Business Details
27 Years
experience
Chicago's Premier Wedding & Event Band Experience
Standing Room Only Orchestra has been delivering exceptional live music experiences since 1999. Our ensemble of seasoned vocalists and musicians specializes in creating customized performances for weddings and corporate events, combining decades of collective experience with a commitment to quality over quantity. We pride ourselves on our versatility, offering ensembles ranging from intimate trios to 10-piece big bands, all backed by meticulous planning and state-of-the-art sound equipment. Recognized by The Knot and WeddingWire as one of Chicago's top wedding bands, we maintain strict quality control through our in-house team of dedicated professionals.Our leadership brings Broadway-caliber expertise and a boutique approach to every event, ensuring seamless execution from initial consultation to final performance. With over 1,500 events at prestigious venues nationwide, we combine rockstar energy with meticulous professionalism to create unforgettable experiences. Our musicians' loyalty and longevity with the company guarantee consistent excellence, while our flexible packages make live music accessible across various budgets.
Services
Wedding Ceremonies
Corporate Events
Cocktail Music
Dinner Entertainment
Dance Parties
Sound Equipment
Event Planning
Custom Song Requests
Destination Weddings
Public Performances
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We've performed at over 1,500 weddings and corporate events since 1999
- Our musicians maintain an average tenure of 10+ years with the company
- We provide custom band configurations from 5 to 10 pieces
- Recognized by The Knot as Chicago's top wedding band
- We own all sound and lighting equipment for consistent quality
What people say
Packed dance floor
Rockstar vocalists
Professional show
Versatile song selection
Unforgettable experience
Services
Wedding Band Services
Our wedding band services feature customizable ensembles from 5 to 10 musicians, including vocalists, rhythm sections, and horn players. We provide ceremony music, cocktail hour performances, and high-energy reception sets. Clients receive personalized planning assistance and curated song lists to ensure perfect musical accompaniment for every wedding moment.
Corporate Event Performances
Specializing in corporate entertainment, we offer dynamic live music for company parties, galas, and conferences. Our versatile repertoire spans multiple genres to appeal to diverse professional audiences. The band provides sound equipment, emcee services, and customized performance schedules to align with event timelines and branding requirements.
Custom Ensemble Configurations
We offer tailored band sizes from intimate 5-piece clubs to full 10-piece orchestras. Each configuration includes professional musicians with specific instrumentation combinations. Clients can select from predefined packages or create custom ensembles to match venue size, budget, and musical preferences while maintaining performance quality.
Event Planning Support
Our planning support includes timeline creation, vendor coordination, and emcee services. We work with clients to develop customized event schedules and ensure seamless transitions between ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and reception phases. This service guarantees musical elements integrate perfectly with overall event logistics.
Sound Equipment Rental
We provide professional-grade sound systems including subwoofers, powered speakers, and in-ear monitoring technology. Our equipment rental includes setup, operation by certified engineers, and breakdown services. Additional PA systems are available for ceremonies and speech requirements with appropriate microphones and technical support.
People
Kara Kesselring
Owner & Bandleader
Kara Kesselring founded Standing Room Only Orchestra in 1999 after completing her music degree at the University of Iowa. With Broadway touring experience and over two decades leading the company, she oversees all musical and business operations while maintaining hands-on involvement in event coordination.
Patrick Williams
Co-Owner
Patrick Williams, bassist and sound engineer, co-owns Standing Room Only Orchestra with Kara Kesselring. His technical expertise ensures optimal audio quality for every performance while managing the company's sound equipment inventory and technical operations.
Questions
How far in advance should I book the band?
We recommend booking 12-18 months before your event date to ensure availability, especially for weekend dates during peak wedding season.
Can you perform at destination weddings?
Yes, we travel throughout the Midwest and can accommodate destination weddings nationwide with proper planning and coordination.
Do you offer custom song arrangements?
We can learn special songs for first dances or other key moments with sufficient lead time for arrangement and rehearsal.
What's included in your standard packages?
All packages include 3 hours of performance, sound equipment, emcee services, and pre-recorded DJ music for transitional periods.
How do you handle event coordination?
We provide comprehensive planning support including timeline creation, vendor coordination, and emcee services to ensure seamless event execution.
