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July 20, 2011
Can we brag? We post these letters because our hearts overflow with love and gratitude for the recognition! Our pre-production team works so hard, our performers bring their all, and our leaders out-do themselves in creating the magic that inspires clients to write letters like the ones we received this morning….
Dearest Valerie,
What an honor to have you and your orchestra perform at my
daughter’s wedding. I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful
you made the wedding. You kept everyone up dancing and enjoying the entire time.
From the Hora (which I loved) to Earth, Wind and Fire, to all the kids
modern music, Michael Jackson (he was great!), to “American Boy”,
I can’t even name everything. Each singer and instrument were
absolutely perfect! Even the ceremony trio were fabulous.
I have been to many affairs and have seen many
good bands, but no one holds a candle to yours.
I am truly at a loss for words. People have called us to tell us that you have raised
the bar, and that you are what made the night an unbelievable success.
I feel so grateful and lucky that you were there with us, and that
we had the best music and performance from your band that I have
ever experienced.
Not only are you professional and a talented musician and artist, you are an absolute
pleasure to work with.
I will always remember what a wonderful night is was and the joy of having you
at the wedding and getting to know you.
I know words cannot accurately express what is in my heart,
but you have a very special place there.
With all my love and thanks for an unforgettable experience,
Dee, Robert, Melissa & AJ
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2011 9:13 AM
To: Valerie Romanoff
Subject: Our Wedding 7/16/11
Hi Sarah,
We just wanted to thank you soooo much for Saturday night...you did it again!! Somehow, if it is even possible, we all think you even topped the last wedding! You and your amazing band were all everyone could talk about…we are still getting calls and emails about you guys. The common theme has been “We didn’t feel like we were listening to a band, it was like being at the best concert!” You all made the night and we just wanted to thank you again for being so incredible and easy to work with. The whole family is seriously depressed that there aren’t anymore weddings in the near future!
So again, thank you for everything!
Love,
Jodie and Brian
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2011 1:04 PM
To: Sarah Scott
Subject: THANK YOU
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July 1, 2011
June is over and what a whirlwind it was! Parties, parties, parties, music, music, music. We love hearing from our clients after their special day, and we treasure their comments! Read Starlight’s bandleaders favorite recent letters. Read on…
Dear Sarah,
Just want to drop you a note to tell you how fabulous you were at Lindsay and Alex’s wedding. From the first moment Mark and I met you, we knew you were going to do a great job. But you far surpassed GREAT that night! Thank you for making the party so memorable for us. We keep watching the video to hear your great music. You set the tone for the evening. The crowd picked up your vibe and just went with it!!! So many people called us after the wedding to tell us what an amazing band you were.You made it comfortable for Samantha to get on stage and sing to their first dance and then you even invited her back again. You made it so comfortable, that Lindsay and Alex couldn’t stay off the stage. They just wanted to be near you and the band Again, thank you for making it such a memorable evening and we hope you will be available when our son Matthew gets married! Fondly,
Anna and Mark Coleman
****
Yay!!!!  )
Hi Rebecca!!! I just wanted to write and say thank you SO much for
everything on Saturday! It was seriously the most amazing night of my
life and everyone said it was one of the greatest weddings they’ve ever
been to and that the band ROCKED the house! I can’t wait to see all the
pics and videos. Everything totally went according to plan and I dont
think the dance floor stopped for a minute. I hope you had a great time
and again thank you so much! Xoxoxo
****
Laurell,
Thank you again for being the most amazing wedding band ever! I was beyond thrilled with you guys at the wedding, and I have NEVER heard so many compliments about a band before! People are still raving about you guys and asking about you, etc. I am telling everyone you are the best!!!!! Is there a way to get a copy of the set list you used for my personal records? I am sentimental like that! :-)
Thanks again! You are amazing!
All the best,
Lisa
****
Dear Valerie,
Once again, words fail me. There are actually no words that adequately express how grateful we are for your exquisite, elegant, and extraordinary talents.
Your outstanding performance surpassed all our expectations – it was magnificent! Each year that we work together, I am more and more impressed with your talent, musical abilities, flawless production, and constant charisma and charm. Your music is as beautiful as your friendship has been for at least the last 20 years. You have walked with us on our journey and helped us “reach for the stars” – each and every one of them.
We cherish your talent. We are grateful for your compassion and we treasure your friendship above all else. Please be sure that we do not take your kindness and generosity for granted, but rather we are eternally grateful.
Please accept our heartfelt appreciation for your Herculean efforts to always create a festive mood that makes everybody want to get up and dance the night away!! Thank you for helping create an unforgettable evening and a monumental success, especially for this milestone occasion for Jeffrey’s Foundation. This was truly a very special night, thanks to a very special friend like you. We love you for this and more….
