The bands of BVT had a great weekend of giving back to the community. On Saturday evening, Strangers headlined The Lemon Ball, a yellow-tie gala supporting Alex’s Lemonade and raising funds to fight childhood cancer. The evening went off without a hitch. The event was held at the beautiful Philadelphia Marriott Downtown and included dinner, dancing, a silent auction, and a touching awards presentation that brought a tear many an eye in the audience.
Strangers was pleased to have the opportunity to perform at such an inspiring and giving event. There were about 800 people in attendance and the Strangers band kept them dancing and having a good time. Strangers also had the opportunity to meet American Idol Star, Jordan Sparks, at the event. See some pictures of the band with Jordan below.
Sunday was the 33rd Annual Flyers’ Wives’ Carnival held to support the Flyers’ Wives’ Fight for Lives charity fund. This was Brandywine Valley Talent’s fourth year being a part of the event, and we are very proud of our partnership with the Flyers’ Wives’ organization. The carnival was a great family event and brought in Flyer’s fans of all ages. Guests participated in activities such as a Dunk Tank, Shot-on-Goal, Rock Band, and many Carnival Games. There were also live and silent auctions throughout the day and opportunities to receive autographs from and pictures with favorite Flyers players.
BVT provided all the entertainment for the evening. Exclusive bands, Contagious, City Rhythm, and Midnight Hour provided high energy dance music on the main stage in the Wachovia Center. The Britton Brothers, Mike Budzia, and Kurt Manderbach could also be found performing at various locations around the Center. Toner Sound worked in conjunction with BVT to supply DJs in certain areas. Tony Forliano provided entertainment at the carnival’s after-party.
All the bands and performers did a spectacular job and had a great time at the carnival. It really is a fun event, not just for the guests but the entertainers as well. Not to mention, the satisfaction that come with the knowledge of supporting a good cause.
Parts of the carnival were shown on Comcast Sports Net, and Kurt Titchenell, BVT’s owner and president, and bandleader of Jellyroll, was even interviewed on TV by Jim Jackson!
Here are some pictures of the event!
City Rhythm on Stage!
Contagious performing in their Flyers gear!
Contagious on the JumboTron!!
Award Presentations - Midnight Hour on Stage with the Flyers’ Wives
Midnight Hour performing!
Holly Cote (Flyers Wife) with Maura (Wachovia Center Staff Member)
For STRANGERS, every wedding reception is a special event but on Saturday, December 19, 2009 Mother Nature took things to a whole new level.
Stephanie Sudzina, originally from the Philadelphia area but now living in Sidney, Australia and her fiance Anthony Campanale also from Sidney, Australia had been planning a Christmas Wedding in Philadelphia for almost two years.
WOW! As many may know, Jellyroll has been hard at work preparing and polishing as show that presents the amazing music that has come from our hometown of Philadelphia. Last night, on November 8, 2009, all of the hard work paid off. Jellyroll performed for over 4,000 American Public Health Association conference attendees in a theater style event, at the Philadelphia Convention Center. The show was incredibly well received, so much so that, at one point, hundreds of attendees lined the aisles dancing to Jellyroll’s rendition of the O’Jays’ “Love Train”. Jellyroll lead singer expressed it perfectly, “We started a concert and a major party broke out”! We look forward to many more performances of this show as we act as embassadors of the Philly music scene. Here are a couple photos of the event:
Jellyroll at the Philadelphia Convention Center
View from the stage at Jellyroll's APHA Philadelphia concert
Natalie Sorkin, Meetings and Scientific Session Coordinator for the American Public Health Association, had these kind words to say about Jellyroll:
“Thank you for the great performance during our Annual Meeting. It was a fun show with songs that everyone could dance to. We certainly enjoyed watching our Executive Director and the new Surgeon General participating in the Congo Line. We had a great turn out this year and I heard positive feedback all the next day. Thank you for being easy to work with and creatin a great show. Have a happy holiday season to you and the entire band!”
The Hotel du Pont is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and exclusive wedding reception sites anywhere in the Delaware Valley. We’ve played in the Gold Ballroom many times, and we never fail to marvel at the beauty and history of that room. When the lights get low, the hand-crafted carvings on the walls come to life, including medallions of 20 of history’s most famous women – from Helen of Troy to Cleopatra.
But it was one woman in particular who took all the attention on this night – the lovely newlywed Andrea, and her husband Rick. Andrea and Rick chose Midnight Hour after meeting us at a showcase, and I’m happy to say we went over the top for them to make the night truly special.
