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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
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photo by Eliesa Johnson of Photogen of an event in Minneapolis with event planner Amy Zaroff of Amy Zaroff Events
July 7, 2011
The recent legalization of same-sex marriage in the state of New York (yay!) has prompted much lively conversation about how this might impact the wedding industry. How will vendors market to the LGBT community, and just what exactly does it mean to have or plan a gay wedding? Are gay clients looking for gay vendors, or is “gay-friendly”enough? What makes any wedding professional a good choice for a gay couple? The most important question, I think, is how might an enGAYged coupled choose their vendors?
After giving this much thought (and having a long conversation with friend and wedding photographer Sharon Schuster about it) I conclude that the most important factor in choosing any wedding professional is this:
Whether the vendor is gay, straight or anything in between, they and their staff must be very comfortable in and around the intimacy between same sex partners. Weddings are about joining together in sacred union. The love is flowing, and everyone (INCLUDING those of us who are working!) are affected and moved by the energy of romance. An atmosphere of celebration, love and acceptance is part what makes wedding so magical.
How do you choose which professionals are to be a part of your celebrations? Please comment below…
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May 23, 2011
The Art of Energy Flow
Since I am a musician and run a music company, people assume that my contribution to the success of an event is providing exceptional music. While this is true, my area of expertise goes beyond that, and can be described as “the Art of Energy Flow.”
Events are created in stages, with most of the details and elements planned way in advance. By the time guests arrive, much of the work has been completed in preparation for those “wow” moments; rooms have been designed and transformed, menus are set, candles lit, and “the experience begins.”
How do we continue to create those moments throughout an entire evening? This is where knowing the art of energy flow is important. The way guests experience a party and how things move from one moment to the next are guided by energy flow, and are most often influenced by the musical choices, regardless of whether the music is being played by a DJ, a string trio or a 12 piece party band. Guests will go through a spectrum of moods, scenarios and segments throughout the evening.
How will people feel, how do we want them to feel, and what can we do to affect how they feel, are questions we consider.
As we all know, music is a key component in stimulating emotions and creating energy. The way that we use and infuse music in our daily lives (I call it “Vitamin V”) is similar to how I use music for events. While key songs may be determined in advance, much of the music played throughout an event is chosen spontaneously, intuitively, in the moment by “reading the crowd” and immediately determining what will elicit the desired response. We might use romantic music to underscore a sentimental moment, elegant music to accompany dining, and upbeat music to inspire celebration and dancing. By using a variety of tools, we gradually increase the energy and we intensify the enjoyment as the evening progresses.
There is no set formula, but an understanding of what inspires and motivates people is essential. Thus, our approach to each event is unique, the choices we make reflect our perceptions, and no two parties are ever exactly the same.
Every musical choice made by the music-provider has an impact on the moment, and on everyone in the room. A good “call” can pack a dance floor. A not-so-good “call” can clear that same dance floor in less than 20 seconds!
Being a good musician or bandleader is not enough. Having a great band is not enough. But being well versed in “the art of energy flow” is what makes the magic keep happening.
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February 28, 2011
The timing and flow of your wedding reception is so important to the final outcome, and there are many different strategies for how to layout the evening. If you want to have dancing at your celebration, you can either save all dancing for after the dinner is completed, or you can intersperse dancing throughout the evening. Event planners, music providers and catering directors may all have preferences for which strategy is right for each party. Certain details, as well as hiddden costs, could arise which should factor into your decision.
1. DINNER IN ONE ROOM, DANCING IN ANOTHER
Very often the logistics of then venue determines which scenario is best. If the band will be set-up in a separate area from where dinner will be served, is often best to save dancing for after the guests have enjoyed dinner and are ready to move to a different room. You could even serve dessert in the new area, and approach this as a “dessert after-party.”
to consider-
A. You still want some live background music during the seated dinner, which might require additional equipment or additional musicians in the dining room. If there will speeches during dinner, you will certainly need a sound system and microphone, which your venue might or might not provide. Bands and DJ’s can provide this for you at an additional fee.
B. Most bands will need a short break after about an hour of playing, depending on the total length of performance time. This will need to be factored in.
