Mirage
Searching for a San Diego Band to perform live music for your wedding, intimate party, corporate or special event? Mirage is the band you need! Since 1993, under the leadership of musician Richard Steffens, Mirage Music Bands have performed for 1000's of special events and weddings.
Mirage is the San Diego Wedding Band to play all your wedding ceremony and wedding reception music. Mirage Music has played for and emceed for large formal weddings, Jewish weddings and small intimate weddings. Our musicians work with you ahead of time providing you with your favorite wedding music and party dance music to keep your guests on the dance floor.
Last minute changes or special requests are always gladly taken. Appropriate wedding ceremony music can be played while your guests are being ushered to their seats, more lively music during the cocktail hour and dance music to get your guests on their feet during the wedding reception.
Mirage Music has performed for anniversary parties, bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs, birthday parties and retirement celebrations. As always, we work hand in hand with our clients to make every event special!
For corporate event music, award ceremonies or dinner dances with a theme, Mirage can give you the musical edge you are looking for. The choices are many; a San Diego Jazz band, Big Band Swing, Steel Drum band, Latin Jazz, Gypsy Swing or a sultry Blues band. If it's Disco or Rock you need to get your crowd to the dance floor, we play it!
When your wedding reception or special event requires that edge of sophistication, the Mirage Big Band Orchestra, a top-rated San Diego band, is exactly what you are looking for! For a smaller classy event, the Mirage Jazz band will fit your need.
A Reggae theme or beach party calls for the sound of the best San Diego Steel Drum band to get your guests dancing and in the groove! Romantic music for dinner dances and intimate parties can be provided by any of our specialty bands including the Gypsy Swing Cats and the Mirage Latin Jazz band.
Whatever the event, whatever the sound your are looking for, MIRAGE MUSIC is the band you need!
Mirage Music 5575 Baltimore Ave #105-164 La Mesa CA 91942 800-369-8375 619-540-4747 miragemusic_aim.com
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The smooth, classical sounds, the pure elegance of an era gone by is still here with the Mirage Big Band Orchestra . With over 20 years of entertaining at wedding receptions, award ceremonies and corporate events, This San Diego band will always keep you and your guests in the Swing of things. The versatility, the professionalism and the expertise of the Mirage Big Band Orchestra has made this San Diego big band a favorite among corporate conventions, event planners and wedding clients all over the Southern California area since 1994.
As the premiere San Diego wedding band and corporate big band, Mirage plays energetic music for your cocktail hour, smooth jazz & soft romantic ballads during dinner, but then look out! After dinner it's time to jump and jive as we pick up the tempo to the sounds of rock, big band swing, disco and variety dance music.
The Mirage Big Band Orchestra musicians complete the effect of elegance and sophistication, attired in either black tuxedos or white formal dinner jackets. It's more than just a jazz band or a swing band. They play all styles of dance music, including even blues, latin and ballrom styles to keep everyone out on the dance floor. Art Deco style black and white band stand fronts are all included in the entertaining package for your event.
Mirage Big Band Orchestra performs, as a special event band, with a variety of instruments ranging from 6 to 15 musicians and singers. The full 15 piece big band has bass, keyboard, drums, percussionist, guitar, 4 saxes, 2 trumpets, 2 trombone and two female vocalists. There are smaller configurations available when working with budget constraints. Special musical requests are always welcome. So at your next San Diego event, or anywhere in Southern Califonia, be it a small dinner, anniversary party, wedding or a large corporate function, make sure that your guests are having a fantastic time toe tapping and dancing to the music of the Mirage Big Band Orchestra.
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Preferred vendor listed in the San Diego, California Musicians section of Decidio
Set your "Tropical" or "South Of The Border" theme party off right with the sizzling sounds of ISLAND MIRAGE. If you want it spicy and hot, this steel drum band can get you on the dance floor with Latin favorites such as cha-chas, rhumbas, tangos and mambos. If you want it light and breezy, cool down with the sexy sounds of Latin jazz, ballads and boleros. For fun, there are Jimmy Buffet hits, Caribbean steel drum favorites as well as calypso, merengue and reggae melodies.
