Tag Archives: Dancing

Festive Fun

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On the second week of Christmas the weekend came early for us, as we were performing in the heart of Leeds City Centre at Aspire on Thursday.

Aspire is a premier, private event space which hosts an array of prestigious events throughout the year.

We set up on the stage alongside the DJ before the guests arrived.

The venue entrance had been transformed into a winter wonderland. Along with a log cabin interior affect and festive decorations; the guests knew they were in for a Christmas treat!

Christmas Party Aspire Leeds Live Music Dance Floor

Things were made extra Christmassy, as once the guests sat down for their meal, the heavens decided to open outside the venue and a beautiful shower of snow began to fall from the sky.

We performed our first set of live music at 10pm. It wasn’t hard to get these guys on the dance floor as they had already been warmed up by the very attentive DJ, Mike.

We performed some funky classics such as Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry and modern dance floor fillers including Katy Perry and Pharrell’s summer hit ‘Feels’, to keep the guests glued to the dance floor.

Christmas Party Aspire Leeds Live Music Dance Floor

To start our second set we decided to perform Mariah Carey’s iconic ‘All I want for Christmas’ – which really got the guests going! Singing at the top of their lungs we carried on the festive celebrations until midnight, handing the baton back to their DJ so they could continue the celebrations until 1am.

Christmas Party Aspire Leeds Live Music Dance Floor

On Saturday the 9th of December we headed North back to one of our favourite north-east wedding venues, Middleton Lodge in Richmond.

Middleton Lodge Band Set Up Wedding Venue Leeds Live Music

To make their winter wedding extra personal the first dance was performed by one of their guests, who just happens to be the big brother of the musician and songwriter John Newman.

John Newman is best known for his tracks ‘Love me Again’ and for his collaboration with Rudimental on ‘Not Giving in’ and ‘Feel the Love’.

The Bride and Groom chose James Arthur’s ‘Say you Wont Let Go’ for their first dance which James’s husky and passionate voice was perfect for.

The newlyweds requested we follow this with Jess Glynne’s number one hit ‘Hold My Hand’. This was the perfect choice as it immediately got all their friends and family up on the dance floor.

Middleton Lodge Wedding Venue Party Leeds Live Music Dancing

We continued the live music with a mixture of Motown, pop and funky house covers, requested by the new Mr and Mrs.

We finished our second set with a dedication to the Bride and Groom, getting them in the middle of the dance floor, surrounded by all their loved ones as we all sang together ‘You Got The love’ by Florence and The Machine.

Middleton Lodge Wedding Venue Party Leeds Live Music Dancing

We always love returning to Middleton Lodge as we know the staff will always take amazing care of their clients and their guests to ensure each wedding is flawless and unique.

See you again soon!

All aboard the Xmas train

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Hurray! Christmas party season is in full swing and Func On The Rocks have been kicking off the festivities up and down the country.

During the first weekend in December we travelled southwest to one of Leeds neighbouring cities, Manchester. Worsley Park Marriott Hotel and Country Club had been transformed into a Las Vegas fun house; the red, black and white colour scheme, life size golden Oscars and a red carpet to escort guests into the function room created a truly glamorous setting for the event.

Christmas Party Oscars Live Music Marriott Hotel Manchester

The venue was also sprinkled with festive charm, including shimmering Christmas trees and winter wonderland garlands draped around the room.

Christmas Party Decorations Live Band Music Manchester Marriott Hotel

After a drinks reception the guests sat down for a three-course meal. Once their mains had been cleared the audience were surprised by three singing waiters; the trio performed a mixture of musical theatre, opera and 1960’s favourites.

The singing waiters were the perfect way to warm up the audience and prepare them for an evening of dancing fun!

Instead of our usual two sets of live music, the organiser asked us to perform one large set. This worked out perfectly as the guests were able to boogie to their favourite tunes without being interrupted.

