TLDR - Stop looking around and book them. Ginny Bales runs an amazing band; professional, personal, well organized, deeply knowledgable, and most importantly, the group of musicians plays well together as a unit! My wife and I wanted a band for our wedding. We wanted older style music, nothing top 40 in the last 10 years, to cater to our friends and family. Most of our wedding invitees were 30s-60s, so a DJ with uplighting and loud speakers wasn't really the vibe we were looking for. After shopping around and getting a few quotes from other bands, we never had a strong personal connection with the coordinators which lead to a lack of confidence in them being able to execute it right. Then we met Ginny and we knew we found our band. From the very beginning, Ginny and the band were amazing. They have an extensive setlist which we highlighted our favorites from, and our zoom meetings to get a sense for each other and our music taste were easy, relaxing, and even fun. She is very thorough and knowledgable, but also doesn't impose specific traditions or a structure. We talked through the entire wedding plan over two meetings and a few emails to shore up specific father-daughter and mother-son dance songs, and then that was it; nice and easy. Ginny also served as our emcee for the night, and she was perfectly professional without grabbing any spotlight like I've seen other emcees do in the past. We had this band play a two piece (piano, flute) before and during the walk ins for our ceremony. The music was beautifully light, at the right tempo, and set the delicate romantic stage. The flutist switched to an alto sax and they added an upright bass to play our jazz cocktail hour. Again, they were perfect. They adjusted the tempo to pick up the energy, played at the right volume, and elevated our cocktail hour feel. The rest of the band set up in the main room during this time, and they joined up to form a 7-8 piece band. They played our first dance song, father-daughter, and mother-son songs so well, not a dry eye in the house by the end of them (You are the Best Thing - Ray Lamontagne, Wildflowers - Tom Petty, Shower the People - James Taylor). Dinner music was the right volume, and we saw our guests sing a little in between courses. They were the perfect balance of background when people were eating/talking, but also strong musicians to hold attention in that time. During this time, they did play a few songs over the speakers while they also ate dinner, which was seamless. They coordinated our maid of honor and best man speeches well when the time came for them. We also had a special request that my mother in law sings a song to kick off the party after dinner, and the band was an amazing support for her performance of Proud Mary. It was a great moment for both of our families, and something I know we'll be talking about for the rest of our lives. From there, the band kept that dancing energy high throughout the night. We had to clear 3 tables to widen the dance floor because of how many guests were dancing. It was truly an amazing night, and it was all thanks to Ginny and this amazing band. If you made it this far into my review, I'll end with a few strong takeaways. My wife and I did not book any other forms of entertainment (no photobooth, performers, dessert display bars, etc.) but that didn't matter - our guests had a wonderful night dancing, and never looked around for anything more. And would I book them again? In a heartbeat. Maybe this review can save a bit of time planning your wedding; meet them and see what I mean.

We cannot say enough good things about Bales Gitlin! We hired them for our stateside reception at The Tokenke Club in Darien, CT in August 2022. Ginny personalized EVERYTHING, and even became our unofficial wedding planner! We started off wanting a sit-down luncheon vibe and it turned into an amazing dancing party. Thank you Ginny and all for helping make our reception one of the best days of our lives!

The band put on a great performance for my son's wedding rehearsal dinner. Professional, pleasant, punctual, reasonable with highest quality musicians. I would hire them again in a minute. Everyone of all ages at the dinner/party loved it.

Ginny went above and beyond to customize the music for our night. On the day of the wedding it rained and she again was so flexible in changing plans at a moments notice to make everything run smoothly. They were amazing.

ChaRumBo Ballroom Dance - Amazing dance band. Dance bands who can play ballroom type of music are very hard to find especially in Connecticut. They played for us 2 years in a row. Knew exactly what type of music to play, kept the floor full of dancing. The variety of music pleased the young and aging guests. Wonderful singing voices. Also, worked with us schedule wise and fee. They really gave an enjoyable evening.

Well - we could not have been happier with our wedding band! Ginny and Jay are friends of our family, so we really lucked out because they guided us through this entire process. They helped us design a musical evening, and they were so supportive and full of ideas and suggestions. They know a LOT about weddings and what makes for a good evening. The band (or DJ) does not only handle the music - they are also the MCs of the whole event, setting the tone of the reception. Ginny, Jay, and the whole band were absolutely fantastic in this regard, and we felt in great hands. Musically, they were perfection. We had a very full band because it was a big event (over 250 guests), and they covered several genres. Guests of all ages had something to sing along to that evening, and there were plenty of rousing numbers for everyone to dance to. Everyone danced! They advised us to start right off with the hora to set the tone for the evening, and it was a brilliant idea. It got everyone on their feet immediately. They also worked with us to orchestrate several performances by ourselves and family and friends. The music was probably the most special part of the entire day for us, truly a treasure, and it could never have been the same with a different wedding band. We highly recommend!

