Raise the Bar Band

As you plan your event, there are so many details to consider from the menu, to the guest list to the entertainment. The great news is once you select Raise the Bar Band you can check "entertainment" off the list! We've got you covered!

We bring the PARTY by playing hits from the 50's all the way through today across genres including Rock, Blues, Funk, R&B, Soul, Country and Dance music! Our emphasis is to keep people dancing and having fun, and to keep the energy of the event going!

We are a professional band, which means showing up at least an hour before the performance start time to do our complete equipment set up and sound check. We will play each set and take a short break in between sets. During our set breaks, we will play recorded music over our PA, so you don't have to worry about having a break in the music. (Unless you specify otherwise). For breakdown, we will need at least an hour to pack up and load out our equipment.

For large events, (especially weddings) we strongly recommend adding a professional sound engineer. This is so the sound of the band is the correct mix and correct volume throughout the event. There is an additional charge for this service, but it is strongly recommended for the highest quality sound.

We will be dressed for the occasion, which means anything from tux and gown, to suit and tie with a party dress for the lady, all the way to sporty casual wear if desired. We will always have a neat and clean appearance.

If you would like, we will guide the event seamlessly from start to finish with MC duties. This could include announcing the new couple for the first time, the first dance between the bride and her dad, along with cake cutting and all of the traditional moments that are cherished for years to come.

We take great pride in what we do, and we look forward to serving up the FUN at your next event!

The Raise the Bar Band has been playing venues all over the NYC metro area for years. Carol Deminski is the bandleader and lead vocalist. Her partner Michael Mittelsdorf is the drummer and for events without a professional sound engineer, he handles sound as well. Together they have been the driving force behind the band.

We play luxury resort hotels for upscale events (weddings, cocktail hours, New Year's Eve celebrations, Sunday brunch, etc), along with wineries (outdoor performances), restaurants and bars, private homes, and many other spaces.

The primary band consists of five players: Carol on lead vocals, a keyboardist, lead guitar, bassist, and Michael on drums. For larger events, such as weddings, we sometimes add a horn section (typically saxophone, trumpet and trombone), or other players like a percussionist (congas, timbales, shaker, etc) for that extra "groove" factor. We can easily add other musicians and singers into the mix, to produce the perfect combination for any event.

We love bringing the FUN factor to our guests! Seeing them dance and sing along brings us the greatest joy as performers. We love to help them have a great time, and get the most enjoyment they can out of any event.