of 5 rating
4.7 out of 5 rating
10 Reviews
93% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    4.7 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.7 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.6 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.7 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.7 out of 5 rating
J
Jeffrey Sent on 09/22/2017
5 out of 5 rating
Joe Clarke Swing Band just an amazing group of musicians. The selection of music and tempo kept everyone on the dance floor the whole time. Young and old loved the music. Joe was very accommodating for some interruptions and special requests. Also. Joe went way out of his way and genre to toss in a couple special arrangements for us. Really amazing experience - every guest commented on how great the band performed. I would hire them gain in a minute!
M
Meghan Sent on 06/28/2015
5 out of 5 rating
The Joe Clarke Quartet was the perfect selection for our wedding reception! We were fortunate enough to listen to the trio band play at a restaurant during a wedding planning visit and immediately knew they were the band we had envisioned - their style and sound was just amazing. Joe learned a few songs for us and even learned my favorite Billy Joel song that I forgot I had mentioned to him! Everyone complimented us on how great they sounded and kept asking us "where did you find this band?!" We couldn't disagree with them - we were so impressed by their performance and professionalism. All around you will not be disappointed with booking Joe!
User890827 Sent on 08/07/2012
5 out of 5 rating
They are fantastic and professional. Highly recommend!
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Awards

10
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2012 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

2 Endorsements
Guitarist Nikolai Svishev Guitarist Nikolai Svishev Wedding Musicians

The best swing band in Charleston,SC!

Charleston Wedding Planner Charleston Wedding Planner Wedding Planners

Joe's voice is mesmerizing.He can offer you an intimate trio or full band. He is one of my personal favorite crooners and if you have'nt heard him yet, soon after he'll be tops on your list Best Mike

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