Here are a few pros and cons of having live musicians vs DJs to help you make the best choice for your guests!
Does Sax Appeal provide other musicians besides saxophone players?
ABSOLUTELY! As a registered music agent with the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, Sax Appeal books ALL KINDS of professional live music from any musical genre ranging from jazz and classical music to holiday music and everything in-between to perfectly suit an event. We are often called upon to hire smaller jazz or classical groups, or other instrumentations to make your upcoming event a complete success!
While Sax Appeal originally was formed as a professional all-saxophone quartet, we have expanded to become a one-stop-shop for any of your live music needs. All musicians we work with have a genuine passion for sharing their art with audiences!
Contact Sax Appeal Productions today to bring the magic of live music to your next event. Experience the difference that professional live musicians can make!
What is the Sax Appeal saxophone quartet?
Originally created as an all-saxophone band, and known as Canada’s Premier Saxophone Ensemble, the Sax Appeal signature group is a unique professional all-saxophone ensemble (comprised of a Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Baritone saxophone) located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Excellent musicians and a great variety of musical styles suitable for any occasion are hallmarks of the Sax Appeal ensemble. Equally comfortable playing any musical genre ranging from jazz to classical to literally everything in between, the versatility of this saxophone ensemble is unmatched.
From wedding ceremonies, cocktail receptions and diplomatic functions, to birthdays, retirement homes, Christmas parties and festivals (such as the Ottawa Jazz Festival and the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival), Sax Appeal’s ensemble performance will leave your guests in awe. We also offer all-saxophone duets and trios to make your special event saxy!
With a specialization in corporate background ambiance jazz cocktail or classical dinner music, your guests will absolutely remember the incredible live music! We’re not your average wedding or corporate band. A crowd favorite, the Sax Appeal saxophone quartet delivers a unique and elegant musical experience with charts specifically tailored to your event. Please visit the Sax Appeal Ottawa YouTube channel for >100 videos ranging from the Sax Appeal saxophone duet to the full quartet.
Whether you’re looking for live jazz music for a cocktail hour, corporate event musicians, or a saxophonist for a wedding ceremony, we provide unforgettable live entertainment that leaves a lasting impression.
Check out this short documentary film exploring how the Sax Appeal saxophone ensemble became a reality. To make any event truly exceptional and one to remember, you need to have an ensemble that is equally distinctive.
Contact Sax Appeal Productions today to bring the magic of live music to your next event. Experience the difference that professional live musicians can make!
Why choose Sax Appeal Productions for live music in Ottawa?
When you choose Sax Appeal for your event, you’re securing a seamless, professional music experience. We are committed to offering the best live music entertainment in Ottawa, whether you’re looking for a smooth jazz performance, a high-energy rock band, an authentic country music experience or anything else. Our extensive network of talented musicians and bands guarantees that we cater to all your live event entertainment needs, ensuring an easy booking process for any event in Ottawa or the surrounding areas. From corporate functions to private parties and weddings, our live bands and performers will deliver an unforgettable experience tailored to your event.
Whether it’s a sophisticated dinner reception, an exciting corporate gala, or an elegant charity fundraiser, our live music for corporate events will keep your guests engaged, energized, and entertained. Our musicians have years of experience in performing at high-end events in Ottawa, and we pride ourselves on delivering a tailored entertainment experience that is perfectly aligned with your event’s theme and audience, not to mention exceptionally wonderful music!
As an active member of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, we can help find any other kind of musical talent that you or your clients may need. Perhaps your event calls for a more traditional jazz ensemble, a vocalist, a harp, rock band, big band or anything in-between, it would be our pleasure to assist. As music is our business, we only work with professionals whose job it is to make your event a complete success!
Contact Sax Appeal Productions today to bring the magic of live music to your next event. Experience the difference that professional live musicians can make!
How talented are the musicians Sax Appeal works with?
Sax Appeal represents some of the most talented musicians in the region; from world-class jazz performers to classical virtuosos, and everything in between. We specialize in providing customized music solutions for all types of events and musical styles, ensuring that your guests enjoy exceptional live entertainment. We are THE professional musician resource in Ottawa!
