New Orleans

Wedding Musicians

Ashley Lancz Toman began playing harp and studying music at the age of 14 in Traverse City, Michigan. Three years later she was accepted to the prestigious Eastman School of Music where she earned both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in harp performance and served as a harp teaching assistant. Ashley's career as a freelance harpist has taken her all over the United States. She performed twice daily as the harpist in residence at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan for five seasons. Her group Harptallica, a Metallica tribute, has toured extensively. The group is a harp duo committed to expanding the accessibility and audience of the instrument. With Harptallica, she has made performance appearances on the WGN-TV and FOX networks as well as on various radio stations throughout the country. Since moving to Louisiana, Ashley has appeared with the Louisiana Philharmonic, and Baton Rouge Symphony. She has recorded with Ani DiFranco, and is the harpist seen and heard in the Tarantino film "Django Unchained." Ashley maintains a busy freelance schedule, performing for numerous wedding ceremonies and other events all over southeastern Louisiana. She currently performs every Sunday during brunch at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans at the Stage Door Canteen. She resides in Baton Rouge.

Brian Gaudino is a classical and jazz guitarist based out of Cleveland, OH. He holds a MM in guitar performance from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where he also taught for several years as a faculty member. As a masters student, Brian earned first place at the UL Friends of Music Classical Guitar Competition and was the recipient of the 2009 Richard Neiheisel Phi Beta Kappa Endowed Graduate Award. He has performed in many master classes with prominent guitarists such as Roland Dyens, Ana Vidovic, David Tanenbaum, Adam Holzman, Jerome Ducharme, and Frank Koonce. He has performed as a soloist with the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra and the Coast Guard Dixieland Jazz Band. His debut solo album “Control Freak” was released in February 2016. His music is also featured in the popular video game "When Pigs Fly." Brian was born in Michigan and raised in Springfield, VA. He holds a bachelor's degree in music from The College of William and Mary in Williamburg, VA. He has lived in Cleveland since 2016, where he performs in a variety of genres and teaches private lessons.

Lauren Lewandowski is a harpist in New Orleans, LA. She is able to play a variety of styles for events such as weddings, receptions, and more.

