Gin & Boots / Hot Buttered Rum

Big Acoustic Energy for Your Big Day!

Travel area: Within 100 miles See details

5.0

Verified reviews from real couples

If I could give more than 5 stars I would! Hot Buttered Rum took our ceremony and reception to the next level. They are extremely talented, flexible, and an overall incredible time. Erik and the band worked with us to accommodate all of our specific requests (playing an instrumental version of Jesse's Girl for my walk down the aisle) and played a fun, diverse set list during the reception that got everyone out on the dance floor. So many people came up to us afterwards to say the band was a true standout of the evening. The fact that they were able to play 'Lady' by Styx for my husband and four-year-old daughter's special first dance will live rent-free in my head for years and it was magical to dance with my dad to Tom Petty's 'Wildflowers.' Not a dry eye in the house. Hot Buttered Rum rocks. Go see them if you have a chance around the Bay and hire them if you want to add that special something to your event. 100 stars!

Maggie G.

5.0

Hot Buttered Rum is an extremely talented band that will get everyone at your wedding stomping, clapping, and dancing. The quality of their music comes from a focus on their craft. They write their own music and play at top music venues and festivals. They are also very flexible and will tailor their set lists to your wedding. This can include a mix of their own songs along with with pop, rock, blues, or bluegrass cover songs from their broad repertoire. They will even tailor the number of musicians and types of instruments to your preferences and budget. For example, they can add or remove a drummer and drum kit depending on whether you want them to play more rock songs. They also take care of all the audio setup for your wedding including mics for guests to give toasts and a hookup to play your chosen song list while they are on break. Most importantly Erik Yates is extremely professional, responsive and flexible. He acts as your single point of contact to make sure you and your guests have the experience of your dreams. My wife Laura and I highly recommend Erik Yates and his band Hot Buttered Rum.

Laura K.

5.0

Based in Oakland, CA, Erik Yates Entertainment provides captivating live music for weddings across Northern California with the acts Gin & Boots, Hot Buttered Rum, and Speakeasy to Me. If you're looking for a talented, experienced, and memorable musical performance on your big day, then you can count on Erik's various bands to provide a unique show. So, you're doing the thing! This is exciting! I know it's stressful figuring out the deets, but the music part can be fun. So let's talk. I'm a professional bandleader and singer with 25 years of experience, offering three different live acts, each designed to create a uniquely kickass atmosphere for your big day: "Gin & Boots" is my tight-knit trio featuring standup bass, violin, and acoustic guitar. We use our wooden instruments to crank out neon-bright pop covers, from Bowie to Bey. We're a perfect fit for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and relaxed receptions that still feel fresh and fun. "Hot Buttered Rum" is my nationally touring five- to six-piece bluegrass-rock band that's played every kind of gig imaginable, including scores of weddings & private parties over the last couple of decades. Built for high-energy celebrations, this act delivers musicianship, momentum, and a packed dance floor all night long. If you want your wedding to feel like a summer music festival, this is the act for you. For an evening on the swanky side, check out "Speakeasy to Me," a five-piece swing band inspired by the 1920s and 30s featuring female vocals, clarinet, and jazz violin, with optional vintage dancers for added flair. Ideal for couples who love timeless style, this ensemble brings elegance, sophistication, and irresistible rhythm to your celebration. In addition, I offer solo acoustic guitar and vocals for more intimate moments, from walking down the aisle to dinner ambiance. Whether you're envisioning rustic romance, roaring-twenties glamour, or a dance-til-you-drop reception, I provide flexible options, experienced professionalism, and live music that's authentic and unforgettable.

5+ years in business

Speaks English, Spanish

Small team (2-10 members)

Details

Instruments

Banjo

Bass

Fiddle

Flute

Guitar

Mandolin

Violin

Music Genres

Bluegrass

Celtic

Classical

Country

Folk

Jazz

Rock

Music Services

Live Music

MC Services

Sound Equipment

Wedding Activities

Rehearsals & Parties

Wedding

Any questions?

5.0

out of 5.0

6 reviews

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Review Summary

This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.