The bridal party entered the room dancing to “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire. When it was time to welcome the Bride and Groom into the room, the band kicked into “The Way You Make Me Feel” … maybe one of the top ten grooves ever, and a great song if you’re looking for something to WALK to. Andrea and Rick even WALKED cool. Once they reached the dance floor, we played their choice for their first dance, “Lucky” by Jason Mraz, and when it was over the dance floor filled with their guests all joining them for a Motown set.
In working with Andrea and Rick leading up to the wedding, I came to know that Rick and his friends are big Dave Matthews fans, so the band learned a song called “Grey Street” for Rick … and it was a great pick. All of Rick’s friends got up to jam to some Dave Matthews and really loved what we did with the song, especially our saxophone player, Darren, who covered the long solo at the end of the song on his soprano sax.
Jillian Cournoyer is the Senior Catering Manager at The Hotel du Pont, and was on site as always to oversee every detail. Jillian is just the best, a true professional to be sure – but it’s the way she makes it all so much fun that leaves us wishing she could come with us every week. Jillian saw to every detail, made sure the timing of the night flowed perfectly, and from start to finish she was right there whenever we needed anything. Our thanks to Jillian, as always!
We had a fantastic time with the Denney and DiCesare families – just wonderful people.
Saxophone Player Darren Lucis performing “Europa” at The Hotel du Pont
August was another great month for the Brandywine Valley Talent dance band, Jellyroll. Here is a quick recap of some amazing weddings that we performed:
August 1: Jellyroll performed at The Merion for the wedding of Anne Curtis to Brian Himmer. A highlight of the evening may have been Jellyroll’s rendition “I Just Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” (Lady Antebellum). This was the couple’s first dance, a song that we learned specifically for Anne and Brian. Here is a link to a short video, compliments of Mark Louis Photography.
August 8: Jellyroll returned to the Crystal Tea Room. The Crystal Tea Room, operated by Finley Catering, is a Favorite venue of Jellyroll!
August 14: It is always a pleasure to perform at a friend’s wedding, and this was no exception. We had the honor of performing for a very close friend and a great vocalist, Jackie Lamparelli, for her wedding as she married a great guy, Ben Neville. The wedding took place at Atlantic City Country Club.
August 15: We always enjoy the opportunity to perform at a unique venue, and this was the first time Jellyroll performed at The Mill At Spring Lake. Jim Costeira married Kristin McCullock at this Jersey shore venue. Here is a testimonial from Kristin’s mom, Karen: “Thank you for an amazing job at my daughter’s wedding on 8/15. We received so many compliments on you, and everyone said this was the best wedding they had ever attended. “Evergreen” is a memory my husband and I will cherish forever”.
August 21: Jellyroll returned to North Hills Country Club, where general Manager, Jason Equi, tends to every detail. Mary Holden married Go Ozeni with Jellyroll providing a high energy soundtrack. A highlight of the evening was the Bride and Groom’s entrance with Jellyroll performing “Rapper’s Delight” while the Bridal party performed a choreographed dance. It was totally cool to participate in something this unusual. The guests were immediately engaged and danced throughout the evening.
August 22: Once again, Jellyroll had the honor of performing for people that they got to know very well at the Thacher wedding held at the Mendenhall Inn. The dance floor was jammed and the Mendenhall staff, as always, made our job a true pleasure!
August 28: Jellyroll had the honor of performing at The Union League’s Patricia Tobin’s wedding, which was held at The Union League. Jellyroll performed a great version of “Night and Day” for the couple’s first dance and kept the crowd dancing in a cocktail recetion formatted wedding. As always, the Union League did an incredible job. Our friend, Mike Leslie was their phographer, so please keep an eye out for some great new photos.
August 29: The Rittenhouse Hotel is absolutely one of the most impeccable venues at which we perform, and the wedding of Beth Levitsky to Mark Friedel was just another great example. Jellyroll provided the ceremony, cocktail hour and dance music at the wonderful wedding. Cliff Mautner was photographer and Tim Sudall from Video One was on video. Party Productions provided the beautiful decor. As always, Jellyroll worked closely with Allison and Bruce from the Rittenhouse and the wedding was an incredible, exciting success.