Most musicians, (especially the ones we work with at Sax Appeal), have dedicated their life to pursuing and perfecting their craft. Professional live musicians often have spent many hours a day practicing (either alone or with others) to perfect their sound. Many of the players we hire have received formal education in music and graduated from acclaimed music schools, colleges and universities. It’s common to hear musicians having tens of thousands of hours of performances, lessons and practicing. You are paying for years (often decades) of professional music training and performance experience. Their rate reflects that high-level artistry and reliability.
As an active member of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, we draw from a vast network of locally sourced professional players to deliver memorable and exceptional musical performances. The professionals we work with have one job….to make YOUR event a complete success!
Contact Sax Appeal Productions today to bring the magic of live music to your next event. Experience the difference that professional live musicians can make!
Is it expensive to have live music compared to a DJ?
Budgeting for an event is always tricky. One of the most engaging and fun parts of any event is having a live band. If entertainment excellence is a priority rather than a ‘nice to have’, the end result will be guests talking positively about it well into the future. Some weddings, event planners, large organizations, corporate functions, gala’s and charities can spend tens of thousands of dollars on the venue, sound and lighting, chair coverings, food, and many more other details to ensure attendees have an incredible time. Live music helps create an overall ambiance and experience that people remember and should be budgeted accordingly. When considering live music for an event it should not be afterthought, but included as an essential component in the initial planning stage. Every event we book is an opportunity to showcase our profession! The cost is worth it! When you work with Sax Appeal, our entire job is to make world-class music that makes you look good.
Event planning is always a juggling-act trying to balance costs, sponsorships, ticket sales and a variety of other issues. DJ’s are often less expensive than a band, and we understand that costs for special events can easily get out of hand. If your event has a headliner band, however, it could be a draw to attract attendees willing to pay the price of admission.
Experienced, high-quality professional event musicians are in demand. With fewer groups able to deliver a truly polished live experience, their services often command higher rates than DJs. Hiring live musicians is often more expensive than booking a DJ – though the value, ambiance, and memorability they bring to your charity gala, wedding, party, or corporate event is unmatched. It’s not just music – it’s an experience, and your guests will remember an event with live music long after the final note fades.
Why are live musicians more expensive than a DJ?
As an event planner, your goal is to deliver a seamless, memorable experience for your clients. Whether you’re organizing a corporate gala, luxury wedding, upscale fundraiser or any other need, the entertainment you choose plays a huge role in the event’s success. When comparing live musicians vs. DJs, one of the first questions that comes up is why does a live band cost more than a DJ?
Here’s the honest breakdown – plus why that extra investment in live music entertainment can elevate your event beyond expectations.
A live band or ensemble usually includes multiple professional musicians. Each performer needs to be paid for their time, talent, and expertise – not just for the performance, but also for travel, setup, rehearsal, and teardown. In contrast, a DJ is typically a solo act. Live music means offering your attendees a bespoke musical experience they won’t hear anywhere else. You’re often getting a full ensemble performance with rich sound, harmonies, and visual engagement – not just someone pressing play. eg., a 4-piece band splits the fee among all members, while a solo DJ often keeps it all.
A DJ may play for an entire evening for the same price as a set or two of live music.
✅ Pro Tip: Many professional entertainment companies like Sax Appeal Productions, offer scalable packages according to time of performance to fit your budget – whether it’s a solo musician, a jazz trio or a full ensemble.
When you hire professional musicians from Sax Appeal, your guests will experience the skill and talent of live music built over a lifetime that can never be replicated.
The professional career of a full-time musician often takes various forms, from teaching music (both private and public academic institutions such as High School, College, University etc), to writing music, touring with bands, studio work, sound engineering/recording, performing in orchestra’s and musicals, film scores, radio ads, and many more music-oriented endeavors. But one thing they all have in common is that they sound great when performing for others! Wouldn’t you want the best entertainment possible for your guests and have people talking about how great the band was?
