Wedding Music

The soft sound of acoustic steel drums drifting on the ocean breeze lets you know instantly that you've arrived at your destination- the American Caribbean. It's a sound that will please all the generations that have come together to celebrate your wedding. Starting with time-honored romantic classics from Gershwin and Cole Porter as your guests gather for the ceremony, then on to traditional processional music. Enjoy your wedding dinner under the stars, spiced with calypso, reggae and Key-West style favorites. Then it's time for the steel drums to blaze and the conga line to start. There's no party like an island party.

How I work:

For wedding ceremonies I generally play acoustic steel drums. They have a clear, bell-like sound, and have a real elegance in an outdoor setting. For the reception I add backup music which I arrange myself on keyboards. I can provide whatever level of energy you desire, from a slow simmer to a full-blown caribbean fete'. I can also add additional musicians for greater variety, if you wish.

I can also provide a PA system for your officiant to use for a reasonable additional fee, whether or not power is available.
The ceremony is more enjoyable for your guests when they can actually hear your vows!

Experience; Reliability:

Ask your wedding planner or hotel sales representative about my track record in Key West. I realize that your wedding is a once in a lifetime event, and I guarantee good memories of good music. In 2004-2006 I have performed at 200+ weddings.

Recent Endorsements:

Southernmost House-October 7, 2005

Dear Mr. Wist,

You provided the music for our wedding ceremony and cocktail reception at The Southernmost House on October 7, 2005, and thank you so much for all your wonderful music; you were just great. We wanted a wedding that would reflect our casual, fun style but still be tasteful, beautiful and island memorable. Stephanie Happ of Swept Away Destination Weddings recommended you and, as with all of her recommendations, she was right. Your impressive music selection (no one could believe it when you performed the wedding march), flawless sound and professional yet fun demeanor allowed us to have the most amazing wedding -- not just the wedding of our dreams, but even better. In addition to us, every one of our guests said it was just the most beautiful, fun wedding they had ever attended (which was important to us since they had traveled so far for our wedding).
Thank you again, and if you ever need a recommendation, please do not hesitate to use us.

Thank you and best always,
Ben & Sonia Cudd

The Reach-November 8, 2005

Dear Jim,

Now that we're back in the UK, we just wanted to let you know that we thoroughly enjoyed our Wedding day and wanted to thank you for making it so special with the wonderful music that you played for us.
With kind regards,

Janice & Brian (Mr & Mrs Warwick)

Casa Marina-May 7, 2005

Hi Jim,

I just had to tell you how totally pleased we were with your performance at my daughter's wedding on Saturday. Everyone commented on how good you were, and how beautiful the drums sounded. It was a pleasure to have you there, and your professionalism is greatly appreciated. There was NO stress dealing with you from beginning to end. Feel free to use us as a reference any time! You helped to make the day very special. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Chris Absheer

The Reach-May 5, 2005

I just wanted to let you know how many compliments we received on your music at our wedding on 5/5/05. As the bride, I missed most of it but we plan on ordering your CD. Thank you for the part you played in making my wedding day perfect! I am giving you an A+ on my review on the Knot!

Thanks again!
Jenn Jacques

Duval Beach Club-May 29, 2005

Vendor review from theknot.com:

Steel Drums: A++ Jim Wist

I didn't realize it was possible to play the bridal march on steel drums, but Jim made it so beautiful people started crying as soon as he started playing it. Jim was fantastic. He worked with whatever we wanted to do, and had no problems. This was another thing we heard compliments on over and over again...the music.

Booking:

You may book me directly. Please submit the booking information form on this site, and I can check my availability and quote a price. A complimentary demo CD is available. Your wedding planner may also offer my services as part of your package.