2. DINNER FIRST, DANCING AFTER DESSERT IN SAME ROOM
If you are planning an elegant meal and want to make sure the guests are seated at all times to enjoy not only the offerings, but the food service as well, you might want to consider serving the courses back-to-back. This will ensure an elegant environment and generous time for talking and visiting at the tables. During the meal you might have live musicians playing soft background music and then break into dancing music after dessert has been served.
to consider- the band and sound system will need to be completely set-up and tested before the guests enter the dining room. This might need to be included in the band’s contracted playing time, or will require an additional fee for extra time.
3. DINNER AND DANCING THROUGHOUT THE EVENING
This flow is very popular in Manhattan for many weddings. Often the ballroom is opened with inviting music where guests may (or may not) find their way to the dance floor, even before the appetizer is served. The bride and groom are announced and go directly into their first dance, which segueways into inviting all guests to dance, and kicks off an evening that is high energy throughout. The music softens and guests are seated for each course, creating an elegant and soft atmosphere for all food service, and in between courses ample time is allotted for fun dance music and partying.
4. BUFFET DINNER AND DANCING THROUGHOUT
This is an open, free flowing type of party where guests are less “directed” by the schedule of events, and are more inclined to mingle and dance as they choose. It is definitely a more casual approach.
to consider-
A. If you want dance music throughout the event, you might want to consider having a DJ to alternate with the band for when the musicians need to take short breaks. Most bands play continuous music throughout the entire event, but need to scale back to listening music at a few points. This is something to disuses with your music provider.
B. Having a full dance floor creates a vibe that accelerates the excitement of a party. We want to be sure that many guests are ready to dance at the same time, in order to help create this energy. There might be times, at an event laid out this way, where some guests are dancing while some are eating and others are visiting, which can affect the number of people on the dance floor. We may want to find ways to maximize having the most people dancing at the same time, for example: inviting people to join a “father-daughter” dance.
There are many ways to conceive an event, and many approaches to the flow and timing. There is no right or wrong scenario, only different options to support your priorities and preferences.
Music can be used to enhance and create so many different types of moods and environments, and with the right “consultant,” you are able to design your own perfect party.
Please offer any thoughts, responses or comments below. We love to hear from you.
November 2, 2010
The fall is a time where we perform at the incredible Charity Galas going on in Manhattan and the Metropolitan Area. We are proud to be chosen to entertain and to help draw the crowds that donate generously for all the many great causes. This fall, Starlight is appearing at the following venues and for the following charitable organizations:
The Hotel Pierre, The Waldorf=Astoria, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Natural History, The Marriot Marquis, Greenwich Country Club, Saw Mill River Club, The Hyatt Regency Greenwich, and the Hyatt Regency DENVER! We are supporting the Rita Hayworth Alzheimers Foundation, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, The Hebrew Home at Riverdale, Greenwich Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital, The Bridge Project, Northern Westchester Hospital, and the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. These evenings are full of inspiration and promise, and we take great pride in delivering a musical program that supplements and enhances the experience had by all.
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September 3, 2010
Happy Sigh from Valerie! It was another amazing event, another night where I look around and see people joyful, smiling, dancing, celebrating, being exuberant, loving life, letting loose, going wild! And next to me I see the world’s best performers and musicians with the most astounding charisma, passion, talent; the energy rising in swirls, tangible and enlightening, enlivening. The thing that is so hard to describe, to get across to people, is that there is TRULY NOTHING LIKE THIS PRODUCT IN THE WHOLE WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT! Where can you find a performance so exciting, so polished and sharp and yet still organic and flexible, THAT IS COMPLETELY GEARED FOR PRIVATE EVENTS? Talent of this magnitude is usually reserved for touring headline acts; Rod Stewart or Diana Krall doing cool jazz standards with a stage full of trumpets, trombones and saxes; Black Eyed Peas with their different characters presenting their “positive hip-hop” dance hits; Lady Gaga or Madonna whose shows include awesome backup singers/dancers; Bon Jovi rocking out their old and new, Beyonce, Jay-Zee, Alicia Keys, whose shows feature the best of their material with strong backline support and many guest surprises; and the always favorite Earth, Wind and Fire who energize the stage and dazzle crowds with their heartfelt song and expressive dance. You can find those acts on arena stages throughout the world, but what you can’t find anywhere is an ensemble that delivers all of that music AND MORE, performed in a similar style with the same kind of STAR POWER, but that will customize the repertoire for each and every event; can down-play, up-play, down-size, can segueway seamlessly like the best DJ, gliding between genres in a unprecedented way; reading the crowd and switching gears, intuitively designing the play-list IN MOTION to deliver the material that is perfect for this audience, this night, in this moment. No filler songs, no monologues, just song after song, energy building and mounting, all within the parameters of music for a private party. Not a show, not a concert, just truly the World’s Best Party Band, The Starlight Experience. Once you have seen this live, it all makes sense. But words cannot describe it, videos will not capture it, testimonials do not do it justice. The comments might make it sound like it is “too much,” or “over the top,” or “a show not a band…” but people who have actually experienced this product NEVER say that! It is just the Best of the Best, time and time again.
