Saint Gabriels Celestial Brass New Orleans Funeral & Homegoing Band

Client Testimonials

Anna Martignetti

Bride

St. Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band made our wedding the success it was. They are talented, flexible and extremely high energy. Tom Wiggins, the band leader, was wonderful to work with and very responsive. We had a wedding parade from our ceremony to our reception and the band made it a hit. So many guests said it was their favorite part of the wedding and any wedding they had ever been to. If you're thinking about booking St. Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band don't hesitate- just do it! You and your guests will be blown away by their enthusiasm and talent.

Amber Whitman

Events Director NorthStar Ski Resorts

They were great! They really brought our Fat Tuesday celebration to life! -Amber W, Truckee, CA 2011
They were even better for our Mardi Gras party in 2012
They are so good I hired them to play my wedding as well.

Joel Reger

Brentwood Retirement Community CenterNews

These guys exceeded our expectations. All of our members completely enjoyed the experience and were very impressed with the quality of their performance. Joel Reger Director of Resort Operations -Joel R, Brentwood, CA

Pamela L, Los Angeles, CA

Event Planner for Princess House Inc.

St. Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band were awesome. Our attendees absolutely loved them. Tom was so easy to work with and accommodating as we had a few changes on site. I would highly recommend St. Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band! -Pamela L, Los Angeles, CA

Katie Delano

Coalinga Chamber of Commerce

Saint Gabriel's you guys rocked our Parade and we were so happy to finally be able to get your participation at the Horned Toad Derby and Parade Event. Everybody loves you guys thank you, thank you, thank you. Hope we can do it again Next year. You brought so much fun to everyone.

Romy Thompson

Bride

Saint Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band were all that and then some, made my special day totally unforgettable for all of us.

Thank you all very much, it took me right back home to New Orleans.

Cathy Gessert

Bride

Tom,

Thank you and the band for making my Wedding so special everyone loved your band and music so much and my husband was totally surprised.

Richelle Skillicorn

LaRincanada Country Club Los Gatos, Ca.

Tom

Thanks for a great party for our members, they loved you guys and want you back again soon. you were the hit of the party.

Jim Farley CEO Director

Marin County Fair San Rafael, Ca.

Tom, Thanks to you and all the guys for bringing your Beautiful Music to our Fair, it was loved by everyone and we had nothing but great compliments, looking forward to inviting you back again.

Amber Whitman

Northstar Ski Resort, Truckee, Ca.

Tom, thanks once again for a great job for our Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Celebration, everybody loved you guys again especially the Parade for the Kids around the Ice Skating Rink. Look forward to having you back again.

Amber

Karen Filben

CBS Radio Sacramento, Ca.

Hi Tom & da boys in da band!

Thank you so much, again, for playing at Naughty Gras on Saturday. You and the band are such an important part of the event and I was thrilled to have you back. As soon as I have the date for next year’s event, I’ll let you know so you can put it on the books.

Jennifer Moses

Private Party

We called Saint Gabriels' Brass Band for an unusual request, and wow did they deliver!! A surprise Birthday Party and we wanted them to sneak into the house from the rear and upstairs, then at just the appropriate time come marching and blasting down the spiral staircase playing Happy Birthday. They did it and totally caught the Party Boy and all the guests by total surprise and they were even better than we anticipated, easy to work with and cooperative in every way especially for just such a short engagement. we wanted them for just a special effect and surprise, and they certainly delivered it perfectly, even thought they spent a lot more time just getting to the party and finding a place to park and driving back home than they did playing. They were worth every penny of it the guest would have liked them to stay all evening, but we had already hired another smaller jazz band to play for dinner. All in all it was a great party and these guys capped it off right. 3/10/12

Celestine Johnson

Innovation Endeavors

We still can't believe these guys would come out with only a one day notice and turn our Street Block party into such a great success even in the rain, especially when they had a very big important show that evening 40 miles away. We saw them at a Block Party in San Francisco earlier in the year and they were the absolute hit of that party, at which it also rained lightly, but that did not slow them down at all nor dampen their energy. They are everything they claim to be and then some, do not hesitate to book them if you can for any kind of event. 3/31/12