This group can spin the mood to give your themed event the right ambiance and feel. Never too loud, always looking sharp and always keeping the music flowing.
Since 1993, ISLAND MIRAGE STEEL DRUM BAND has performed for special events, for brides, local hotels and event planners. A top choice with national corporations, associations, travel agencies and destination management companies. The band performs frequently in the Palm Springs, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego.
ISLAND MIRAGE is the ideal group for your Tropical, Brazilian, Mexican or Island theme party. The band offers a wide variety of music from smooth jazz to rock n' roll with a tropical twist. So take a tropical vacation as soon as possible...with the Steel Drum sounds of ISLAND MIRAGE.
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Since 1993, Mirage has customized the musical atmosphere for over 1000 special events. The Mirage Jazz Band will fit your needs for an intimate cocktail party, formal wedding or large corporate event.
At award ceremonies, presentations or general session openers where musical play-ons and play-offs are needed, a microphone is always provided so you can make announcements as needed, or if you prefer to enjoy your guests, Mirage will be glad to act as your emcee.
Is your event a beach party, picnic or other outdoor event where there is no electricity? Enjoy the acoustic sound of Mirage Jazz bringing an uplifting, sultry sound to the party.
The easiest thing to say is: the Mirage Jazz Band brings the whole music package together! From jazz standards that everyone knows and loves to new stylish renditions of contemporary pop songs, MIRAGE will make the difference at your special event.
MIRAGE JAZZ
has the look you want,
the sound you need
The Gypsy Swing Cats is a group of three renown San Diego Jazz artists:
GUY GONZALES - a California guitarist, has shared billing with numerous National Jazz recording artists such as Larry Coryell, Sonny Rollins and Pancho Sanchez. He has had the privilege of performing for President's Ford and Clinton. Guy has
played numerous Jazz venues including the annual Laguna Beach Jazz Festival. On the KPBS televised special "Three Generations of the Blues", Guy was honored to share the stage with three Legends of Blues: Jeannie Cheatham, Zippy Wallace and the artist that penned Elvis's hit "Ain't Nothing But Hound Dog"; Big Mama Thorton.
STEVE NICHOLS - perfectionist on the guitar, wielding sounds from musical sources as diverse as Rock, Classical, Jazz, Latin, Blues, and Country. Steve has been called upon to work as a studio musician for the recording industry in Los Angeles and throughout the western states. Some notable artists and bands that Steve has performed or shared the stage with include B.B. King, Charlie Daniels, Lou Rawls, Barney Kessel, Billy Cobham, John Anderson and Patty Lovelace.
RICK STEFFENS - a diversified bassist, a band leader and sideman has throughout his career performed at thousands of events. Rick has played and jammed with Jazz notables: Herbie Hancock, John Handy, Milt Jackson, Richie Cole and Ernestine Anderson. Besides appearing on several Jazz and Fusion albums, he also has performed with many celebrities such as: Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Danny Thomas, Joan Rivers, Smothers Brothers, Mel Carter and Joe Piscopo.
The San Diego based Gypsy Swing Cats perform acoustically with an energetic, innovated blend of swing, latin, jazz and blues. Their music merges Gypsy melodies and rhythms, with the influences of American Jazz reminiscent of Paris in the 1930's: cool, charming and classy. The music of the Gypsy Swing Cats is thoroughly modern infused with the wild, mysteriously free and exciting Gypsy flavors. The tantalizing melodies of the Gypsy Swing Cats bring the audience a unique new experience. Their highly rhythmic sound will electrify your event, be it a small intimate gathering, a wedding or a large corporate reception.
Get your party moving, dancing and grooving to the up beat sounds of Tito Puente's - Oye Como Va. If you are ready to fill your evening with some sizzling sounds, then the Latin Jazz Band is who you want!
Your guests will be mezmerized by the beat created by the hand percussion instruments such as the conga, timbales and claves. The "Girl from Ipanema" always gets the crowd startedHips started as the Samba is danced to this Brazilian bossa nova.
