|
|
April 18, 2012
We always strive to find ways to personalize each and every event, and to represent the styles and tastes of our clients through the music we perform. Every wedding is different, and sometimes it is the specific requests made by a bride or groom that can really transport the party to that next level. This past Saturday night at the Plaza Hotel, we provided the musical backdrop for Georgina and James’ 350 person wedding celebration. After opening the night as guests arrived with violins, jazz harp and bass, the cocktail hour moved into the Terrace Room where we played many of the groom’s Indie rock favorites with piano, bass and sax. To me, the highlights of the evening, and the things that made it the most unique were two requests that the bride and groom asked us to learn. First, we introduced the bridal party into the ballroom playing “Stand Up” by Love Tribe. This started the party with the exact feel that they wanted, and brought a very personal touch to the festivities. James had also asked me end the party by playing “We Are Young” by fun (Featuring Janelle Monae). WELL! I wish I had a video clip to show what that moment was like. I must say that we really nailed the performance of the song. But I never could have anticipated the guests’ reaction to the music, the performance, to themselves, and to the bride and groom. It was one of those magical, high moments that you can never plan but just happens organically. The crowd was so pumped that I decided to really stoke them by adding yet another song, and finished the night with “Don’t Stop Believin’” (another one of their favorites) which was another great call. These songs are not easy to do well, and it is a tribute to my band-members (#Starfam) that we are able to deliver so authentic a performance.
The entire night was wonderful, and I wanted to thank David Beahm (and his team Christina Mattetucci and Timothy Scalet), Christine Paul (our event planner,) as well as Emily Reifel and Jeroen Werdmolder (from the Plaza), Sherri LaMagna from Brett Matthews Photography, and Bentley Meeker (BMLS). But most of all, I want to thank our wonderful clients for their confidence in our ability to translate their desires and ideas, and to each and every member of the Starlight team (performers, crew, and administrative staff) for continuing to make every event even better than the last!
Here is a list of the “special moment” songs for this wedding.
| Introductions |
Stand Up |
Love Tribe |
| First Dance |
Hold You In My Arms |
Ray LaMontagne |
| Bride and Father |
Just The Way You Look Tonight |
Frank Sinatra |
| Groom and Mother |
Simple Man |
Lynryd Skynrd |
| Last Song |
We Are Young |
fun (feat. Janelle Monae) |
  
BACK TO HOME PAGE
April 16, 2012
The ASPCA hosted their 15th annual Bergh Ball at the Plaza Hotel last week, and the Starlight Orchestra (under the direction of Rebecca Blake) was chosen to perform for the festivities. Celebrities walked their pets down the red carpet and 350 guests celebrated, including Starr Jones, Isaac Mizrahi and Chuck Scarborough. In honor of the ASPCA’s 146th anniversary, we are including their latest blog post and tip for helping the animals in the shelter…
 ASPCA BLOG
Hey folks, anyone else in the mood for a little spring cleaning? There’s something so refreshing about emptying out the closets—but before you toss your dusty treasures, give your local shelter a call. It likely could use old towels, bedding, plastic bags, office supplies…and much more!
What better feeling than knowing a homeless pet is snuggled up on that old comforter you no longer use or that your old printer is now helping to make adoption flyers? Plus, items don’t need to be in tip-top shape—just clean!
For more easy ways to make a difference, visit our Top Ten Ways to Help Your Local Shelter. And thanks in advance for putting smiles on furry faces!
We enjoy this event every year, and are delighted to be a part of theiur fundraising efforts.
BACK TO HOME PAGE
March 23, 2012
Today I was inspired by an article that Preston Bailey posted on his blog called ”What Does It Mean To Be Creative,” In his writing, he answered questions about his creative process. I love that Preston always ends his essays by inviting the readers to share their own thoughts. I was moved to share some of my own experience with creativity.
Lately I have been spending a lot of time talking with people about what goes into creating the customized music for their very special events.