As the saying goes, one gets what one pays for.
Playing an instrument at such a high level of quality without making mistakes in real-time, and adapting to audience energy is a high-level skill set.
Can you imagine the disappointment if a bride and groom hired a friend’s amateur band to perform their wedding ceremony but due to lack of experience or skill something goes wrong? There are no re-takes walking down the wedding aisle. The music has to be perfect for your special day! From a budgetary perspective it may seem reasonable to have amateurs perform, but for one of the most important days in your life, it’s just not worth the uncertainty. The peace of mind knowing that the musicians we hire at Sax Appeal are true professionals is important.
As well, the equipment of professional musicians can usually cost tens of thousands of dollars alone, and there is always a risk of theft or damage. When you hire professional musicians through Sax Appeal, you can rest assured that they are working with some of the best equipment in the industry. Not all instruments and gear are equal!
Are you ready to get some Sax Appeal to make your upcoming event extra special? Contact us now for a quote!
Pros and cons of having live music at your event compared to a DJ
At Sax Appeal Productions, we know how powerful live music can be in transforming a good event into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re planning a corporate gala, a wedding, government or diplomatic function, private party, a charity fundraiser, or any other need to showcase the guest experience and ambiance, choosing between a live band and other entertainment options is a big decision. In all cases, live musicians bring a unique flair to every function. Guests talk about live musicians much longer after an event compared to ones that have pre-recorded music.
There are many issues to consider for the age-old question of band vs. DJ, and the Internet is full of opinions on the subject! While you may wish to have both, sometimes budgets get in the way. Here are our thoughts on the subject.
Atmosphere and Energy – PRO LIVE MUSIC
There’s an emotional connection between live musicians and an audience that recorded tracks simply can’t replicate. Live musicians bring artistry, emotion, and nuance that a playlist can’t reproduce. Live musicians create a dynamic, engaging atmosphere that recorded music cannot. The presence of a professional band, either a jazz ensemble, classical quartet, blues band or rock band for example, adds sophistication and excitement to any setting.
Live music always adds great energy and a personal touch, plus it shows a high level of respect towards your guests. Think of a wedding cocktail reception or 600 person gala with a cocktail reception. Doesn’t a jazz trio create the perfect ambiance? When your aim is to impress, nothing says it more than with professional live music.
Human interaction is much more interesting when you can see and hear musicians in real-life. Think of a concert tour of your favorite artist. You may have a recording, but seeing them in the flesh is always a thrill! Being able to make eye contact, dance, or otherwise appreciate the skill of watching and hearing a professional performance can often make the difference between a good event, and an amazing event!
Contact Sax Appeal Productions today to bring the magic of live music to your next event. Experience the difference that professional live musicians can make!
Customizable performances – PRO DJ
DJ’s can often play any kind of music at the touch of a button, taking special requests of any kind. DJs usually build playlists from existing tracks, with far less preparation time than live musicians.
DJ’s have 1000’s of musical selections available and have access to the most current music. While musicians can perform any kind of music, it depends on the band. Groups may be limited to a pre-determined set-list or what they have on an iPad. (Noting that some jazz groups we work with may have 1000’s of available charts)! Some of the ensembles Sax Appeal works with are versatile enough that they can perform various styles of music without prior notice. But DJs outperform live musicians from being able to instantly call-up any style and genre of music at the touch of a button.
Live bands can tailor their setlists, tempo, and interaction based on the mood of the crowd. Whether you’re after smooth jazz, funky grooves, or upbeat party music, a skilled group of event musicians can adjust on the fly. While professional DJs also strive to ‘read the room’ and adjust accordingly, consider if your friend or cousin pressing play on a set-list has the same experience.
Unlike DJs who can instantly play thousands of songs, live performers typically have a curated setlist. However, many of the experienced musicians Sax Appeal works with are happy to learn a few special requests ahead of time.
DJs often provide longer play-times than live musicians.
Pre-recorded music never takes breaks. Live musicians do, because they are human. While professional musicians have built a high level of stamina from perfecting their expertise over a lifetime, they cannot perform at peak capacity during an entire event without breaks. Our musicians require about a 15 minute break for every 60 minutes of music.
