Not one guest could leave without telling us how great the music was the whole evening. Please let the band know we had the best night and they were a huge reason as to why it was so fun!
Victoria & Tyler
September 7th, 2024 Wedding
Elkins Park, PA
Of course we did not anticipate a tropical storm during what was supposed to be an almost entirely outdoor weekend. It was devastating to have to plan and then replan everything and change our vision of what the night would look like. But the thing that gave me comfort in the stressful week leading up to the wedding was that I knew you all would do a great job, and you delivered on that x 100. The perfect cocktail hour music (and flexibility to add that last minute), the amazing dinner set, the energy you all created on the dance floor all night - I couldn’t have asked for anything better. People nearly forgot about the rain, wind and mud! You are true professionals and I would recommend Nation to anyone I come across planning an event. I received a text today from a friend that said “I’m going to a wedding today but your wedding band won’t be playing so why even go?”. Everyone loved you guys, thank you for bringing such good energy to our tropical storm wedding.
Jenny & Tyler
September 23rd, 2023 Wedding
Wylder Hotel Tilghman Island, MD
There are no words that could express our glowing recommendation for Nation. From the get-go, they were incredibly easy to work with and truly wanted us to help them curate the experience that we dreamed of. While it was easy for us to pick the music we wanted to hear, what we did not expect was the incredible talent that the band would have for each and every song they played.
The band's ability to work the crowd and engage them was something that blew our guests away. We’ve been told that our wedding felt more like a concert than a wedding. We’ve already been asked by several of our guests for the contact information for the band so they can hire them for their own weddings.
Finally, the most special part of the evening, without a doubt, was the band’s performance of the Mother Son Dance. My mother selected “O Sole Mio” by Luciano Pavarotti and I had assumed that the band would simply play a recording of the song since it is sung in Italian. A month before the wedding, the band let us know that one of the band members would really love to sing it and the gentleman that sang this song took our wedding guests' breath away. I had several family members who flew over from Italy for the wedding and they could not believe how beautifully the song was sung. Truly a special moment we will never forget.
Needless to say, we love Nation, and we hope and pray that our wedding is not the last time we see them live!
Nick & Audrey
InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf
October 1, 2022
“There were so many times during the wedding when the whole dance floor was facing the stage, just like you would at a concert - singing (or screaming) along, jumping and just completely entranced by their talent. It was a wedding and a concert all in one! The energy was incredible, they nailed every genre and I truly wish they were at every wedding I go to” - Lia
“I’ve never seen a wedding band with as much energy and talent as this one. Legitimately the most fun on a dance floor that I’ve had in a long time - they ROCK” - Taylor (Maid of Honor)
“From the minute we walked in the room, they made the entire night LIVELY! They were magic!” - Chloe
“All this band does is play absolute bangers. 10/10 performers. Simply the best” - Gavin (Best Man)
“This is the best DC area band I have ever seen! They were engaging, played the hits and really got the entire crowd engaged from the moment the dance floor opened!” - Shannon
“Nation was every single vibe combined into one! The dance floor stayed crowded with seamless transitions. This is exactly what everybody dreams of for a perfect event” - Megan
“I want to redo my wedding and hire Nation as my band.” - Maria
My family and friends are still talking about it and I cannot tell you how many guests said Nation was hands-down the best dance band they have ever heard. The fact that my husband (who has a literal fear of dancing in public) was on the dance floor the ENTIRE evening is just one of the many testaments to the talent and energy of the band members. Music has always been such a big part of my life, so naturally it was one of the most important parts of the wedding weekend for me personally… And WOW, y’all ROCKED IT and blew every expectation I had out of the water. The band made the whole experience extra magical and the whole Elan Artists team was truly lovely to work with.
Ginna Wilbanks Eiland, Bride
January 22nd, 2022 Wedding
The Hermitage Norfolk, VA
Each member of your band, and every song you performed was fantastic from start to finish. So many of our guests commented on how incredible you all were, and as you saw-other than during dinner and speeches- the dance floor was packed all night long due to Nation’s wonderful music and high energy. We couldn’t have asked for more! Thank you again for everything you did to help make Amanda and Jason’s wedding reception so perfect.
Suzanne & Jonathan Slade, Parents of the Bride
March 19th, 2022 Wedding
The Willard, Washington, DC
We had the best day ever and the band was over the top amazing. I was shocked and so honored that they were amenable to our requests!! Everyone was raving about them and they absolutely made the party what it was. The cardio workout I got on the dance floor put my peloton workouts to shame. We had SO. MUCH. FUN.