Where do you start when a band exceeds all of your expectations? Ginny and Jay were great to work with every step of the journey to our wedding, providing much needed and appreciated support and guidance, along with fantastic music and MCing. Everyone from the 20- somethings to the 80- somethings had a blast and raved about the music . They truly went above and beyond for us, even bringing in an extra singer to accommodate our music choices. You won't be disappointed if you are lucky enough to have Bales- Gitlin play/MC your next event. We hope to have them play for our vow renewal in a few years!

There aren't enough positive superlatives to describe the Bales Gitlin Band. Ginny, Jay and company provide top notch MC services and a fantastic choice of music in a variety of genres. They worked with us tirelessly before, during and after to ensure a fantastic reception. There wasn't a song we requested that the band couldn't handle. They know how to keep the party moving, the dance floor was never deserted, but they know how to slow things down as well. We cant's recommend them highly enough. You will not be disappointed!

Hired Bales Gitlin for a dinner on May 14.

February 18th 2017 Wedding The music on your wedding night really sets the mood for the evening, so having the perfect band was top priority for meI! I chose the Bales & Gitlin Music band for many reasons, but the minute I spoke to Ginny I knew they would be the ones. She knew, without hesitation, what I wanted to hear and the type of night I wanted to have. I wanted a classy black tie affair, but also a fun and wild night of dancing for all ages, and somehow they achieved it all with the music, it was fantastic! They played an extended version of L.O.V.E. by Nat King Cole for our first dance, and we requested everyone be invited on to the dance floor halfway through, and almost everyone of my guests got up there! I don't remember ever seeing such a packed dance floor at any wedding I had been to previously. It was packed all night long, and everyone commented on how tasteful and wonderful the music was. This was my most hoped for memory, and one that will never be forgotten now. I truly believe that this band has the gift, so don't doubt yourself because there are so many bands to choose from. You only need one, and that is the Bales & Gitlin Music band! Thank you again to Ginny and the Band. I wish we could do it all over again :)

The music on your wedding night really sets the mood for the evening, so having the perfect band was top priority for meI! I chose the Bales & Gitlin Music band for many reasons, but the minute I spoke to Ginny I knew they would be the ones. She knew, without hesitation, what I wanted to hear and the type of night I wanted to have. I wanted a classy black tie affair, but also a fun and wild night of dancing for all ages, and somehow they achieved it all with the music, it was fantastic! They played an extended version of L.O.V.E. by Nat King Cole for our first dance, and we requested everyone be invited on to the dance floor halfway through, and almost everyone of my guests got up there! I don't remember ever seeing such a packed dance floor at any wedding I had been to previously. It was packed all night long, and everyone commented on how tasteful and wonderful the music was. This was my most hoped for memory, and one that will never be forgotten now. I truly believe that this band has the gift, so don't doubt yourself because there are so many bands to choose from. You only need one, and that is the Bales & Gitlin Music band! Thank you again to Ginny and the Band. I wish we could do it all over again :)

It was a party all night long! If you want you and your guests to have a great time, book this band! I had the best time planning the music and details of my wedding with Ginny. She made the whole process enjoyable and fun. She was easy to talk to, and she understood right away the atmosphere I wanted to create the night of our wedding. I researched many bands before choosing to go with Bales Gitlin. However, it was an easy choice after speaking with Ginny.She was pro-active providing me information and immediately conveyed her enthusiasm for playing our wedding. The whole band shined when the night came. From the cocktail hour music to our first dance, I received many compliments about our music and band choice. They played a beautiful romantic version of the classic song L.O.V.E. by Nat King Cole for our first dance, making it unforgettable. I was all smiles hearing them play it. In the middle of the night, I made it a point to step back and observe my guests enjoying themselves. The floor was packed, and everyone was so into the music, smiling, laughing and dancing the night away (as it should be)! It was truly a beautiful experience to witness. Thank you a million times, I couldn't have created or imagined a better night for our wedding. Thank you guys!

The Bales Gitlin Band was fantastic! Not only did they play excellent music at both our ceremony and reception but they helped us plan out the details and suggested the perfect songs for important moments in the ceremony! They're easy to work with and very talented. Able to play a wide variety of music flawlessly. We had every style of music at our Wedding from funk to jazz to ukelele, to rap and even a Chinese song. They were very easy to work with and consummate professionals. I can't recommend them highly enough! Thank you!