Lynnise Davis

Greater Sacramento Urban League

After the tremendous success of our Unity Ball last year we decided to have an Authenitc Mardi Gras Event for 2012, so of course we called Saint Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band for the Music, they rolled into town in the afternoon and played a second line parade for our Free event for the Community at the Convention Center, and then doubled back to Blow the roof off the Gala Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball that evening at the Library. Soooo much fun these guys bring to any event, but especially if it has a Mardi Gras theme. They are the real thing and do not hold back when it comes to bringing the music. 3/25/12

Joel Reger

Trilogy @ the Vineyards

We have an upscale retirement community with some very picky members, and we recently called upon Saint Gabriels' Brass Band on very short notice to come play a Mardi Gras Dinner party and celebration at our community center. They came they played, they thrilled everybody and honored all their requests as well. These guys are a very polished and professional group of musicians who make sure their audience has a good time. All the residents are advising us to bring them back again soon. In previous events we have had a problem with the members getting bored and leaving early, not so with Saint Gabriel's they stayed at least an hour past the end of the program just chatting with the band. 2/24/12

Tracy Dietlein/Event Director

Broadway Plaza Center

Saint Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band was the absolute highlight of our Grand Opening Celebration for Neiman Marcus new Store in Broadway Plaza , Walnut Creek. We here at the plaza still can't believe these guys can get up that early and roll out playing with that much energy, and with music loved by everyone at the event too. From kids to the grandmas they kept everybody dancing around and tapping their toes in the brisk morning air while they enjoyed coffee and chocolates to start the day off. Looking forward to having them back for other events at the Plaza soon. 3/9/12

Phyliss Hyman

Meadowcroft wines

Well the Meadowcroft wines second Mardi Gras Party at the Crossroads in Sonoma was a great success once again and after word got out about Saint Gabriel's Brass Band after our first event in 2011, the run out for 2012 multiplied and a great time was had by all. These guys rolled into Sonoma ready to blow the tent down after driving to Sacramento and playing a Mardi Gras Parade at 7:45 a.m. then rushing to get to Sonoma to kick off our party and keep the folks entertained all afternoon. Good Food, Good friends and Good music and good Meadowcroft Wines kept the good times rolling all afternoon. 2/18/12

Jennifer Halpern

California Nurses Asso.

On Jan. 9, 2012 Saint Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band once again led over 1,500 of our Nurses in a Mock New Orleans Style Funeral Procession sans caskets and appropriately attired mourners to protest actions at the California State Capitol negatively affecting patients and nurses. The California Nurses Association has had the great pleasure of working with this great band for several years now and always look forward to their enthusiastic participation in our events. Their music certainbly sent our message loud and clear to the media and state politicians at the capitol. 1/10/12

Amber Whitman/Northstar Ski Resort

Northstar newsletter

A great Parade and Mardi Gras celebration went off perfectly in the Northstar Village thanks in no small part to Saint Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band, that led the Parade and kept the crowds dancing on their skates on the Ice Rink in front of the Stage. The guys made certain that everybody at the resort was having a good time and they played great New Orleans music that made everybody happy. We felt so lucky that we could get them to come all the way up here on such short notice to make our first Mardi Gras such a success. What a pleasure to work with such a high caliber and totally professional group of musicians. 2/10/12

Jim Douglas/

Blackhawk Plaza Asso.

Thanks to Saint Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band our first Mardi Gras festivities event went off without a hitch at the Blackhawk Shopping Plaza, they looked and sounded so good strolling throughout the Shopping Mall around the fountains and in and out of several of the stores to the delight of the customers and proprietors alike. We look forward to having them back again for other events in the future.
2/9/12

John Lynnot/ Funeral Client

Letter to the band

Saint Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band was exactly what my family wanted for our Mother and matriarch of our family's life celebration, in Los Gatos, California where the band put on an absolutely Beautiful and touching show at the conclusion of the Religious services coming in dressed handsomely and colorful as requested to add the perfect ambiance to the services. Even the Archbishop attending was duly impressed and stated that he wished all Funerals could be like this. Over 500 friends and family attended this event and everyone absolutely loved the band and their music chosen perfectly to honor a grand lady loved by so many for so many years. A wonderful send off. On behalf of my entire family Thank you so much.

Karen Filben/ Naughty Gras

KCSM Radio Sacramento, Ca.

