Anniversary Party Harpist, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Oak Brook

The family arrived super early, so I wasn't able to get pictures of the space, but here I am ready to play Bollywood music for the couple's 50th anniversary. The guests really enjoyed hearing something they never had before (Bollywood selections on harp), and I even learned a special song for the celebrating couple!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Cocktail Reception Harpist, DoubleTree Hotel, Oak Brook

 

The lobby at the DoubleTree in Oak Brook is a very generous size, and harp music warms it up really nicely! On this day, we were celebrating a 25th anniversary, and the party attendees wandered between the various stations providing food and drink while listening to Bollywood favorites. It was a lovely party, and I was so happy to try out my newest Bollywood arrangement - Mitwa!

I now have a complete hour of Bollywood music, and the selections are listed at my main website:

www.Harp123.com

Nikah Ceremony and Reception Harpist, Doubletree, Oak Brook

In my mind, there is no better way to start the new year than a wedding, so I was thrilled! The Doubletree, Oak Brook seems to have oodles of experience with big weddings, and it was a pleasure to see things work out so beautifully for this couple! There was a last minute issue with pandemic precautions, and I believe there may have been a change made with how things were broadcast for those not able to attend the Nikah. The hotel tech experts came and offered solutions, and things were managed quickly! Once we were started, things went smoothly, and we were off to the many specialty stations they had chosen for their pre-reception! I played Bollywood selections while guests mingled, and it was the joyful occasion everyone had hoped for!

If you are interested in my Bollywood rep, you can view it at: www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Doubletree Hotel, Oak Brook Wedding Ceremony Harpist; Also, Bollywood!!

The ceremony set up was vast.  My harp is off to the right in the front.

This was so much fun.  I had never played a Hindu wedding before, only receptions.  The traditions are quite different, and it was wonderful to see how the bride and groom mixed the old and the new. I have had requests for "Bollywood" tunes before, but have never been able to find a source for sheet music (I do not play by ear, unfortunately).  This enterprising young couple was able to find something!  The site (sheetmelodies.com) did not have all the music that they had hoped for, but they chose four pieces and I went to work. I am happy to report that all of them worked on harp, and the bride and groom were pleased!  Plus, my 13 year old daughter and I got to spend a week watching Bollywood videos (so I could be sure I was adapting them accurately), and that made us both happy.  (Dancing! Romance! General sparkliness!)

My harp set up next to the mandap
where the ceremony was held.