As it was a mixed group of ages we decided to keep the live music varied throughout our set; including classics such as Jackson Five’s ‘Want You Back’, modern dance floor fillers ‘Uptown Funk’ by Bruno Mars and ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling’ Justin Timberlake. We couldn’t help but play some Christmas favourites too, Mariah Carey’s ‘All I want for Christmas’ and glam rock band Slade’s ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’.

Live Music Christmas Party Dancing Marriott Hotel Christmas Classics

The dance floor spilled out into all corners of the room as the guests strutted their best dance moves.

Full Dance Floor Christmas Party Marriott Hotel Manchester Live Music Yorkshire

Thanks to all the staff at The Marriott Hotel and to Arena Entertainment, who took very good care of us.

On the first Saturday in December we had a local event in the beautiful town of Harrogate in North Yorkshire. The event took place at the Majestic Hotel, which is a stunning venue and perfect for large events. We have performed many times at this wedding and corporate location, including last years New Years Eve party.

For this event we arrived early and set up our equipment in the adjacent room to where the guests would be dining. The room looked sensational, as all the walls had been covered in a glistening star curtain; the LED light backdrop created a truly magical effect.

Live Music Christmas Party Glistening Backdrop Majestic Hotel Harrogate

We went on stage at 10pm after the guests had finished their evening meal.

The band kicked off with James Brown classic ‘I Feel Good’ to draw the guests into the party room. As the guests flooded onto the dance floor it was clear that Christmas party time was well and truly here!

The dance floor sparkled with stunning sequin ball gowns and suit jackets which added to the festive decorations, which twinkled around the room.

Majestic Hotel Harrogate Xmas Party Live Music Dancing Winter Wonderland

We had a fantastic time performing at the Majestic Hotel and look forward to coming back in a couple of weeks for another Christmas ball.

Winter Wonderland

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Christmas came early for Func on the Rocks this year. Starting with a magical snowflake ball on Friday the 24th of November, at the Royal Armouries for the annual Burberry Christmas Party.

The Royal Armouries Museum sits proudly within the complex of Leeds Dock located in the heart of Leeds, West Yorkshire. The huge museum displays the National Collection of Arms and Armour along with hosting an array of corporate events. The Burberry Christmas ball catered for 400 guests who arrived in style; beautiful sequin dresses and black tie.

The evening certainly got everyone in the Christmas spirit. Huge snowflakes fell from the ceiling along which with glistening blue fairy lights, each table was decorated with a large snowball and glistening blue and shining Christmas crackers.

Christmas Ball Snowflakes Party Live Music Leeds Royal Armouries Xmas Event

We performed our first set at 9.45pm, kicking off the show with our rendition of Jocelyn Brown’s ‘Somebody Else’s Guy’ including the famous vocal piano introduction to grab their attention and draw the crowd onto the dance floor.

Christmas Party Royal Armouries Leeds Live Music Jocelyn Brown Dancing

Our plan worked! The guests flooded onto the dance floor and began to show us their funky moves. We kept the live music up beat and groovy so we could keep the guests up on their feet from start to finish.

Our second set of live music brought the evening to a close. To make sure we finished the night in style, we performed ‘Sex on Fire’ by Kings of Leon as the encore and make sure everyone in the room was jumping and singing their hearts out. It was an amazing sight.

Christmas Party Dancing Dancefloor Best Function Band Leeds Royal Armouries

Really looking forward to a fun filled December of Christmas events, parties and festive weddings as we step into the Christmas countdown.

Christmas countdown Royal Armouries Leeds Live Singers Entertainment Party

The Great Barn

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On Friday the 29th of September we were back at one of our favourite Yorkshire venues ‘The Great Barn at East Riddlesden Hall’ in Keighley.

This was our second visit to the very popular wedding venue this month, performing there just a fortnight earlier.

The majestic wooden beams in the barn were draped in sparkling warm gold fairy lights, which glistened on the grand stone walls.