Saint Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band was once again the smash Hit of KCSM's great Annual Naughty Gras Party at Cal Expo. Over 7000 party revelers danced all through the event like it was indeed Mardi Gras In New Orleans following this high energy band everywhere. They wowed everybody at the 2011 event and brought it back again even better this year. These guys never fail to Bring the Party and our 2012 event was certainly no exception. We have already booked them back for 2013. Lez Bon Temps Roulez !! 2/24/12

Melissa Hardy/Gala Director

Bentley School News

These guys proved they are indeed much more than just a great New Orleans Brass Band, which we have hired before very successfully. They dressed to kill and fit the Latin theme of our event beautifully, and they played some great Latin Music as requested, along with much of their extensive repertoire of great American Dance music in more styles than we could keep track of.

Everyone in attendance at this big annual Gala event is still talking about them, playing the right songs at the right time. It was fun to see them in Big Band mode with excellent vocals mixed into the hot dance tunes. We look forward to hiring them again for next year's event. Truly a professional band that delivers exactly what you ask for, it is easy to understand their popularity they are a wonderful group to work with from start to finish. Melissa Hardy, Chairman, Bentley School Gala Fundraiser.

Lynnette Logue

Rossmoor News

St. Gabriel's performed at Rossmoor Community at the Stanley Dollar Mansion Clubhouse for my Mother's Memorial Service, on July 8th, 2011 and were simply wonderful, and were absolutely loved by all the friends and relatives that attended the service. They even had folks walking over into the service from the Golf Course just to hear the music. Thanks guys for making it a non forgettable and pleasurable uplifting experience for us all, Mom wanted to go home in style and you certainly made that happen. Lynnette,

Curtis Reinhardt

Arroyo Grande News

Saint Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band was by far the Best act in our Arroyo Grande Centennial Block Party & Parade. They hit the stage running and immediately grabbed the audience and had them up and dancing all around the stage by the second song. Then changed format and Led the Parade across town in grand style. Fun group highly recommended to anybody.

Cindy Powell

Orinda Patch

Wow Tom you guys Rocked the entire town, and had thousands of our residents dancing in the street all across the Parade route on the 4th of July. We are so happy we could get you again this year. Watching all those little kids dancing and jumping for joy was a sight to behold. All the Grandmas got great photos of their grand kids with the Band.

John Abelson

Posted on Facebook Profile

Saint Gabriel's Brass Band absolutely MADE our Laidley Street Party a tremendous success for the second year in a row. Thanks guys for bringing the Party to the Party. Everyone is still talking about you guys and the great music and all the kids were simply in awe !! Your including them in your performances was spellbinding. 7/4/11

Christopher Brian

Posted on Facebook Profile

I can't praise you guys enough for the AMAZING performance at our wedding. We got nothing but compliments all night long and you continue to be the talk of the town. I just hope you guys will be around long enough to do all of our special events!

Steven Murillo

Private Memorial Service

Saint Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band traveled 400 miles to make the Memorial Service for our Mother Spectacular, they transformed Camarillo into New Orleans in a drumbeat as they led the guests on a Second Line parade procession in the Pouring Rain, which did not dampen the spirits of our family and guests one bit. We are so happy we found them and had them give Mom the send off she always wanted and so befitting for a woman who lived life to the fullest.
Niki & Steve Murillo 2/19/11

Elliott Heath

Stanford, Univ. Beefeater's Dinner Society

When we hired Saint Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band to play our Steak and Lobster Dinner event for Mardi Gras we really had no idea who these guys were, since non of us college 20 something's had ever been to New Orleans, but after the first twenty minutes we knew we had something special at our event, they just blew the roof off the place and blew everybody away with their music. We could all swear we were in New Orleans, and everybody danced until they made us shut the place down. :)) 3/4/11

Phyllis

Meadocroft Wines Mardi Gras Party

Saint Gabriel's promised to make our event memorial and they certainly did that, everyone who attended is still talking about them and how much fun they brought to Sonoma , even a bit of Rain did not dampen their high energy music. From the Second Line parade through our beautiful gardens to the non stop dance rhythms they kept everybody dancing and having a wonderful time. We can't wait to do this again next year. 3/5/11

Karen Filben

CBS RADIO Naughty Gras Party KSFM Sacramento, Ca.

Wow !! is all we can say !! about this great Entertaining Group Saint Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band, they were indeed the hit of our Naughty Gras Party at Cal Expo on Feb, 26, 2011 attested to by the 7000 party attendees following them around all night from staging area to the Vip lounges, and all through the event. They definitely kept the energy level up and everybody dancing where ever they went. We have already invited them back for next year. The perfect band for this event if there ever was one. They all had great fun and made certain that all the guests did as well.

