The art of dinner music

At a wedding, it’s obvious that the DJ creates the party, the dance, the ‘fun’.

At almost every wedding, the DJ is also responsible for music during dinner. I think the bride, mother of the bride, etc should have a lot of say in what’s being played for their guests. I’ve had requests for many things that just didn’t seem like great music for dinner. Aren’t people eating and talking during this time?

Call me old-fashioned, but great dinner music fills the air with pleasantness, without dominating the room, and without being a distraction. Often the songs chosen are built around great love themes, sung by classic artists. Instrumental arrangements can also be warm and enjoyable during dinner.

Here’s my list of favorite dinner music selections:

• R N R – Rick Braun/Richard Elliot
• Groove On – Eric Darius
• Nothin’ But Trouble – Charlie Hunter
• Just Around the Corner – Eric Marienthal
• Brazil Chill – Bob Baldwin
• Georgia Peach – Acoustic Alchemy
• Teaneck – Nancy Wilson with Cannonball Adderley
• I Still Get Jealous – Harry Connick, Jr.
• Bellavia – Chuck Mangione
• Angela Smiled – W.G. Snuffy Waldren & Snuffy
• Fly me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra
• Come Dance with Me – Diana Krall
• Let’s Fall in Love – Diana Krall
• La Rosa Negra – Ottmar Liebert
• Beyond the Sea – Bobby Darin
• Alright, Okay, You Win – Tony Bennett with Diana Krall
• Something’s Gotta Give – Sammy Davis, Jr.
• Moondance – Michael Bublé
• The Summer Wind – Frank Sinatra
• Titter Pipes – Tommy Newsom
• Uptown Swagger – Eric Darius
• Don’t Get Around Much Anymore – Billy Strayhorn, Johnny Hodges & Septet

And the list can go on and on. 22 songs (from this list) is about 80 minutes of music, and plenty to get you through most any dinner.

Have a wonderful dance party, but enjoy the ambiance at dinner as well.