You have been – and continue to be – music to our ears!
With love,
Vicki and Fred
Vicki Modell
Co-Founder
Jeffrey Modell Foundation
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April 15, 2011
 We perform in a lot of venues, work with the industry’s best professionals- from designers & florists, to event planners, photographers, caterers, and more. Our clients want to know where we’ve been performing and who we like to work with, so they can assemble their own A-Team of “Special Professionals.” We are always eager to share the best moments from our recent events. With that in mind, I am starting a new series called “STARLIGHT’S PICKS,” where we will post our favs of the industry professionals we have recently worked with.
Here is our first entry encompassing January-March 2011 (This post written by valerie Romanoff)
Fav Venues we have performed in- Metropolitan Club in NYC, Capitale in NYC, & Cowboys Stadium in Dallas.
Fav Musical Selections we have played for wedding ceremonies- “The Swan”, “Helplessly Hoping”, & “Love Theme” (from Cinema Paradiso.) performed by the Starlight String Ensemble
Fav Choices for First Dances- My favorite by far this year was “As” (by Stevie Wonder). Runners up were “As Time Goes By” and “Come Fly with Me” (Micheal Buble’s version.)
Amazing Designers- Ed Libby transformed a Wall Street area building into a dazzling party space, and Melissa Paul and Brian Kapra of Evantine Designs beautified the ballroom at the Westin Hotel Philadelphia,
Most Interesting Requests- “Smooth Criminal” for wedding processional (??), an original song for a bride and groom who were personal friends (called “Laura and Adam: Traveling down The Road”), and a “Do-Not-Play” list which was almost the size of my repertoire!
and my own pic, my Top 3 Industry Conversations were with:
Sean Low-who gave me a ton of great ideas that I am just starting to understand,
Amy Zaroff- who booked Starlight to for two events out in her part of the country! Can’t wait to see you in Minneapolis!
and Simon T. Bailey who not only gave me great advice, but posted an article of mine on his blog! Hugs and thanks!
Special thanks to Arthur Backal and the State of the Art team, who brought us into one of the most incredible events this city has seen.
It was a great run with a lot of fun events and wonderful connections made. Looking forward to our next bunch of events!
January 28, 2011
Lauren and Adam’s Wedding at Capitale will blow you away! Want your wedding to be this amazing? Start with an amazing couple and put them in an outstanding event space in the heart of The Bowery, add some delicious details, decorate with gorgeous flowers by Matthew Robbins Design, and get everybody up and dancing with Valerie from Starlight Orchestras. Lauren and Adam are so cute together, and we had such a wonderful time capturing their day for them. Enjoy the photos – we can’t stop looking ourselves! Congratulation again Lauren and Adam!
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August 25, 2010
Even though we don’t consciously think about it, all music is “transformational” which is why we use it to accompany so many aspects of our lives. At wedding ceremonies, for example, the music is romantic and emotive, which helps activate the tender places in our heart where we connect with love and longing. The music is also “stately” as we help to create a sense of purpose for the bridal party marching to the altar to witness and participate in the defining moment: the marriage ceremony. We are assisting in the energies of “transformation.”
At the party, the music is upbeat and happy, and is designed to move your soul and body in a harmonious dance of celebration and exuberance. The music, if done well, (prepared and led properly) is a catalyst for a different kind of transformation; a journey through a spectrum of energies and emotions; an evening where everyone is moved to some degree, and has participated in creating this harmonious experience together. This is not a concert or a show with a specific list of all songs to be played, but rather a moving “work in progress” that is facilitated by a trained and initiated Creative Maestro whose gift and goal is to INTUIT what the collective crowd needs for the co-creative experience of happiness, joy and transformation. Believe me, I know that most music providers for weddings are not aware of this, let alone studied and practiced in the art of “Intentional Music with Purpose,” the way we are at Starlight. But this is very real, and I use it as one example of how we may consciously use music for transformation.
Yet another example, and perhaps a more obvious one, is in the music that I am working with in my Vitamin V project. The first CD is called “Healing Music for Massage, Meditation and Transformation” and the goal is not only to uplift (which is really the goal of all of my musical endeavors) but also to help assist in the opening of a personal journey, unique to each person. Whether you are sitting in lotus position tapping into stillness, doing Tai Chi on the lawn, or lying quietly on a massage table, this music of transformation helps create a sense of calm and peace by using sounds and rhythms that affect the energy within and around us. The sound waves in the music can help us delve deeper, move higher, or perhaps even flow in a way we have not yet conceived of. Music of transformation.
