We recently met a wonderful band called “The Zoots” while photographing Jenny and Alan’s Wedding in Cambridge. At this time of year I always like to blog any wedding suppliers that have caught my attention over the year. The Zoots were absolutely brilliant and definitely worthy of a mention to all of our couples busy wedding planning for next year.
Jamie began his musical career as a drummer at the age of 12. He started his own group in 1999 and it took off from there. He met the lovely Harriet in 2011 and they now work together running the group. Together they have toured the globe performing at a whole host of events from 2000 seater theatres to intimate weddings and parties. I emailed over some questions to Harriett and this is what she told me about the band.
How long have you been together ?
Front man Jamie has been in the industry over twenty years with a variety of bands. The Zoots were formed in 2009 after a cry from Jamie’s fans for a 1960’s show. We jumped at the chance, worked hard on the show and “The Zoots” were born. The Zoots are more than a 1960 tributes show. Our current repertoire spans six decades with well over 200 songs including Rock n roll, pop, punk, funk and Soul and indie hits. We usually perform a mix of songs. The boys, Ben, Mike, Simon and Stu joined the group in 2012 – 2014.
Memorable places you have performed ?
The Zoots have been all over the world performing at lots of venues and events touring over 30 countries. Some of the more memorable places are Cliveden, Hammersmith Palais, The Palladium Theatre, London Guildhall, Highclere Castle and Aynhoe Park.
Any Highlights ?
Highlights last year included being selected to perform at the exclusive “Angry Birds Go launch, being chosen to entertain the technical gurus from Nokia for their Christmas Party. Next year we will be performing in Sweden, Santorini, Spain and Sardinia as well as up and down the UK.
How do you select the music for a Wedding for example ?
We always welcome input from every couple. We find out what they like and don’t. Any meaningful songs or special mentions. We then look at their favorites and build our sets around these. While it can be tempting for a couple to choose every song we play, we advise against this where possible. Having been in the industry for over twenty years we have learnt a lot. We know what does and doesn’t work. A favourite song for a couple may not be the best to get their guests up and dancing !
Why do you like performing at Weddings ?
Being asked to perform at a wedding is a real honour. It’s a day that each couple will remember forever. Every single wedding we perform at we treat as if we are performing for our best friends. We always try to make the experience as personal and exciting as it should be. We spend a long time before the big day making plans and checking timings so that its absolutely perfect on the night. From the moment someone gets in touch with us, until the end of the wedding night we give every aspect of the Wedding and the evening the attention it deserves. Watching a couple performing their first dance together is such a privilege, we never take it for granted. Watching their friends and families literally dance the night away to our music is so inspiring. Receiving such wonderful praise, feedback and literal chants for “We want more”, is what makes it all worth while.
Here are a few pics we took of the Zoots performing at Jenny and Alan’s wedding, their full blog coming soon. Trust me , they are brilliant and will create a night to remember. The dance floor was full all evening.
Come back soon for some fab florists and make up artists from this year.
Karen x
