Business Details
27 Years
experience
Premier Chicago Wedding & Corporate Event Band
Standing Room Only Orchestra has been delivering exceptional live music experiences since 1999. Our ensemble of seasoned vocalists and musicians brings unmatched energy and versatility to weddings and corporate events across Chicago and the Midwest. With customizable band sizes ranging from intimate trios to 10-piece orchestras, we specialize in creating unforgettable dance floors through curated song lists and professional emcee services.Recognized by The Knot and WeddingWire, our team prioritizes quality over quantity, ensuring personalized attention to every event. Our commitment to excellence extends to seamless planning, state-of-the-art sound systems, and a loyal team of full-time musicians dedicated to making your event extraordinary.
Services
10-piece big band
9-piece ensemble
7-piece orchestra
6-piece lounge band
customizable packages
ceremony music
cocktail hour music
corporate event music
sound system rental
event emcee services
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in live wedding and corporate event music
- Our band configurations scale from 5 to 10 members to match your needs
- Award-winning ensemble recognized by The Knot and WeddingWire
- We provide professional emcee services and custom song arrangements
- Our full-time musicians have performed at over 1,500 events nationwide
What people say
Packed dance floors
Professional emcee services
Versatile song selection
Award-winning musicianship
Seamless event planning
Services
10-piece big band
Our largest ensemble featuring three vocalists, rhythm section, and three-piece horn section. Provides full concert-quality sound for grand events. Includes live cocktail and dinner music with customized song arrangements.
9-piece ensemble
Dynamic band with dual vocalists, rhythm section, and three-piece horn section. Ideal for mid-sized venues requiring high-energy performances. Offers flexible song selection and professional emcee services.
7-piece orchestra
Balanced ensemble with vocalists, rhythm section, and saxophone. Perfect for medium-sized events needing versatile musical arrangements. Includes professional sound equipment and emcee coordination.
6-piece lounge band
Compact ensemble with dual vocalists and rhythm section. Suitable for smaller venues while maintaining energetic performances. Comes with professional sound system and customizable set lists.
customizable packages
Tailored band configurations to match budget and space requirements. Options include ceremony music, cocktail hour performances, and extended dance sets with professional equipment and planning support.
People
Kara Kesselring
Owner/Keyboardist
Music degree from University of Iowa, 20+ years performing experience, former Jersey Boys touring member, and current bandleader with expertise in event coordination and musician management.
Patrick Williams
Co-owner/Bassist
Professional bassist and sound engineer with extensive event production experience, working alongside Kara to maintain musical excellence and client satisfaction through personalized service and quality control.
Questions
How far in advance should we book the band?
We recommend booking 12-18 months in advance for Chicago weddings, though we accommodate shorter timelines when available.
Can you perform at non-wedding events?
Yes, we perform at corporate events, holiday parties, and special occasions with customized music selections to match your event's atmosphere.
Do you travel for events?
We travel throughout the Midwest and for destination weddings, with additional arrangements for travel expenses beyond the Chicago area.
Can we request specific songs?
Yes, we offer customized song selections and can learn special dance arrangements with sufficient advance notice.
What equipment do you provide?
We provide professional sound systems, in-ear monitors, and lighting equipment with on-site sound engineers for optimal audio quality.
What's your cancellation policy?
Deposits are non-refundable, but we offer rescheduling options for pandemic-related cancellations with minimal administrative fees.
