Oheka Castle Wedding

Central Park Orchestra performed at an Oheka Castle wedding on Long Island this past Friday. The band actually had 5 weddings coming up this fall at Oheka. If you have been to Oheka then, you know what an amazing venue it is!

In honor of the bride’s Chinese heritage, right after the bride and groom danced their first dance, the traditional Chinese Lion Dance was performed. There was a taiko drummer and 2 percussionists providing the rhythm while the “Lions” performed in bright red 15′ long lion costumes.

Another very cool and different event was the bride’s dance with her father (father/daughter dance). The band started with “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” (Hawaiian version) then went into “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5 and finally “Tik Tok” by Ke$ha. The guests went wild in cheers and joined them half way through “Tik Tok” as the band went into an hour-long contemporary dance set (as requested).

A family tradition was also carried out for the groom’s family. That was an extended version of “Shout” by the Isley Brothers. The band had the groom’s father, uncles and cousins going completely WILD!

Technical notes:

First dance song – Mario World 2-2

Cake Cutting song – L.O.V.E. by Nat King Cole

Song for groom and mom dance – Stay as Sweet as you Are – Nat King Cole

Medley for bride & dad – Somewhere Over the Rainbow, I Want You Back, Tik Tok

Band: 10-piece band including 2 female vocalists & 1 male vocalist up front, 3 other male vocalist/musicians on keyboards, guitar and drums, 3 horn players and a bass player

Lighting: Wireless LED lighting in the grand staircase and around the perimeter of the ballroom (Terrace Room) with a lighting technician changing lights to the music

Stage: 2-tiers 12′ deep by 24′ wide