New Stunning Coastline Venue

Posted on October 18, 2017 by funcontherocks

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

Posted on September 11, 2017 by funcontherocks

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

Posted on September 6, 2017 by funcontherocks

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

An old fav(e) of ours

Posted on July 15, 2017 by funcontherocks

It was party time again for us on Friday! The Faversham, is a super cool, live music space in the heart of Leeds City Centre so it was the perfect spot for our birthday boy and girl Graeme and Debbie.

Party Band Faversham Venue Leeds West Yorkshire

Not only was it a double birthday party but also an occasion to celebrate their retirement. Graeme had only just started his retirement a few hours before the event started!

Birthday Party Faversham Leeds

We first met at Debbie and Graeme as mother and father of the bride at their daughter, Laura’s wedding day last July in Leeds.

So we knew to expect a super fun crowd who would get that dance floor cooking.

After the champagne reception in the stunning conservatory and the evening buffet had been devoured, the guests began to filter into the band room.

Live Party Band Leeds Faversham

We started our first set with the iconic Jocelyn Brown belter- ‘Somebody Else’s Guy’. We managed to grab everybody’s attention during the piano and vocals introduction, so by the time the groove kicked in, all friends, family and colleagues knew it was definitely boogie time!

The Faversham has a great event space with a huge dance floor so everyone got to show off their best moves in style.

Our horn players were on fire and got the crowd bouncing during their solos in Stevie Wonder’s Superstition. The live music was kept energetic and funky with a nice mix of old classics and modern hits from Paul Simon’s ‘Call Me Al’ to Kings of Leon’s ‘Sex on Fire’. Which kept everyone on the dance floor all night long.

Live Band Brass Leeds

After getting the crowd to sing along to Happy Birthday, the Birthday duo blew us away with their amazing swinging retro moves to the 1960’s hit ‘Do You Love Me’ by the Contours which certainly encouraged the other guests to up their game and get creative on the dance floor!

A huge Happy Birthday to the gorgeous couple from Func On The Rocks. We hope you have an incredible retirement together and that you and your guests had as much fun as we did at your party.

Live Party Band Leeds Singers

We loved performing at The Faversham, not only was it local and a great space, but we were so impressed with how helpful and professionally the venue is run. A special shout out to George who was incredibly kind and supportive as we set up, sound checked and packed down. It makes such a difference to work alongside passionate and incredibly lovely staff so thank you and we hope to work alongside you again soon.

Heat Wave in Yorkshire

Posted on June 25, 2017 by funcontherocks

What an incredible burst of sunshine we had to help celebrate an abundance of events last weekend.

The Great Gathering, organised by local communities around the UK, showed an abundance of street parties, picnics and bake offs. The events gave communities the chance to show compassion and support and were held in loving memory for Jo Cox, the Labour MP who we lost in June 2016. The weekend is said to have been one of the biggest community celebrations planned since the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

It was also a very busy weekend of celebrations for our six piece function band – Func On The Rocks.

Wedding Band

On Friday we shared in the second wedding reception of Laura and Phil who had just returned from their wedding holiday and honeymoon on the beautiful mediterranean island of Cyprus. Holding their ceremony at the stunning Louis Ledra Beach Hotel, Paphos. To make sure none of their family or friends missed out on celebrating with the happy couple, the Bride and Groom arranged an evening party for their return to England.

Laura and Phil certainly brought the weather back with them as Huntington, North Yorkshire was basking in glorious sunshine. As the guests began to arrive it was clear just how excited friends and family were to see the sun-kissed couple after their adventure abroad.

We started the live music with the couple’s first dance, a piano and vocal rendition of All of Me by John Legend (a personal favourite of mine).

Wedding Party Live Music

Once the party was underway we noticed some very talented musicians on the dance floor. With the help of some blow up instruments we found ourselves a new member of the band. This little guy strummed his green guitar with all his heart and soul from start to finish!

Guitar hero

During a bit of rock and roll, the infectious strumming of Johnny B Goode by Chuck Berry we invited the little rock star up onto the stage to show us his skills! It was such a heartwarming sight.

Laura and Phil Wedding Huntington Working Mens Club

We continued the weekend of fun with the 50th birthday party for Mark Wilcox at the super stylish The Mere Golf Resort and Spa.