Tory Matese, Bride
December 10th, 2021 Wedding
Congressional Country Club - Potomac, MD
Everyone was raving about them! Every song they played was top-notch. The level of talent was incredible! As you could see, there was no problem keeping everyone on the dance floor:)
Donna Maresca, Mother of the Groom
October 16th, 2021 Wedding
The State Room, Boston, MA
The most fantastic band ever!! You are the best ❤
Cydney Kasenetz, Mother of the Bride
July 3rd, 2021 Wedding
The Willard
The client was so very happy and has received so many compliments on the band and the music!!! Huge success!!!
Allison Jackson, Pineapple Productions
September 28th, 2019 Wedding
Meridian House
The dance floor was HOT for 3 hours straight. Wish I could relive the night solely because of the band :)
Chesney Hellmuth, Bride
May 18th, 2019
The InterContinental Washington, D.C. at The Wharf
We had 250 guests at the Fairmont Hotel in DC and everyone had SO much fun and the number one compliment has been the music. Nation rocked! Everyone was on the dance floor all night long. Karla, the leader of the band, was so nice and accommodating to the songs we requested. They’re so nice, fun and extremely talented. I would HIGHLY recommend them!!!
Megan Keany, Bride
April 27, 2019
The Fairmont DC
Our entire family and all of our friends are still talking about it. No exaggeration. Many of them told me the band was spectacular! I couldn't agree more. They also loved the string quartet and their selections. So did I!
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for offering the professionalism I respect... for being kind and helpful in every aspect of the planning... and for making a very important time in our family unforgettable.
With two more daughters younger than Hillary, I have a feeling we just might be working together again down the road!
Susie, Mother of the Bride
October 20, 2018
Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore
My 9th year planning the Meridian Ball and I’ve never seen the dance room so packed. Usually the band room is busy but not packed and last night it was PACKED. So many commented on them being the best band we’ve had at the Ball.
Maria
Meridian International Center
October 12, 2018
The Meridian House
Everyone can’t stop talking about the music. You completely brought our vision to life for all the requested special dances. I still can’t believe how amazing “I Love You Always Forever” sounded. It was so incredibly special. Thanks for completing our best day ever with the best band ever!!!
Jaime, Bride
September 29, 2018
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
We are still hearing from people about how amazing they were and they sure kept the dance floor packed all night long. We were truly so lucky to find them! Gretchen was fabulous when it came to the booking and was a huge help when it came to song selection for our ceremony. Since we didn't get to hear Nation before we booked (just saw videos on YouTube), we opted to attend a showcase night at Elan's studio in Rockville. At the showcase, we were able to hear Nation live, meet band members, and chat with the band leader, Carla (who is sensational!). All I can say is that we left the showcase with stars in our eyes and knew that they were going to nail it at our wedding. If you are looking for a high energy and incredibly talented band, Nation is definitely the one to go with!
Cassandra Milosh, Bride
May 12, 2018 Wedding
Stone Tower Winery
Elizabeth, Billy, their families and all of their guests were in awe of Nation and their preformance (no surpirse there)!
Everyone kept coming up and asking who they were and how they could book them ;) Your team never fails to impress and makes my job so easy and fun! I loved seeing Karla and Luke and the entire band.
I can't thank you and Karla enough for all of your assistance through this entire planning process and for making this past weekend run so smoothly.
Samantha Crew
Simply Chic Events
May 5, 2018 Wedding
The Hay- Adams Hotel
I've never been to a wedding where everyone danced from beginning to end. But that's just part of the story. What an unforgettable experience.
David Wolfe
February 18, 2018 Wedding
The Hilton Virginia Beach
The dance floor was filled to capacity the entire evening.
Pearl Taylor
February 18, 2018 Wedding
The Hilton Virginia Beach
We were hosting a brunch wedding and weren't interested in a Saturday night dance party. The combinations of music that Gretchen put together for us were perfect. We were able to have three different experiences: the ceremony, cocktails and the reception, mixing and matching the band members in different ways. Working with Gretchen and Karla was easy, flexible and enjoyable. They were open to learning new songs and really pulled out all of the stops when we asked if they would learn and accompany my father-in-law (a pianist) to play our first dance. It was incredibly special for us and our guests. After the first dance, they read the room and provided exactly what our guests wanted to hear. We loved working with Nation and would recommend them without hesitation for an event! Also, Luke is a true highlight! I had seen him play another event before and was eager to figure out a way to include him in our day. How lucky were we to get him as part of Nation and highlight him throughout the cocktail hour.
Kate & David
November 12, 2017 Wedding
The Hay-Adams Hotel
Everyone LOVED Nation and didn’t want them to stop. Thank you so much for everything!
Aba Kwawu
TAA PR
Tysons Galleria Event, December, 18 2017
You guys sounded absolutely AMAZING! Everyone kept telling us that you guys were the best live band they had ever heard!!!
xo
Allison & Johnny
Saturday, September 23, 2017 Wedding
Metropolitan Club NYC
The music on Saturday was AMAZING! Everyone had a blast...including my 93 year old great aunt! You guys kept our guests on the dance floor all night and that's exactly what we wanted. We are still getting texts from guests saying how awesome you guys were.
