Testimonial Letters - Press - Frequently Asked Questions

"BS&M have developed a strong following on the East Coast owing
as much to their showmanship as to their song craft."

-The Washington Post

"BS&M have long been a favorite on the music scene owing with their tight
ensemble work, sincere lyrics, and sing along harmonies."

-Style Weekly, Richmond, VA

"BS&M have generated a legion of fans with their gentle rifts and insightful lyrics."

-The Virginia Pilot, Norfolk, VA

"One top notch group. You really made our wedding day!"

-Alan & Debra Page, Washington, DC

Thank you for being a wonderful part of a very special evening for the Harris and Chalet families.
Your work on the lyrics for the first dance and for the energy you created throughout the evening was
beyond excellend and exceeded our every expectation.
The performance you delivered on the occasion of my daughter’s reception
ranks at the very top of my list of outstanding performances and will be fondly remembered.

- William C. Harris General Manager, Country Club of Virginia

" Dave was great to work with throughout the planning process.
We felt comfortable and even overly prepared for the big day. We were able to enjoy the day and
celebrate with with all of our guests. It was a blast! Thanks again..."

-Bill and Karen Halsey, Baltimore, MD

" When Tom sang Rocky Top with you guys I thought I'd die!
Thank you for making our wedding. We can't wait for the pictures and video!"

-Lisa Pryor, Washington, DC

Thank you (and the rest of BS&M) for a great performance.
Every guest I talked to told me how much they were enjoying the band.
I also really appreciated the fact that you were so easy to work with- I never once felt like
I had to tell you all how to dress, what to play, where to be -
it was one less thing I had to worry about.
Tom and I really enjoyed the evening.

"...after brief remarks to the crowd (Governor) Allen and his wife danced
to the music of BS&M.."

-Richmond Times Dispatch, Richmond, VA

" Thanks so much for learning the
Marc Cohn song for our first dance and
sorry for crying so much! You really made our reception."

-Candace Williams

"You did such a wonderful job on our wedding day...What a performance."

-Cammie Olson

"Great band pick for this fund raiser."

-Pat Buchanan, presidential candidate

"Everyone was impressed."

- Sandra Ellsworth, event planner, Major League Soccer Final,

RFK Stadium, Washington, DC

"Nothing but good comments from the crowd. You really were the best choice."

-Andrew Swanson, Washington Historical Society

"The impersonations were killer. We really enjoyed having you."

-Karen Banks, Event Planner, Baltimore, MD.

"...Richmond's favorite...

Peter Bell, Richmond Music Journal

Dear Dave, (and the rest of the band),

I wanted to write you and tell you how wonderful I thought the band was.
You were better than I could have ever imagined and I feel horrible that I
never got a chance to talk to you and thank you in person. I had the best
time dancing and I know everyone else did too. I guess that was kind of
obvious given the dance floor always being full! Everybody raved about you
and I heard so many people say that they have never heard such a great band.
You all were so great to work with and really made things so much easier.
I've sent a few pictures from the wedding. Please e-mail me your mailing
address, I'd like to send you something. Thanks so much!

-Tia Mahoney, Glenmore Country Club Wedding, March 1, 2003

"I would like to thank you for the wonderful music you and
your band played on February 1,2003.
Everyone remarked how great your music was."

-Deborah Wayland, Professional Event Coordination.
Available to contact by phone for referrals.

(To booking agent)
They were wonderful! They learned "Up on Cripple Creek" by the Band
for our unusual first dance song - and it was fantastic! The dance floor
was packed all night long and everyone has been talking about how great they were.
Thanks so much for everything that you guys did -
we really appreciated it! -

-Jill Hayek "bride", Evelynton Plantation, April 2003.