Birthday Party Mere Golf Resort and Spa Cheshire
Happy Birthday Mark

Friends and family had come from far and wide to share in the celebrations with the Wilcox clan and they certainly made it extra special for Mark.
Joining together to sing him a big Happy Birthday we managed to get some excellent dance moves off the birthday boy in the middle of the circle.

Birthday Party Dance Floor

It was a lovely mixed group of ages at the party so we tried our best to keep both sets of live music varied from soul to indie, Motown to pop. The younger guests sang their hearts out to Rather Be Clean Bandit, whilst the more mature guests showed us, they still got it! With their incredible swing dancing moves and lyrical perfection to Brown Eyed Girl Van Morrison.

A fabulous, hot weekend all round. Congratulations to everyone who was celebrating we hope to join in the fun with you again soon.

Bank Holiday Bliss

Posted on May 30, 2017 by funcontherocks

What an incredible May Bank holiday weekend!

With glorious sunshine and blue skies we took a trip from Leeds to North Yorkshire’s Allerton Mauleverer.

On arrival we were greeted by spectacular views, we had reached our destination, the prestigious Allerton Castle; a Grade I listed, nineteenth century Gothic mansion, which is a truly spectacular sight.

Allerton Castle describes itself as Englands most elegant and illustrious gothic revival stately home, and we believe this is no exaggeration.

Allerton Castle Yorkshire Wedding

We have performed at Allerton Castle numerous times over the past 12 years and every time we return we are still taken aback by its breathtaking beauty.

We set up in the Great Hall as the staff transformed the room ready for the evening wedding reception. Right on cue the speeches came to a close in the Ballroom and the evening guests began to arrive.

Chandelier Allerton Castle

As the guests gathered round the dance floor the Bride and Groom began their first dance as husband and wife. An acoustic version of Carly Rae Jepsen’s ‘Call Me Maybe’ was the perfect choice for this fun loving couple. Katie and Ed’s friends and family beamed in happiness and love for the happy couple and soon flooded onto the dance floor to declare the evening celebrations had well and truly begun.

Dance floor

We kept our sets fairly modern and upbeat as requested by the bride and groom featuring songs from Maroon Five, Bruno Mars and Beyoncé along with some classic sing-along’s such as Higher and Higher and I Want You Back.

Wedding Band Leeds

After our first set we met Josh, an eight year old from Baildon who has taken drum lessons for the past six months. Our Drummer Steve let Josh show off his skills on his drum kit whilst his mum told us that he felt inspired by the band and we have influenced him to practice more, which is fantastic. Good luck Josh. Steve watch out we may be replacing you soon!

Drummers

As an eight piece band including saxophone and trumpet we made sure there was no excuse but to be on the dance floor showing off your best moves and boy were there some good moves. The dance-off during Stevie Wonders ‘Superstition’ was an incredible sight.

Brass section Singers

As the crowed chanted for more at the end of the second set we decided to get all the friends and family to sing along with us to the timeless ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen.

Dance Floor Wedding Singer

Thank you to everyone who helped celebrate Katie and Ed’s Wedding day with us and to all the staff at Allerton Castle who worked so hard to make sure the day was seamless for the happy couple.

Wedding Singers Bride

One Hull of a Wedding

Posted on May 15, 2017 by funcontherocks

On Saturday afternoon May 13th, we took a trip from Leeds to The East Riding of Yorkshire for another magical wedding at Rise Hall near Hull.

Rise Hall is one of our favorite wedding venues due to its stunning, picturesque grounds and fairytale wedding breakfast and reception area.

The sprinkle of candlelight around the room and twinkling fairy lights, which illuminated the ceiling, brought a magical and romantic touch to the big day.

Rise Hall Hull Wedding

After celebrating the cutting of the cake we performed the couple’s first dance as husband and wife. The guests gathered around the dance floor and shared the special moment, whilst the happy couple gently swayed to swinging melodies of ‘The Way You Look Tonight’ by Frank Sinatra.

We invited all the family and friends onto the dance floor; and as if by magic the energy in the room became addictive. All the guests danced and sang along to Soul, Pop and Motown in celebration for Natalie and James’ big day.

Natalie and James Wedding Rise Hall dancing

We were thrilled to see some familiar faces Liam and Heather. Func On The Rocks performed at their wedding almost two years ago at Hazlewood Castle. It was so lovely to have a catch up with them and hear all about married life.

Liam and Heather Wedding Guests Rise Hall

Before we started our second set of live music we noticed the Master of the house; Mr. Tom Cat asleep under one of the guests seats. We hope we didn’t disturb him with Tina Turner’s Proud Mary!