As BayouHarpiste, I specialize in Weddings, Receptions, Religious Services, and Large Corporate & Social Events. I will work diligently to understand your preferences to provide eloquent music for your celebration. I believe a customers' musical needs are of the utmost importance. I am committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of my musical business is from repeat customers and referrals. I welcome the opportunity to earn your musical trust. You deserve the best BayouHarpiste the music industry has to offer! At the tender of three, my parents Mr. and Mrs. Marion and Brenda Love Gautier saw there was great musical talent lying dormant within me. The decision was made for me to begin my musical venture by studying piano at the age of three under Dr. Linda Achacioso. At age four, my talent was taken to a new utopia by beginning formal training on the harp at Louisiana State University with Dr. Hye Yun Chung Bennett. By age five, operatic studies with Dr. Ostraqeliea and Ninfa Caruso was a prevelent part of my musical studies. My dream was to become a concert harpist and opera singer. God had a different plan. In 1990, hours after my mother's station wagon, affectionately called the "Harp Mobile", was stolen with my harp music inside, I performed theMalotte’s Lord’s Prayer before an audience of over 3000 campers at the Louisiana Baptist Youth Encampment. It was that transforming performance that erupted a new found passion, religious music. Rev. Charles T. Smith deemed my desire a reality and I became a part of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Music Ministry in 1990 at age 12. My passion to perform religious works was tested by transposing hymns, arranging hymns, and playing by ear. There were no African-American hymns manuscripted for harp. Shiloh is one of the leading African-American baptist churches in the nation with a full-time African-American harpist on staff. In 1996 I graduated from Capitol High School holding a 4.0 GPA. My academic achievements bestowed upon me the honor of Valedictorian. My passion to continue the study of the harp was furthered in educational music endeavors through The Juilliard School of Music, Louisiana State University, and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. I am one of an elite number of African-American classically trained harpists. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Music - Harp Performance. I have become an accomplished classical, professional harpist having attained the following accolades:I have studied and performed across the length and breath of the United States as a solo, classical harpist for various United States dignitaries and symphonic orchestras. I have also performed in various religious venues in the classical/religious realm. I have performed as principal or second chair harpist for the following symphonic orchestras: Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Acadiana Symphony Orchestra Monroe Symphony Orchestra New Orleans Philharmonic Jackson Symphony Orchestra Meridian Symphony Orchestra Louisiana Youth Symphony Louisiana Youth Orchestra, World Youth Symphony Orchestra (Performed for The Olympics 1996 opening ceremony) Interlochen Arts Camp Eastern Music Festival •Performance Master Classes: The Juilliard School of Music Trinity University University of Michigan University of Minnesota Interlochen Arts Camp Guilford College University of Indiana University of Wisconsin Northwestern University •American Harp Society Member •Bayou Harp Society Member •Susan McDonald Harp Competition Winner •American Harp Society Competition Finalist •Compose and Arrange Gospel Music compatible for the Classical Harp •Staff Harpist, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Charles T. Smith, Pastor, Baton Rouge, Louisiana Ministers of Music: Dr. Everrett G. Parker, Darryl Wright, and Maria J. Foster •Performed for the following United States Officials: United States President George Bush United States Vice President Dan Quayle United States Vice President Al Gore Speaker of the House Tom Foley LA State Senator Pat Irons La State Senator William Jefferson United States Senator Cleo Fields United States Senator Mary Landrieu •1996 Olympic Arts Festival (Opening Ceremony) •Performances with the following icons/groups: Dr. Margaret Pleasant Douroux Pastor Carl A. Pierce, Sr. V. Michael McKay Dr. Bobby Jones Pastor K. Edward Copeland Dr. Arthur T. Jones Kathy Taylor Brown Betty Ransom Nelson Rev. Clifton Davis Albertina Walker Pastor Joe Samuel Ratcliff, pastor of Brentwood Baptist Church Pastor Kirby Jon Caldwell, pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church Lecrecia Campbell National Baptist Convention, Inc. Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Gospel Music Workshop of America Dr. Everrett G. Parker and the Louisiana State University Gospel Choir The Moody Blues Band Kim Fields, actress Ron Bell, actor Jaleel White, actor Jessie Jackson, Jr. •Religious Faith Performances: Baptist, Episcopalian, Methodist, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim •Numerous Weddings, Funerals, Receptions, Religious Celebrations, solo recitals, chamber recitals, and other social events I find encouragement, strength, and daily healing through the scriptures found in II Corinthians 4:7-9…...”But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed: we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed-“

Bella Musica is a Company that provides musicians for Weddings and other Social Events as well as violin/piano lessons. In the last 5 years, Bella Musica has made quite a name for itself by providing outstanding performances of classical standards, and popular music throughout the state of Louisiana. Located in Baton Rouge, La., Bella Musica provides services in the surrounding areas of New Orleans, Hammond, and Lafayette. The musicians of Bella Musica hold Master and Doctorate degrees in music. These performers have won various awards throughout Europe and the U. S. and are members of the Baton Rouge Symphony, Acadiana Symphony, Gulf Coast Symphony and Mobile Symphony Orchestra.

A truly unforgettable string quartet, providing highest quality product for your wedding or any event: ceremonies, cocktail hour, anniversaries, corporate events and parties. We serve entire Gulf Region and travel everywhere. The Tri State Sring Quartet is composed of New Orleans, Louisiana, based musicians who have played together for over ten years; we hold either a Master's or Doctoral degree in music and are committed to providing you with a completely satisfying musical experience. Due to our great love of string quartet music, we maintain a strong desire to share its wonders with our listeners, a characteristic our clients can both see and hear in the quality of our string quartet and in the obvious joy we take in the act of the musical connection. Our string quartet brings confidence and expertise to work. Our repertoire is a mix of baroque, classical and contemporary music. Whether it's Joplin or Bach, we play the music to complement all moods, occasions or celebrations. Availability/Bookings- Phone: (504)931-5450 Email: info@tristatestringquartet.com Web: www.TriStateStringQuartet.com

New Orleans Jazz Weddings is a musical group that specializes in a wide variety of arrangements and outfits for your wedding music needs. This band performs in a jazz trio or larger ensembles consisting of several instruments, including saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, guitar, upright bass, banjo, vocals, drums, guitar and piano. New Orleans Jazz Weddings also gives couples the option of choosing their rock and dance ensemble to be played during the reception. Whatever your needs are, they will craft the perfect set list and performance style just for you! Services Offered New Orleans Jazz Weddings offers a unique and energetic performance that is sure to enhance your wedding day. Their services offered include: Cocktail hour Instrumentals Learning new songs Lighting/sound Music during break Sample music Sound/PA system Willing to travel