Less maintenance and set-up – PRO DJ
Usually a DJ is a one-person show who sets-up gear, plugs-in, and is ready to roll-out the tunes. While it’s normal for a DJ to also provide a variety of equipment depending on the need (speakers, uplighting etc), typically the setup for a DJ is faster and easier to manage than a larger party band.
With live musicians, there are often a few more logistics to coordinate, especially if the event requires more than just a solo act, duet, trio or quartet. Although for acoustic performances (i.e., for events that do not require microphones), the set-up for live musicians can be very simple.
At an event, it’s a band leader who is responsible for coordinating an ensemble and setting-up. Musicians bring specialized instruments, and depending on the gig, microphones, amplifiers, PA systems, and sometimes even lighting for larger party bands. This requires transporting gear, setup and soundcheck, on-site troubleshooting and a variety of other factors. As skilled experts, the musicians we work with will make sure everything is ready for show-time. It’s always wise to have a quick sound check if possible!
Visual appeal and audience engagement – PRO LIVE MUSIC
Live performers are not just heard – they’re seen. From elegant stage setups to choreographed performances, live music offers a full sensory experience that enhances photos, videos, and overall event enjoyment. Musicians love performing for a crowd, but we also understand that sometimes the best ambiance is one where the players are only heard and not seen. Many of our performances tend to be background ambiance music, and that’s perfectly fine with us!
Live entertainers can interact with your guests, take requests, and create memorable moments. This interaction often leads to more dancing, more smiles, and more positive feedback after the event. Engaging directly with musicians while they are playing is an experience like no other.
Depending on what kind of feel you wish to portray, our musicians are comfortable playing in either tuxedos for formal events, or would be pleased to tailor their outfits to suit your needs. For example – having a backyard wedding anniversary party in the middle of the summer and wish us to wear shorts and Hawaiian t-shirts? No problem. It would be our pleasure!
While the fedora is a large part of our founder Jarrrod Goldsmith’s personal brand, we would be pleased to wear them for a performance at your request!
Contact Sax Appeal Productions today to bring the magic of live music to your next event. Experience the difference that professional live musicians can make!
Supporting the live music Arts scene in Ottawa – PRO LIVE MUSIC
When you hire live musicians from Ottawa, you’re directly supporting talented local artists who contribute to the city’s unique cultural landscape and creating authentic, memorable experiences. Many Ottawa musicians rely on local bookings to make a living or supplement their income. Hiring them shows that there is real demand for live, skilled artistry, which in turn encourages young musicians to pursue music seriously, treat it like a business, and stay in Ottawa.
Your investment helps musicians in so many ways by inspiring others through their art. Hiring local Ottawa musicians supports the Arts and fuels Ottawa’s vibrant music scene. By choosing musicians over pre-recorded sets, you help sustain a dynamic ecosystem of players, collaborators and local events.
Ottawa has a diverse and talented musical community. Booking local artists helps preserve and promote the city’s cultural identity and showcases homegrown talent at events, weddings, festivals, and corporate functions.
Live music offers a personal, emotionally rich atmosphere that no playlist can replicate. Whether it’s the soulful sound of a saxophone or a full jazz ensemble, live musicians connect with the audience in real time – elevating the energy and mood in ways a DJ can’t.
Contact Sax Appeal Productions today to bring the magic of live music to your next event. Experience the difference that professional live musicians can make!
What are some logistics of live performances?
Live music performances require space for performers. Often not much space is needed, but please take into account the kind of instruments. Some instruments (like a harp, keyboard or drums) require more space than others (such as a saxophone, violin or bagpipe). While often musicians may perform on a stage, they are adapt at working in almost any location depending on your needs and the layout of the venue. Musicians can either stand or sit or even walk around while playing.
