Business Details
27 Years
experience
Your Premier Wedding & Corporate Event Band in Chicago
Standing Room Only has established itself as Chicagos premier live wedding and corporate event band since 1999. Our ensemble of seasoned vocalists and musicians delivers high-energy performances tailored to each clients vision, ensuring unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages. With customizable band sizes ranging from intimate trios to energetic 10-piece orchestras, we cater to diverse event needs while maintaining exceptional musical quality. Our accolades from industry leaders like The Knot and WeddingWire reflect our commitment to excellence. Led by owner Kara Kesselring and her husband Patrick Williams, we combine decades of experience with personalized service, overseeing every detail from initial planning to final performance.Our transparency in pricing, inclusive packages, and dedication to client satisfaction have solidified our reputation as a trusted, boutique-style entertainment provider. We specialize in curating music that resonates with guests, fostering vibrant atmospheres at over 1,500 venues statewide and beyond. With in-house sound engineering expertise and a loyal team of professionals, we prioritize seamless execution, ensuring every event reaches its full potential.
Services
10-piece band
9-piece band
7-piece band
6-piece band
Custom event planning
Ceremony music
Cocktail hour music
Dinner music
Reception music
Emcee services
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- Award-winning Chicago wedding band with multiple industry recognitions
- Customizable band sizes to fit budget and event needs
- Professional sound and lighting equipment included
- Experienced team ensuring seamless event coordination
- Positive client testimonials highlighting exceptional service
What people say
Packed dance floors
Exceptional professionalism
Versatile music selection
Unforgettable events
Award-winning performances
Services
10-piece band
Our largest ensemble features 3 vocalists, a rhythm section, and full horn section. Ideal for grand celebrations needing dynamic energy and complex musical arrangements. Clients appreciate how this configuration transforms events into unforgettable spectacles with powerful live performances that keep audiences engaged throughout.
Ceremony music
Customizable live performances for wedding ceremonies using piano, strings, trumpet, or vocalists. We help couples create personalized musical atmospheres that reflect their unique love stories while maintaining formal elegance during this special moment.
Emcee services
Professional event guidance ensuring smooth transitions and timeline adherence. Our emcees coordinate with vendors and manage event flow, combining musical expertise with organizational skills to maintain a cohesive, stress-free celebration.
Custom song arrangements
Tailored musical adaptations for special dances or ceremonies. We accommodate unique requests with professional arrangements when given sufficient preparation time, ensuring personalized moments receive the musical attention they deserve while maintaining our energetic standard performance quality.
Corporate event entertainment
High-energy performances tailored to professional gatherings and company celebrations. Our adaptable repertoire and experienced team create engaging environments for corporate clients seeking memorable entertainment solutions that appeal to diverse workplace demographics.
People
Kara Kesselring
Owner/Keyboardist/Vocalist
Music degree holder from University of Iowa with 20+ years leading Chicago's top wedding band. Former Broadway performer who revitalized this legacy ensemble after three-year hiatus, combining artistic expertise with business acumen to maintain industry leadership.
Patrick Williams
Owner/Sound Engineer
Bassist and sound engineering specialist working alongside Kara since their return from Broadway. Brings technical expertise and operational management skills to ensure both musical quality and business excellence in every event performance.
Questions
How far in advance should I book your band?
We typically book 12-18 months ahead for Chicago weddings. Early booking recommended as we only perform one event per evening.
What instrument configurations do you offer?
Our standard bands feature guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, male/female vocalists. Larger packages add horns and additional singers based on client preferences.
Do you perform outside Chicago?
While based in Chicago, we travel throughout the Midwest and accommodate destination events with proper planning and coordination.
What's included in your standard packages?
3-hour dance sets, pre-recorded DJ music, emcee services, equipment setup, and early load-in. Custom options available for special requirements.
How do you handle payment schedules?
A $2,000 deposit secures your booking. Final payment due 7-14 days before the event with clear terms outlined in our contract.
Can you accommodate special music requests?
Our extensive library covers many genres. We'll learn special dances with advance notice or incorporate preferred songs into our existing repertoire.
