E3 Detroit/The Dan Rafferty Band

point of contact - she is professional and helpful to answer any and all questions. She will set you up to meet with Mark (head band lead and MC). We met with Mark multiple times throughout our planning to discuss what we wanted as a couple and to customize our experience. WOW - Mark is an expert level MC/DJ/Band lead/Entertainer! He provided guidance on music for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. He left no question unanswered and we never once worried! This band truly loves their profession and it shows through their talent and performance - their energy was incredible and our dance floor was PACKED! They played all our favorite songs, learned multiple songs and engaged our crowd the entire time. Do not hesitate and book First Call, you will not be disappointed!

usic but also guiding the night. Competitive pricing and great communication. Bride and groom were very happy! Thank you!

rgy the whole time. Throughout the planning process, they made it so easy - we loved working with Connie, Mark and the crew. They were a one stop shop for all we needed with music for the entire wedding and uplighting to enhance the room. They helped make our wedding so special and truly had everyone out on the dance floor the whole entire night - which is something our families and guests have not stopped talking about. We cannot recommend E3 enough -they had us dancing the night away!!

played the music for the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner and then for dancing. They worked with my daughter and son-in-law to choose the music that suited them best and also engaged the older generation to dance the night away. They kept the party hopping and were very interactive so that the dance floor was busy all night long. I heard from many of the guests, "the band was fantastic" even days after the wedding. I would highly recommend the First Call Crew and would use them again for another event. Thank you for making the night magical for my daughter and son-in-law.

Leading up to our wedding, Derek and the E3 Detroit team answered all my questions and made me feel extremely stress-free. The day of, Derek was on top of everything and I never once worried if things were going as planned. With the help of the band, our dance floor was PACKED the whole night and everyone raves about the band. I would 100% back this team of entertainers for any wedding or event. It was the best night ever, with a lot of credit due to The Dan Rafferty Band!

ago, and Connie and her team at E3 made booking them as our wedding band so smooth! We had a meeting to discuss what we wanted, and were able to customize our experience, like adding a horn section, a female singer, including cocktail hour, etc. Booking through their online platform was easy and it made communication so easy and reliable! On our wedding day, The Social Bandits made it the literal best day ever!!! They played all of our favorite songs, learned a song that we both love, engaged the crowd the entire time, and no one has stopped talking about them since our wedding day! We cannot thank Jesse, his band, and the E3 team enough! Hopefully we can throw another big party that requires a band in the future, because I would do anything to watch The Social Bandits perform again!

they helped us find the perfect band for our event. Once we had settled on the specific band we wanted, we started the planning process with DRB First Call Crew. We worked closely with Mark in the weeks leading up to the event. He was always available and willing to discuss ideas, concerns, and requests. He took all the information we gave him into consideration to plan everything out perfectly. On the day of our event, we were even more impressed than we thought we'd be. The entire night was so well executed by the band and their crew. They incorporated everything we requested, they had an amazing ability to read the room, crowd and energy, and make everyone's night memorable. The interaction and experience that they provided to all guests was second to none. Although our event was not a wedding, we have no doubt that they would be SO much fun to celebrate with. We look forward to working with E3 and the DRB First Call Crew again in the future! Thanks to E3 and The DRB First Call Crew for an unforgettable night!

t how great they were!

enuinely wanted it to be the best night for us. They had a trio of musicians for our ceremony that played beautiful arrangements of Make you Feel My Love and All you Need is Love. They started playing towards the end of dinner and artfully got everyone on the dance floor so when they announced us for our first dance, we came through the doors to all cheering and standing around us!! It made for magical first dances!! The whole night the dance floor was full!!! Whenever we asked (or people freely shared) what their favorite parts were- almost all said the band!!!!!! Seriously as the bride I never wanted to leave the dance floor, though had to at times to “make the rounds.” I have vivid images of me hearing the song they were playing and sprinting down the hallway and jumping onto the dance floor. Towards the end of the night, my wedding planner came to get me on the dance floor and told me it was time to change into my exit dress. I looked her in the face and said, but I can’t stop dancing. All this to say- best band ever!!

for the music for the evening. They even let me dad join them on the keyboard for a song :) Our guests are still complimenting the band over a month after our wedding. They created a wonderful playlist of songs, incorporating all of our requests, and we especially loved their live hora. Thank you, Dan Rafferty Band!