Gorgeous Wedding Venue East Riddlesden Hall Live Music Band Leeds

The Bride wore a truly elegant gown with exquisite detail and a stunning low back. The wedding dress was complemented by the Bridesmaid’s floor-length cappuccino coloured dresses, which added an extra touch of elegance.

The wedding breakfast and speeches were followed by the cutting of the cake, which then ran smoothly into the Bride and Groom’s first dance as husband and wife, which we performed live.

Live First Dance Dua Lipa Bride Groom Leeds Function Band

Although our groom Adrian is a huge Dire Straits fan, the newlyweds settled on Dua Lipa’s 2015 hit – ‘Be The One’ as their first dance.

Dua Lipa’s latest single ‘New Rules’ hit number one in the charts this August making her the first solo female UK artist to get a number one single since Adele.

As friends and family joined the Bride and Groom on the dance floor we knew they were definitely ready to celebrate with a bit of boogie time!

The dance floor was accompanied by some beautiful light up letters spelling out LOVE, which gave the groovers their very own spotlight!

Love Lights Music First Dance Leeds Wedding Band

We continued with the live music after a short DJ break – remembering to add some Dire Straits hits for our Groom.

The crowd were now in full swing so we kept the second set modern with a few 90’s classics including ‘Show me Love’ Robin S and some indie favourites such as ‘Mr.Brightside’ by the Killers.

Grooving Dancing East Riddlesden Live Band Yorkshire Encore

As the guests called out for more we made sure to get everyone together for a sing-along encore, and rocked out to Queen’s ‘Don’t stop me now’.

Another fabulous wedding at East Riddlesden, we look forward to seeing you again soon.

New Stunning Coastline Venue

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Saturday the 23rd of September was our first visit to Tynemouth Castle and Priory.

Although we often travel from Leeds to the North East, Tynemouth has somehow been missed out of the list until now. What a beautiful little town and stunning cliff face! We had a lovely drive through the traditional streets and made our way through the Castle walls and gatehouse into the English heritage site.

Tynemouth Priory Castle Wedding Marquee Live Music Party Coast

We definitely understand why this couple chose this for their wedding reception spot! The views are breathtaking and it was so special to be surrounded by the ruins of Benedictine priory.

The stunning marquee sat proudly amongst the history of the town taking in the fresh sea air.

Tynemouth Priory Castle Wedding Live Music Party Band Beach

After the speeches the best man announced the cutting of the cake, followed by their first dance as husband and wife. The newlyweds chose the popular 90’s hit Mr. Jones by Counting Crows. The new Mr & Mrs impressed the crowd with their dance routine including some impressive twirls and dips.

First Dance Live Music Wedding Leeds Tynemouth Priory Marquee

The first set of live music continued with some swinging classics, Soul, Motown and UK chart hits.

During our break we made friends with the singing chefs while they prepared fresh fish and chips for the evening buffet.

Live Entertainment Music Yorkshire Northumberland Singing Chefs Dancing

As we began the second set of live music our gorgeous Bride Alexandra appeared in a new knee length wedding dress. Alex certainly knows how to celebrate in style and the new outfit was the perfect transition to allow her to show her guests her best dance moves.

Gorgeous Bride and Groom Dancing Wedding Party Band

As our bride and groom are huge live music fans they requested we play 3 sets of live music, which we arranged prior to the wedding. We of course obliged and were very impressed with the dance floor stamina of their friends and family as they boogied the night away!

Party Time Packed Dance Floor Wedding Party Band Yorkshire

There Goes The Summer

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The last weekend in August was met with glorious sunshine.
On Friday we returned to Priory Barn and Cottages which are situated on a secluded farm in North Yorkshire near Wetherby.
The luxury venue hosts a rang of individually designed cottages which are the perfect spot to unwind after a big day of wedding celebrations.
Func On The Rocks performed here during December 2016 so it was lovely to see the difference to the landscape and decor for a summer wedding – this venue is perfect all year round!

