Michael Reavey Music - Cleveland Plain Dealer Article.

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The following was written as a review of the Cleveland, Ohio operations of Michael Reavey Music.

Cleveland Plain Dealer

Sunday, February 23, 2003

In the Weekly Spotlight

by Richard Weiner
Weiner is a free-lance writer

When was the last time that you went to a wedding (or put one on) and had a live band perform? Even though it seems that DJs have taken over the special occasions music world, there are plenty of live bands available to play at your weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, wakes, corporate functions, and other gatherings. To find a local musical group that fits your needs, all you have to do is contact a local talent agency like Michael Reavey Music. Reavey, who is a professional trumpet player, performed with a number of local bands while he was going to school at Oberlin. When he graduated last year, he went into contract music work full time, booking musicians for weddings and other occasions. When his website went online a few months ago, business started picking up, and he is now booking acts into the summer. "A lot of older musicians sort of lament the 'good old days' before DJs took over," says Reavey. To him, DJs are the norm, and complaining isn't going to do anything.

Putting out top-flight talent will take care of any problems. "First of all, there's a misperception that DJs are less expensive than a live act," he says. Like everything else, there are expensive and inexpensive live bands and DJs. Reavey's acts will cost from $200 for a solo act to $2500 for a larger group, depending on the nature and the location of the gig. DJs can run even more than that, according to Reavey, who handles musicians from solo size to a string quartet, to a jazz band, to an all-occasion band. Second, Reavey emphasizes quality. "I want to have a collection of the best musical talent in Northeast Ohio," he says, noting that Cleveland is a very musical city. He is interested, "not so much in the type of music, but in musical excellence. My theory is that, to succeed, you have to do the best possible job." Reavey feels that he has a real shot to succeed, especially since live music is a part of the lifeblood of the area. "I think that there is a trickle-down effect from the Orchestra," he says, "and from the number of very good music schools in the area. There are a lot of great musicians who stay around here."

Many other area agencies also book all-occasion bands, rock bands, string quartets, DJs, comedians, magicians, and any other form of entertainment.

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Toll-free phone: 866-676-8722 | E-mail: sales@michaelreaveymusic.com