These bands were repeatedly praised as standout, professional, and fun wedding musicians who tailored setlists, handled audio, and got guests of all ages dancing. Reviewers highlighted flexibility, responsiveness, and memorable performances that enhanced ceremonies and receptions. Highly recommended for weddings and events.

Search reviews

John C

Highlighted review.

I’ve been a fan of Hot Buttered Rum since around ~2003. So, when I got the opportunity to have them play my wedding, I jumped at the chance. Erik and the boys were awesome, profe...

ssional and – most importantly – fun. We had a very small wedding in Mendocino, so they really just felt like an extension of the friend group. At the same time, they brought all the equipment and professionalism you’d expect from a veteran touring group of world-class musicians. I mean, we got a private Hot Buttered Rum concert, which would have blown my teenage mind back in the early aughts. On a personal note, I’d just add that these guys are some of the kindest folks you could hope to meet. Highly recommend them for all your wedding needs. Take me back!

Maggie G

If I could give more than 5 stars I would! Hot Buttered Rum took our ceremony and reception to the next level. They are extremely talented, flexible, and an overall incredible time...

. Erik and the band worked with us to accommodate all of our specific requests (playing an instrumental version of Jesse's Girl for my walk down the aisle) and played a fun, diverse set list during the reception that got everyone out on the dance floor. So many people came up to us afterwards to say the band was a true standout of the evening. The fact that they were able to play 'Lady' by Styx for my husband and four-year-old daughter's special first dance will live rent-free in my head for years and it was magical to dance with my dad to Tom Petty's 'Wildflowers.' Not a dry eye in the house. Hot Buttered Rum rocks. Go see them if you have a chance around the Bay and hire them if you want to add that special something to your event. 100 stars!

Any questions?

Laura K

Hot Buttered Rum is an extremely talented band that will get everyone at your wedding stomping, clapping, and dancing. The quality of their music comes from a focus on their craft....

They write their own music and play at top music venues and festivals. They are also very flexible and will tailor their set lists to your wedding. This can include a mix of their own songs along with with pop, rock, blues, or bluegrass cover songs from their broad repertoire. They will even tailor the number of musicians and types of instruments to your preferences and budget. For example, they can add or remove a drummer and drum kit depending on whether you want them to play more rock songs. They also take care of all the audio setup for your wedding including mics for guests to give toasts and a hookup to play your chosen song list while they are on break. Most importantly Erik Yates is extremely professional, responsive and flexible. He acts as your single point of contact to make sure you and your guests have the experience of your dreams. My wife Laura and I highly recommend Erik Yates and his band Hot Buttered Rum.

Response from Gin & Boots / Hot Buttered Rum

Thanks, Laura! Such a gorgeous, quintessentially California spot to tie the knot.

Olivia R

We hired Gin & Boots for our wedding reception and they were amazing! They were truly one of the most memorable parts of our wedding. They were so good that all our guests were ask...

ing where we found them! Erik was very professional and always responded to my inquires in a timely manner. I would hire this band again in a heartbeat.

Response from Gin & Boots / Hot Buttered Rum

Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, Olivia! We had a great time putting together...

the sets for your reception, and that BBQ was off the hook. Stay in touch!

Adam B

If there's one comment we hear about our wedding, it's always about how great the band was. I'd highly recommend working with Erik.

Miles I

We booked Gin and Boots for an annual party my wife and I have been holding, including a surprise 50th in the mix. We had about 150 people with a mix of many ages and G&B were a h...

ighlight! Everyone was dancing from my teenage daughters to my octagenerian mom. It was awesome. Erik was super easy to work with and had great ideas for how to use our venue (barn). It was also supposed to be largely outside, but the weather didn't cooperate, so we were inside...which I think was even better. They were very flexible. Highly recommend.

Service area & Contact info

Travel area: Within 100 miles

Additional charges may apply

(510) 804-6034

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Gin & Boots / Hot Buttered Rum

About this vendor

Review Summary

Service area & Contact info

Wedding vendors in Oakland

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