I had never heard BS&M before. I was just going on the recommendations of
others, so I was a little apprehensive about them. I have to tell you that
they were awesome! They were way better than I had even hoped. So many
people at the reception told us that BS&M was the best band they had ever
heard at a wedding. Everyone danced. People didn't want to leave when the
reception was over! I was very worried that I didn't get our first song to
Dave in time. I just mailed a CD to him about a week before the reception
with no sheet music, no lyrics, no nothing. I figured they wouldn't have
time even to learn it, but when they started playing it, it was amazing.
They nailed it perfectly. I could not have asked for better music.
Everything was just right. I would highly recommend BS&M to anyone having a
reception, or party, or any other function requiring music. They were great!

-John Sims "groom" October 4, 2003

11/23/03 Sorry it has taken so long, but I wanted to thank you and
BS&M for the wonderful job you did at our wedding.
Everyone did do a wonderful job and we received many glowing compliments on the band.
Thanks for all the help that you provided in the wedding planning
making everything go as smoothly as possible.
Please let everyone in the band know that we appreciate everything
you did and will definitely recommend you any chance we get.
Thanks again,

-Allen and Mia Mifflin, November 23, 2003

10/25/03 I know that it's been a while since you all played at our wedding (on October 25th)
but I had to write to thank you very much for your performance. You guys (&girl) were absolutely fantastic.
I had quite a few people comment to me during the rehearsal about what a fine band you guys are.
BS&M performed with the talent, class and enthusiasm that exceeded our greatest expectations.
Cynthia and I wanted to thank you again for making our wedding day such a success.
We can't wait to see you all perform again in the near future.

Bob & Cindy Magielnicki

B,S & M was awesome! Everyone had a great time. The cocktail hour was great too with David on guitar.
I only wish I could have paid more attention to them.
There were so many people there that I knew I felt as though I was meeting and greeting all night.
I would love to see them again. All of my guests said they were incredible and that B,S & M made it a really good party.
Thank you for all your help,

-John Chenault February 14, 2004

Hi David, I wanted to thank you for a great time at the wedding.
Your band is fabulous just like Sarah and John have been saying. Our guests really enjoyed your music!

-Martie Sturtz April 3, 2004

AWESOME AWESOME!!! BS&M were great. The bride, groom and the entire crowd
loved the band. Dave was so easy to work with and the entire band was so
talented. The bride even got up to sing a bit of Respect with the fantastic
lead vocalist. So fun! Would be thrilled to work with them (and you) again in the future.

-Kathleen Holroad, May 15, 2004

Thank you both for helping to make the Waynesboro’s first anniversary/holiday party a big success! B,S&M was great,
and our employees thoroughly enjoyed the performance! I apologize to the band for the late start Saturday night.
I did not expect our program to take as long as it did. Hopefully we can work with you again…my brother Bob
is interested in working with you and the band for our April event (Salem division annual party) at Mountain Lake.
I will contact you when I have more information. Again, thanks for everything. Kind regards, Jackie

-Blue Ridge Beverage Company , January 8, 2005

BS&M were amazing. The music was great--everyone was dancing all night.In fact,
we extended them by one hour because no one wanted it to end.
Dave was great to work with and they even learned 3 songs for us (we had only asked for 2--the third was a nice surprise).
They are great musicians and really seemed to put their hearts and sould into the music.
They were very accomodating when we had to mix up the schedule of events
(i.e. the best man was gettting nervous and had to give his speech asap).
I give them the highest recommendation and would use them again down the road for any big event. Jessica

-Laurie Womack, Outer Banks Wedding May 2005

Everything was fantastic, and many of our guests were telling us how much
they enjoyed BS&M. The best part was that some people we never see dance
were breaking it down! The dancing got going a little later than we had
anticipated since dinner ran long, so we were very appreciative that they
stayed longer b/c the crowd was really into it!! I also had so much fun
getting up to sing with the band- that was great! I would definitley
recommend Sam Hill and BS&M to my friends... they were very fun and very
accomodating- I really appreciate you and David's help to make our reception
so memorable.