- My creative process is very much inspired by my clients. I learn so much by hearing their vision, their story, even their fantasies. The history of their relationship, the way they celebrate with friends, and even their family dynamics can be translated and expressed through music. Part of my work is to create a series of moods and tones that underscore and inspire an entire event, and the ideas for exactly how to do this usually evolve over a long period of time. When clients first come into my office for a “listening party,” I tell them that the music for every event is custom crafted, from the sacred and romantic sounds of the marriage ceremony to the blowout celebration on the dance-floor.
- We work together over the next months to plan a meaningful and exciting musical complement to the evening; from sharing lists of songs, organizing the timeline, orchestrating the ceremonial moments, and planning how we will guide the guests through the different segments of the evening. The Starlight team of producers is an integral part of this process, as we brainstorm, study, research and consistently develop new ideas.
- All of this information needs to settle and “marinate,” to create room for additional ideas to surface. I like to find some quiet time to be in nature, walk through wooded trails, go paddle-boarding on a nearby lake, or find any other peaceful place for inspiration.
- Now comes the big day, and although we have prepared extensively, we always save room for the magic that happens in the heat of the moment. My job is interesting in that I need to follow the program, yet still have the flexibility (and ability!) to change and flow as the evening progresses. The most exciting part of my creative process is tapping into the energy of the guests at the party! Every event is different, and every group of people coming together creates a unique feeling. By sensing the pulse and reading the crowd, I get inspired as to what music to play, which spontaneously creates each “next moment.” An incredible magic happens which is unique, unscripted and totally alive. We are actually creating something new and unprecedented while the event is in motion. Such a thrill!
BACK TO HOME PAGE
February 21, 2012
This week I came back to Sedona to participate in the Sedona International Film Festival. Last year one of my original songs, Rachel’s Knoll, was chosen to be in a feature film called (coincidentally) Sedona Movie. It was very exciting.
This year, as a member of the Sedona Performing Artists Guild, I was invited to perform my original music as a warm-up act to one of the featured films. SIFF is a big event in this town, and you can feel its presence in all the restaurants, hotels, even on the hiking trails. This was a big deal for me as it is the first time I have ever taken the stage alone, without a sizeable band. I was able to recreate sounds from my recordings using backing tracks along with my guitar, and I traveled with my own small mixing console to be sure to get the right effects and levels. I am pleased to report that the show was so much fun and very well received. Several of my songs are inspired by people who were actually sitting in the audience, and it was a thrill to dedicate the songs to them. The icing on the cake was after the show, and for several nights, I performed at Dahl and DiLuca (the best restaurant in town, owned by my dear friend Lisa Dahl.) Lisa’s restaurants are known for their ambience (in addition to the fine food!) and music has always played a large role. I sat in with some of the finest jazz musicians anywhere, and I even had the pleasure to sing with Lisa!
The film festival will go on for another 4 days, but I have to fly back to New York in the morning. This weekend the Starlight Orchestra has a fabulous wedding to play, and then next week the Starlight Experience will perform for a charity gala in Fort Worth, Texas. All of these different gigs make life exciting and full of surprise!
BACK TO HOME PAGE
February 14, 2012
Many brides and grooms wonder what special song they should dance to at their wedding. In honor of Valentine’s Day, I enjoy picking out our favorites of all the love songs we performed during the previous year. Here are our picks…
| A Song For You |
Leon Russell |
| All I Want Is You |
U2 |
| Angel |
Akon |
| As |
Stevie Wonder |
| At The Beginning |
Donna Lewis and Richard Marx |
| Calico Skies |
Paul McCartney |
| Can’t Take My Eyes Off You |
Frankie Valli |
| Can’t Take My Eyes Off You |
Lauren Hill |
| Chasing Cars |
Snow Patrol |
| Closer to You |
Wall Flowers |
| Come Fly with Me |
Michael Buble |
| Everything |
Michael Buble |
| For Once in My Life |
Stevie Wonder |
| For Once in My Life |
Michael Buble |
| Forever |
Ben Harper |
| Glitter in the Air |
Pink |
| Good Life |
One Republic |
| I Just Can’t Help Falling In Love With You |
Elvis |
| Just The Way You Are |
Bruno Mars |
| Lucky Man |
The Verve |
| Make You Feel My Love |
Adele |
| Maybe I’m Amazed |
Paul McCartney |
| My One and Only Love |
Sting |
| No One |
Alicia Keys |
| She’s Got A Way |
Billy Joel |
| Should I Fall Behind |
Bruce Springsteen |
| Stay With You |
John Legend |
| The Way I Am |
Ingrid Michaelson |
| When You Say Nothing At All |
Alison Krauss |
| Wonderful Tonight |
Eric Clapton |
| Wouldn’t Be Nice |
Beach Boys |
| You and Me |
Dave Matthews |
| You Are The Best Thing |
Ray LaMontagne |
| You Save Me |
Kenny Chesney |
| You Send Me |
Sam Cook |
| You’re All I Need To Get By |
Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell |
BACK TO HOME PAGE
January 11, 2012
I am so excited to be featured as the Breaker’s “Dream Maker” on their Wedding Blog.
