How to Put the “Fun” in “Fundraisers” through Jazz Performances by Razzmajazz Dixieland Band

When it comes to successful events, it goes without saying that the devil is in the details. You need to plan everything to a T. and make sure everything goes smoothly.  

Fundraisers may be a little different from corporate events but that doesn’t mean you can’t make them fun! 

We asked the amazing Razzmajazz Dixieland Band and Jon Stutler about how we can spruce up fundraisers with a live Jazz performance, and here’s what they told us:

Make Sure to Listen to Demos

First things first, before you hire a live Jazz band, make sure you go through all the demos on their website. You need to listen to at least three to four demo songs before making your decision.

You don’t want to hire someone who’s an amateur and doesn’t have any experience. You need a band that’s professional and has years of experience.

Make Your Own Playlist

You don’t have to shy away from requesting songs. In fact, make sure to encourage guests to requests songs the band can play! 

We recommend going with “Clarinet Marmalade” by Larry Shields of the Original Dixieland Jass Band. If you want something but slower, we recommend adding “Someday Sweetheart” to the list as well. Various artists have created their own version of this beautiful melody but of course, we’re talking about the Jelly Roll Morton one! 

Other classics to add include: Royal Garden Blues by Spencer Williams, Baby Won’t You Please Come Home by Charles Warfield and Clarence Williams, and After You’ve Gone by Turner Layton.

Make Sure Everyone is Having Fun

This one’s important. Make sure that all your guests are having fun. Your event needs to have games and activities that will keep your guests on their toes.

During the Jazz performance, you can ask them to request songs but that’s not the only way to keep them engaged! You can also challenge your guests to guess the songs the Jazz band will play. You can even divide guests into different teams and have a traditional Jazz dance competition!

Giveaways and Favors

Last but not least, don’t forget the favors and giveaways after the party. You can give them something that’s related to Jazz. We recommend adding the Jazz band’s album and CD to the basket so your guests can listen to it on their way home!

In Conclusion

Well, that’s all, folks! These are a few great ways to make sure your fundraiser is nothing less than amazing. 

If you’re looking for a traditional Swing Jazz band, Razzmajazz has the experience and talent to make sure your events are fun, entertaining, and unforgettable! 

Make sure to visit their website or give them a call at (817)-233-4149 to book their services for your next event.

They’ve had the honor of serving an array of clients, some of which include but are not limited to: 

• Six Flags Over Texas
• IBM 
• Globe Life Park
• Children's Medical Center
• Main Street Arts Festival - Fort Worth
• Denton Arts and Jazz Festival
• North American Society of First Responders
• Pecan Street Arts Festival - Arlington
• Anatole Hotel
• Fort Worth Boat Club
• St Alban's Parish - Anglican
• Walnut Creek Country Club
• Dallas Museum of Art
• National Semiconductor
• Fielder Road Baptist Church
• Anheuser-Busch
• Texas Rangers
• Albertson's Food Stores
• Richland Pointe Mall
• Mesquite Exchange Club
• AeroSpace Optics
• Plano Firefighters Assoc.
• Junior League of Arlington
• Ft. Worth Cattledrive Rest. 
• Brinker International
• Park Suites Hotel 
• Dallas Mavericks
• Case Power and Equipment
• Mira Vista Country Club
• Law Offices of Windle Turley Turley

Recorded Jazz vs. Live Jazz: Why Live Performances Make Jazz All The More Fun

Jazz—especially Dixieland jazz—is one such music genre that sounds best when heard live. Listening to a trumpet blaring at a high volume is twice more fun when you can actually see the smooth golden instrument being swayed while being played. 

The band in costumes, the assembly of instruments, and the final show—all contribute to the musical ambiance that live jazz creates. Not to mention, live jazz is important to the music culture and history of New Orleans. Thus staying true to its roots, Dixieland jazz is best performed and enjoyed live.  

Here’s why live jazz is absolutely worth your passion.

Jazz brings people together

How do you not get up from your seat at a party, grab a partner and hit the dance floor when Blues My Naughty Sweetie starts playing? This light-hearted, upbeat song is all you need to gravitate toward the dancing crowd and join the party. 

With Havin’ Fun playing live, there’s no chance you won’t feel the need to mingle with the crowd and have some fun. This is why Dixieland jazz is known to bring people together, even if they aren’t more than just acquaintances. With jazz playing right, you can tap and clap away all your worries and just live in the moment! 

Suit the Moment

With a jazz band on your list, you don’t have to worry at all about the music scene at your party. Be it with Puttin’–On the Ritz! Or Sweet Georgia Brown, you can always tailor your music sequences and song selections according to the occasion. 

The best part is that you get to improvise on the spot and add a flourish that your audience wasn’t expecting. If you’re talking about ways to keep your audience engaged, there’s no better way than this.

Set the Theme

If you think this is all, you still don’t know the might of live music—and that too, jazz music. With Navy Day coming up on October 27, there will be many who’d be hosting themed parties to commemorate the occasion. Since jazz bands have historically played their best pieces to celebrate the day, it’s quite likely that the tradition will continue this year as well.

As for us, our band ensemble is always ready for a new audience in a new place. Don’t mistake the war veterans for people who can’t enjoy some good music! After all, there’s no better way to spend an evening in good spirits than listen to some old-time traditional jazz. 

If you’re looking to book an original swing jazz band, Razzmajazz Dixieland Band is your best shot!

They have performed for many clients in the past and their performances are always better than the last. Here are some names who they’ve worked with: 

• Six Flags Over Texas
• IBM  
• Globe Life Park
• Children's Medical Center
• Main Street Arts Festival - Fort Worth
• Denton Arts and Jazz Festival
• North American Society of First Responders
• Pecan Street Arts Festival - Arlington
• Anatole Hotel
• Fort Worth Boat Club
• St Alban's Parish - Anglican
• Walnut Creek Country Club
• Dallas Museum of Art
• National Semiconductor
• Fielder Road Baptist Church
• Anheuser-Busch
• Texas Rangers
• Albertson's Food Stores
• Richland Pointe Mall
• Mesquite Exchange Club
• AeroSpace Optics
• Plano Firefighters Assoc.
• Junior League of Arlington
• Ft. Worth Cattledrive Rest.  
• Brinker International
• Park Suites Hotel  
• Dallas Mavericks
• Case Power and Equipment
• Mira Vista Country Club
• Law Offices of Windle Turley