-Marya Kelly Washington, DC Sept 2005

We are back from the honeymoon and had a great time there and at the wedding!
BS&M did a great job, despite the mix up of the times....
they ended starting at 7pm so we had to shuffle some things around but it probably worked out better that way.
We also had a few mix ups with song requests and the our departing announcement, but nothing major.
Overall, everyone had a blast and that made the night!
Thanks for all of your help!
Take care,

-Valerie Waters September 2005

The band was a great band and they played great music!! All of our
guests were very impressed as were we! They kept the dance floor full
the entire time they played! I can't rave enough about their music! We
also really appreciated the fact that they arrived and completed set-up
by 4:30 as requested, when our guests started to arrive.

-Sonya Gearhart September 2005

We are back in Richmond which means back to reality.
We had a blast at the reception, we received so many compliments
on your performance. I hope you all had a good time.
I was getting nervous with all of our "band want a be's" up on stage with you.
It was nice for you to include them.
We did not want the night to end.
I wish we would of had one more hour to dance some more....
Thanks so much for everything!

-Tiffany and Rich Addis, April 29, 2006

Customer Feedback
Such energetic stage presence--loved every minute!
Customer Ratings
On a scale of 1 to 5 (1=lowest, 5=highest), how would you rate
The BS&M Band in terms of their professionalism? 4.5

On a scale of 1 to 5 (1=lowest, 5=highest), how would you rate
The BS&M Band in terms of their overall talent? 5

On a scale of 1 to 5 (1=lowest, 5=highest), how accommodating was
The BS&M Band in handling special requests for your event? 5

On a scale of 1 to 5 (1=lowest, 5=highest), how strongly would you
recommend The BS&M Band to a friend? 5

And finally, on a scale of 1 to 5 (1=lowest, 5=highest), how would you
rate your overall satisfaction with The BS&M Band? 5

-Lauren Kennedy, American University, Delta Gamma, Washington, DC
April 28, 2006

Andy.. thanks and everything was WONDERFUL.. BS&M was a huge hit.. we could not have been happier.
Great to work with .. great attention to detail,, great music.. great time had by all.. I would highly recommend..
lots of compliments and questions of "where did you find them..they were fabulous"... thanks it was great!

-Martha Mitchell Meade, July 15, 2006

BS&M was amazing -- I'm so glad that we chose them, and I really appreciate all of your help with it.
I got many compliments on the band from guests at the wedding and thoroughly enjoyed them myself.
We even got Mike out on the dance floor!

-Pamela Herbert, Aug 28, 2006
I want to thank you again for helping make my daughter's wedding such a
success. You and the band were just excellent, and could not have been more
cooperative. I hope you got enough to eat and drink, and that you enjoyed
the reception as well.

I had a post reception party at the Radisson and the standard comment from
everyone was "that band, where did you find the band?" Seriously, you were a
big hit. Well, there was one exception. My wife's favorite cousin plays bass
in a band in the DC area and he kept muttering about how much better your
bass player was than him...

Today I played disk golf with one of my friends that attended the wedding.
His favorite song of the night was George Benson's On Broadway - as for me,
I loved We Are Family. Your lead singer has serious pipes.

-Bob Boester - Father Of The Bride, Oct 7, 2006

We were so pleased with everything on Saturday night at the Jefferson
Your band did a great job and we had many of the guests compliment the music.
Thanks for making it so wonderful!

-Dani Ashbridge, October 28, 2006

Dave,
You were wonderful!!! We cannot thank you enough for
setting the exact mood we wanted at the reception.
Our guests loved you, as did we. Thanks from the
bottom of our hearts!!!

- Jim and Jennifer Aaron December 9, 2006

Dave,
You were wonderful!!! We cannot thank you enough for
setting the exact mood we wanted at the reception.
Our guests loved you, as did we. Thanks from the
bottom of our hearts!!!
- Jim and Jennifer Aaron December 9, 2006

BS&M did an amazing job at Amy & Dave's
wedding (the caterer even told me it's been a while since she's been
imprssed with a band at a reception and wanted to know who they were).
And David Barton was very good to work with; we had a problem with the
amount of power supplied to the tent and he and the sound engineer
worked right through it, and everytime something needed to be announced
or done to make sure our timeline was adhered to, David was right there
making sure it happened.

