The Essentials is an international band that works weddings in Como, Italy and beyond. The band is comprised of high-level professional musicians, singers, and DJs that collaborate and play together for private events and weddings. We specialize in providing high end, native English singers that can recreate that international feel even here in Italy.

Do you want a string duo for your ceremony? Or a jazz trio for your aperitif? What about a rocking 8-piece band with a horn section playing all the latest hits for your reception? The Essentials has the flexibility, versatility, and expertise to pull off your wildest dreams for your perfect event.

Lara Karuna, the producer and bandleader of The Essentials, is an accomplished performer, singer, and songwriter from California. Karuna has toured the world as a singer, playing at some of the top venues such as The MGM, Macau; The Palazzo, Las Vegas; The House of Blues, Anaheim and Hollywood; Joes Pub, New York; Villa d’Este, Como, Italy; Hotel de Paris, MonteCarlo France; and Park Hyatt, Beijing, China, to name a few.

Karuna boasts a 400-song repertoire spanning all genres and eras with an emphasis on R&B, soul, jazz, and blues. She has a four-octave vocal range and a versatility that enables her to switch between styles with ease and fluidity. Karuna has worked as a producer for 10 years, putting together high-profile events and weddings for her own company, Ghindu Girl Music, as well as for the international agency Radiokings. She has now taken that expertise and poured it into The Essentials, her latest endeavour that she started since moving to Italy.

Karuna will work with you closely to design your event and capture the vision you have in mind. The Essentials features both international musicians, such as Karuna, but also has Italian singers who specialize in all the Italian classics. The Essentials also works with professional lighting and sound and can offer both for an additional charge if needed.

Essentially, the Essentials are essential to making the most of your big day!