I am gratified when we are in different cities and we work with various producers, event planners, booking agents, and people always say, “There is really nothing like this product anywhere!” It is so true, and I am excited for even more people to know this; Starlight has created an entertainment concept that is unparalleled and unrivaled, bridging the worlds of Live Music for Private Events and Headline Entertainment. It is for those discerning clients that want to present something astounding, within the parameters of what is sensible and appropriate for a private event.
“Hi Starlight! There are no words to explain the night – NO WORDS – because I listened to Valerie’s suggestions, the music (other than the bride and groom), was talked about the most! You will absolutely be getting calls, but what they won’t realize is that all the extras made it more than “just a band” and therefore, over the top, in the best way!! Clintons will never know what they missed – Greenbergs will never forget what they had!! Thank u so much!
With Love,
Lorie Greenberg”
August 16, 2010
 Last night we performed for a wedding at one of my favorite venues, the Hotel Pierre. What a fantastic night it was. When I walked in several hours before the wedding was to start, the family and bridal party were having photos taken in the Cotillion Room. I could tell by the upbeat atmosphere in the room, by the big smiles and hearty hugs that this was going to be a really great night! And so it was!! The string ensemble and I did a run-through of the ceremony selections while the family was posing for their photos. Everyone got excited when they heard the Broadway numbers that the bride and groom had chosen. We had a harp, 2 violins, cello and bass, and with this ensemble we performed the following selections for the processional:
“Tradition” from Fiddler on The Roof for the Rabbi and 2 sets of grandparents;
“One Boy” from Bye Bye Birdie for the Best Man,
Then, the Groom and his parents walked in to “Luck Be A Lady” from Guys and Dolls.
“Seasons of Love” from Rent for the 8 sets of Bridesmaids and Ushers;
“Popular” was played for the Maid of Honor;
“Thank Heaven for Little Girls,” for the 2 little Flower Girls
Finally, and dramatically, the bride and her parents walked down the aisle to “Memory” from Cats.
At the end, after breaking the glass, everyone recessed to “You’re The One That I Want,” from Grease.
Aftr the cocktail hour, we opened the ballroom with very upbeat dance music. When the Bride and Groom did their grand entracne, they asked us to play Michael Jackson’s “P.Y.T.!”
They came onto the dance floor and did their dance to the David Cook version of “Always Be My Baby.”
For cake cutting, they dedicated the Grateful Dead’s “Scarlet Begonias” to the Father of the Bride.
Throughout the evening, the Starlight Orchestra performed a variety of contemporary and classic dance music, concentrating on Top 40 (lots of Black Eyed Peas, Rhianna, Lady Gaga!) classic rock (Def Leppard, anyone?) to classic favorites by Abba and Madonna.
The guests had a wild and crazy night, and at this one, so did the band!
I just have to end the way I so often do, and thank my band-mates as well as the team at Starlight for their contribution to making this event as wonderful as it could be. It takes an enormous effort to present in the maner that we do; to prepare all of the special music, learn all of the intricate parts and make it sound realistic, fresh and exciting, and then add the sparkle that makes it all seem magical! I used a phrase in a recent article, where I alluded to the “invisible artistry” that goes into band-leading “Starlight style.” I will leave that as an open ended mysterious statement, and one day I will write about that concept. For now, suffice to say that the result is something truly incomparable, and we are all very proud!
August 9, 2010
When most people think of Starlight Orchestras they think huge bands with a big price tag. Most people don’t realize that Starlight has a wide range of bands and styles and sizes and prices.
Really!