- Cate Buscher December 2, 2006
Wedding Consultant/Event Planner

Hi Dave,
Thank you so much for playing!
The band was fabulous and everyone is still raving about you all! I swear, non-stop raving!
I am so pleased it all worked out and thank you so much for accommodating me and my pickiness for "first" songs!
I appreciate everything! I hope I have a reason to use you all again soon!!!I talk to Barbara every day :)
Thanks for helping her out.. They all were impressed!!!!!
The music was so fun and I got some great pictures of the band!

- Kate Scattergood January 6, 2007

You guys were great at the wedding.

- Scott Thomasson, The Homestead Resort, May 4, 2007

We certainly enjoyed the band on Saturday.They were great! I heard nothing but glowing comments from everybody at the reception.
You made the reception very special!

- Alice Higgins, Berkeley Plantation, April 28, 2007

You all played at my Dad’s wedding reception this past Friday at the Kenbridge Country Club (6/8/07 for Bernard Barker and Lynn Hurt).
I was the Best Man and all I can say is “Wow!” Your passion and excitement are unmatched!!
I had friends from the age of 23 to much older (we’ll just say they were well into
their retirement years!) who commented on how great you all were
. The dance floor packed and you even interacted with the guests while performing—you all really know how to have fun
and add to the party! Thank you for making my Dad’s big day even more special!

- Jason Barker, Best Man, Kenbridge, VA, June 8, 2007

Many thanks to you and all of B, S & M for doing such a great job at our wedding at Keswick Hall.
You made the reception so much fun! All of our guests have been raving about the great band
and saying what a good time they had dancing to your music. Hopefully you all could tell how much people were
enjoying themselves by the enthusiasm we all showed in our dancing!

-Julie & Richard Schurman, May 2007

Lynn and I want to say a big "Thank You" to you and the band for a wonderful time. The wedding went very well,
the food was very good, but the band was "icing on the cake"! I don't think we could have selected a better band.
Everyone who attended are still talking about what a wonderful time they had.
| I hope we didn't disappoint you in our being out on the dance floor pretty much the entire night.
I know that Lunenburg County will never be the same!!!

-Lynn and Bernard Barker, Lunenburg Country Club, VA

The band was absolutely great, they did a fantastic job.
Our guests had a fabulous time and we received numerous compliments about the band!

-Lavan-Escalante Wedidng June 2007

Everything went very well - BS&M were wonderful, just what we wanted - a good mellow sound for the first part
and then upbeat after the program! We got lots of compliments. David and the crew were very
accommodating and I would highly recommend them for future engagements!

- John Mudd
Kennedy Center, June 2007, Washington, DC

Allison and I have been so busy since coming back from the wedding/honeymoon that I've barely had time to think..
. that being said, we wanted to thank you all so much for such an excellent performance.
The music was great and you all were great. So many of our friends have commented on how much fun the
band was and we couldn't agree more.
Thanks for making our wedding so memorable.

- Arun and Allison Jesudian, August 2007

We enjoyed the party tremendously. Everyone was amazed by your performance--BS&M is fabulous!
So many guests inquired about and complimented you. Obviously, when searching for a band,
I looked for one that had a great sound. I feel fortunate that I found a band with a wonderful sound
and a great personality. You all seem to enjoy what you do and that was shining through.
Thank you for being so professional and prompt. Great communication definitely puts the party planner at ease.
Hopefully, we won't have to wait another 10 years to see you perform.
We will have to plan a "special" party so that we can have that much fun again.
-Thank you so much for making Jeff's party such a wonderful experience.

- Eva and Jeff Burns September 8, 2007

Dear Dave,
I am not sure I can begin to explain how wonderful you guys were at
our wedding!! You and your band were so wonderful and talented. I
got so many compliments on your sound and diversity in music. Also,
I really appreicate you playing our first dance song. I realized I
gave you this song with a few days of the wedding. The fact that
you were able to play and sing it perfectly was truely amazing.
Thank you! Thank you! I have so many wonderful memories of the
dancing from 'Feelin' Good' to 'Purple Rain.' It just doesn't get
any better. Thank you again!!!!!!!! My mom lives in Charlottesville
(as does many of the guests) and I know she will recommend you to
everyone she knows.