Leading in tasteful and dazzling performances, this "Soul School" recording artist-vocalist-band leader-musician has served a satisfied client base for 24 years. Bobby J's Stuff Like That is a musical expression in live band sound, creating an atmosphere for fun and dance.Wedding receptions are 95% of our business, but for any occasion, Bobby J showcases and interchanges the talents of 8 to 11 artists/musicians who perform soulful arrangements of classic cover and dance R&B, Jazz, Motown, Top 40, Funk, Salsa, Caribbean, and Traditional New Orleans tunes. Audiences are motivated to dance and swing in harmony. Highlighting the evening's entertainment, this featured artist brings back that 'soul' school experience that is exhibited in his melodious, raspy tenor voice and his stage persona. Our repertoire is unmatched...you request it, and we make it happen! As a finale’, we offer a traditional New Orleans’ second line upon request. Our standard entertainment package includes a 4-piece rhythm section, 2-5 lead and background vocalists, and horns that may be added upon request and availability. Without a doubt, we are guaranteed to provide a locomotion of soul that will augment any event.

Digital Music Services, LLC is a Lafayette-based company that provides professional DJ services for a variety of events and specializes in weddings. There are three distinct packages available for you to choose from in order to best fit your wedding needs and budget. In addition to being able to completely customize any package to suit your needs. Their team of experienced DJs will be sure to have your guests out of their seats and on the dance floor all night long. Digital Music Services, LLC has won the Couples’ Choice Award from Wedding Wire seven years in a row for their excellence in service, and your wedding could be next! Experience Digital Music Services, LLC opened in 1996 offering music editing and production services. They added their DJ services in 2000. Since then, this company has provided entertainment for over 1,000 weddings. Services Offered Along with their DJ services, Digital Music Services, LLC can also provides a photo booth, accent and monogram lighting. Their packages start with 3 hours or 4 hours of music depending on your needs. They also offer ceremony music playback package and rehearsal & ceremony coordination package.

www.harpmusicbyjudy.com/services.htm

Aaron Lane Entertainment is an award-winning entertainment company that will help you with personalized music for a personal entertainment experience. Catering to future couples in Lafayette, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lake Charles, Louisiana, the team at Aaron Lane Entertainment understands the importance of each aspect of your wedding. When it comes to music selection and services, it’s all about you! Experience Since 1996, Aaron Lane Entertainment has performed for over 1,000 weddings and special events. Their experienced DJs will take your favorite songs and mix them with favorites to read the atmosphere in the room and keep the party going. There is no set playlist, so you need not worry that your guests' drive to dance will stop at any point in the night. Services Offered With over a dozen music genres to choose from, couples can personalize the perfect soundtrack that will have guests dancing the night away! Consultations with the Aaron Lane staff are available before the event to help determine what the best choices are for your wedding. During the event, their DJs beat mix every song for seamless transitions between your favorite tunes. Their services include: Photo booth Uplighting Cocktail hour music MC Liability insurance Karaoke

Lisa Hickey-Schultz Singer and Guitarist NOLA SONG: Lisa Hickey-Schultz has faithfully served the New Orleans Area with beautiful ceremony music for the last three decades. Her unique style has added inspiration and elegance to over 400 wedding ceremonies. Lisa began developing her musical talent at the age of seven, when she first learned to play folk guitar. In high school, she studied choir then earned awards in statewide solo and ensemble competitions. As a young adult, Lisa attended Loyola University College of Music to earn her degree in voice. She studied classical music and opera in numerous languages. When not in class, she developed her ministry of contemporary Christian music. She also played lead role in "The Clown", a youth choir production which toured for three years. More ministry opportunities opened for her when The Citadel Christian Coffeehouse offered her numerous solo bookings there. The net result of these varied influences is a singer who can offer you the style of your preference, as well as an appealing blend of them all! The added benefit of choosing Lisa is that you have the option of her guitar accompaniment for no additional fee! It is her desire to serve you by offering her diverse musical gifts to enhance your wedding day! Please contact soon to secure your date or to inquire for information!