Rise Hall Cat Sleeping

The second set was met with even more energy than the first (if that was possible). We definitely learned some funky moves from these guys and we very impressed with their extensive lyrical knowledge. We had a ball performing for them!

Func on the Rocks Wedding Band

We never refuse an encore – and we love to make it extra special by inviting the Bride and Groom to the middle of the dance floor surrounded by their loved ones. We sang together at the top of our lungs to the iconic (I’ve had) ‘Time of My Life’ from the legendary movie Dirty Dancing. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Func on the Rocks Wedding Band

Saturday night’s wedding at Rise Hall has left us with more fond memories and we hope to return soon.

Hot new venue debut performance

Posted on May 8, 2017 by funcontherocks

This Saturday we travelled to Liverpool for the wedding of Jenny & Graham.

The Old Blind School located in the heart of Liverpool (aka the home of the Beatles) was the perfect spot for our super trendy couple.

Wedding Venue Liverpool

With it’s quirky and stylish decor the Old Blind School went the extra mile to make sure this wedding was one to remember.

Congratulations wedding sign

Jenny and Graham – our two fashionistas showed us just how unique you can be with your wedding dress, and groom attire.

Jenny wore a super glamorous 1950’s figure hugging dress for her first dance but soon transformed into a strapless pantsuit, which meant she could dance the night away like a true style icon!

Wedding Singers

Their guests, who were also dressed to the nines, were definitely ready to help the happy couple celebrate their special day. They partied hard until the wee small hours of Sunday morning.

We were asked to keep our repertoire pretty retro with artists like The Beatles, Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie with a some added current tunes from the likes of Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars and Pharrell Williams. This proved to be the perfect cocktail of tunes.

You know a good wedding when all friends and family are mixed together on the dance floor and giving it everything they have from head to toe. The party people filled the dance floor from the first dance ‘Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac’ to our rocking out, sing along encore ‘Don’t Stop Believing by Journey’.

Jenny and Graham Wedding The Old Blind School Liverpool

A big shout out to The Old Blind School who were fantastic to work with. They mentioned that this was the first wedding hosted at the venue which is amazing as it ran so smoothly and the staff were on it every step of the way. As a function and corporate band we felt the evening ran smoothly and professionally from start to finish and we are sure they are going to have an abundance of wedding events moving forward as this really is a truly special place for any event.

Tour De Yorkshire

Posted on April 30, 2017 by funcontherocks

Massive congratulations to everyone who took part and supported Tour De Yorkshire 2017 which took place in Tadcaster this weekend.

On route to our gig we were uplifted by West Yorkshire’s community spirit.

The streets were decorated with an array of colourful bunting, balloons and smiling faces. Yorkshire definitely knows how to celebrate!

And speaking of celebrations; Saturday was also significant as we got to bring out to play our big sister party band; Pure Mojo for the wedding of Matt & Nat.

Hornington Manor Yorkshire Wedding Venue Wedding sign

Our ten piece wedding band Pure Mojo is led by three incredible vocalists Cherie Gears, Melody Reed and Sam Hendrix who are illuminated by the addition of a steaming horn section (saxophone, trumpet and trombone) – this combination takes Func On The Rocks to the next level!

Function Band Wedding Singers Horn section

The Bride and Groom Matt & Nat had planned their fairytale wedding to the very last detail and their wedding venue choice of Hornington Manor was the perfect setting for their perfect day.

Mat and Nat lights

Mr & Mrs Round love live music and were glued to the dance floor all night long with the amazing moves of the bridesmaids, groomsmen and fabulous family and friends.

Wedding band

The wedding guests sang their hearts out to each song, showed off their signature moves and together made the wedding reception extra special for the happy couple.

A big shout out to Hornington Manor who are an exceptional wedding venue. Thank you for being so easy to work with and accommodating we hope to be back soon for some more live music fun!

#firstdancefriday

Posted on March 4, 2016 by funcontherocks

If you and your partner have been racking your brains to come up with that perfect first dance choice but just can’t quite decide… To give you a bit of inspiration we’ve recently been uploading some of our past first dance rehearsals on Facebook every #firstdancefriday.

This week we’ve put together our top 5 faves as a little recap and we hope you’ll be tuning in to see the next installments over the coming weeks. Find us on Facebook here.