Sounds developed by Cuban and Puerto Rican musicians Xavier Cugat, Tito Puente, and Arturo Sandoval strongly influence our lively sound and will keep your party going long after the music stops.
Blues Mirage Band
Now your party can have the best of Rhythm & Blues, Jazz and Soul all in one package. The Blues Mirage Band plays a wide selection of both instrumental and vocal blues and rock favorites from all eras. The band can play background music for your cocktail and welcome receptions to finger-snappin’ and toe-tappin’ dance music to get your crowd out on their feet.
The Blues Mirage, a San Diego blues band, is a special events music group specializing in blues, jazz, rhythm & blues and classic rock and roll. They can perform in different sizes, from as small as three pieces up to eight pieces with a full horn section. They come with their own sound system capable of covering audiences up to 300 people.
For your R&B theme party, there's mellow background to burnin' blues rock dance music. Mirage Blues is the San Diego band that also plays smooth jazz standards, rhythm and blues, soul, pop and rock hits from all decades. Get the blues touch. When variety and fun are needed, it’s Blues Mirage that’s called for.
About Mirage Music
Rick got the "bug" for music in 1963 when he watched along with the rest of the nation, The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. Shortly thereafter he picked up his first bass and became skilled at playing Rock music. In 1995 he helped form his first "garage band"; The Beau Geste.
Rick's mom "strongly" encouraged him to pursue a business degree in college, so, he entered the music department at San Jose State and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Fine Arts. Mom doesn't always know what's best! During his college days, he had the honor of playing a gig with Steve Getz, the son of the famous jazz sax player; Stan Getz. Thus began his passion for Jazz.
In 1993 after moving to San Diego with his wife and two boys, casual gigs alone did not pay the bills so he began working a "day job" for a local events agency. Almost daily, he ran into the same request by event planners to pull together a jazz band for corporate events and weddings. The request was specifically for an affordable small jazz group who could play soft music during the cocktail hour or dinner and afterwards fun dance music. Rick began his first leadership band by forming the Mirage Jazz Band . Bill Haworth plays keyboards, Bob Campbell or John Rekevics play the sax and Rick is on the bass. A couple of years after this, Rick was able to quit his "day job" and devote himself once again to his first love; music.
Big Band Orchestra - Rick formed this band in 1994 after dozens of requests came to him to provide an affordable and modern sounding Big Band Orchestra. For some clients the full on-board orchestra fits their needs and budgets. However, Rick quickly found that he could scale the band size down and still provide a strong quality sound for clients on a tighter budget. The clients needs are always placed first. Corporate dinner dances and wedding receptions use this band frequently for an elegant sound. Musicians in the Big Band Orchestra include: Gary Nieves (drums), Bill Haworth (keyboards/piano), Guy Gonzales and Beezie Gerber (guitar), Jeff Beck (trumpet), John Rekevics (sax), Scott Kyle (Trombone), Angie Whitney (singer) and Rick Steffens as bassist and band leader.
Steel Drum Band - Also was formed in 1994. Event planners were frustrated by a lack of a quality and reliable Steel Drum Band in the San Diego area. The biggest need was specifically during the spring and summer months for outdoor and beach events. That lively reggae sound is provided by San Diego's most talented steel drum players: Robbie Hutchinson and Tom Gates.
Gypsy Swing Cats - Was conceived and formed by guitarist, Guy Gonzales. Guy owned an acoustic gypsy guitar and loved the style of music. Steve Nichols owned the same guitar. They put their heads together, added an upright bass and began the Gypsy Swing Cats. Resort hotels, private parties and both wedding ceremonies and receptions are the frequent venue for this group.
Latin Jazz Band - is the newest addition in musical entertainment for Mirage Music. Responding to a growing popularity for the exciting sound of Latin Jazz, a larger group was formed this year. Glenn Richardson, the originator of the group, is the saxophonist and flutist. Additional sound is provided by a bass, keyboard, guitar, drums and a hand percussionist. The group can always be augmented by a trumpet and of course, a female vocalist. This group is fantastic for providing a true energetic, uplifting sound to just about any event.