Lynnise Davis

Greater Sacramento Urban League

St. Gabriel's definitely brought the PARTY to our Annual Mardi Gras Fundraiser Unity Ball at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Kicked off the VIP reception with Cajun Zydeco music and then a fabulous Second Line Parade across the front of the Hotel to the Ballroom right up onto the stage. They had everyone dancing in the aisles and having a marvelous time. Then they played a great set of Dinner Music while we ate and then cranked up the Party again after Dinner with all the New Orleans favorites keeping the dance floor full to the very end. We certainly look forward to inviting them back next year. 5/26/11

Robert Bailey

Gig Salad event planner

St. Gabriel's made our Halloween Mardi Gras/ Halloween Masquerade Party one of the best parties we have had in many years and they were greatly enjoyed by the attendees as well as all the neighborhood residents and hundreds of Trick or Treating youngsters. Truly a great way to celebrate Halloween. Thanks guys it was sooooo much fun. 10/31/10 S.F. Ca.

Tyler Hurd

Tyler Hurd Gig Salad event planner

Tom, we can't thank you guys enough for the great surprise Party Parade entertainment for our friend Joe, he was totally surprised and blown away. Everyone in the parade and the party loved you guys and the great energy you brought to the party. What a great sound and acoustic too, and I appreciate your getting this together for us at the last minute. A good time was had by all. Sorry it rained on our Parade ha ha, but it did not stop you guys and even gave it a New Orleans Authenticity. Nobody will forget it.

David Boyle/Manager Terra Gallery S.F. Ca

Memorial Service for Dusty 10/23/10

Tom, what a pleasure to work with you guys,and what an extraordinary job you did for us and at the last minute too, not many Bands or band leaders could or would go that extra mile and take on organizing just the right music and band on such a short notice. I am certain we will call upon Saint Gabriel's for more events in the future. Dusty would have been proud and he was definitely here in Spirit. All the guest loved your band and music. Thanks to you guys the event was a terrific success.

Ian & Eliza Conroy

Wedding Reception Ventanna Inn, Big Sur, Ca. 9/18/10

Thank you guys for making our special day sensational, the music was far beyond our wildest expectations, and the fact that you actually did Play all the songs we personally selected was even more amazing considering the musical diversity of the styles. We will not hesitate to recommend Saint Gabriel's to any of our friends looking for a band. What a night it was for everyone.

Alan & Denise Eugenio

Wedding Ceremony and Reception

Tom:and all the guys and Gals in the band, you made our day spectacular, far beyond our wildest expectations, and all our family and guest were mystified with your music, as you could no doubt tell with the dance floor packed. The Mardi Gras Parade at the end of our Ceremony was simply wonderful and it will be a day none of us will ever forget. Just can't Thank you guys enough.

Tom Tom Mardi Gras Party

Tom Wiggins/ norelationship to band leader really!

Wow!! two days later and we're all still buzzed, What a fabulous job you guys did!!! Gusest have been calling it "spectacular" "The Party of the Century" "wonderful" and just downright "Amazing" that your band and 200 costumed people were able to March, Dance and Parade around the street without a peep of discontent from the Police. !! They came by Six times just to hear the music :)) ha ha, We hope you guys enjoyed yourselves as much as all of us did. Hope you come back and play for us again next Year.

Tom, Tom, & Tom, from the TOM TOM Mardi Gras Party.

Congressman John Garamendi

Orinda 4th of July Parade

Wow! you guys are sensational this is the most fun I have had participating in any Parades, I hope all future Parades I am in have you guys right in front of me leading us through the parade, I could not ask for a better band to follow, and the excitement of the people was amazing. I hope to see and hear you guys again soon.

Tammy Reeder

Crawdad Festival, Red Bluff, Ca.

Everyone in Red Bluff is still talking about the incredible performances put on at the Crawdad Festival by Saint Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band who showed us they are indeed One of the finest Brass Bands in the World and they totally blew the audiences away with their Stage shows on Friday night to kick off the Festival. The versatility of this band is simply sensational, and their talent knows no limits. What a Fun organization and a real pleasure to do business with, they were everything they claim to be and a whole lot more. We are proud to say we have already booked them back for next year's Festival.

