Boston's Best Wedding Bands

Despite having not endured in a fashion similar to the eternally popular DJ, wedding bands were more than just popular throughout the 60s and 70s; they were almost essential. In the days before iPods and laptops, wedding bands (or singers) were hired to play the hottest hits of the day, as well as classics all the guests would know and love. These days, technology has made the wedding band a bit harder to come by, however; this doesn't mean that these trained professionals still don't exist and continue to make a living kicking out the reception jams. Here are five of Boston's best.

Soul City
(617) 868-7447
www.soulcityband.com

Soul City's reputation as an ultra professional entertainment experience precedes them, as evidenced by the band's major gig at the Boston Garden back in 2008. The group proudly personified a massive R&B club vibe, utilizing male and female harmony vocals with with guitar, brass and a four piece rhythm section. Soul City introduces a solid, thumping groove to get the party movin' and groovin' all night long. The group employs a song list which focuses primarily on funk, soul, swing and jazz, with additional attention paid to instrumental numbers and lady friendly dance tunes like "Lady Maramalade." If a big band feel with prime Stevie Wonder, Bee Gees and Commodores hams are your thing, Soul City is the band for you!

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The Tony Boffa Band
(207) 329-7478
www.tonyboffa.com

Despite being Maine-based, the Tony Boffa Band makes pilgrimages to Boston often enough to warrant their inclusion as one of the more in-demand wedding bands in the area. Infectious energy meets consummate professionalism in the Boffa Band, as Tony's crew makes it a point to keep track of the pacing and evenness of their song set, which includes covers and classics from all genres of music. Whether it's fast, upbeat dance numbers, sexy slow jams or romantic ballads for partners to sway and hold each other tight, The Tony Boffa Band is the real deal.

Downtown Fever
(855) 383-2263
www.downtownfever.com

Consider Boston's own Downtown Fever as hometown talent made good: Berklee College grads who came together in 2005 to deliver some of the tightest, most energetic jams going on the wedding band scene. The band arrives armed with a formidable pedigree, having performed for such big names and venues as President Barack Obama, Boston University, Providence College and Foxwoods Casino. Downtown Fever makes good on their promise to rock the house, and to rock it hard. The band's song list is equally strong and diverse, playing the specialty field of Latin and Country, while indulging in all of the classic hits from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s right on through the modern day. Simply electric!

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Brick Park
(508) 802-2290
www.brickparkent.com

The Knot magazine and website has long been considered as one of the most respected and reliable critical voices when it comes to the weird, wild and wacky world of weddings. That being said, Brick Park has earned itself the prestigious honor of "Best Wedding Band" three years running now, thanks to the votes of some very satisfied brides! The group's own website is sleek and modern, featuring a video right on the intro page which describes in depth the Brick Park experience, one which focuses on fresh, young couples with a thirst for danger and an appetite for excitement! Hip-Hop, rock, country, indie and more make appearances within Brick Park's setlist (ask also about their live band karaoke!) while the band's bright and fresh look has assisted in acquiring them gigs for such high profile clients as Microsoft, Google, AIG, Abercrombie and Fitch and more. These results speak for themselves, and make Brick Park a highly recommended band for adventurous young couples.

The Marsels
www.marsels.com

Dapper and professional, The Marsels have enjoyed a fruitful career over the past 35 years, simultaneously establishing a client list whose word of mouth support has kept this talented eight piece in big business. The Marsels' focus is primarily upon traditionalism, capturing the sort of black tie, tuxedo group look that is timelessly cool, yet which rocks with a solid 60s and 70s song list of classics. Motown soul, disco, Top 40 and jazz/swing is the order of the day here, while The Marsels also perform a their fair share of oldies tunes for the parents of the bride and groom. The Marsels are bound to make both sides of the family happy.