Evaluating the Allan Kaye Orchestra
Is the A.K. Orchestra available for my event date?
Contact Us! Because of frequent updates to our performance schedule, we don't publish a calendar of our engagements. Please contact the Allan Kaye Orchestras to see if we are available on your event date.
How can I meet with you?
Call us at 847.675.7706 to schedule an appointment. We'll be glad to meet at your convenience to discuss all issues or requirements you have about entertainment at your event.
Can I see the orchestra perform live to help me make my decision?
We can occasionally have prospective clients come to hear the AKO. However, we only do so with the permission of the host at that party. If the host agrees, we ask that people coming to hear us play live dress appropriately and be discreet in their appearance. For the most part, we trust you to make an informed choice about the orchestra after hearing our CD, reading our information and client testimonials, contacting previous clients for references, and meeting with us.
Can you send me an info package and CD?
We'll would be glad to send you information, including our CD, photos, song list, brochure, testimonials, and price list. Contact us by phone (847.675.7706), e-mail (info@allankaye.com), or on our web site (www.allankaye.com). We'll need your name, mailing address, phone number, event date, and a description of your event.
How far away from Chicago do you travel?
We regularly travel for performances all over the United States!
Do you perform for wedding ceremonies?

We are more than happy to perform for wedding ceremonies.
• Please note however that we do not perform for wedding ceremonies unless the AKO is also booked to perform at the wedding reception.
We take great pride in the satisfaction we have given our clients over the years. Read what former clients had to say here. You can hear some ceremony music on our CD and in our sound clips. We will meet with you and offer a selection of ceremony music and certainly you can have any music you want! Yes, ANY MUSIC!
How soon before my event date must I commit to booking the orchestra?
The sooner you book us for your party , the more likely we will be available. However, because of a variety of circumstances we can sometimes be booked as little as a month or two ahead of your date. Call us at 847.675.7706 and ask for our availability! We can hold a date for you.
Working with the Allan Kaye Orchestra
How do you manage the volume level of the music?
We'll keep volume at a reasonable level, emphasizing quality & clarity. We will adapt to the uniqueness of each event. We don't want our music hindering the conversations of your guests, and we're sensitive other factors such as the venue's acoustics and the energy level of your guests. Of course, during the event, you ever think we are either too loud or too soft, just let us know and we'll accommodate you!
In the case of dinner music, we make sure that our music is soft enough for you and your guests to converse easily without distraction.
Can you do special announcements such as my bridal party's entrance?
Yes! We'll perform complete emcee services at no extra charge, handling all your special announcements. For bridal parties, we'll work with you to ensure proper pronunciation of names. Of course, we discuss your needs ahead of time to ensure that fulfill your requirements.
Can I use your public address system for announcements, presentations, and toasts?
Yes! We always have a cordless microphone available for any toasts or announcements. This affords you the possibility of being anywhere in the room to speak without traveling to the bandstand or worrying about tripping over a microphone cord.
Can you play during dinner and cocktails?
Yes! Enhance your dinner and cocktail periods with the ambiance of subtle background music. We feature the magnificent cocktail piano styling of Allan Kaye, heard on our CD and sound clips. The Allan Kaye musicians have years of experience playing enjoyable jazz, classics, and standards. For a more elegant touch, we also offer a string quartet, violinist, or harpist.
How many musical breaks do you take?
Unlike many bands, we can provide continuous music throughout the evening occasionally rotating some of the musicians and singers at appropriate times. 'We can of course accommodate any special presentations or speeches with a band break at any time.
How far away from Chicago do you travel?
We regularly travel for performances all over the United States!
Music of the Allan Kaye Orchestra
What types of music do you play?
The Allan Kaye Orchestras offer one of the most diverse repertoires of any live entertainment. Our styles include contemporary pop & dance, classic to modern rock 'n' roll, jazz standards, swing, hot Latin, Motown, ethnic dances, and much more. See our extensive song list for ideas. The Allan Kaye musicians have years of experience performing all material with authenticity and precision.
Do you play songs not included on your song list?
Of course! Our song list represents only a portion of our complete repertoire. We know your favorite song! Just ask!
Do you play ethnic music?
Yes! We have a number of ethnic songs in our repertoire, including Jewish, Italian, Irish and Polish. We can also learn special songs for your event.
Can I request songs during your performance?
Yes, we can accept special requests from you or your guests. We ensure that requested songs are appropriate for the event and consistent with the your desires.
The Allan Kaye Orchestra Musicians
Are the band members always the same?
The AKO maintains the same core of instrumentalists and vocalists. Some faces may change as we augment the core with additional musicians. In the event of any line-up changes, we always substitute with a musician of equal caliber, ensuring the high standard of excellence for which we are known.
Are the musicians genuine professionals?
The musicians of AKO are true professionals, most of whom derive their entire income from performing and recording music. Our members have performed and recorded with numerous national artists, and are considered by their peers to be among the best talent in the Chicago area. For example, our Music Director, Ron Friedman, played solo trumpet with Frank Sinatra for 5 years as well as working with such legends as Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Michael Jackson and Styx- just to name a few. After talking with our clients or reading their testimonials, you'll know you can rest assured that the expertise of the AKO musicians will give you a polished, enthusiastic music performance.
How do the various ensembles the orchestra offers differ?
Our basic ensemble consists of 5 musicians (keyboard - guitar - bass - drums - trumpet & flugelhorn) and 2 vocalists (male & female). Larger parties are often more suited to a 6 musician and 3 vocalists group, thereby adding fullness and harmony. We can add saxophones, trombones, percussionists and any instruments all the way up to a big band orchestration. We also have string groups that often perform with us starting with 1 violin, all the way up to 12 violins, with or without cellos and violas.
How does the orchestra dress?
We always dress in a manner suitable to your event. Unless you direct otherwise, men will wear classic, sharp tuxedos, with the women smartly dressed in elegant evening wear.
Allan Kaye Orchestra: Pricing Info
How much do you charge?
Our basic starting price is $1995 for a small band on an weekday.
When is my payment due?
We ask for a deposit of at least 25% at the contract signing, with the remainder due the night of your event.
.....
Allan Kaye Orchestras
5145 West Fairview Lane
Skokie, Illinois 60077		 Allan Kaye Orchestras
ph 847.675.7706
Contact Us Online
.....