We set up the wedding band equipment on the stage behind a white curtain and once the wedding speeches had come to a close we put on some background music.

Live Music Wedding Gig Set up DJ Music

The guests had a bit of time to refresh themselves before the evening reception was announced. We gathered all family and friends around the edge of the dance floor to support the Bride and Groom as they performed their first dance as Husband and Wife. The happy couple chose a beautiful song ‘Over and Over Again’ by Nathan Sykes and were thrilled to see the Bridesmaids lead everyone on the dance floor for our first set of live music.

Dance Floor Dancing Live Band Music Wedding Leeds Func on the Rocks

As a special request the Best Man performed ‘Rocket Man’ by Elton John for the Bride and Groom, this added a personal touch to their evening and the crowd loved it!

Wedding Entertainment Guest Singer Rocket Man Leeds Band

The following day we headed from West Yorkshire to another Priory; this time Hodsock Priory in Blyth. The property is an historic country house set in beautiful gardens, which host an abundance of colourful wildflower.

We were given a little cottage to wait in until the wedding party had finished their wedding breakfast, then headed into the main room to set up whilst the staff turned the room around for the evening reception.

The Bride and Groom picked Florence and the Machine’s version of ‘You Got The Love’ for their first dance which got the guests ready for a boogie!

We kept the set modern, performing songs from Ed Sheehan, Beyoncé and Bruno Mars, and threw in a few funk classics including Whitney Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ and Lionel Richie’s ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’ as they are guaranteed dance floor fillers.

Hodsock Priory Live Wedding Band Leeds

The following weekend we took a road trip to one of the Lake District’s most popular areas, Windermere.

Our debut performance at the Samling Hotel, Ambleside Road was a fantastic experience.

The newly refurbished wedding venue is breathtaking. Its interior decor is contemporary with a classic edge. Located on the top of a hill, the perfect spot for a couple looking for a magical wedding destination; the view of the lake below is breathtaking.

Lake Windermere Stunning Wedding Venue Live Music Band Leeds
We performed the couples first dance; an acoustic version of ‘Can’t Stop The Feeling’ as the Bride and Groom entered the room for the evening reception. Their guests filtered through and joined the couple on the dance floor where they stayed boogieing the night away.

During the second set of live music we performed some indie classics including ‘Mr Brightside’ by the Killers and ‘Sex On Fire’ by Kings of Leon, which went down really well. We we were impressed with the guests’ dance moves, who certainly knew how to let their hair down and rock out!

Live Music Dancing Wedding Dance Floor Leeds Band

All in all, an incredible two weeks of weddings around the UK. We are so happy to be able to share such a special day with our happy couples. Live music is the perfect way to get all friends and family celebrating together and we love to see this at every gig we do around England.

A huge congratulations to you all!
 

Midweek Matrimony

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We love an unconventional wedding, something out of the ordinary and starting our weekend on a Tuesday definitely fits the bill.
Traveling up the A1 to one of our favourite venues and one of the North Easts most distinguished wedding locations, Middleton Lodge in Richmond.

Although we perform at Middleton Lodge frequently during wedding season this was our debut performance in the The Coach House.
The rustic and shabby chic decor was the perfect setting for our Bride and Groom, who added a personal touch to every step of their wedding day.

Instead of a wedding cake the couple presented each guest with their own miniature bottle of champagne. Gathered in the courtyard all friends and family shared a toast to the happy couple.
Jenny and Stephen have known each other since they were kids and were brought back together by true love as adults.

To make their first dance extra special they chose the epic 1980’s classic ‘Sweet Love’ by Anita Baker. Both Jenny and Stephen were 80’s babies and born within only a few days of each other, which some of the wedding guests didn’t know until that point.

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We were thrilled to see all their friends and family in high spirits and ready to rock the dance floor!