Troy Bowers

Amador County Fair /Plymouth Ca.

Saint Gabriel's headlined our Fair for the Barnyard Mardi Gras and certainly turned every day into a Mardi Gras for all in attendance. Two Parades a day and stage shows as well gave us a very wide variety of wonderful New Orleans music, from the Brassy Street Brass Band to sit down Preservation Hall style Traditional Jazz loved by the Senior Citizens. It was particularly great of them to take the time to interact with the audiences and make so many friends in our community. After the first day our Board of Directors instructed me to make sure and hire them again soon.

Beth Mederos

Ventura County Fair, Ventura, Ca.

We have been fortunate to book Saint Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band for our Fair for the past two years and they have delivered some of the greatest audience pleasing music that our fair attendees have ever seen. Their mobility and acoustic performances are remarkable and they are so versatile in repertoire that they please everyone from 3 years old to 103 years old. Delightful to work with on all aspects. Looking forward to hiring them again soon.

Charles Hotchkiss

Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park San Jose, Ca.

We cannot recommend Saint Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band often enough, they are a sensational and very professional organization in every respect, and take particular pride in giving the family exactly what they want musically.
I am from New Orleans, and these guys are the REAL DEAL authentic New Orleans Jazz Funeral Band of the highest possible caliber, these gentlemen add real class to our Funeral presentations, and they serve all faiths.

Harley Forrey

The Landmark Group/ Chapel of the Chimes

Tom, We have been so happy to have Saint Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band perform for our Memorial Day Ceremonies for the past two years, and we continue to receive great comments about the band and your selections of music beyond the typical Military and Patriotic Songs, and your renditions of those with a New Orleans Flavor is simply fabulous. We are delighted to recommend your band to our clients for their personal Funeral and Life Celebration events, and everyone that has hired you has thanked us over and over again for telling them about your great band. The Newspaper stated that "Saint Gabriel's Rocked the Cemetery" and you certainly did in a profound way. We sincerely look forward to working with yoiu folks for a long time to come.

Tim Mcavoy

Mcavoy / Ohara Funeral Home, S.F.. Ca.

Tom it is always a pleasure to have your band play for our clients Funerals, the professionalism and sincerity that you bring to their Services are remarkable every time. We have no hesitation to recommend your great Authentic New Orleans Jazz Funeral Band to anyone. Seems like you guys always make them Tearless Funerals, and instantly but respectfully transform the atmosphere at the Funeral services to a life Celebration which is greatly appreciated by our clients.

Sean Braden

Wedding Client

Tom, you guys promised to Rock our Wedding Reception and Rock it you Did more people should hire St. Gabriel's for their Weddings. Not your typical Wedding band playing the Chicken Dance , but real honest to goodness New Orleans Second Line Brass Band Music. You had us and our guests Boogie'n all night, what a Party and you guys brought it.

Liz Krohn

Marketing Resourses

Without a doubt Saint Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band was the most popular band in the Citrus Heights Red White & Blue Parade we have never seen so many kids and old folks alike up and dancing, and the interaction with the kids was spectacular. Hope you guys can b e with us again next year, and I will certainly keep you in mind for other events sponsored by our firm. It was a total pleasure to work with you.

Cindy Powell

Orinda, Association, 4th July Parade Chairman

Thanks you! Thank you! Thank you! Saint Gabriel's was the absolute Hit of the Parade, and we were all just thrilled to have a group such as yours perform in our Parade. Everybody in town is still talking about you and asking why you have not been in all the previous Parades. We certainly look forward to your participation again next year if we can work it out.

John Abelson

Parade chairman Laidley St. Parade, S.F. Ca.

Saint Gabriel's was the highlight of our 4th of July event, and everyone in attendance was happy and commenting about how great the band was and the selection of music had us all dancing in the streets. They are looking forward to doing it again next year. Your players were a real joy to work with and went over and above expectations to deliver a great day for us.

Doris Gentry

Rotary of Napa, Ca. Independence Day Parade

Thank you so very much for your work and effort today! There are not enough words to describe how amazing the parade & band was, nothing beats a good, old-fashioned hometown parade. Everybody just loved Saint Gabriel's Celestial Brass Band. You came, you did your thing and Napa is better off - thank you so very much. I am blessed and humbled to be the Chair of this event and your participation made it worth all the effort.