- Annalise and Ben, October 20, 2007

"BS&M are AWESOME"

-James O'Neil Groom, Wedding Follow-Up, The Homestead Dec 1, 2007

This is Sally, the "Mother of the Bride". We LOVED the band.
They kept the volume down for the first half when people were
eating etc. and then reved it up later for the dancers- played great songs that
people wanted to dance to and were nice to work with.
We have one more daughter to get married,
and we will definitely consider this band.

- Thanks for your help! Sally von Oesen
Boonsboro Country Club, Lynchburg, Va April 12, 2008

Thanks so much for a great evening of entertainment!
The "Billy Jean" dance was a riot, and then letting my cousin sing "Honkeytonk Woman" was just amazing!
Thanks for picking such a great dance mix and keeping volume perfect!
I loved that it was up towards the end when everyone was dancing!!!
Yall did a great job, and many many people asked my mom and me about your name and contacts for future events!
I hope that Boonsboro was cooperative and your needs were met as well!
Thanks again! The whole weekend was wonderful!

- Heather von Oelson April 12, 2008

Temple and I want to thank you for the great music and the atmosphere that you created at our wedding
at the Marriott Ranch in Hume, VA. Having a band that would create a fun and
lively mood was very important to me and BS&M certainly provided that!
I can't tell you how many compliments we received on the band.
You all were able to perform a song from every decade and genre
and that kept the dance floor hopping.
The Anniversary dance was a huge hit and a very special moment for me.
Every one had so much fun. Everybody danced-even my grandfather!
Please do not hesitate to use us as a reference. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
You absolutely made our night extra special.

- Denise Gentry
May 4, 2008

Thanks for playing at our wedding! We had a blast and I think everyone had a great time!

- Matt DaCunto, May 12, 2008

Everything was great and BS&M was better than we ever could have hoped.
The dance floor was packed!
Please thank Dave and the band for doing such an awesome job and making our wedding so memorable.
Here is a link to a clip of Andrew playing with the band.
This was definitely the highlight of his night!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWRNSzemByw

-Farcas Wedding Reception May 2008 Washington, DC

They were just great. We got a bunch of compliments from our guests on the band, especially on the two female vocalists, who were just unreal. Really great voices all around, and the whole party was on the dance floor pretty much the entire time. We are a dancing group to begin with, and the band picked up on that and ran with it, which was great. Also, they learned a tough song that we requested for our final song of the night, and everyone went nuts.

-Leila Heidari July 2008, Washington, DC

Click Here for The Song List

Click Here BS&M Demo Music

Let's face it. The goal of every party, celebration & special occasion is to have a great time. Finding a band that can complement and create that exciting, energetic & fun atmosphere is easy when you choose The BS&M Band. Crisp harmonies, a dynamic stage show, a packed dance floor, attention to detail...this six member professional show band performs EVERYTHING: Top 40, Motown, Beach, Soul, Classic Rock, Oldies, Retro 70's & 80's, Jazz & Cocktail music, Country and even a little Reggae!

To have performed dozens of events from New York City to San Juan, Puerto Rico to Nice, France is a feat matched by only a few bands. To have performed 130 dates a year, full time for more than 13 years says a lot for this band's success. The BS&M Band have performed for presidential candidates, governors, corporate groups, anywhere that great music and a great time was the goal. Ollie North has even been on stage -- so has Hootie And The Blowfish! One event planner even flew the band to San Juan, Puerto Rico to insure a flawless party. Not too bad! The entire band have passports! With The BS&M Band you'll notice the big difference -- crisp harmonies, a great stage show, state of the art equipment, attention to detail, and clean cut performers with a desire to please.

