Shine

A Wedding Reception at the Four Seasons in Boston is always one of our favorite places to play.

I always get a kick out of running into brides and grooms years after Shine played at their wedding reception. We’ve played everywhere in New England, from Newport, Rhode Island to Bangor, Maine. From Western Massachusetts and the Berkshires to Nantucket Island – and everywhere in between!

Recently, this happened to me twice in the same week! The band was performing at a reception at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston. While we were on our dinner break, the photographer for the wedding, Leah Haydock, mentioned that Shine had played at her wedding a couple years ago in New Hampshire! What a pleasant coincidence and I must say an enjoyable person to work with. You can find Leah’s photos and more information at her website.

A few days later, I had my annual routine physical and the doctor’s assistant nurse and I began talking while having my blood pressure checked. After the usual “what kind of work do you do” chatter,  we realized that Shine had also played at her wedding reception on Cape Cod a few years ago. Both of us chuckled how the reception started off so reserved but quickly evolved into a wild dance party that she had hoped it would. Everyone had a great time!

It’s a small world, I guess you never know who you are going to run into.

p.s. Join us at Facebook! If we played at your wedding reception we’d love to hear from you!

{ 0 comments }

Having performed live music at over 1,500 weddings and parties in New England, it would be a huge understatement to say, “Shine has seen a lot…”

We have many stories to share, as well as many suggestions if you are searching for a location for a special event. Finding a reception site or wedding venue that suits your needs can be tricky, even if you are from the area.

From our experience, here are some suggestions on places that our band has particularly enjoyed working at, in case you need some ideas.

Since we are from the Boston area, the Massachusetts reception sites are more numerous:

* * * * * Massachusetts Favorites

Four Seasons Hotel, Boston, MA – Aujord‘hui is a newly renovated event space in the hotel. The elegant natural wood on the walls, along with the carpeting make the acoustics a perfect space for a band and live music. The catering staff is also very friendly and accommodating.

New Seabury Country Club, Mashpee, MA – One of the truly finest wedding venues on cape Cod. The view from the deck is second to none for ceremonies and cocktail hour. You can easily see Martha’s Vineyard and there’s plenty of room inside –including air conditioning for those humid July receptions!

Fruitlands Museum, Harvard, MA – Not well known, but a very beautiful rural setting not far from Boston. They are very flexible there in terms of creating a relaxed atmosphere away from the overly structured weddings.

Exchange Conference Center, Boston, MA -  Best kept secret on the waterfront, near the World Trade Center and Seaport Hotel. Walk out the door and you are literally on a pier several feet away from all Boston Harbor and its nautical beauty.

The Museum of Science, Boston, MA – ON the Charles River, a great tent and patio that most folks never knew existed.

Elm Bank, Wellesley, MA – World class gardens, excellent choices for your ceremony, spacious carriage house for a good sized reception.  Ask for Jen.

The Red Lion Inn, Cohasset, MA – Best of the South Shore. Seaside country feel, also GREAT acoustics.

* * * * * Rhode Island Favorites

Glen Manor, Portsmouth, RI -  A beautiful estate on the water without the logistics of navigating Newport.

The Village Inn, Narragansett, RI – The folks who run this fun venue could not be more friendly and enthusiastic about creating a fun environment for your function.

* * * * * New Hampshire Favorites

Wentworth-by-the Sea Hotel, Rye, NH -  A full service facility that includes rooms for guests and amazing views. There are two rooms available, both great for a wedding band in New Hampshire.

Bedford Village Inn, Bedford, NH – The charm of a country Inn can be unbeatable. Great garden for a wedding ceremony – and also a wonderful spot for a winter wedding. Guest rooms also on the property.

Sky Meadow, Nashua, NH – Plenty of room for a full scale dance party! Nice foyer for cocktail hour and a fantastic catering staff.

* * * * * Favorites in York, Maine – all very unique and so close to Boston!

The Reading Room, York Harbor Inn, York Golf and Tennis Club

These are just a few of our favorite spots to play music at a wedding or corporate event in the New England area. There is more information available, I’ll post more suggestions later,  feel free to contact me anytime with any questions!

John Harris
The Shine Band
(781) 545-6011

Drop me a line for a free quote and hire Shine for your wedding reception!

{ 0 comments }