e planning experience was so positive. They were easy to work with and made us feel so special. When it came to the big day....WOW! The entire band, the singers, Derrick, everyone was amazing and so talented. One of the common themes from our wedding guests was that they LOVED the band! The energy and the vibe was on point for the entire night. And they played all of our songs! Danced with us! Cheered us on! We all had so much fun. HIGHLY recommend!

ur first dance song (and nailed it)! Couldn’t recommend enough. :)

- went above and beyond to ensure our dream became reality and made our wedding reception one for the books! He arranged multiple zoom calls, was very thorough and professional, and very quick to respond. The band was very accommodating to all of our needs and they worked hard to accomplish our special requests. Mark even customized our entrance and first dance songs with his DJ skills! We added on a trumpet player last minute and we were also able to have him participate in our ceremony. Every person in the band was so talented and clearly passionate about what they do. From the cocktail hour trio, to our bridal party introductions, to our special dances, to surprising us by learning one of our favorite songs, to having a new equally talented vocalist sub in last minute, to coming down onto the dance floor and singing/dancing with all of the guests, E3 Detroit absolutely crushed it!!!! The dance floor was full all night and the energy was out of this world! Tons of our 300+ guests came up to us and said it was the best band they have ever heard at a wedding! Thank you so much to Mark and the entire E3 Detroit band for celebrating with us in Grand Rapids, Michigan and giving us the show of a lifetime! We love you guys! ~Paul and Allison

er to the planning scene. Jesse and Connie were extremely helpful in finalizing the details of our bride and groom. Their music was fantastic and they certainly kept the party going all the way until the end of the night. Looking forward to working with them again in the future!

, a jazz trio for cocktail hour, and The First Call Crew for our band with Mark as emcee and we could not have been happier with how every part of it turned out. The ceremony music was beautiful and they played our requested songs perfectly. The First Call Crew was energetic the entire night. Our guests didn’t want to leave the dance floor, because they were having so much fun. The band actively maintained their sound levels so every song was exactly as loud as it should be and engaged with our guests. Mark was an excellent emcee. We could not recommend The First Call Crew enough.

it. The band sends you a setlist so you can review the songs and create the event you've been dreaming of. My now husband and I also had songs we wanted the band to learn for our first dance, mother/son and father daughter dances. Both my father and maid of honor said Derek was so good at hyping them up before their toasts and the communication the night of the reception was so good. Most importantly, the band was so stellar. We added the horn section (a must) and the talent of this group was incredibly premium. Even my dad who does not dance was out on the dance floor watching and enjoying the music - that's when I knew it was a good party. Thank you so much to the team for creating the reception of our dreams!

wedding twice due to COVID (3 dates across 3 calendar years). The band honored our original contract and was flexible and supportive throughout the process. During the planning process, the band requested we fill out a comprehensive form and then during our phone call, Mark showed up on time and having thoroughly reviewed the form ahead of our call so that we could be effective and efficient with our time. Not every vendor respects your time during wedding planning, so this was very appreciated. Mark and the band were very receptive to our "must plays", genre requests, and "please do not play" list. They also coordinated well with the our planner and the staff at the Garden Theater to ensure they had everything they needed. Baraat (Indian Pre-Ceremony Ritual): We asked Mark last minute to be the DJ and MC for the Baraat part of our Indian wedding. Even though he'd never done this before, he embraced the opportunity. We had a call to align on the details of what was expected of him, what music to play and what equipment would be needed. He dealt with a mini-crisis before the Baraat when the mini-iPad we were supposed to use for the music overheated, but he was able to cool it down quickly and get the Baraat started on time. He did a great job MC'ing and leading the Baraat. Ceremony: Part of the band played during our ceremony and their instrumental covers of Maggie Rogers "Love You for a Long Time" and Post Malone's Cover of Hootie & the Blowfish's "Only Wanna Be With You" were the perfect renditions of songs for my wife and I to walk down the aisle to. Cocktail Hour: Part of the band played upbeat jazzy music during our cocktail hour which was a really great way for folks to be entertained and get excited for the reception. Reception: Mark was a great MC, lead for the evening, especially considering he had to help us deal with a mini-crisis as one of our wedding guests had a medical emergency during the reception. While my wife and I and the venue staff dealt with the medical emergency, he worked with our planner behind the scenes to come up with alternate schedule options for the remainder of the evening in case the reception was still going to move forward. The show did go on (our guest was okay) and it was in large part thanks to Mark and the rest of the First Call band. Mark brought great energy throughout the early parts of the reception and he's a huge reason why everyone was on the dance floor right when it opened. Most importantly, the band was absolutely incredible. Every single one of our guests had the highest praise for First Call. They played a variety of classics and modern hits, came onto the dancefloor to join the party and even had a Michael Jackson segment where one of the band members did an entire MJ dance routine. Everyone had great voices. The music wasn't too loud. They also embraced Jewish + Indian cultures amazingly. They played the Hora to get the dance party started and during the first band break, Mark DJ'd a 15 minute Indian setlist where he studied the songs ahead of time and mixed it live. He'd never done this before but embraced the opportunity with open arms. We can't say enough about how incredible it was to work with this band. We'll always remember them being a special part of our wedding weekend.