Of course these guys and gal are talented, but experienced as well and it pays off. They can shift gears in an instant delivering what every event needs. There will be a song and a dance for everyone - slow dance to upbeat rock 'n roll. Don't be surprised if you see the flower girl or ring bearer jamming' on a tambourine and cowbell! They MUST see everyone have a great time. " We realized early on that a wedding is one of the biggest days in a person's life and to be a part of something that special means make it the best!" says Dave Barton of The BS&M Band.
Not only is The BS&M Band extremely entertaining and engaging, they're easy to work with, too. Their band leader David Barton will happily work with you to ensure you're happy with the song selection prior to your event - including special requests or if someone wants to sit in with the band. He's exceptionally detail oriented and will work with you or your event coordinator to ensure a good flow & momentum and maximize the most music during the course of your event. Their state-of-the-art sound system is always at the volume level that suits you, and you can always count on the band looking great in sharp, stylish black or tux attire. Want a larger band? The BS&M Band can add a horn section, too!

Weddings often require a band that can easily move between light background music to high-energy, raise the roof dance music; from romantic ballads to get-everyone-on-the-floor party hits. The BS&M Band provides top quality fun, music and attention to detail. The BS&M Band can announce your wedding party as the enter the reception. The BS&M Band will take breaks when you are cutting your cake or taking pictures to play as much music as possible. The BS&M Band will perform fun tunes for your bouquet toss and garter traditions and The BS&M Band will happily make any announcements you may require during the course of the reception. For events as varied as upscale weddings to back yard throw downs
-- The BS&M Band can cover it all!

.-Laura O'Brien, Publicist

BS&M will perform first dance requests for your wedding reception!
If you should have a song that is not on this list please let us know in advance and they'll
learn it for your reception). Please see the rider for details. They've had some real crazy
ones over the years! The band will also play any of their tunes from
the Alcove Records release The Post Modern Tradition or American Sun
only if requested. All material performed will be
"cover songs" or songs by others off our large song list.

At receptions BS&M emphasize upbeat,
danceable, variety music from the fifties to today!

BS&M can announce your wedding party as they enter the reception
room and make your general announcements.
They can help organize your procession if needed. Just ask !
 BS&M do provide a professional master of ceremony.
BS&M will take breaks when you are cutting your cake or you
are taking pictures so as to play as much music as possible!
BS&M will work with wedding coordinators to insure a good flow to your reception.
BS&M will perform fun tunes for your bouquet toss and garter traditions.
How about "Another one bites the dust?"
BS&M will make any announcements you may have.
If someone wants to sit in with the band that's Ok too!
BS&M travels with a state of the art professional sound system
to insure clear sound at acceptable volume.
BS&M will work with YOU to solve any problems that may arise
to make your reception a complete success!
BS&M always dresses and grooms professionally.
BS&M always performs at a professional volume.
The BS&M CELL is is 1-804-363-2115
for any of your immediate or emergency needs.

During the course of the reception BS&M
will handle Master of Ceremony duties such
as announcing the bridal party, announcing cake cutting,
and the garter and/or bouquet toss. This is, of course, IF you want us to.
We are more than happy to relinquish these duties if you have a
favorite uncle or friend that you would prefer to do this.

Do you have a friend or relative who is a musician?
  We encourage them to "sit in" with the band on a couple of numbers. 
There is no better way to make your reception unique
then by having someone you know perform with the band.

BS&M can discuss prices only over the phone.
Prices change and vary depending on time and date.
Call as soon as you have a date in mind to insure availability.
Don't worry about the price being outlandish,
you'd be surprised at how affordable BS&M can be.

"Thank you so much for playing at our wedding. You cannot have played a
more perfect song set or projected a more appropriate energy. We had
tons of calls from family and friends reporting the tremendous time they
had. Each time we got such a report, the next comment is how great the
band and music were. We had quite few people report ours being the
most fun wedding they've ever been to - and by far the best music. Thank
you for everything - your talents, your professionalism and your
flexibility through the planning process."

Sincerely,

John and Tina Novogratz,