So, a “Concert of Transformation,” back to my fantasy. I have been thinking about this for a long time, in one form or fashion. And I actually did a small version of this type of “musical gathering” in Sedona, Arizona earlier this year for my CD Release Concert. The concept is that the music is consciously geared toward creating a personal experience of transformation for everyone present, both individually and collectively. The energies embedded in the sounds are meant to have a transformative and, if you will, “healing” and uplifting affect on all present. And by using your own focus and intentions, any of your thoughts, desires and wishes can be strengthened and amplified by consciously “tuning into” and using the group energy being created in the environment. It might sound a little “woo-woo,” but believe me, this is the Art of the Future, and a viable modality of Holistic Healing Arts for health and wellness. Not to mention blissful and enjoyable!
I always pictured having concerts like these in beautiful outdoor venues, such as the Villa Rufolo in Ravello, Italy, which is perched high above the Amalfi coast overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
As we begin the event, we ring soft bells and create sounds with Crystal bowls, whose waves gently affect our minds, hearts and souls. Slowly we introduce rhythms and textures, adding melodies and layers of harmonies, and set the stage for people to go both deeper and higher, enjoying the peace, finding their own rhythm in the stillness. As we progress, more elements are added and the tempo and timbre escalates, weaving energetic and uplifting sounds with the Intentional Soundscapes. World beats, exotic instruments, and intuitive musicians guide us through the journey of sound and life. We find our way to a peak of good feeling, rockin’ fun music, joyful and uplifting. No two concerts are identical, no audience has the same experience, every event is a unique occurrence. The performers are all deeply creative masters, whose contribution is to blend their musicality with their intuition, bringing forth a new genre of sound-entertainment-experience, with an emphasis on feeling good! This is the world of Vitamin V, this is my concept of actively engaging in the “Music of Transformation.” Sounds good to me!
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August 25, 2010
The Starlight Theatre in Kansas City! I had never heard of this place until today. I was checking my Web Analytics and saw that if you “Google” a certain theatrical production in Kansas City, you find your way to my Starlight Experience website instead. I decided to check it out, and found that there is a beautiful building for c0ncerts as well as Broadway-style shows with the same as name as mine! The theatre was originally built in 1925 when the Queen of Rumania came to Kansas City, and the KC Federation of Music organized a showcase of local talent for the Queen that was also open to the public. The theatre was built and rebuilt over the years, with a large donation from Jerry Lewis in 1958. Today it houses such productions as “The Producers” and “Dream Girls” and concerts by Earth, Wind and Fire, Jackson Brown, Bob Dylan, and Pat Benatar this summer alone! Of course I had an immediate wild fantasy of doing a “Starlight on Starlight” evening; bringing my Starlight Experience to do a concert there, as well as to perform a set by my original band “Vitamin V!” While I am on my fantasy, I will say that the flip side to performing the uptempo rockin dance music that Starlight does, is the “Transformational Experiential” music that I do as “Vitamin V.” Well, this invites a brief explanation and look into my concept of “experiential (or transformational) music.” So….. scroll up for the next blog post , where I talk about “Transformational Music.” And meanwhile, if you’re ever in Kansas City, see a show at the Starlight Theatre.
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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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June 13, 2010
What’s amazing is after all these years, the Starlight Orchestra just keeps getting better and better! Hard to believe but it is true. I am so grateful to all of the talented people who perform and produce with me. It is such an incredible honor and privilege, especially after nights like tonight! The way we incorporate new material, the way we cover the special requests for each event, customize the evening to sync with our clients’ vision, the way we train ourselves to manage the flow and timing, especially as things change midstream and the unexpected happens. We can always be counted on to know what to do and make the right choices for the party.
Tonight I am just blown away by the level of talent that finds its way to us. When all of our bands are working, we manage somehow to have “A-team” performers everywhere. It’s like a gourmet chef finding the most obscure yet perfect ingredients that make a recipe sing out ! I was especially impressed, as I always am at the wedding ceremonies, where the Starlight Custom Ensemble (under the direction of Claudia Wigent) performed a contemporary repertoire of songs by Phish, U-2, Coldplay, and favorites by the Beatles, Tom Petty and Guns and Rose, in addition to the classical chamber music standards! Nothing is impossible. When you have the talent, you can do anything.
I guess that is really my point tonight, as I look back on this absolutely fabulous evening; the talent plus the organization can make something truly incredible.
I also want to just add a little mention of something very exciting to me. Late in the evening during the event, I slipped one of my original songs into the set, and I did our reggae song, “Let’s Choose Love.” The guests didn’t know the song, of course, but I should say that they didn’t know that they didn’t know the song! EVERYBODY danced and sang along, as if the song were on the radio! OK, so it is a catchy hook! And I must say, it was so very inspiring. (the song will be released soon, and available on the website of our original music, www.valrockmusic.com. I will make sure to post about it!)