eryone engaged and was an amazing MC. The band did the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. We were thrilled with all of it

t how much they enjoyed the band. The jazz trio at our cocktail hour was also lovely. We had the best night of our lives thanks to these guys!

res. Mark and the E3 crew were absolutely phenomenal from start to finish!! To say they did not disappoint is an understatement. From our very first conversation to their live performance, the E3 team and Mark made us feel like their #1 priority. They were on top of every email, every question, every need almost immediately. Which, as a totally Type A bride was BEYOND appreciated! From a performance perspective, you would not believe how many compliments we received from our guests saying "your live band is AMAZING!" But, we already knew that going in. ;) They truly put on a spectacular performance and learned all of the songs that were special to us for that day. Even during challenging moments trying to corral guest (due to the size and layout of the venue) Mark and his team had it covered. Please do yourself a favor and hire E3 to play your wedding!!! It will be a party you won't forget.

nd's weddings over the past several years and had the absolute best time at all of them so when we got engaged I KNEW I had to hire them! We actually chose our wedding date partially based on their availability... The entire process working with them was seamless. Derek talked us through the band package options and let me know the band had performed a ton of weddings at the Inn at Bay Harbor which made us feel so at ease that everything would run smoothly. As the wedding got closer, we worked with Mark on all of the day-of logistics, song choices, entrances, etc. - he was so patient with us...I think we chose our Father/Daughter dance song and switched up the order of events ~6 days before the wedding – he was super flexible and pulled everything off without a hitch. He even coordinated a last minute request from our MOH to play a song during her speech. The band was INCREDIBLE, up beat and so fun – the dance floor was full the entire night!! Every person we talked to after the wedding said it was the most fun wedding and could not stop raving about the band. Our #1 hope for our wedding was that people will remember it as FUN and First Call helped make that a reality for us. THANK YOU Derek, Mark and the entire E3/First Call Crew!!

es and current songs. Seriously, if we could have stayed on the dance floor until the sun came up, we would have. It's been over a month since our wedding and our guests can't stop talking about how amazing the band was, and neither can we. They made the party everything we wanted it to be and more. If you're thinking about hiring DRB, DO IT! You won't regret it, I promise.

to play any current hits / keep the younger crowd on the dance floor but they absolutely NAILED it. The perfect mix between classics and more current music and were super flexible and willing to do anything we wanted. By the time the wedding was ending, everyone was still out on the dance floor and all of the guests starting chanting "ONE MORE SONG" and didn't want the band to leave! They played us one more song and it was a hit. I will NEVER forget having this band at my wedding! Thank you E3 you guys are amazing!

so happy we chose them, they made our wedding so much fun and beyond what I ever imagined. The energy could not be beat! Melody from E3 Detroit was the violinist for our ceremony and she was also amazing. Her music truly made the ceremony walk-ins/outs feel so much more special! I am forever grateful that we chose E3 Detroit for our wedding.

and interaction made the evening. They were so fun, high energy and easy to work with. The Motown segment was so fun and perfect for a Detroit wedding. We received lots of compliments on the band and many people were asking for contact info after. Highly recommend!

t for our wedding, and this band blew our expectations out of the water. From the cocktail hour music to the packed dance floor - we are so grateful. Every musician was so talented, and Derek was the best emcee. Meeting with Derek before our wedding gave us complete peace of mind - these are the experts.

ng the planning process. The team was flexible and incredibly helpful as we planned and rescheduled during covid, and made sure our wedding ran smoothly. They exceeded all our expectations! Derek and the band kept the dance floor packed and guests continue to rave about the music, even a month after the wedding. Thank you, DRB & E3 team!!

nd creative ideas. This is the best band in the world!!!!!

even came out and joined us on the dance floor, and kept the party going all night long. I was truly glued to the dance floor I was having so much fun with them I couldn't leave! They were also great to work with leading up our wedding and easily accommodated many requests to make the show special. The best!!