Read the article
Dream Maker: Valerie Romanoff 
Valerie Romanoff has played an array of instruments, mastered the electric guitar and considered herself a musician – knowing full well there was no other job she’d rather hold. Now the CEO of Starlight Orchestras in New York, the guitarist, composer and producer is living the dream and making dreams come true…read more
After college I got involved in the music scene in New York City, and soon found there was a need for good quality music for weddings. Our band developed a style that was unique to the wedding industry, and we created a prototype that became Starlight Orchestras,” Valerie says. “Our entire approach was based on the challenge ‘How good can it get?’ And we continue, 20 years later, making it better still with every single wedding.”
Q: What is it like performing at an event at The Breakers?
A: I will never forget the first time I performed at the Breakers. We had come from New York and were in the ballroom doing a sound check in the afternoon before the event. The band assembled onstage, and we began singing and performing “Lovely Day,” by Bill Withers. All of a sudden, across the room, a wall of curtains began opening! And there before us was the vast ocean; slightly turquoise, sparkling in the sun, bouncing with waves not 5 feet from the window. I caught my breath; I could not believe the power, the majesty and the beauty. Those qualities are evident throughout the hotel and banquet spaces. The Breakers is one of my most favorite places to perform.
Q: Where does your inspiration come from?
A: My inspiration comes from the excitement and the “energy” surrounding a party. We, as bandleaders, feel this excitement brewing, and can sense what songs and musical choices the crowd will love. The interaction between the musicians and the guests is like magic; something new and different is created every time. I am also inspired by the musicians and performers I work with, and the joy that happens when we are onstage together.
Enjoy a few photos of Valerie rocking out with her Starlight Orchestra’s best…
Q: How does The Breakers history and architecture inspire you and your events?
A: Driving up to the entrance of The Breakers I often envision the grand parties of times past, and I am inspired to recreate moods with music that reflect different times in our history. For example, at a recent Charity Gala at The Breakers I had 10 violins lining the corridor as guests first arrived, and we performed a repertoire reminiscent of a Palace Ball at Versailles. I could see how our music affected the emotions and even the stature of many of the partygoers. It was exciting!
Q: Do you have a favorite ballroom to perform in?
A: The Breakers has ballrooms in a wide variety of sizes and styles. The Starlight Orchestras are a great match because our ensembles also come in a wide variety, and pair well with the options available at the hotel. We have small trios that can play in the courtyard, six piece jazzy combos perfect for a dinner dance in the Magnolia Room, a 10 piece dance band for a wedding in the Venetian Ballroom, or a 15 piece blow-out party band rocking the Ponce de Leon room for one of Palm Beach’s top galas.
Q: What’s the most important piece of advice you can offer a bride and groom?
A: Try to really enjoy your wedding is to be in the moment! My advice to our brides and grooms is to choose your team of wedding professionals and do all the planning ahead. Communicate fully in the months and weeks before your wedding, and then on the big day, just let it go and be in the romance, the magic, and the fun!
Q: How does a wedding at The Breakers differ from those at other venues?