Contingent on the ensemble and the nature of your event, an acoustic performance might be appropriate. In that case, musicians would likely not need power (depending on the instrument), and volume would likely be less than groups that use microphones. Set-up for acoustic performances are often minimal. Any musical group we provide supplies their own equipment for an acoustic performance, or they can easily connect with any on-site sound system. If your event requires additional technical audio visual equipment (sound, lights, stages, or any other details), we work with you to make it happen.
Professional musicians are adept at adjusting their volume by judging how people interact with each other. If they notice people cannot seem to hear one another say during a cocktail reception, they will often adjust accordingly. But if you would like the musicians to not play as loud, or perhaps play louder, please let them know in-between charts. They would be happy to suit your needs!
For larger groups like party bands, some venues or outdoor areas may have noise restrictions and be subject to municipal by-laws. It’s wise to check with your venue about sound regulations, as well as be respectful to the neighborhood. If you find the volume too much for your liking, please inform the leader of the group in-between songs.
For outdoor events, a tent and power (depending on the ensemble) are required. Musicians do not like to play in the rain or snow, and we just can’t take the chance!
Musicians are human, and they need to take breaks. A rule of thumb is about a 15 minute break per hour of performance. If there are speeches at your event, that’s a perfect opportunity for the players to get a short breather!
Contact Sax Appeal Productions today to bring the magic of live music to your next event. Experience the difference that professional live musicians can make!
What if parts of my event need to change at the last minute?
Versatility is one of the most important services we specialize in! Sax Appeal will exceed your expectations from an organizational and logistical perspective. From singing a contract, to set-up, to soundcheck, to performance – we take care of every detail so you don’t have to. Expect smooth, professional delivery every time…and on time!
We understand the need for flexibility and will always work with you to help make sure your event is a complete success. Whether you have been organizing your event for a few hours or a few hundred hours, sometimes even the most organized plans need to be tweaked at the last minute. Should any of your circumstances ever change either before or during your special event, we will adapt and work together to provide seamless services so that your needs are not only fulfilled, but surpassed.
We are hosting a charity or not-for-profit event and would love live music. Are discounts available?
Sax Appeal only works with professional members who adhere to the standards of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada. Being an active member of this music union means there are minimum amounts we need to pay players regardless of an event (even ones as worthwhile as those hosted by charities and not-for-profits). There are minimum working conditions that we simply cannot adjust.
However, many ensembles understand and appreciate all the hard work that not-for-profits and charities do for our community. Depending on the ensemble, it may be possible to offer a discounted rate for such organizations.
The founder of Sax Appeal (Jarrod Goldsmith) has built a legacy on supporting and promoting the Ottawa community. When possible, he will work with you to try to accommodate a discounted rate for non-profits and charities.
Can Sax Appeal provide other items such as DJ’s, sound and lighting, smoke machines, staging etc?
Sax Appeal is more than just Ottawa’s go-to live music booking agency! We have established excellent relationships with some of the largest and most trustworthy event rental companies, DJ’s and other services providers in Ottawa. We would be pleased to help coordinate anything you need to make your event extra special. For example, if you require a huge outdoor tent, 500 chairs, folding tables, big-screen tv’s, pipe and drape, charity casino games, popcorn machines, fog machines, sound and lighting or literally anything else, we can make the experience really easy for you!
Plus, some of the musicians and ensembles we work with can provide extra equipment to make a performance even more special, such as AV sound, fancy lighting systems etc.
Contact us now to see how we can not only source your live music needs, but also get you the best price on any and all event rental equipment in Ottawa, Ontario.
What is the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada?
The American and Canadian Federation of Musicians is otherwise known as the Music Union. In Canada, Sax Appeal is an active member of the Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM) Local 180 Musicians’ Association of Ottawa- Gatineau, including Huntsville and Sudbury). The CFM is under the umbrella of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). The AFM is the oldest and most recognized and respected organization in North America specifically devoted to supporting musicians.
“The mission of the Musicians’ Association of Ottawa-Gatineau, Local 180, AFM is to defend and promote the economic, social, and professional interests of its members who are free-lance musicians, as well as musicians who are working under a collective bargaining agreement” (https://ma180.org).
