Does my garden party need a saxophone player? The answer is always yes. I’ve done quite a lot of garden parties in this summer season and they bring a nice change in pace to weddings.
They’re often a much more simple affair than weddings with fewer moving parts to work around and no need to wait if any part of the wedding overruns (and they always overrun)!
A garden party is nearly always a pretty chilled affair and really lends itself to the more chilled poolside end of the Ibiza sax spectrum. Generally people are there to talk so they often don’t reach the same frenetic energy that a wedding does. This means that, whilst the roaming sax player is a nice visual touch, it might be a bit much for the player to go sticking his horn in your guest’s faces… So the garden party-variety saxophone player is more background than in a lot of other settings; more of what a colleague of mine used to refer to as a ‘C**t in the corner’ gig!
The sax sound works really well for garden party settings but it is worth bearing in mind the size of your garden when setting up. Saxophones are fairly loud as default and the sax player will have speakers for their backing track. If you have a long, thin garden with hard, reflective walls then this will amplify the sax. Alternatively, if you have a massive open garden with no reflective surfaces then the sax sound will dissipate into the air so there is a balance to be struck there. Most performers are quite aware of their levels and will do their best to make it as pleasant for your guests and to make themselves sound as great as possible. If in doubt, it’s always best to just ask them!
Other things to bear in mind are shade, a sax player blowing hard in the sun for an hour and a half will be very sweaty and unpleasant for them so a bit of respite from the beating sun is welcome!
Another thing to think about is having a decent sized speaker/PA system to take over once the sax player is done. Even if the music is just a burble in the background, it allows your guests to relax - you never want silence at a party!
A saxophone player at a garden party is a great idea, they provide a focal and conversation point, as well as providing chilled party vibes and amazing musical entertainment!
Nick Pike Saxophone
A talented and versatile saxophonist, Nick plays iconic pop, funk and soul songs reworked with his unique touch. Nick Pike Saxophone is available throughout London, Essex, Surrey, Hampshire, Sussex, Kent and Berkshire. Book now >
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