A: I recently was a guest at an event at The Breakers and the service, the ambiance, the food, and the staff blew me away! There are so many wonderful things about being part of the team when I work there, but being a guest showed me the other side, and increased my appreciation of the venue.
Starlight Orchestras
Valerie Romanoff, CEO
(212) 595-0999
Website | Personal Site | Twitter | Facebook
BACK TO HOME PAGE
January 1, 2012
 Valerie Romanoff- Starlight Experience
I am ending the last year with extreme gratitude, and starting this new one with incredible excitement!
I am so grateful for the amazing performers, musicians, singers, rappers, dancers, DJs who come together creating performances that burst with emotion, and inspire energy and celebration.
I am so grateful to my Starlight team, the folks behind the scenes who create the blueprint for the art we perform…our producers, arrangers, stylists, choreographers, artists, composers, audio engineers and programmers.
I am grateful to my industry friends and colleagues for their ongoing collaboration over the years; the designers, florists, event planners, caterers, photographers and cinematographers.
I am humbled and especially grateful to all of our clients, who have the vision and trust that Starlight can produce and deliver something extraordinary, and represent their style and taste. I am thankful for your unwavering confidence. To the event producers throughout the country who have brought Starlight to their most prestigious events, I can say that I am proud and honored to be on your team.
AND I am so jazzed for the new ideas that have been taking shape and will be flowing through our company as the new year progresses. Life is full of thrilling possibilities, and the unfolding journey is a joy unto itself.
Here’s to a wonderful, creative, expansive, joyful and abundant year ahead!
Thank you,
Valerie
BACK TO HOME PAGE
photo by Eliesa Johnson of Photogen of an event in Minneapolis with event planner Amy Zaroff of Amy Zaroff Events
November 29, 2011
People often ask what is Starlight’s specialty. My reply is that flexibility, versatility and reliability are the most important qualities. Our Starlight Orchestras have a broad range of presentation and each of our clients wants something different on the style spectrum. We are asked to be simple and elegant, and we are also asked to be dazzling and fiery. We can do either one. We are asked to be sophisticated and demure, and we are asked to be wild and crazy. We can do both. We are asked to wear conservative outfits, and we are asked to design some thing clubby-chic. Our look changes with either. We can provide a program of society and Sinatra, or we can perform a party with all tunes by Pitbull, Rhianna, and Beyonce. We are all of the above, and anything else we can conceive of. None of this defines us, we are not limited to the style of what we did for any one past event. With ensembles of varying sizes (from 3 pieces to 20), there are endless options and possibilities.
Like all great actors, we can slip into whatever role is needed. We are ever-changing, ever-evolving, always customizing, and our goal is to delight many different types of people all at the same time. A tall order. But we love it and we excel at it. There is no greater thrill than sharing the magic of the party!
BACK TO HOME PAGE
November 23, 2011
Thanksgiving again! A time of tradition and family, good food, things all-American. One of my favorite recipes are these creamy and rich corn muffins. They are so easy to make, and people go crazy for them, especially since they are filled with real corn. Every November, I make batches of these crazy corn muffins and give them to family, friends, neighbors, and especially to my band at holiday time. Everyone looks forward to whichever event falls closest to Thanksgiving, when I traditionally arrive with a huge box full of muffins….they are so buttery that you need a napkin! And even though I usually cook organic all the way, here is one of those annual exceptions. Really, try them! They are so easy to make.
********************************
Ingredients-
4 eggs
2 sticks unsalted butter (I use only 1, since I like them a little less buttery. Up to you.)
1 large container of sour cream
1 can creamed corn
1 can kernal corn
2 boxes Jiffy corn muffin mix or 1 large box Trader Joe’s corn bread mix
****
Preheat oven to 350
Melt the butter, add to eggs in a large mixing bowl and stir.
Add the 2 cans of corn, sour cream, mix well,
Add the boxes of dry mix, stir until smooth.
Pour into greased muffin tins,
Bake according to directions on box.
Yum!!
BACK TO HOME PAGE
|
|
