The Spellbinder Orchestra is a bicoastal collective with roots in San Francisco and upstate New York. Their original music is a blend of indie folk with elements of swing, classical, and eastern European. They perform a variety of covers for vintage themed events from the 1920s through the 40s, depending on the request and setting. With top notch players, they bring energy and passion to their live performances.
The typical line-up may include ukulele, guitar, violin, cello, upright bass, drums, vocals. The group has performed at Edwardian Ball, SF Free Folk Fest, SF Speakeasy, Burning Man Decompression, SOMarts Gallery, plus various local wineries, radio stations, and more.
Our restaurant was looking for a fun, festive, untraditional band to start off our annual New Year's Day brunch with a bang. And Spellbinder Orchestra did not disappoint! They managed to pull of an absorbing array of edgy folk, roaring 20s jazz and even a smattering of original music with ease. All the while engaging with our customers and creating a warm and lively environment. Rarely have I seen our customers so enthusiastically engaged in the band, while simultaneously engaging with each other and their meal as well. Can't wait to have them back!
Spellbinder Orchestra is a unique folk ensemble. We hired them for a small party. They played originals and some cover songs. They arrived on time and looked and sounded professional. I will definitely book them again!
Spellbinder Orchestra performed at our speakeasy themed cocktail party. They set the stage for a fantastic evening. Wonderful musicians, fun to watch and great energy. Alzara has a beautiful voice and the strings were gorgeous. Super nice people also and easy to work with!
We hired the Spellbinder Orchestra to liven up our 1920's themed event and they really set the tone for the whole party. Perfectly outfitted, with period-appropriate songs and instruments, they were most people's favorite part of the whole 300+ person all day affair. Alzara was easy to work with, responded quickly to questions and requests, and was very professional working with our sound team. I would hire them again in a heartbeat.
We really enjoyed the band. Highly recommend!
Due to my own scheduling mistake, Brother Spellbinder was unable to perform at my event. My mistake was discovered at the last minute and the band pulled out all the stops to find me a great alternative. Extremely kind, helpful and professional to work with. Next time I will book correctly and look forward to their music.
Alzara & Brother Spellbinder played at my 60th birthday party and did a wonderful job. They were very flexible and accommodating to work with in the planning of the event and followed up on all of the commitments they made, including learning a few of my favorite songs to play.
The quality of their talent was top notch and I appreciate their flexibility in working with me - including walking 1/2 mile to my outdoor venue.
I would definitely recommend them to others
Price Range: $200 - 1500
Gig Length: 30 - 240 minutes
Languages: English, French, Russian, Spanish
Spellbinder Orchestra plays upbeat and whimsical vintage covers and occasional old timey originals. Crowds love our rendition of Minni the Moocher, Putting on the Ritz or rousing Russian folk tunes! We add charm, energy and a unique vibe to every event. We enjoy dressing up as the occasion requires.
If you have a special theme in mind, let us know! We can tailor towards 20's-30s, Cabaret or lean more towards the Old West for special events.
The full group is usually 6 members - two guitars, ukulele, drums, cello, violin and vocals.
Spellbinder Orchestra is an inter-generational group and a side project of local indie-folk band Brother Spellbinder. They are happiest when performing! The group plays a wide range of music from Vintage Jazz, eastern European, Folk, Americana and classical. We can tailor our sets towards a specific atmosphere or theme as needed.
More about some of our players:
Bandleader Alzara Getz learned early about the power of music as the daughter of rock drummer, Dave Getz, original drummer of Big Brother & The Holding Co. (Janis Joplin). She has been in many bay area bands and finds much inspiration from her work as a social worker with public health.
"Alzara enters with a smooth and haunting vocal presentation that sends shivers up your spine."
Indie Spoonful
Guitarist Jamie Wilson was an early graduate from San Francisco’s School of the Arts High School and counters Alzara's dulcet voice with a dollop of gristle in his vocals and upbeat rhythm guitar.
Cellist Gabriel Beistline is a Rice Masters graduate and a member of The Santa Rosa Symphony, Merced Symphony and many others. He is in high demand :)
Cellist Helena Tietze comes a family of musical savants. She is daughter to locally renowned choir director and pianist. She sings like an angel and plays multiple instruments.