Here is what Beth’s mom, Ina had to say afterward:
“Thank you for making Beth and Mark’s wedding absolutely spectacular. Your band exceeding all of my expectations. Jellyroll is truly the BEST band anywhere! There was not one guest (from mid 20’s to mid 80’s) who didn’t stop me to tell me what and incredible band you are. Your music during the meal was beautiful, your vocalists unbelievably talented, and your dance music was awesome. There was no one at that party that wasn’t dancing all night. Your music made the party the memorable success that it was.
Thank you again.”
Jellyroll is thrilled to announce that the band will perform on New Years Eve (12/31/09) at the Concordville Inn. This event is open to the public and is sure to sell out soon so please call 610-358-9400 for reservations.
Not only will you enjoy the sounds of Jellyroll, but you will have the opportunity to savor the Concordville Inn’s great food and drink. Click here for the party details including menu and pricing.
Jellyroll was once again Main Line Today Magazine’s “Best Of The Main Line” winner in the live entertainment category. The Best Of The Main Line party was held on July 23rd at Drexelbrook in Drexel Hill, PA with Jellyroll performing as the headline act. Over 2,000 guests enjoyed the sounds of Jellyroll, Philadelphia’s renowned party dance band. Surprise guest and former Philadelphia Eagles star Vai Sikahema, currently with NBC sports, hosted the event, and then surprised us all by sittimg in as guest Jellyroll drummer!
One week later, Jellyroll performed at The Chase Center on the Wilmington, DE waterfront to an even larger crowd for the “Best of Delaware” event, again, as the headline act.
Enjoy these photos:
Jellyroll 2009 Best of Main Line
Jellyroll horn section
Jellyroll drummer Gary Brennan & Vai Sikahema
Jellyroll's Kurt Titchenell with Vai Sikahema
For the third straight year, Jellyroll performed at Riverwinds Amphitheater in West Deptford, NJ. This is a great casual outdoor concert venue and Jellyroll performed for its largest Riverwinds audience to date. Thanks to Eventions Productions for the awesome concert level sound system and to sound engineers, Brian LaToche and Fred Beckel!
Click here for the Riverwinds site and THANKS to Mayor Anna Docimo for having Jellyroll again!!
BVT – 2009
Wow! It is amazing how time has flown and that we are now halfway through the year. BVT is looking forward to the future but I thought I would spend a moment reflecting on the progress that we have made, as well as the great performances that have taken place in the first half of 2009.
The great news is that Brandywine Valley Talent continues to be a leader in the Philadelphia entertainment field. In spite of a challenging economy, our clients understand the value of professional, dependable and overall excellent live entertainment, so our company continues to prosper. For example, since January 1st, BVT was nominated for an ISES Liberty Award and once again won “Best Of The Main Line”.
I am proud to say that BVT has supplied live entertainment at over 240 events this year. Our dance bands have performed at major high profile events. Here is a summary of some of our groups’ accomplishements:
Jellyroll continues to set the standard as the ultimate versatile and high energy dance band. Jellyroll has had the honor of performing at some amazing weddings at the Philadelphia and Delaware area’s most prestigious venues including the Crystal Tea Room, The Rittenhouse, Four Seasons, The Park Hyatt at the Bellevue, Ballroom At The Ben, Cescaphe, The Curtis Center, the Hotel du Pont as well as unique locations including F.U.E.L. and Urban Outfitters. Jellyroll has also helped to raise funds for Children’s Hospital by joining with the World Championship Philadelphia Phillies at the “Cheers To The Champs” event as well as the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation’s Hope Ball, at Wilmington’s Chase Center. Of course, Jellyroll also performed at the Philadelphia Flyer’s Wives Fight For Lives Carnival where BVT once again provided all of the live entertainment at the Wachovia Center.
The Sid Miller Dance Band rocked Philadelphia Auto Show’s Black Tie Gala for over 2,000 guests at the Convention Center’s Grand Hall while helping raise funds for Children’s Hospital Of Philadelphia. The Sid Miller Dance band covered a lot of territory, literally, as they engaged audiences from New England to Alexandria, VA where they performed for the WILD Foundation. Of course, this red hot premium dance band helped make many weddings successful with their dance music.
Midnight Hour was busy performing at the most beautiful Philadelphia weddings as well as being selected to perform at the Annual ISES Liberty Awards event where they kept the dance floor full of Philadelphia event planners and specialists. Midnight Hour is committed to community service and is very proud to have been part of Autism New Jersey’s major fund raising gala which was held in East Brunswick, NJ as well as The American Cancer Society’s gala at the Hyatt Regency Penn’s Landing. Midnight Hour continues to represent BVT well as one of its most in demand dance bands.