Thanks again for being a part of our special day. It was perfect in every way! Please pass along our appreciation to the rest of the band!
All the best,
Jermaine & Scott
September 16, 2017 Wedding
Meridian House, Washington D.C.
Their ability to cover classics and then quickly get people up and dancing was tremendous and left everyone complimenting our choice of band after the night was over. Not to be outdone, DJ Charles then followed up with a great set of after-party dance music that had everyone dancing and mingling. He was accommodative to our requests for certain songs and even let us use the microphone to get people excited and involved. Overall, both Nation and DJ Charles helped make our wedding an unforgettable experience that people are still talking about a month on!
Thank you,
Frank and Sara McMahon
June 24, 2017
I cannot get over how amazing and professional you all were and how you really brought our party to life!! I have gotten so many calls and texts raving about how great you all were. Thank you soo much again!
Alexa
June 17, 2017 Wedding
Oheka Castle--Huntington, NY
Their open communication and professionalism was invaluable! Gretchen went above and beyond to answer all my questions and helped us organize all the details to book our event! Our band Nation was awesome! They had all of our guests, of all ages, enjoying themselves! They are incredibly talented, and their ability to play such a wonderful variety of music is really what sets them apart from other bands! We are still getting calls from our guests raving about our band!
November, 2016 wedding
Washington, D.C.
You all are the best! From the Jazz duo to the full incredible team. Thank you for the wonderful preparation, for learning our special songs and playing them like you played them forever, and for your extraordinary talent and performance. Everyone was raving about you all! Most important choice of the night- the band- and did we get it right and we're lucky you could be with us.
Thank you!
Words can't begin to convey our gratitude.
You all are amazing.
Betsy Prezioso
June 25, 2016
Wedding Chevy Chase Club
the calls and emails keep coming in as to how absolutely amazing you all were on 6.4! Seriously you blew everyone away. BUT most importantly for me, you were absolutely hands down the most seamless vendor to work with which made my wedding so much more amazing as I didn’t have to worry one second about you all.
Really, truly thank you!
Hope to work with you again very soon.
Xoxo - w
Walker Robbins Coleman
Event Director
CREATIVE EDGE PARTIES
June 4, 2016 Wedding
Figure Eight Island, Harnett NC
Enjoy the rest of your week!
All the best,
Lisa Mayer
Manager, Corporate Events | The Madison Square Garden Company
March 1 2016 Event
Mother of the Bride
November 2015 wedding
The background music during dinner was perfect. -The rockin' band kept everyone dancing until midnight. And the much anticipated hora? Left me smiling!!!
With a heartfelt attitude of gratitude,
Debbie Fink and Family
September 6 2015 wedding
National Museum of Women in the Arts
We so look forward to working with you all on our events coming up.
Thank you so much again for everything!
Jane Stanton
The Madison Square Garden Company
September 16 2015 Event, Westchester Country Club
Thank you so much and looking forward to the next one!
Best,
Freya Grant
The Madison Square Garden Company
September 16 2015 Event, Westchester Country Club
Jeannette Tavares
EVOKE
September 5 2015 Wedding
Ritz Carlton DC
Hopefully this is the start of a long working relationship but my heartfelt thanks to you and please pass along my thanks to everyone!
Best,
Freya Grant
Director, Corporate Events | Madison Square Garden
July 29 2015 Event
Thank you once again for helping make Emily and Eric's special day truly spectacular.
Sincerely,
Jamie Kupstas
July 4 2015 Wedding
Annaplis MD
Best regards,
Mark Lofgren
June 12th, 2015
National Museum of Women In The Arts
Aden Glassman
May 16 2015 Wedding
The Goodstone Inn
Jamie Sears & Kate Harlan
Simply Chic Events
Washingtonian UNVEILED
January 25 2015
Best,
Laura Long
Wit Weddings
May 31, 2014 Wedding, The Maples
We look forward to working with you again.
Warm regards,
Elizabeth Petty
The Catering Company of Washington
May 17 2014 Graduation Party
Georgetown University
Best,
Cristina
October 2012 wedding
Mellon Auditorium--Washington D.C.
Best,
Lauren Dosik and Aimee Dominick
Aimee Dominick Events
September 29 2012 wedding
Whitehall Manor--Bluemont, VA
Jessica and Rick had an amazing time and were so pleased with the whole evening.
Hope to work with you again soon.
Thank you,
Anne
Anne Kelley
Atrendy Wedding, LLC
When you plan your daughter's wedding and are so happy about her choice for a wonderful husband, you truly want the reception to be a grand family celebration. For us, that meant dancing would be a major part of our enjoyment. We have always preferred live bands, yet we seriously considered a DJ so that a great variety of music could be offered to our guests of all ages.