Mirage Blues Band - The inception for this band in 1994, once again came directly by the request from Destination Management Companies and Event Planners. The Blues are often requested for intimate parties and corporate functions. Musicians are Bob Campbell on sax, Steve Sibley on keyboards, Gary Nieves on drums and Rick Steffens on bass.
CORPORATE EVENTS
"I just wanted to thank all of you for doing such a great job for Microsoft. I appreciate all of your amazing talents and I am so blessed to have each of you to partner with for a successful event." Christie Stringer, Background Productions - LA Convention Center - 2011
"Thank you and all the members of the Mirage Big Band Orchestra for your wonderful performance at our "Serenade To Americas Youth". We have received numerous compliments on our selection of an orchestra. You "made" the evening for many of our guests, including Congress Woman Susan Davies who had just flown in from D.C. and planned to leave right after dinner, but changed her mind when you began to play.-- Mary Johnson, San Diego Youth & Community ServicesDinner Dance - Sheraton Harbor Island -2003
All the feedback I received from the client was very positive. Your band did a phenomenal job. I will definitely work with you again in the future. Chiah Lee-Zampi -Empire Entertainment, Microsoft Awards Program - La Quinta Resort March 1, 2008
Thank you and the Mirage Band for an outstanding performance at the Coronado Crown Club Valentines Day Dance. The music, variety of music, mix, and vocals were excellent, and the sets were not too long. The band played until the end.
I wanted to give you and the band this positive feedback, based on comments received during the dance and the discussion at our Board Meeting this week.
Best wishes, Ed Morris, Crown Club Dance February 14, 2009 at Coronado Golf Club
"By the way - everyone has been raving about you! Hope to dance to you again. Thanks!"-- Meshell ZwickerDinner/Dance - Hyatt Aventine La Jolla - 2006
SPIE is thrilled to be working with MIRAGE again this year in San Diego. It is always a pleasure to work with you and your talented musicians,-- Marla Entrikin, International Society for Optical Engineering - Dinner/Dance - San Diego Marriott - 2005
"I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you, the Island Mirage....for a wonderful performance at our annual meeting events. The general feedback from our attendees was that the music provided the right amount of atmosphere and entertainment."-- Krista Fleming, International Society for Optical Engineering - Dinner/Dance - San Diego Marriott - 2000
"I hope you guys appreciated our enthusiasm half as much as we did your great music. What a talented bunch! I would recommend you to all and I will."--Skip Dodge Dinner Dance - Steele Canyon Country Club - 2001
Thank you for presenting the Mirage Big Band Orchestra at the Winter Jazz Series in the library on January 25. Your group gave the audience a swinging good time. BRAVO! Carol Tico, City Of Carlsbad Concert - Shulman Auditorium - 2004
Thank you for the GREAT music! We will be calling for our next party! -- Kristal Kritzer, Chicago Title Co.Corporate Open House - Carlsbad CA - 2004
"Your band was great and really made the room feel warm. I do hope we get to work with you soon, you are always in our music thoughts when we recommend bands. Have a great week." Samantha Smith
San Francisco CA - Oct 2010
Thank you for graciously accepting the engagement for NAGGL and totally impressing them. You have been a pleasure to work with! ... you clearly pleased the audience -- Marcia Snow, Blue Feather Management Trade Show Open House - San Diego Marriott - 2004
The client could not stop raving about everything. You and your band were such a pleasure to work with. We look forward to working with you gain soon.-- Katie Rucker, Pacific PartnersCorporate Awards Ceremony - Sheraton Hotel - 2004
Hi Rick,
Your band did an amazing job at my wedding!!! So many of the guests commented on how great you guys were. Your presence added a touch of elegance and class to the ballroom....it was just as I imagined it would be! Thank you so much for the great performance!! It really did make the day so much more special!
Georgina- March 2010
"We just wanted to thank you again for doing such a wonderful job at our wedding. The music was absolutely divine and just what we wanted. On such a special day for us, thank you for contributing so much. Music is an important part of life and sets the mood and tone so often. You gave us the classic, comfortable, relaxing and fun mood we wanted. Thanks you for being so professional and friendly."