Without publishing prices on-line (we prefer that you speak to one of our experienced salespeople directly so that we can give you a customized quote for your event), I can say that there is certainly a misconception that Starlight only has big orchestras that do big productions and are mucho expensive.
Here’s the truth: we certainly DO have the biggest, best, most fabulous ensembles available for private party entertainment. We have earned a well deserved reputation for being the obvious “go-to” folks when you want the very best.
The part people don’t always remember is that we have a full roster of bands in different sizes and prices. From jazz trios, classical groups, small combos, specialty acts like Brazilian, Caribbean, World Music, to the Star City Bands at 5-6 pieces, to the Starlight Orchestras that start at 9 pieces, all the way to the larger 15 piece ensembles that we are known for. Not to mention the world reknowned Starlight Experience.
And it is ALL GOOD! Starlight’s quality speaks for itself, having been proven time and again over the past 15+ years. I would even say that the name “STARLIGHT” has become synonomous with “EXCELLENCE.” I am so very proud of this.
During this time of economic uncertainty, the team at Starlight has periodically evaluated, re-evaluated, and made adjustments to our fee structure; even reducing prices, offering special packages, and adding smaller options. We were featured in New York Magazine-Weddings for offering a “Ridiculously Good Band,” for a ridiculously fair price!
So please DO CALL, do pass the word, and remember that Starlight has musical offerings in a variety of shapes, colors, sizes, and PRICES!
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July 26, 2010
I was called upon to write a mission statement of Starlight Orchestras. I enjoyed a moment of delving into the spirit and essence behind what we do here, and got very excited to share these thoughts. I got on a major roll, and kept rolling. Although it was too long for a “tweet,” it was just perfect to put forth as an article. Very often people don’t realize the large scope behind what we do, and think it is just about being a “good band.” The band is just the first part of it. The magic then becomes about how we USE this wonderful band to create moods, weave contrast, orchestrate an evening.
So here is a peak behind the scenes about what motivates us and what we are always working toward…
STARLIGHT’S MISSION STATEMENT
To create excitement and celebration using music and live performance.
To knock your socks off!
To continue setting the standard for excellence and integrity in private party entertainment.
To weave a variety of musical environments throughout the course of an event; from the romance to the chic styling to the blowout party!
To uplift using music and performance.
To participate in bringing people’s dreams to reality.
To be an integral part of your happiest times.
To offer a musical work environment that musicians and performers are proud to be a part of.
To find new talent and put forth new ideas.
To spread and share love.
To do something better than it has been done before.
To continue to pose the question, “How Much Better Can This Be?” and then to go for it, against all odds!
To be on the Leading Edge of creating wonder.
To use music to heal, transcend and transform. (more on this another time!)
To exceed everyone’s expectations time and again.
To perform for people who know the difference.
To create a life opportunity where bandleaders can realize their potential as leaders, creative directors, students of human nature, musical mix-masters, intuitive artists creating music-in-motion that is ever-changing, ever-evolving.
And, lastly, to do our part in creating magical events.
We are so very grateful to our clients, musicians and performers who make it possible to continually achieve these goals, and to have the best time doing it!
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July 2, 2010
Some decisions are hard to make; you think of every angle, weigh the pros and cons, ask everyone you know, throw the I-Ching, wait for a sign. And some decisions just jump out at you, plain as day, clear as a bell, like a neat little gift from the universe.
I love then that happens!
Last weekend a young couple attended a New York wedding where one of our Starlight Orchestras was playing. They had just gotten engaged a few days before, and are about to start planning their wedding. They absolutely flipped out over the band! Halfway through the evening they called her parents on the phone and said, “We found the band that we want to play at our wedding. It is the Starlight Orchestra.” Her father said, “You are not going to believe this! We went to a party in 1999 and the band was so great, I have been saving their card all these years for when you get married. It is the same company, Starlight Orchestras!”
The next day, the bride’s mother called our office and told us this great story. She said it they all felt it was “a sign,” we are the company they wanted to provide the music for their wedding. She wanted to make sure to reserve the band before they went on summer vacation, so they booked us over the phone, and when they get back will begin looking for a venue. We recommended a few of our favorite places in Manhattan, and now the fun begins.
It is so interesting to see the process unfold, and so wonderful when things are just “meant to be.”
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