Guitarist Sean Griffin has been performing in local bands for the past 20 years. He can dazzle you with Django Reinhardt riffs or keep you guessing with Satriani flexibility.
Violinist Steve Bollhoefer is a top-notch improviser and plays with firey passion. But that's not all - he can also TAP DANCE, Swing dance and keep you entertained with his lovely alto vocals.
Drummer Steve La Porta is a denizen of many known bay area ensembles, including Ramana Viera, one of the few Fado singers in CA. He steers the songs with creative marches, world beats and joyful vibrations.
Spellbinder Orchestra can provide from 3 - 8 players. We mostly play as a sextet. We prefer power and PA with 6 or more channels, but also CAN PROVIDE our sound or PA if power is available. For more casual or outdoor shows, we can provide battery powered amps when necessary.
Please note: Weekdays may actually be more expensive than weekends depending on whether some members need to re-arrange their day job.
Everyone tells us we're actually NICE people.
| November 15, 2019 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Restaurant/Bar Event |
| July 20, 2019 • 8:00pm - 9:30pm | Birthday Party |
| July 18, 2019 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Cocktail Party |
| June 22, 2019 • 7:30pm - 9:00pm | Art House Gallery |
| June 15, 2019 • 1:30pm - 3:30pm | Birthday Party |
| May 29, 2019 • 8:30pm - 11:30pm | Cigar Bar ~ jazz, vintage & gypsy |
| May 18, 2019 • 8:30pm - 11:30pm | Elephant in the Room |
| May 11, 2019 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Bazaar Cafe with Kaptain Bottletop (appalachian) |
| April 25, 2019 • 8:00pm - 9:00pm | Hotel Utah SF Hillbillies |
Jazz & Speakeasy:
Mini the Moocher
All of Me
St. James Infirmary
Take Another Guess
Autumn Leaves
5'2"
Ain't Misbehavin
Button up your Overcoat
Putting on the Ritz
Aba Daba
Elmer's Tune
Yes, We Have No Bananas
Blue Skies
Singing in the Rain
I wanna be like you
Sleepwalk
Other traditional & cowboy tunes:
Red River Valley
John Riley
Navaho Trail
Lily of the West
Moscow Nights
Katyusha
Kalinka
Noah's Dove
Last Trolleybus
Beatles:
Let it Be
When I'm 64
Across the Universe
Rocky Raccon
Dylan:
Forever Young
Baby Blue
And more...
Other covers:
Wagon Wheel - Old Crow Medicine Show
Wild Horses - Rolling Stones
Dreams - Cranberries
Jolene - Dolly Parton
Angel from Montgomery - John Prine
Willin -Little Feat
The Weight - The Band
I Shall be Released- The Band
Jackson - Johnny Cash
Just Like Heaven - The Cure
Billy Jean
Shipping up to Boston - Dropkick Murphys.
Vashti Bunyan song
Mamma tried
You Only Live Twice - James Bond
VINTAGE JAZZ & SPEAKEASY: Django Reinhardt, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, George Gershwin, Fats Domino, Hot Club, Billy Holiday, Cab Calloway
FOLK & AMERICANA: influences and comparisons include:
Lumineers, Old Crow Medicine Show, Beirut, Mumford & Sons, Gillian Welch, Alison Krauss
Ennio Morriccone, Patsy Cline, Sons of the Pioneers, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins
Depends on situation. We have battery powered amplifiers if needed, but sound best when able to plug into a full PA. We can also provide this if power is available.
San Francisco, CA 
Guitarist
29 Verified Bookings Lisa V. said “Luke was on time and came prepared (even brought his own stool). His music selection was fabulous and he provided a great background to the event. I would…”
San Francisco, CA
Jazz Band
31 Verified Bookings Michele C. said “Daniel was fantastic on saxophone. He came prepared to play several of our favorite songs and added many that we really enjoyed. He added his own flair…”
San Francisco, CA
Jazz Band
73 Verified Bookings Peter B. said “These guys were terrific, and I intend to have them back for another party!”
Oakland, CA
Pianist
32 Verified Bookings Emily H. said “Patrick did a very nice job of playing a few songs during my mother's funeral mass. He played Ave Maria, Amazing Grace, Bread of Life & On Eagles…”
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