From the bride: "The music was wonderful! We could not have asked for a better band. Our guests were really impressed; the Uptown Society Orchestra really made our reception special."
Uptown Swing Sextet
The Uptown Swing Sextet (with Vocalists Nancy Kelly or Nancy Donnelly)
The Uptown Society Orchestra may have had six members, but it sounded as if it had twice as many as members blew triumphantly throughout New Years eve night. (Front page Kalamazoo Gazette, regarding the New Years Eve Festival 2004, Kalamazoo, Michigan) ---Bill Wood, Arts and Entertainment critic, Kalamazoo Gazette
The music by the Uptown Society Orchestra, at Hurd Orchards exceeded our expectations. The ambience was perfect, and we really enjoyed the music. Sharon Garafello, NYC
We loved the music of the UPO, for they played the music of our era perfectly. We enjoyed the band so much, we invited them down to Albany, NY for a follow-up reception for my Son and Daughter in law. My guests loved the band, and we would recommend this group to anyone. Lewis Sperber, Albany, NY
"When we heard the Uptown Society perform at a New Year's Eve concert we knew that we wanted them to play at our wedding. They had the perfect blend of jazz, swing and romantic ballads. They are excellent musicians and we were thrilled to find that they were available for our wedding. Our guests were thrilled that we hired them; we received so many compliments. Uptown Society provided a wonderful 'soundtrack' for our storybook wedding." Eric and Kim von Oeyen, Battle Creek, MI
"I would love to make a statement regarding the wonderful music and the way you and your band were so accommodating. Many of our guests commented about the great choice of music that we chose and mostly that they did not have to shout in order to make conversation with the other guests at the table. Mark and I were very happy that Kate and I could work with you to make her and Dan's day what they wanted it to be." Thank you again, Paula and Mark Stephanic and Kate and Dan Bartlett Grand Rapids, MI
My fiancee and I really dug The Uptown Society Orchestra at the East Lansing Art Fair, and thought it would be great for our wedding. It’s a great band with a great sound. -Dave Rosin, Musician and Educator, Lansing, MI
"We were so pleased with the music and your group was great. Everyone enjoyed, and it was just what we had in mind. This was just an outstanding group.. Thank-you!" -David and Karen Source, Rochester, NY
This uniquely orchestrated sextet can expand to as many as 8 pieces upon request. (With the addition of Guitar and Vocals) The group’s primary instrumentation is Trumpet, Trombone, Saxes, Piano, Bass and Drums. The group can play over 250 arrangements of the American Song book, written by members of Smithsonian Jazz. Upon request, Uptown adds one of the NY’s best vocalists in Nancy Kelly or Nancy Donnelly.
The members of Rick Holland’s Uptown sextet have performed with established artists such as--Natalie Cole, Harry Connick Jr., Randy Brecker, Kevin Mahagony, Clark Terry, Phil Woods, The Dorsey Bros. Orchestra’s , Tony Bennet to Peggy Lee! Plus many more!
This group plays everything from wedding receptions, festivals to corporate and private events.