Business Details
28 Years
experience
Premier Live Music Entertainment for Weddings & Events in Nashville
CityLightsBand has been elevating special events with exceptional live music for over 25 years. Founded by renowned Nashville woodwind virtuoso Sam Levine, our ensemble brings decades of experience performing across genres from jazz and swing to classical and contemporary. Our versatile musicians have shared stages with music legends like Aretha Franklin, Garth Brooks, and Vince Gill, establishing us as a trusted name in event entertainment. We offer customizable ensembles ranging from intimate trios to full seven-piece bands, specializing in weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations.With deep expertise in curating perfect musical atmospheres for ballroom dancing, cocktail hours, and concert settings, we combine artistic excellence with personalized service to create unforgettable experiences. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our meticulous attention to detail, professional approach, and the ability to adapt to diverse event requirements while maintaining the highest musical standards.
Services
Jazz Trio
Celtic Quartet
Classical Quintet
Dixieland Trio
Wedding Ensemble
Big Band
Solo Performances
Event Music Planning
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of professional experience creating perfect musical atmospheres for special events
- Our ensembles feature Nashville's premier woodwind player and vocalists with major industry credentials
- We provide customizable music configurations for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations
- Our musicians have performed with Grammy-winning artists across multiple music genres
- We specialize in creating seamless musical experiences for ballroom dancing and formal events
Services
Wedding Ensemble
CityLightsBand's Wedding Ensemble specializes in creating magical musical atmospheres for bridal events. Featuring Nashville's finest string players and experienced vocalists, we offer customizable music selections for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions. Our expert musicians adapt to various styles from classical processional pieces to modern dance arrangements, ensuring perfect musical accompaniment for every wedding moment while maintaining professional reliability and artistic excellence.
Jazz Trio
Our Jazz Trio delivers authentic swing and jazz performances perfect for smaller gatherings and cocktail events. Comprising saxophone, piano, and upright bass, this ensemble creates sophisticated background music for dinner parties and corporate functions. With deep roots in Nashville's music scene, we offer both traditional standards and contemporary arrangements that maintain the essence of classic jazz while appealing to modern audiences.
Celtic Quartet
The Celtic Quartet brings traditional Irish and Scottish music to life with authentic instrumentation and arrangements. This ensemble features specialized musicians who perform both classic folk pieces and modern interpretations for cultural events and themed celebrations. Our repertoire includes traditional reels, jigs, and ballads performed with technical precision and cultural sensitivity, creating immersive musical experiences for St. Patrick's Day events and heritage celebrations.
Big Band Ensemble
Our Big Band Ensemble recreates the golden age of swing with powerful horn sections and dynamic vocal performances. Featuring Nashville's premier male vocalist specializing in Sinatra-style standards, this configuration delivers energetic dance music for ballroom events and large-scale celebrations. The ensemble combines vintage arrangements with modern production techniques to create authentic big band experiences that engage contemporary audiences while honoring traditional swing music heritage.
Solo Performances
Sam Levine offers solo performances showcasing his mastery of saxophone, flute, and clarinet for intimate settings. These performances feature versatile arrangements of popular standards and contemporary pieces, ideal for small private events and background music requirements. With decades of experience in both studio and live performance settings, the solo act maintains professional quality while adapting to various venue sizes and event formats.
People
Sam Levine
Founder & Lead Musician
Nashville's premier woodwind player with over 30 years of experience, Sam has performed with music legends including Aretha Franklin and Garth Brooks while leading CityLightsBand for 25 years.
Paula Chavis
Lead Vocalist
Award-winning jazz vocalist with 25 years of experience performing with CityLightsBand, known for her gospel and contemporary styles. Paula has shared stages with Charlie Daniels and Amy Grant, maintaining an active recording career.
Matt Belsante
Male Vocalist
Nashville's premier big band vocalist specializing in Sinatra-style standards, Matt has performed with CityLightsBand for 10 years while maintaining a successful recording career with Green Hill Productions.
Questions
What types of events do you perform at?
We specialize in weddings, corporate events, private parties, and formal celebrations with customizable music options for each occasion.
Can you accommodate special music requests?
Yes, our musicians can arrange special songs for important moments like first dances and ceremony processions.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend booking 6-12 months ahead for weddings, with corporate events typically scheduled 3-6 months in advance.
Do you provide event music planning assistance?
Yes, we offer complimentary consultation to help plan music timing and transitions for your event's specific needs.
What equipment do you require?
We provide our own instruments and basic sound equipment, requiring only electricity and adequate performance space.
Are you available for out-of-town events?
Yes, we travel for events with additional fees covering transportation and accommodations when required.
