TUNE IN! Houston’s hipster wedding band… shaking it up with hearty, party vibes

What do Houston’s best musical groups have in common? A song, natch: “Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. “It’s totally worn out,” says Houston keyboardist Mark Richardson of the overplayed request. Modern day wedding receptions are turning up void of big band sounds and sappy father-daughter dances. Instead, more brides are cutting a rug with peppy choreographed moves to songs like “Johnny B. Goode” and even “Baby Got Back.” Need a little hip-shakin’ inspiration? Several YouTube videos floating around the ’net showcase trendy couples and their guests who aren’t afraid to, ahem, step out of the mold.

Although Houston’s favorite band stays on the road, they always find time to work a well-paved circuit of annual Houston charity events, galas and weddings in their hometown. Fried Ice Cream (281.444.5200 or friedicecreamband.com) loves to blast high-energy renditions of ZZ Top, Beyonce or Ludacris hits or croon Aretha Franklin or Van Morrison numbers. “Whether we’re playing in the White House or the House of Blues, we put on a show for the people,” says lead singer Shang, who goes by just one name á la Cher or Madonna. The nine-piece band is used to playing in super-sized venues, like The Corinthian and the George R. Brown Convention Center, but they easily relay the excitement in intimate atmospheres as well. “We take the energy found at a concert or festival, and bring that to a private event. Music is one of the most innovative ways to be original and bring magic to a celebration,” explains Fried Ice Cream singer Sky Shepherd. “We raise the energy level of everybody in the room.  We just want everyone to have a great time.” 

We certainly do. Squares go home. Brides and gala chairs – don’t be afraid to step out of that box and turn up the volume.


< RETURN TO MEDIA