Contagious is a super high energy dance band that electrified the crowd at Alex’s Lemonade Stand’s annual “Lemon Ball” where the band donated their time and lent their talents to this great cause. The Lemon Ball was held this past January at the Philadelphia Marriott. Contagious was a regular at the Crystal Tea Room, not only performing at Philadelphia weddings but also for the “Crossing The Finish Line” Philadelphia charity gala. The band also rose to the occasion by making me, as president of BVT, very proud at my Alma Mater, West Chester University, where Contagious performed for 500 guests at WCU’s Annual President Scholarship Gala. I had the rare opportunity to attend an event as a guest dancing all night to one of my favorite bands!
City Rhythm (speaking of one of my favorite bands) continues its long history of successful performances as well as musical creativity. City Rhythm is a great representative of what BVT is all about! City Rhythm is the sophisticated, energetic private event band, performing at weddings from the Ritz Carlton in Philadelphia to the Annapolis Marriott. City Rhythm performs regularly for charities including the Jewish Community Center of Atlantic City, Children’s Home Society of NJ and the Elwyn Foundation Gala where they performed at Longwood Gardens. The band also rocked the annual Philadelphia Restaurant Association’s Bartender’s Ball at the Radisson Valley Forge as well as many Philadelphia public concert events held throughout the Spring of 2009.
Strangers continues to develop into a premier Brandywine Valley Talent dance band. In just the past 6 months the band has performed at such interesting venues as Valley Forge Military Academy and the Phoenixville Foundry for amazing weddings. The band is also a regular on the private club scene, performing recently at Waynesborough Country Club, as well as a repeat performance at a member event at Old York Country Club. Strangers is a shooting star on the BVT team.
Deja Groove started the year with a performance at one of our favorite venues, the Hotel du Pont for a terrific wedding where the guests danced all night long. With solid performances such as this and others this year, including another wedding at The Westin Philadelphia and a corporate event at The Union League, Deja Groove is poised to become another of BVT’s most sought after dance bands.
Back2Life exploded onto the Philadelphia event entertainment scene with a performance at The Crystal Tea Room early this year for the Main Line Magazine’s SAVOR event, where they performed for over 800 people. Back2Life is a departure from the large high energy dance band concept that many people recognize us for. With the demand for ‘80s rock, we saw the opportunity to develop this fresh new group, Back2Life, into a polished slick dance band with an emphasis on rock dance music made popular largely in the 1980’s. Now, with the recent addition of a saxophonist the band has become extremely versatile as a 6 piece band. In just the first half of 2009, the band has performed at 23 events at locations including Philadelphia Country Club, the Ritz Carlton, Aronimink Golf Club and the Desmond Hotel.
Stringsations continues to se the standard for excellence, not only in ceremony music, but also for cocktail entertainment. Stringsations provided the live sound track for many weddings already this year at weddings in just about every premier Philadelphia location. Stringsations Wired, BVT’s unique rock violin group is now rehearsed and ready to provide truly unique, (and literally) electrifying performances.
In addition to these exclusive Brandywine Valley Talent groups, we continue to supply the Philadelphia private club, hotel, corporate, social and hospitality markets with all types of quality entertainment. From the Cariibbean Authentics’ performance at Manufacturers Golf Club to our Dueling Pianos at the Desmond Hotel, the first half of this year has been a busy one for all of our entertainers.
As to the future, we will continue to work hard for all of our clients as well as our prospective clients. We will continue to set the standard for excellent showcases at the Waterford Ballroom in Valley Forge, Drexelbrook, the Crowne Plaza Valley Forge as well as other unique locations. Ou staff, and all of our bands are committed to the success of BVT, one event at a time!
In September of 2007, I received a call from Amy Zantzinger, White House Social Secretary, inviting Jellyroll to perform at The White House in the East Room for the 2007 Congressional Ball. The Congressional Ball is arguably the most prestigious gala event held in the United States, and is attended by members of Congress (both parties), Supreme Court Justices as well as many other dignitaries. The Congressional Ball is hosted by the President and First Lady.
On December 3rd, 2007, in the historic East Room, Jellyroll delivered one of its greatest performances at the Congressional Ball. The event was so successful that Jellyroll was invited to perform for a second time on March 29, 2008 for a private event for 400 guests hosted by First Lady Laura Bush.
Here are some official White House photos experience:
