ULTIMATE ENTERTAINING GUIDE

14670 Rothgeb Drive
Rockville, MD 20850
410-792-7357
www.washingtontalent.com
Washington Talent, Photo and Video represents more than 40 bands, 20 DJs and MCs, and a dozen teams of professional photographers and videographers for any occasion. No other individual company in the Baltimore/Washington area even comes close to offering this much talent under one roof. As a result we can guarantee the perfect variety of entertainment, photography and/or video production for your wedding, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, or corporate event. The beltway's most recognized bands such as Onyx, Black Tie, Prime Time, and Full Circle just to name a few, can supply the ideal music for any event. If a DJ is what you are looking for, one of Baltimore’s favorites, DJ Doug can keep any party going. From the formal introductions to the last dance of the evening, our entertainers will keep you on your feet all night and make any event unforgettable. Please contact Washington Talent, Photo and Video for your next event.

Glenn Jones Acoustic Entertainment! 8111 Gold Cup Lane Bowie, MD 20715 410-440-3655 www.MDParty.com/GlennJones The area's finest acoustic guitarist/singer! His energy, voice, and massive 450+ song list turn any occasion into something special!

10236 Quiet Pond Terrace
Burke, VA 22015
703-978-8237
www.gholstonsmusicians.com
The Great Expectations Band has been performing music around the greater Washington, D.C. area for the last 10 years. The band is comprised of a consortium of professional musicians who have performed all over the world. We are dedicated to providing the best quality live entertainment for your special occasion.

8706 Cedar Post
Ellicott City, MD 21043
1-800-923-8669
Need a few stilt-walkers for your next party? You'll find them at About Faces Entertainment. Magicians, caricature artists, fortunetellers, face painters, mimes, clowns, jugglers, puppeteers, and impersonators, too. Established in 1989 by Mike Hasson, the company provides professional entertainers for corporate affairs, bar and bat mitzvahs, and fundraisers. Prices range from $130 an hour for a strolling magician to starting at $350 for impersonators and mimes.

7513 Connelley Drive, Suite K
Hanover, MD 21076
410-761-1212
Since 1982, Absolute Sounds has provided the Baltimore-Washington area with DJs, rental equipment, entertainers and attractions. The company has done weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, school dances and college events. They've done ethnic and specialty weddings, and can even play live footage of an event while it is taking place. They work to match clients with the DJ that will best fit their needs, whether it be a younger DJ, or an older, more experienced DJ. Clients can meet their DJ prior to the event for a live demo, giving the client the chance to request songs. Absolute Sounds is willing to offer as much guidance and assistance as the client is looking for. The average price range for DJs is between $600 and $1,500 with various custom proposals. Recommended contact time is nine months in advance.

410-654-6100
Since 1980, Tim Hall, magician, mentalist and mind reader has been making private and company events amazingly successful, fun and memorable. Tim's strolling and stage performances include clean comedy, sophisticated magic, mentalism, mind reading, music and lots of audience participation. Entertainment packages start around $250. Call for a free demo tape.

1316 Park Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21217
410-523-7070
Since 1966, the Choral Arts Society has been producing nationally renowned classical choral music for the Maryland area. Music Director Tom Hall will confer with clients to determine their needs and recommend individual singers from the Choral Arts Society's core group of professionals. Available are solo singers, a chamber chorus of up to 25, and every size ensemble in between, with prices ranging from $100-$2,000. Clients can set up an audition or attend Choral Arts Society concerts to sample the musical talent ahead of time. Hall recommends contacting the Choral Arts Society one to six months in advance.

802 Glen Eagles Court
Towson, MD 21286
410-825-2378
Since 1981, Baltimore's Best has provided clowns, costumed characters, balloon artists, magicians, jugglers, fire-eaters, puppets and more for receptions, promotional events, company picnics and bar and bat mitzvahs. It's professional entertainers can help you send a singing gorilla-gram or bring Santa Claus down from the North Pole.

Hunt Valley, MD
410-329-6067

410-841-6288

932 Hungerford Drive Townhouse #3
Rockville, MD 20850
410-484-7978
Bialek's music has been entertaining at weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs and corporate events since 1978. Bialek works in the Baltimore-Washington area as well as up and down the east coast and anywhere in the country upon request. Specializing in younger weddings with contemporary music such as rock, Motown, disco and big band, Bialek books primarily bands but also has DJs, strings and solo artists. Bialek prides himself on his personal service and hard work. "If you call me you'll get me," guarantees Bialek, whose music service has been voted #1 in the Washington area by Washingtonian Magazine year after year. Clients can get sound bytes on the Web site or come in to sample music. Prices vary, but DJs range from $400-$600, 4-6 piece bands from $1500-$3000, and 7-11 piece bands from $3,500-$7,500. Bialek recommends contacting him 6-12 months in advance or as soon as you know the date. Bialek's Music also books other entertainment such as magicians, caricature artists and moonbounces.

410-667-6049
Big Cam & the Lifters has long been Maryland’s premier good-time, family-friendly doo-wop rock and roll dance band.

1137 Filmore Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
410-889-4228
Representing five alternative bands for weddings, parties, clubs, concerts and festivals, Blue Heron Entertainment has served the mid-Atlantic region since 1980 traveling as far as the Caribbean. With bands like Mambo Combo, The Crawdaddies and the Hula Monsters, clients can choose music styles from Latin, Caribbean, zydeco, funk, R&B, rock & roll, regg', swing, blues and country. "We don't play 'Celebrate,'" says owner Bob Friedman, but the company does accommodate just about any other client request. The average price range for the bands is $2,000-$3,000. Recommended contact time is one year in advance.

410-987-2125

1400 Annapolis Road
Odenton, MD 21113
410-551-5025
Father and son owners Jim and Chris Temple have been specializing in wedding reception entertainment in the Baltimore-Washington area and Northern Virginia since 1974. Clients can choose from bands, DJs, string quartets, solo guitarists, steel drums, a cappella groups and others for their special day. DJ's range from $500-$600 per event, while bands range from $1,000-$6,500. C&J Entertainment recommends contacting them as soon as possible.

410-724-5050
Carlysle Entertainment a full-service entertainment company providing Professional Disc Jockeys, Event Coordinators, Live Performers, Musicians & more. It's not just music, it's the whole party.

410-243-2258

7617 B Weatherworn Way
Columbia, MD 21046
443-755-0313
Owner Dan Sandy has been providing music for weddings and corporate events for the Baltimore-Washington area and Pennsylvania since 1999. Specializing in bands and DJs, Sandy also provides everything from MCs and singers to classical instrumentalists to steel drum players. Sandy meets personally with every client and says this one-on-one service, along with his professionalism and attention to every detail set his company apart. "When people call they need to hear a voice," says Sandy. He can also bring the bride and groom into the studio to do create a personalized CD, to be played during their wedding reception. The average four-hour DJ costs $550-$650, and the band prices range from $1500-$5000. Sandy recommends contacting him 3-5 months in advance.

888-DAVISDJ

P.O. Box 15033
Baltimore, MD 21282
410-581-2000
This full-service entertainment agency has been booking music for weddings and corporate events for the Baltimore-Washington area, and across the country, since 1970. Owner Freddie Stevens boasts, "Anything you can imagine, we can do it." Freddie Stevens primarily uses bands, but can book anything from DJs and jazz trios to classical music and solo instrumentalists. Stevens personally focuses on every detail, concentrating on personalized service to build long relationships with his customers. "We try to be very selective about who we use and what we send out," he says. Single performers cost an average of $400 and deluxe bands can cost up to $10,000. They try to find something for every budget. Videos are available for previewing talent and Stevens recommends contacting the company as soon as you know the date of your event.

800-231-7827

751 Rockville Pike, Suite 11B
Rockville, MD 20852
301-294-1600
This national company has been doing "everything music" up and down the east coast since the 1930's. Although the majority of their business is weddings, Gene Donati Music has even provided music for the inaugurations of both Ronald Reagan and George Bush. From bands to a cappella groups with everything in between, Gene Donati Music can provide any musical venue with styles ranging from Big band and swing to Glenn Miller ballroom. All of the company's bands are in-house regulars ranging in price from $5,000-$10,000 a night. The recommended contact time is one year in advance.

410-356-2686

10451 Mill Run Circle, Suite 400
Owings Mills, MD 21117
410-356-8851
Light shows, jumbo-trons and virtual reality and a variety of music round out the entertainment available at this full-service agency. Since 1991, Hero Entertainment has been serving bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings and corporate events for the tri-state area. Patrons can choose from solo instrumentalists to full orchestras, string ensembles to a cappella groups, as well as DJs and a variety of bands, and can assist in all areas of party planning. DJs range from $300-$4,000 and bands from $2,000-$10,000. Free preview videos are available. Recommended contact time is one year in advance.

410-465-2864

9103 Town and Country Blvd Suite A
Ellicott City, MD 21043
443-540-9631
Unique, thought provoking and enchanting magic. Enter a world of conjuring where nothing is impossible and even the seemingly ordinary can become incredible. Charming legerdemain.

Perry Hall, MD
410-529-8662
Since age five, Gilmore has been perfecting her craft as a pianist. She started playing professionally 6+ years ago at Nordstrom, and shoppers would hire her to play at their parties. Now, Gilmore primarily plays wedding receptions and dinner parties, doing a variety of music including pop, movie music and a little classical. Gilmore recommends contacting her two or three months in advance, and her rates are $100 for one hour and $75 each for two or more hours.

410-653-2596

410-744-1668

410-876-7667

202-966-7270

410-987-7801
Mentalist and magician Dick Steiner offers his talents and professionalism for parties and corporate events, involving guests in mind-reading and magic acts. His prices average $400 an hour.

11K Gwynns Mill Court
Owings Mills, MD 21117
410-356-1500
With everything from bands and DJs to magicians, impersonators and party lighting, Maryland Entertainment can do almost everything for your wedding or party. Since 1989, Maryland Entertainment has been serving Baltimore, Washington and all of Maryland, specializing in variety bands that can please everyone and play everything from 40's Swing to contemporary music. They are happy to guide the clients to venders and assist with planning if needed. Maryland Entertainment uses six quality DJs ranging from $500-$1,200. The bands range from $1,800-$8,000. Potential clients can sample entertainment with video tapes and audio samples, and the recommended contact time is 9 months in advance.

4721 Hawksbury Road
Baltimore, MD 21208
410-922-5428
"Don't call Missile Productions if you're looking for the chicken dance or electric slide," says company founder Michael Lipman. This live musical booking agent specializes in non-traditional bands for weddings, clubs, corporate functions and private affairs. Missile Productions has been providing the tri-state area with jazz, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, Cajun, Latin, regg', classical, solo artists and more since 1995. The company represents 150 established bands playing their own music style. Prices vary depending on type of artist, day and time of year, usually ranging from $800-$6,000. Recommended contact time is 4-12 months in advance.

Baltimore, MD
410-377-0509
Owner, Dan Hawkins, who was instrumental in creating the Baltimore Area Disc Jockey Association, founded Music Masters in 1991. Specializing in high end weddings for the Baltimore-Washington area and Delaware, Music Masters has a large variety of music including country, oldies, urban and Latin. All DJs have a minimum of five years experience with most having 10-15 years. Clients will receive a song list and audio samples, and can make their requests from those samples. Hawkins also encourages his DJs to read the crowd. "We get a good feel for exactly what the client is looking for." Hawkins says. Clients can specifically request a DJ who is more lively and involved, or one that is more conservative. Music Masters does nightclubs and corporate events as well as weddings, and clients can buy party favors online as well as booking karaoke, light shows and sound installations for their parties.

11404 Lovejoy Street
Silver Spring, MD 20902
301-593-4209
Night & Day specializes in elegant swing, big band and jazz. We have flexible combo sizes from 3 to 7 musicians, along with great prices and 17 years experience.

443-827-0969
Face and body painting at birthday parties, company functions, family reunions, etc. Uses FDA approved face paints and offer temporary tattoos. Upon request, can arrive dressed normally, or in a themed outfit, such as a pirate or fairy. Available throughout the MD, DC, VA areas.

13545 Fork Road
Baldwin, MD 21013
410-817-4475
Herb Otter's firm combines audience participation with actor improvisation for comical evenings. The talented and professional staff has performed musical comedies and murder mysteries for corporate events, company picnics and birthday parties since 1994.

One East Mount Vernon Place
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-659-8100
The musician referral service is a network of alumni and graduate students from the Peabody Institute, available for weddings or other special events in the greater Baltimore area. Staffer Virginia Probasco is available to discuss the wants and needs for each event with clients and give them a list of names and numbers of Peabody musicians that will fit the bill. Music available from the referral services includes classical, instrumentalists, big band, jazz, soloists and classical guitar. Rates vary with individual bands, and recommended contact time is a few months in advance of your event.

3226 Midfield Road
Baltimore, MD 21208
410-484-5200
Although the biggest name in Peabody Productions is the Peabody Ragtime Ensemble, the organization, under the music direction of Ed Goldstein, has five other bands to choose from for your next party or event. Peabody Productions began in 1974 when Goldstein was a student at the Peabody Institute and has since been serving the Mid-Atlantic Region with its musical talent. The Peabody Ragtime Ensemble is a 7-piece "little big band" that has been the recipient of numerous awards in the Baltimore-Washington area. Other bands include the 17-piece Baltimore Jazz Orchestra, a classic big band; the Bourbon Street Ramblers, a 6-piece Dixieland band performing New Orleans-style jazz; the Swanee River Ragtime Band, a 2-4 piece banjo band performing light jazz, show tunes, sing-alongs and honky-tonk; The Brass Menagerie, a brass quintet; and the Joe Rinaldi trio, a jazz combo. Prices vary depending on band. Contact as soon as possible, or up to one year in advance.

3039 North Calvert Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
410-889-7530
Beginning in Baltimore as a Latin Jazz band in 1986, Rumba Club has since produced five records and gained national recognition. Playing an eclectic mix of Latin, Jazz, Salsa and more, this nine-man band is well experienced in parties, festivals, clubs and concerts. Music samples are available on the band's Web page. Manager Mich'l Cherigo recommends contacting the band six months ahead.

3541 Dorshire Court
Pasadena, MD 21122
410-437-3686
Jan Holland, a harpist for the army field band, has been playing for 15 years. She created Serenata in 1988 with a vocalist and a flute player. Each can be hired individually or they can work as a trio for parties. Serenata's musical repertoire includes Classical, Sacred and Pop/Broadway music, but they will try to accommodate other requests. Serenata usually plays ceremonies, cocktail hours and private parties. Holland recommends contacting Serenata up to a year in advance. A demo cd is available upon request. Call for rates.

410-602-1769

703-255-9270

1407 York Road, Suite 210
Lutherville, MD 21093
410-828-0305
Since 1997, Sounds Perfect has been providing music and entertainment for weddings, corporate events, private dinners, and private clubs to the Baltimore- Washington area. Clients can book bands, solo musicians, a cappella groups, steel drums, classical groups, along with other entertainers. Prospective clients can sample music on the company Web site, and videos can be sent out after the initial consultation. DJs range from $400-$1500 and bands from $1500-$8000. Recommended contact time is one year in advance.

205 E. Joppa Road, Suite 106
Baltimore, MD 21280
410-828-9400
Owner Gregory Therres says 75 percent of Starleigh's business is received from personal referrals. His roster of comedians, hypnotists, magicians, caricature artists, clowns, disc jockeys and bands have brought extra enjoyment to birthday parties, corporate events, bar and bat mitzvahs, and weddings since 1971.

39 International Circle
Owings Mills, MD 21117
410-792-9468
Phillips brings casino-style entertainment to corporate and private parties. Since 1975, his firm has provided theme parties such as "Monte Carlo Night" or "Western Night" with all the trappings and décor in a range of scale, modest to lavish ($500 to $50,000). The company also offers a corps of magicians, clowns, jugglers, and mimes.

1105 Hudee Court
Bowie, MD 20721
301-464-2828
President Stephanie Meyers loves using music to "create moments." Since 1978 Crystal Strings has provided instrumental music in the Washington, DC area, as well as all over the world. Having performed for presidents, played at Rockefeller family weddings and the Barcelona Olympics, Crystal Strings concentrates primarily on classical music. Clients can choose from various packages for their wedding or event varying from solo instrumentalists to strolling strings and brass quintets. Meyers composes all her own music and loves to create personal performances for each event. "I don't put out anything that isn't first rate," she says. Meyers will discuss personal tastes with the host to determine what they would like and what would be best for each event. Tapes are available for clients to sample, as are music samples on the Web site. Costs vary, but packages start at $250.

1055 Taylor Avenue Suite 218
Baltimore, MD 21286
410-337-7277
The Musicians Association is a referral service of bands and musicians that have joined the local musicians union. In existence since 1853, the union primarily serves the Baltimore area. The Musicians Association has a wide variety of music, form variety, top 40, jazz and rock to classical string quartets, woodwinds and chamber orchestras. Rates vary according to bands and the recommended contact time is three months in advance.

9145 Industrial Court
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
301-840-9021
Owner Mike Sussman wants every guest to "have a blast," whether they are having their futures read by a fortuneteller or taking home a clown-made balloon sculpture or a painted face. Other entertainment includes DJ's, magicians, moonbounces and a host of other carnival games. In business since 1991, Ultimate typically charges $125 an hour for strolling entertainers. All other games are individually priced.

9720 Hickoryhurst Drive
Baltimore, MD 21236
410-256-4825
Since Zim Zemarel founded his orchestra shortly after graduating from college, his musical tradition has been kept alive with talented musicians from the Baltimore-Washington area. Zim Zemarel has performed for presidential inaugural balls, accompanied Tony Bennett in concert, and recorded eight albums on Columbia Records. Several musical ensembles are available for weddings and other social functions, including a 14 to 20-piece orchestra, various combos, strolling strings, a string quartet, a Dixieland Jazz Band and more.

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