The glamorous bridesmaids were dripping in floor length golden sequin dresses. Each dress with its own individual touch, was the perfect compliment to the Bride’s silky golden locks and embellished wedding gown.

Bridesmaids Wedding Singer Middleton Lodge Richmond North Yorkshire

The proud Father of the Bride was beaming all night long as he danced with his daughter and was our biggest fan, never leaving the dance floor!

Father of the Bride Dance Floor Proud

On Wednesday (the new Saturday) we took a trip from Leeds to Staffordshire. A stunning rural setting with lush countryside which reached as far as the eye could see and home to some beautiful, majestic animals.

Countryside Wedding Venue Rural Horses Sheep Ashes Barn Leeds

The Ashes Barn overlooked a glistening lake. As we were setting up and the sun was setting over the lake we spotted a flock of birds come to land on the clear water, it was a magical sight.

In the sister barn the Bride and Groom had organised a bouncy castle for the little ones (and energetic adults) which looked great fun and was a lovely unique touch to their day.

Wedding Bouncy Castle Kids Entertainment Music Leeds

Most of the guests were also from Leeds so we knew they would be up for a party!

The Bride and Groom chose Lionel Richie’s ‘I Call it Love’ for their first dance together as husband and wife and asked us to follow it with Prince ‘I Wanna Be Your Lover’ which was the perfect choice to get everybody grooving on the dance floor.

We kept our set varied with lots of different genres and eras of music and made sure to pick the songs which would keep everyone on the dance floor.

Dancing Wedding Guests Leeds Staffordshire the Barn Disco Live Music

The new Mr & Mrs requested us to finish the night with Take That’s ‘Never Forget’. The crowd sang along with love for the happy couple, it was a truly memorable moment.

We could definitely get used to midweek weddings as they were so much fun!
As a function band it’s our job to bring all the guests together for the evening reception and keep them boogieing all night long and these guys sure made our job easy for us.

Band Live Music Wedding Dancing Leeds Wedding Entertainment

Happy birthday to you

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Another busy week last week for the Func On The Rocks crew! Friday night was the 60th birthday celebrations for Tonie. The last time we saw this lovely lady was on her son’s wedding day at Holdsworth House two years ago.

We were thrilled to see the happy couple again, along with their new addition to the family; nine month old Matilda.

60th Birthday Party Live Band Huddersfield Football Club

We arrived at Huddersfield training ground to see the venue had been beautifully decorated with gold balloons awaiting the party to commence.

The celebrations got underway at 7pm with friends and family travelling far and wide to make sure they joined in the fun with the birthday girl.

Dance floor birthday party Huddersfield Training Ground

We kept the music quite old school as we knew our birthday girl liked a bit of Northern Soul and the Commitments.

The crowd let their hair down to some soul classics and sang along with us to The Jackson 5 and Whitney Houston.

On Saturday morning our piano player Lee, and vocalist Cherie, took the scenic route from Leeds to North Yorkshire’s High Birstwith.

The grand marquee was awaiting its guests in anticipation and were lucky enough to set up for our duo performance in the sunshine.

Marquee Wedding Reception Pianist Live Music

After the wedding ceremony at a separate location the guests started to arrive. Friends and family were guided down the pink carpet for the drinks reception by beautiful, individual plant pots.

Wedding Marquee Yorkshire

Wedding Breakfast Marquee Yorkshire

We serenaded the guests with some memorable jazz songs and easy listening classics as they sipped their champagne and congratulated the bride and groom on their marriage.

After the speeches and wedding breakfast the rest of the band arrived at the venue, including saxophonist and trumpet player Jake and Jonny.

Wedding Band Live Music Piano

Live Music Wedding Band Function Marquee

After the cutting of the unique ‘cheese’ cake we announced Grace and Ben’s first dance as husband and wife. They picked the U2 hit ‘With or Without You’ as their special song and as they gazed into each other’s eyes they sang along to every word.

Friends and family joined the happy couple on the dance floor and soon enough the evening reception was in full swing.