What a fabulous band...musicians and vocalist were incredbly entertaining....their music appealed to a variety of tastes,,,they listened to the requests of the bride and groom and focused on what they asked for at their reception. Ginny as both a business woman and entertainer was very easy to work with. Their music added a touch of class to the party. We highly recommend them.

The Bales Gitlin Band are awesome. We were married in 2006, and we had the Bales-Gitlin All-stars, led by Jordan and Chris (Jay and Ginny were out of town). What makes this band awesome is that they are amazing musicians, but they also have an incredible instinct for how to make a party go right. They can do any style of music, and played awesome versions of some of our exotic requests. But they also just picked awesome music of their own choice, and it was a total blast. Jordan and Chris are awesome singers, and the band absolutely rocks. It's now three years later, and we still hear from all sorts of people that "The band at your wedding was the best I've ever heard." And they are absolutely serious. The Bales-Gitlin all stars are the best band around.

The Bales Gitlin Band played for our daughter’s wedding on July 19, 2009 at Eolia Mansion at Harkness Park. We could not have been more satisfied. The Band exceeded our expectations in all ways. Ginny was great to work in the planning stages. She offered professional advice, but was very willing to be flexible. She worked with Sarah & Lee to play the music they wanted for the evening. The variety of music was astounding, their talent was tremendous. The Band even worked in a few new songs and renditions at Sarah’s request. The music provided the energy for the party, Ginny kept the evening going from cocktails to the last dance. She coordinated extremely well with the caterer and the photographer. The breaks came at just the right time. There were no awkward gaps, yet the evening was not rushed. She managed the introductions and toasts with such a smoothness that I cannot adequately describe. Best of all, the Band got people dancing that had not danced in years – including the parents of the bride. The guests were thrilled and there was such joy. I am glad to speak by phone to any parents and brides planning a wedding. Ginny can give you my number. Don’t waste your money on a DJ. This is the real deal. Kudos to the Bales Gitlin Band!!

What a great group of people. My husband and I have had them for two of our anniversary parties, and are about to use them once again, this year. From beginning to end, they are affable, professional, and simply fabulous ! Ginny is great to work with in the planning process; always responsive to specific requests; makes suggestions and plans that WORK !.. she,.and ALL of the band members are amazing musicians! During the venue, they read the audience well to keep the evening "moving" in just the right was so as not to "loose the croud"; to please everyone and to create an air of excitment and fun. Professional, talented, fun and the list of adjectives go on and on!!! Count on this band for YOUR next function...you will NOT be disappointed !

A lot of people told us the band is the most important decision you'll make about the wedding (except maybe the spouse). People will forget bad flowers, bad food, etc., and if you have a bad photographer, you'll still get other pictures. But if you have a boring wedding because the music is bad or inappropriate, people will remember that, so we wanted to make sure we got the best band we could. Problem was that we were planning our wedding from a few hundred miles away, so our trips to New Haven to interview various people (photographer, florist, caterer etc.) were limited. However, as Yale graduates, we had heard the Bales Gitlin Band at the Yale Commencement Ball twice, and we knew that they were 1. An excellent band and 2. Able to get a group of hugely varied ages and musical tastes all dancing and having a great time. So, we decided to book them. Best decision we could have made. Ginny and the rest of the band were phenomenal. We were told by many guests that it was the best wedding they'd ever been to and the most fun wedding they'd ever been to. The band had my college friends, my grandmothers, and everyone in between dancing and having a great time. They had a huge list of songs, so any songs we wanted, they played. But more importantly, they seemed to know just the right songs to play, and time to play them, to get people moving. Couple other things that stand out as being different from other bands at other weddings: 1. They played at an appropriate volume. They filled the room with music, but you could still talk to people. 2. They did an a capella performance while we cut our cake that was really nice, and we got a lot of compliments on that. 3. They are VERY good at 'managing' a wedding. In other words, the things we were worrying about, like the flow of people from room to room, staying on schedule, and all the logistic stuff you don't want to worry about during your wedding, they took care of perfectly. 4. They are very good about responding to emails. (just a sidenote, not necessarily different from bands I've heard at other weddings). I assume most people have stopped reading by now, but I obviously would recommend the Bales-Gitlin Band over a DJ or any other band at any wedding I've been to. A pleasure to deal with, and they put on an incredible wedding.