ed. Any aspect of the event that the DRB was responsible for went incredibly well and without issue. We received countless compliments on the entertainment from our guests and the dance floor was filled all night long. I can not recommend the Derek, the DRB, and E3 Detroit enough. My wife is not constantly looking for reasons for events/parties so we can try to hire them again.

in touch with Mark it was the best experience and we would HIGHLY recommend. Mark was so responsive and had the best recommendations for songs, he was so professional and all around wonderful to work with. Then the wedding day came and the band was amazing - they sounded incredible, they were so fun and they kept people on the dance floor the whole night! Honestly the band is what people are still talking about and people kept saying they were the best part of our wedding!!! We also had them play for our ceremony and cocktail hour and that music was beautiful and we’re so happy we did that!

brought them to Columbus, Ohio for my daughter's wedding in July 2021, and they were exceptional! All of the 240 guests were impressed with the talent, energy and rhythm this band exemplifies. They are prompt and organized on the back-end, and have a flow to their performance, that keeps the crowd engaged and truly entertained. The band's professionalism, style and music provide a one-of-a-kind performance. We can't wait for our next daughter's wedding to have them back! You will enjoy every minute of their performance! Marian M.

r from rock, to soul, to rap, to pop. They made the night so memorable for us, the bride and groom, and for everyone that attended the wedding. We heard over and over again that our wedding was the best they had ever attended, and it was because of First Call Crew. If you want your event to be a success and for no one to leave the dance floor make sure you book them! Thank and you for making our wedding a night we will never forget!! Love, The Jensens

mmend!

have had multiple people ask us for their information for their upcoming events. We used this band for my brother's wedding in 2016, and after I got engaged, I booked these guys immediately. There was no question we wanted them again and they did not disappoint! Having a great and organized band is imperative for a fun and "smooth" wedding reception. Mark did a fabulous job MC'ing and the band players were so engaging. They listened to exactly what I wanted (a play/do not play list, for example). The band players come into the crowd , Mark has so much energy and makes sure that everything is running on time, and you can't tell when the band takes a break! They were so pleasant to work with and were a major reason that my wedding was so fun and such a success. You will not be disappointed with these guys!!! I promise. Wish we could do it again.

ess compliments!

night away. What a memorable evening!

to COVID, we didn’t actually hear the band live until our wedding. They were recommended by a few people and we went with our gut... so glad we did! Every single guest raved about the music. The dance floor was packed all night. We even had family interested in the band traveling from Michigan to North Carolina for their event. Derek and company were amazing about our venue changing and dealing with neighbors at my parent’s house. They all had the best attitudes throughout the whole process. Derek and the band go above and beyond in making the night unique to the couple. They are professional, kind, and SO FUN! Best band ever!!!

ptured the vibe that we wanted perfectly. They nailed every song and were such a pleasure to be around. Their song choices were incredible and every single guest commented by how immensely talented they were. I wish we could have had them for 5 more hours. Then we hired First Call for our wedding night and they were the best damn wedding band we have ever seen, bar none. The entire band ABSOLUTELY CRUSHED IT. From the SECOND we hit the dance floor we were blown away. There are videos of us dancing and I am looking at my husband with my jaw on the floor. Literally from the second we got on the dance floor from the very first song when the saxophonist started doing a solo I knew we were in for the best night of our lives. Every single wedding guest came up to me and said this was the best wedding band they had ever heard and I know I am biased but I have been to enough weddings to know that it's the truth. I have never experienced such energy, enjoyment and TALENT. They nailed every single song. Every song was better than the next. When the singers would jump onto the dance floor everyone went nuts. When the saxophonist again did his solo we all went WILD. When we slowed it down it was the perfect time. When we asked them to play a song twice they did it. And when they closed the night out with a rap it was one of the most fun moments of our lives. Mark even stayed on to DJ our silent disco - again, another of the most memorable and fun moments of our lives. A band can make or break a wedding and they absolutely crushed it. We are SO grateful for them for giving us the best night of our lives. Also, our planner said that they were the best band to work with on the back end on all logistics - a win win on all accounts. They also learned a few songs that we had asked them to in record time, and for that we are forever grateful.

most perfect night of our lives! We can never thank you enough!

t the celebration. They also handled MC responsibilities very well to keep the night on track which was really important to us. We would hire 'First Call' again and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a fantastic band to perform at their wedding!