But when we heard your demo DVD, we were impressed. We decided to take the chance that you could create the atmosphere we all wanted. You far exceeded our expectations. There wasn't an empty space on the dance floor during a single song. Your band members are phenomenal. Your lead singers' voices made everyone dance as if the original performers were in the room. You are all extraordinarily talented. And your variety was amazing.
When the bride and her Dad chose the country song, "I Loved Her First" by Heartland, we were a bit concerned that your brass section would not be able to pull it off. Thank you for creating the best version of that song ever played and for creating the sentimental moment that this bride and her Dad will treasure forever.
Then, when you transitioned to a great rock 'n roll song, you could see that the bride's Dad decided it was time to change the sentimental mood in the room. When he danced across the floor, the bride and her sister quickly joined him, and the Mom also got into the mix. We have the most fabulous video of the four of us dancing one last time as our family unit. Quickly family and friends joined us. It was magical.
The video of the groom and his Mom dancing shows that you were able to give them their own special and sentimental moment that will also always be treasured by all of us.
We already plan to book you early when our youngest daughter marries. We can't imagine a wedding without you! Thank you again for a phenomenal evening of music.
On top of sampling their deep repetoire that night, they had learned and then played a beautiful rendition of our First Dance song: BABY YOU'VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES. It was even better than the CD...
Not only were we spilling off the dance floor, there were people dancing on the tables too. What greater evidence is there of how good Nation is? We cannot recommend them highly enough.
I would most definitely recommend Nation to anyone that is looking and already have mentioned them to two recently engaged friends. Not only that but I have recommend Elan in general. Thanks for facilitating!
Also, Eli Staples was great working with us prior to our big day. He had many pertinent suggestions and took all our questions and personal music tastes in stride while incorporating many of the specific songs we had requested into the band's play list. He was also meticulous in checking with us both throughout the evening to ensure that the band was synching well with the crowd and adapted easily to the younger and older members of our family and friends. Thank you again for assisting us in making our wedding reception a tremendous success!
Now that things have calmed down and I have had a chance to reflect on my daughter's wedding, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your contribution to a wonderful day.
First, I would like to say that we looked at a number of bands on tape and sent the tapes to my daughter in California. In the end, she made the choice to have Nation at her wedding. She really wanted a sophisticated sound. She didn't want your run of-the-mill, often hokey music played at alot of affairs today. She just fell in love with your tape and everyone in the band. After looking at a dozen bands, I had to agree that Nation satisfied our every desire. Your vocalists are amazing.
What was wonderful was that Nation was everything we hoped for and more. We had an afternoon wedding and we were concerned that people may not get into the party spirit. Because of Nation, the party wsa full of joy and warmth until the very last minute. Everyone loved the music and had a great time. Numerous people asked me who the band was.
On a personal note, I would also like to thank you for managing the schedule, playing host, and organizing speeches, breaks, cake cutting, first dance, dinner music versus dancing music. I know that alot goes into keeping the pace and making sure things move smoothly.
As far as I am concerned, the most important ingredient at any wedding is the music. The band sets the tone. Two weeks later, people are still raving about the wonderful time they had and I want you to know that a large part of the credit goes to you and Nation. Thank you so much for a wonderful time.
Arlene B
You think they sound great on their Demo CD? You have got to hear them in person.
What a pleasure it was to work with Eli and his team. We look forward to inviting them back to future parties and events!
Nancy T.
I look forward to working with the band again very soon!
All the best,
Maria C. {ritzy bee events}
Thanks again for everything. It was great working with you and Nation. I hope to see you again soon!
Janice C. Bellwether Events
Your friends, Gabby and John
Eli, you and your music is key to the joy of the evening and we thank you dearly.
Best wishes and so many thanks to you and your Band and staff.
Susan Liebowitz
Thank you so much!
Melissa Z
Your friends, Gabby and John
A big thanks for a great performance this past Sat night, A big thumbs up for the sound crew. The volume and quality was excellent. Perhaps "another" gig for the band but they had their finger on the pulse and made the celebration one of great memories.
Please pass on my most sincere thanks to you and the rest of the guys. I also wanted to give a special thanks to the sound guys who were extremely helpful and flexible with a last minute set-up change. I look forward to working with the band again very soon!
All the best,
Maria Cooke Ritzy Bee Events
Eli thank you SO much for all of your help!! I must say that you are one of the best communicators I have worked with for an entertainment company. Hope we can work on some other events together. :)
We were very happy with the group, Nation. They were excellent musicians, and played a good selection of music. We had many compliments from our guests. Their overall impact was definitely positive.
Carol H