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The Academy
The Academy
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Heavenly Wedding
Zoo wedding
Zoo wedding
Zoo wedding
Zoo wedding
Zoo wedding
Zoo wedding
Zoo wedding
Zoo wedding
Gallivan wedding
Gallivan wedding
Amethyst Ball
Amethyst Ball
Gallivan Wedding
Gallivan Wedding
The Academy with horn section
The Academy with horn section
Overhead View Gallivan Wedding
Overhead View Gallivan Wedding
The Academy
The Academy
Gallivan Wedding
Gallivan Wedding
Gallivan Wedding
Gallivan Wedding
Amethyst ball soundcheck
Amethyst ball soundcheck
Anthony Cammarota
Anthony Cammarota
Dr. Whitney DeTar
Dr. Whitney DeTar
CADA Fundraiser
CADA Fundraiser
Cocktail hour at Birnam Wood
Cocktail hour at Birnam Wood
Bishop Diego Gala
Bishop Diego Gala
The Academy in performance
The Academy in performance
Academy as a three piece
Academy as a three piece
Whitney Detar
Whitney Detar
Full band on the main stage
Full band on the main stage
The Academy performing live
The Academy performing live
University of California Deans
University of California Deans
The Academy Rincon Event
The Academy Rincon Event
The Academy
The Academy
Dr. Whitney DeTar
Dr. Whitney DeTar
Cocktail hour on the Riviera
Cocktail hour on the Riviera
Main stage full setup
Main stage full setup

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The Academy is a live wedding band based in Santa Barbara, California. This Vegas-style party band was founded by Augustine and Jake DeTar, the owners of DeTar Music Studios. Passionate and dedicated, these professionals strive to provide vibrant entertainment for any occasion. With highly energetic performances and a vast repertoire, they aim to deliver electrifying dance music to keep guests moving all night.

Services Offered

The Academy offers various services, including live music for wedding ceremonies, receptions, cocktail parties, and everything in between. This versatile ensemble can play in different configurations, from a trio to a ten-piece band. Whatever your budget or song preferences, they will adapt their services to fit your style. Each musician is young, talented, and experienced, having performed regularly together over the last few years. Their backgrounds include music production, recording, and performing for all kinds of projects and events. If you are having a destination wedding, this group is willing to travel for your special day. For more information, contact The Academy today with your inquiries.

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FAQ

Which of the following are included in your wedding reception music package?

Ceremony Music
Cocktail Hour Music
Learning New Songs
Lighting
MC
Music During Breaks
Reception Music
Sample Performances
Sound/PA System
Travel Expenses

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

Ceremony Music
Cocktail Hour Music
Learning New Songs
Lighting
MC
Music During Breaks
Reception Music
Sample Performances
Sound/PA System
Travel Expenses

Are you an agency or a band?

Band

How many musicians are in your band(s)?

1 - 3
4 - 6
7+

What genres of music does (do) your band(s) play?

Acoustic
Classic Rock
Dance
Funk
Jazz
Motown
Pop
Rock
Swing

What music services do you provide?

Instrumentals
Ceremony Music
Cocktail Hour Music
Learning New Songs
MC
Reception Music
Music During Breaks
Rehearsal Dinner Music
Sample Performances
Vocals
Liability Insurance
Willing to Travel

What items are available?

Fog Machine
Lighting
Microphones
Sound/PA System

Still have questions?

Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!

Wedding couple

Reviews of The Academy

Write a review
Write a review
The Academy - 1
The Academy - 2
The Academy - 3
Sandy
Sandy Sent on 05/08/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Best.Band.Ever!

I hired The Academy for my husband's 60th bday party and they had everyone on the dance floor from start to finish! Gus was so responsive, professional, and easy to work with and the band was fantastic. My guests (age range 20's to 70) could not stop raving about how great the band was and how much fun they had. I would recommend them to anyone and would use them again in a heartbeat!
A
Andrew Sent on 02/26/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Top notch, class act

We booked these guys for an anniversary party, and they smashed it! So many people came up to us and asked where we had found these guys. We had ages 2 to 80 on the dance floor having a great time. All our interactions with Gus beforehand were super easy and zero fuss, great if you're already stressed out with the rest of planning. We had some audio snags during speeches and they jumped in to help with their own equipment. Can't recommend enough.
Whitney
Whitney Sent on 10/23/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Absolutely magical wedding band! Cannot say enough great things!

Anyone can tell you this band is incredible. It's unanimous. Whether it's Gus's Keytar Riffs, Whitneys powerful vocals, or the abundant energy overflowing from them into any crowd, motivating even the most introverted distant relative to get up and move - The Academy is bound to please. What also struck me about them is their professionalism and flexibility. They are very user friendly in the sense that they understand what any event needs from start to finish and adapt well to all the moving parts. Whitney MC'd our wedding and knocked it out of the park. They all seamlessly adjusted when cocktail hour ran long (they provided our jazz trio during this time) and the main Academy act started late, taking one less break at this time, so guests could enjoy the 2 hr instead of originally planned 3 hr set as much as possible. On top of all of this, they are all just wonderful people. Friendly, lovely, fun humans that bring good vibes always. Worth every cent.

We got married 3 wks ago now, and I still have people reaching out to tell me how wonderful the band was.
  • The Academy - 4
  • The Academy - 5
Benjamin
Benjamin Sent on 10/16/2023
5 out of 5 rating

The Academy is a Highly-Professional, Well-Polished Band for Any Event

The Academy played my wedding reception at the Santa Barbara Zoo. This band rocked so hard, the animals could be seen dancing in the distance. Seriously, this band is fantastic. The drummer is flipping his drumsticks in the air without missing a beat, the guitarist is reminiscent of Santana, bass player plays funky beats, and Whitney and Gus DeTar are a power couple - rocking vocals and keytar. They were easy to communicate with leading up to the event and worked with us to develop a setlist. They even let the Groom play guitar for one song! Would highly recommend this band if you want high-energy, fun vibes (though they did play 1-2 slow songs which were beautiful as well).
Ashley
Ashley Sent on 02/17/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Look no further - the perfect band!

Seriously. This is your hire. The Academy kept my party dancing all night and singing along to popular favorites! They were worth every penny. They were engaging and very punctual and professional. Every single person commented on, "what a great band" and "killer music" which was (pun intended) music to my ears as the host!! You are in for a treat if you have The Academy play at your wedding or event!
M
Ms. Sent on 02/04/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Fantastic!

Excellent band. They knew how to read the crowd and worked well with the party host. Lots of requests to have them again.
T
Thomas Sent on 01/26/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Best Wedding/Party Band in California!

I attended my cousin’s wedding and The Academy was the hired band. They are ABSOLUTELY amazing! Honestly, I think they are the best wedding band I have ever seen.
Professional, high quality music, great performers and amazing people! I would recommend them 10/10 for your event.
Kris
Kris Sent on 01/24/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Excellent musicians, Best dance band in Santa Barbara

The Academy are my favorite band to dance to and always put on an amazing show! They are all excellent musicians and have great stage presence. So fun to dance to and play so many of my fave songs of all time.
C
Craig Sent on 01/24/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing band

Did everything we needed
Wonderful night!!!!
N
Nadine Sent on 01/22/2023
5 out of 5 rating

My favorite band

You can’t go wrong with the Academy Band!!! They are amazing and have a huge portfolio of songs and are so talented!
I can’t say enough good things about them!
The energy they create - unreal!
Hire them, you won’t regret it and all your guests will be dancing all night long!
Best decision of my life!
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Awards

19
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2024 Winner
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Bands Santa Barbara
Bands Santa Barbara (City)

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