Amy & David Thomas March 24, 2007 The Prado at Balboa Park
We had an absolute blast at our wedding. You guys did a great job and everyone complemented us on our band choice, your sound, the music choices that were played. Thank you for doing your thing, I will definitely recommend you guys to anyone that asks. Thanks Elliot, Wedding at Twin Oaks - Oct 2010
Thank you all so much for making our wedding day extra special and grand. The music and entertainment that you all provided was beyond our expectations. Our guests are continuing to make comments as to how professional and perfect you all were. We thoroughly enjoyed listening, watching and dancing to your fabulous array of music. You played everything that was requested and so much more. We highly recommend your band and wish we could have our wedding all over again; we would select you all in a second.-- Ed & Melinda Sicard Wedding - Pala Mesa Resort - 2005
We were so thankful you were there...the vocalist was fantastic, the music was great you were so smooth. We all had a great time and have wonderful memories.-- Bob & Cathy SteuberWedding - Long Beach Yacht Club - 2005
Rick
Thank you very much for playing at our wedding. Everyone enjoyed the music and they are still talking about the music. Thank you for making our day very special and memorable Caroline Boess, Wedding Bernardo Winery 1999
Everyone at the reception raved about your performance. I will recommend you to anyone in need of a great band! Joe & Sorel Dietzler Wedding - Hotel del Coronado - 2000
I have tested other CDs and after I heard your CD I thought that you should be the band to play at the wedding and you did not disappoint me. Thanks so much for that. You can use me as a reference anytime and I will say nothing but the truth, and that's that you are a fantastic band with a great choice of music that are very suited for formal occasions like weddings."-- Carolina Cates Wedding - Sheraton Hotel - 2002
Thank you for helping make this day special for Amber & Todd. We have enjoyed working with you and look forward to many more events and weddings. Sincerely-- Anseth Richards, Creative Occasions Wedding - Lodge at Torrey Pines - 2003
Just a note to thank you and your fellow musicians for performing at our wedding reception. You all made our wedding day truly special and a joyous occasion for everyone. Warmest Regards, Treslynn Gomez, Pacific Event Productions, El Cortez Hotel - 2003
Just wanted to thank you for making our wedding reception so wonderful. The band was better than anything we could have asked for. Every song, detail, etc. were perfect. Truly a class act. We were so happy (and still are!!!). -- Christina and Patrick Waters Wedding - Lodge At Torrey Pines - 2004
2011 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation USS Midway with Kenny Loggins
2011 KFC Convention opening act for Lady Antebellum
2010 Qualcomm awards dinners at Natural History Museum, Balboa Park
2010 Conoco Phillips convention, Hotel del Coronado
2009 CIGNA Insurance - Hotel del Coronando, San Diego CA
2008 Microsoft Conference - La Quinta Resort CA
2007 Hormel Corporation - Annual Sales Meeting - Austin TX
2006 Buick Invitational Golf Tournament - San Diego Marriott
2005 Accenture Golf Tournament La Costa Resort - Gala Party with Bonnie Raitt
2005 Budweiser National Sales Convention - San Diego Convention Center
2004 Microsoft Convergence Event - Embarcadero Park - San Diego
2004 New Years Eve Gala - USS Midway
2004 San Diego Padres & Petco Park Stadium - opening day VIP celebration
2003 Super Bowl XXXVII - San Diego Sports Elite player party
2001 San Diego Padres Celebration for Tony Gwynn's Final season at Qualcomm Stadium
1998 New York Yankees World Series Victory Party at the San Diego Hyatt Hotel
1998 SuperBowl XXXII Green Bay Packers Post Super Bowl Party at the Sheraton Torrey Pines Hotel
Ford Motor Corporation Sales Award at La Costa Spa & Resort
Lincon - Mercury Presidents Circle Award
Former First Lady, Barbara Bush at the Loew's Coronado Resort
American Bar Association Awards Ceremony at San Diego Marriott Hotel
Telephone: 800-369-8375
Cell: 619-540-4747
Richard Steffens
Mirage Music
Email: miragemusic_aim.com