Thanks to Meryl and Jeff Schwartz who had us back for their second child’s wedding, and thanks to Sarah Scott who runs the whole show with me. And thanks to everyone in the organization; the musicians, performers, administrative staff, and technical crew of Starlight Orchestras!
Looking forward to next week.
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May 1, 2010
I just updated our on-line songlist with some of the new material that we have been performing at our events over the past few months.
New songs include:
Bad Romance- Lady Gaga (including choreography from the music video!)
Jai Ho- Pussycat Dolls (from the movie Slumdog Millionaire with original choreography by our own “Chili C”)
When Love Takes Over- by French DJ David Guetta, featuring vocals by Kelly Rowland
Sweet Dreams- Beyonce
which leads so well into Beat It- by Michael Jackson
I Know You Want Me- Pitbull
AND, one of MY new original songs, a Reggae number, called
Let’s Choose Love- Vitamin V
It has been amazing to see people dancing to my song!
To view the complete updated list of Starlight’s repertoire, go to the songlist section on the menu bar at the top, or click here
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January 23, 2010
Dear Valerie,
A Starlight performance never disappoints. A Starlight performance with you on stage is even more special. Last night at the Freidman wedding you guys more than delivered on everyone’s already high expectations. It was a great party and this morning at the brunch all the folks said just how good the music was. As always, I was delighted to see you. A very happy healthy prosperous New Year to you and you crew.
Ed Shopkorn
What a way to start my day on this Monday morning…..
Another absolutely dreamy wedding, this time at the Metropolitan Club. DeJaun Stroud decorated magnificently. Sean Noonan, from the club, had suggested a wonderful layout for the evening. 300 guests entered through the Great Hall to Starlight’s music of Broadway love songs being performed by our “Custom Ensemble” of violin, piano, upright bass and clarinet. The wedding ceremony was in the West Lounge. The chupa was made from the groom’s grandmother’s antique table cloth; delicate and beautiful, which was marched down the aisle and held up by four special friends. Guests proceeded to the cocktail hour in the Great Hall, and later were serenaded into dinner by our string ensemble which lined the two story spiral staircase leading up to the 3rd floor ballroom. Following a lovely dinner, the Starlight Orchestra kicked up dance music as the guests came back down to the Great Hall which was transformed into a cozy and funky after-party. I have asked Brian Marcus (of Fred Marcus Photography) to send me some of the magnificent photos he took, so I can attach them here.
People are always looking for special music for their wedding ceremony. One of the most common questions I hear is “what music can we play for our wedding processional?” There are so many choices, and with a savvy musical director like the one we have at Starlight, you can weave together an unusual and eclectic ceremony program.
The bride and groom (Andrea Friedman and Craig Voorhies) had very interesting taste in music, and wanted a different song for each person walking down the aisle. We added a few more musicians to the ensemble in order to cover all of the different musical styles, and we produced a Wedding Ceremony Concert that people are still talking about. Here are the selections.
Processional:
Rabbi- AL KOL ELEH (traditional Hebrew melody)
4 Chupa Bearers: DEVOTED TO YOU (Everly Brothers)
Groom’s Parents: WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD (Louis Armstrong)
Best Man: THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND (theme from the Golden Girls)
Groom: SOMEONE LIKE YOU (Van Morrison)
Bride’s Parents: OUR LOVE IS HERE TO STAY
Matron of Honor: CHIQUITITA (Abba)
Ring Bearer: JOLLY HOLIDAY (from Mary Poppins)
2 Flower Girls: A WHOLE NEW WORLD (from Aladin)
Bride and Father: HERE COMES THE BRIDE (Birdal Chorus from Lohengrin- Wagner)
Recessional: WEDDING MARCH (Mendelssohn)
Other Special songs:
First Dance- Everything (by Michael Buble)
Parent Dances- Have I Told You Lately (Van Morrison)
Special requests- Gloria (Laura Branagan)
The rest of the musical program was a great mix of favorite songs from all eras and genres. Musical variety is Starlight’s specialty. It was fun to see our bride and groom so very happy, and their family and friends having a most marvelous time. Susan and Fred Friedman, the parents of the bride, were such a pleasure to work with, and I left the wedding knowing I had made some new friends!
Coincidentally, three of the Starlight Orchestras were all performing in the same neighborhood that evening; (Bandleaders) Rebecca Blake, Laurell Eastman and I were all within one block of each other! Since the first time many years ago that on the same night one of our bands was at the Plaza Hotel, one at the Metropolitan Club, and one at the Hotel Pierre, I am always so proud to preside over what I call the “Power Corner!”
Thanks to our clients, and thanks to New York City for being such an exciting place to work!
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