Live Wedding Band Music Leeds Yorkshire

No warming up necessary for these guys, they were ready to boogie!!
The dance floor was filled with the stunning lilac bridesmaid dresses swinging from left to right and some incredible dance moves could be seen throughout the marquee. I’m sure the wedding photographers got some amazing shots!

We kept the repertoire varied from Michael Jackson to Clean Bandit.
After the crowd cheered for more at the end of the second set of live music, we decided to get everyone to sing along to Dirty Dancing’s ‘Time of My Life’. The dance floor erupted with nostalgic energy. It was an incredible sight!

Wedding Marquee Party Live Music

Thanks to everyone at Huddersfield Town, The Yorkshire Club and the staff at Grace and Ben’s wedding, it’s such a pleasure to work alongside such professionals. We hope to see you all again soon for some more musical fun.

Bride and Groom Wedding Singers

Magnificent marquee wedding

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Congratulations to everyone who took part and supported ITU World Triathlon in Leeds this weekend, truly inspirational athletes.

We were aware roads around the City Centre would be closed for the event, however luckily for us we only had to make a short trip to one of Yorkshire’s little gems – Ilkley.

We were stunned to see Ilkley Golf Club green had been transformed into a Wedding Wonderland.

The Marquee was beautifully decorated with delicate summer wildflowers and embellished with charming bunting, which was handmade by the Mother of the Bride. The Father of the bride designed stunning planters, which were gracefully poised at the entrance to the marquee.

The personal touch made Ilkley Golf Club the perfect setting for our Bride and Groom Jen and Rich.

Ilkley Golf Club Wedding Marquee

Whilst the guests enjoyed a cool glass of Pimms our boys performed a jazz trio ensemble; playing some well-loved Jazz standards and Rat Pack favorites including Autumn Leaves, Summertime and Fly Me To The Moon.

The trio played ‘The Girl from Ipanema’ as a special request for the Bride and head Bridesmaid to bring back memories of their time together in Brazil.

After the wedding breakfast and speeches Func On The Rocks we ready to get the party started and begin the evening reception.

The happy couple performed their first dance as husband and wife and chose one of our favorite Van Morrison classics Moondance.

Mr & Mrs Bean had perfected their unique dance routine, which stunned all their friends and family. It set the bar when it came to dancing for the evening!

Jen and Rich Wedding First Dance

The guests were certainly up for the dancing challenge and joined the newlyweds on the dance floor with delight, they even brought a blow up sheep with them which we found hilarious.

Yorkshire Wedding Party

Wedding Band Horns

After our first set we had a catch up with some familiar faces Cathrine and Jeff. We performed at Jeff’s Birthday party in Bramham Village Hall a few years ago and always spot the gorgeous couple on the dance floor at The Bramham Summer Ball at Bowcliffe Hall.

We will be performing at Jeff’s daughters wedding in September, which we are really looking forward to.

Familiar faces

We also had a chat with England Rugby star Phil Dowson and his beautiful fiancée Dani who are getting married in 4 weeks. Good luck guys we know your Wedding day will be incredible!

Wedding Singers with Phil Dowson

By the second set of live music the full moon was out in full glory, as were the extra special dance moves from Jen and Rich and their friends and family. There was such a sense of love and friendship on the dance floor, a truly humbling sight for us.

Wedding Band Dance Floor

Leeds Wedding Band Singers

To bring the live music to a close we got the crowd to sing their hearts out with us and I’m sure the passion in their voices could be heard for miles around.

Jen and Rich Wedding Ilkley Golf Club

Thanks so much to everyone for helping Jen and Rich celebrate their big day, I’m sure they will look back with such fond memories as their day was pure perfection from start to finish.

Bride and Groom Dance Floor

Lots of love to you both Mr & Mrs. Bean, we wish you a lifetime of happiness together.

Jen and Rich Wedding Ilkley Golf Club