In addition to facilitating contributions towards the Musicians’ Pension Fund of Canada, the CFM, through Local 180 in Ottawa, also helps with the filing of contracts, information about touring, P2 visa’s, recording contracts, SOCAN, ARTISTI (previously MROC), and helps coordinate agreements anywhere else you hear music such as movies, radio stations, computer games, streaming channels etc.
Sax Appeal only works with professional musicians who adhere to the high standards of the Canadian Federation of Musicians.
The following was taken from: https://cfmusicians.afm.org/about-us
About the Canadian Federation of Musicians
“The Canadian Federation of Musicians [CFM] (formerly referred to as AFM Canada) is the leading professional organization of its kind available to Canadian musicians. As a complementary office of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM), CFM is managed by AFM’s Vice President from Canada (VPC) and offers a comparative level of service that is uniquely focused on matters of concern to the Canadian membership. As the distinctly Canadian division of AFM, the CFM negotiates fair agreements for Canadian members, works diligently to protect ownership of recorded music, secures benefits such as health care and pension for its membership, and actively lobbies legislators on Copyright reform and other matters of interest to professional musicians living and working in Canada.
The Canadian Federation of Musicians helps thousands of musicians who need assistance with any number of issues related to the recording and performing of their craft. With specialized services ranging from immigration, media recordings, symphonic and theatrical matters, touring, freelance musicians and membership services, contract negotiations and administration, royalty streams, and more, CFM helps its membership take best advantage of all career opportunities and optimize the level of their professional working environment.
Whatever your issue, CFM is committed to raising industry standards and placing the professional musician in the foreground of the Canadian cultural landscape, and is here for its members to minimize potential threats and maximize opportunities”
Contact Sax Appeal Productions today to bring the magic of live music to your next event. Experience the difference that professional live musicians can make!
Who founded Sax Appeal Productions?
Jarrod Goldsmith is the founder of Sax Appeal.
Known by his signature fedora, Jarrod Goldsmith grew up in Montreal, Québec, the oldest of three children. In High School he began playing the saxophone that was to become a life-long passion (and future vocation).
As a career in music was greatly discouraged, he pursued another desire with the same drive and ambition, completing a BA in archaeology/anthropology at McGill University, and a Masters degree at the University of Alberta. Throughout this time, he had the opportunity to travel extensively pursuing both archaeology and music. Jarrod moved to Ottawa in 2002 for a relationship and the opportunity for a career in government. Both didn’t work out.
After almost 30 years playing music, he finally decided to pursue it full-time and launched Sax Appeal in 2011. (Here’s a short documentary). Originally founded as a unique ensemble (only saxophones), he realized that to make it work, he needed to treat the band as a small business, and quickly learned the value of entrepreneurship and networking. He then joined all five of the local Chambers of Commerce in town at the time, and attended dozens of networking events a month.
In 2012 eSAX (The Entrepreneur Social Advantage Experience) was launched. eSAX was known for hosting large entrepreneur networking tradeshows bringing the regions small business community. In addition, Jarrod has >700 videos on the eSAX YouTube channel covering such topics as entrepreneurship, networking for small business and virtual events
When Covid hit, Jarrod quickly realized the need to adapt as both the live music and event planning industry was decimated. Using an interactive and novel (non-Zoom) virtual event platform, and now known as eSAX Virtual Events, Jarrod pivoted to hosting exciting virtual events for others.
Jarrod’s commitment to community engagement was further recognized when he ran a strong campaign for Ottawa City Council in the October 2018 municipal election. Jarrod is currently an active member of Ottawa Tourism, Arts Network Ottawa, the Musicians Association of Ottawa-Gatineau, Local 180, the Ottawa Board of Trade, and sits on the Program Advisory Committee of the Algonquin College Events Management Program.
During Covid he became active in the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa that exists to improve the lives of children and youth by raising funds, investing where, when and how it is needed most and by delivering hands on community support. He finds that being a member of Kiwanis is an excellent opportunity helping to make our community a better place. He is pleased to have accepted the role of President for this historic community-minded organization.