Check out their 2-minute primer video in the photo gallery to see how they work!
What began as a COVID-safe experiment for a friend's birthday party in the back of a truck in the summer of 2020, Now! Karaoke Band has grown into a beloved New Orleans institution. The band has headlined Mardi Gras balls, toured up and down the East Coast, performed with Sandra Oh, played numerous private events, and has a monthly residency at Kajun's Pub on St. Claude.
If you're looking for a unique and interactive experience for your wedding day, look no further than Now! Karaoke Band. This is not your typical band, because the lead singer is YOU! They know how to keep the party hopping with every kind of musical genre, and they guarantee that your mom/first cousin/best friend/business partner will never forget serenading a whole wedding party on stage with a live band backing them up!
Now! Karaoke Band knows over 250 songs cold and regularly plays for over six hours. Check their Instagram for the latest public show details if you want to sing with the band or just to see them do their thing!
45-minute "Reception" Set featuring a Pro Vocalist
45-minute "Reception" Set featuring a Pro Vocalist
Five-piece band (adds one Vocalist to main band)
Five-piece band (adds one Vocalist to main band)
Everything in the "Pure Karaoke" Package
Everything in the "Pure Karaoke" Package
Customization Available- Contact me for details!
Customization Available- Contact me for details!
The "Formal"
$5,999starting price
The "Formal"
$5,999starting price
5 hours
5 hours
Cocktail Hour or Ceremony Music by Guitar/Keys Duo
Cocktail Hour or Ceremony Music by Guitar/Keys Duo
Everything in "Warm-Up" & "Pure Karaoke" Packages
Everything in "Warm-Up" & "Pure Karaoke" Packages
Customization Available- Contact me for details!
Customization Available- Contact me for details!
The "Full Shebang"
$6,499starting price
The "Full Shebang"
$6,499starting price
5 hours
5 hours
Cocktail & Ceremony Music by Guitar/Keys Duo
Cocktail & Ceremony Music by Guitar/Keys Duo
Six-Piece Band (Adds 1 Vocalist and 1 Horn)
Six-Piece Band (Adds 1 Vocalist and 1 Horn)
Everything in Formal/Warm-Up/Pure Karaoke Packages
Everything in Formal/Warm-Up/Pure Karaoke Packages
Customization Available- Contact me for details!
Customization Available- Contact me for details!
Add Musicians, Backup dancers, Fog machine, Etc.
Add Musicians, Backup dancers, Fog machine, Etc.
Showing slides 1 to 3 out of 4
The "Pure Karaoke"
$4,499starting price
The "Pure Karaoke"
$4,499starting price
3 hours
3 hours
Customization Available- Contact me for details!
Customization Available- Contact me for details!
Karaoke Menu of over 250 songs
Karaoke Menu of over 250 songs
3 off-menu "requests"
3 off-menu "requests"
3+ Hours of Pure Karaoke
3+ Hours of Pure Karaoke
Four-piece band, and one MC/Sound Tech
Four-piece band, and one MC/Sound Tech
Speakers/PA
Speakers/PA
Lyric Monitor and Backing Vocals
Lyric Monitor and Backing Vocals
Most popular
.
The "Warm-Up"
$5,499starting price
The "Warm-Up"
$5,499starting price
4 hours
4 hours
45-minute "Reception" Set featuring a Pro Vocalist
45-minute "Reception" Set featuring a Pro Vocalist
Five-piece band (adds one Vocalist to main band)
Five-piece band (adds one Vocalist to main band)
Everything in the "Pure Karaoke" Package
Everything in the "Pure Karaoke" Package
Customization Available- Contact me for details!
Customization Available- Contact me for details!
The "Formal"
$5,999starting price
The "Formal"
$5,999starting price
5 hours
5 hours
Cocktail Hour or Ceremony Music by Guitar/Keys Duo
Cocktail Hour or Ceremony Music by Guitar/Keys Duo
Everything in "Warm-Up" & "Pure Karaoke" Packages
Everything in "Warm-Up" & "Pure Karaoke" Packages
Customization Available- Contact me for details!
Customization Available- Contact me for details!
The "Full Shebang"
$6,499starting price
The "Full Shebang"
$6,499starting price
5 hours
5 hours
Cocktail & Ceremony Music by Guitar/Keys Duo
Cocktail & Ceremony Music by Guitar/Keys Duo
Six-Piece Band (Adds 1 Vocalist and 1 Horn)
Six-Piece Band (Adds 1 Vocalist and 1 Horn)
Everything in Formal/Warm-Up/Pure Karaoke Packages
Everything in Formal/Warm-Up/Pure Karaoke Packages
Customization Available- Contact me for details!
Customization Available- Contact me for details!
Add Musicians, Backup dancers, Fog machine, Etc.
Add Musicians, Backup dancers, Fog machine, Etc.
Starting prices may not include all fees a vendor may charge.
Couples usually spend $5,499
Are you interested?
Reach out and share your wedding details.
Details
Instruments
Bass
Guitar
Keyboard
Organ
Percussion
Piano
Saxophone
Trombone
Trumpet
Vocals
Music Genres
Country
Dance
Disco
Hip-Hop
Pop
R&B
Rock
Music Services
Live Music
MC Services
Recorded Music
Sound Equipment
Wedding Activities
Rehearsals & Parties
After Party
Wedding
After Party
Ceremony
Reception
Any questions?
Meet the team
Showing slide number 1 out of 5
YOU.
Lead Singer
We are a live karaoke band, and that means our lead singer is whoever's up next on the sign-up sheet! Ever wanted to sing with a live band? Now's your chance!
Dan Cardillo
Guitar, Responding to messages on the Knot
Ever since picking out Beatles' vocal harmonies in the car with his dad as a toddler, Dan has had an ear for music. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from the City College of NY with a BFA in Sonic Arts, he spent several years engineering records in New York City before moving to New Orleans in 2015 to pursue performance full-time. He's worked with Grammy award-winning artists Shamarr Allen, Glen David Andrews, Michael Leonhart, & Chris Cotton, and Tony-winner Michael Jackson, Jr., among many others. He "shreds". Ask him about Star Wars, retro video games, rock climbing, or Italy. And yes, that's a real parrot.
Ricky Ostry
Bass
Ricky Ostry has been living in New Orleans for 14 years. In addition to playing in Now Karaoke Band, he also plays bass and percussion in a smattering of other projects, works for the only glass recycling company in Louisiana, and loves to cook. If it doesn’t work out with the band, hire him to boil your crawfish!
Jake Gold
Keys
Jake Gold is a dynamic force in the New Orleans music scene, known for his electrifying piano skills. With a career that’s been anything but ordinary, Jake has made a name for himself as a keyboard ace, composer, and recording artist, bringing his unique sound to life on stages across the globe. Jake has recorded and toured with countless artists. The current lineup includes LSD Clownsystem, BAAB, Now! Karaoke Band, Los Guiros, Margie Perez, Jon Roniger & The Good for Nothing Band, and Zena Moses and Rue Fiya. In 2021, he released a double-EP titled “Odes,” and he currently teaches in the Loyola University Pop Music Department. Whether tearing it up in intimate venues, rocking larger festival stages, or coaching the next generation of musicians, Jake Gold’s signature sound and relentless energy are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Karl Tear
Drums
Karl Tear holds down the beat for three bands — NOW Karaoke Band, LSD Clownsystem, and BAAB — because apparently one cover band just isn’t enough. When he’s not drumming, he’s busy making movie magic (or at least carrying heavy things for it). A proud Cleveland sports loyalist, he believes every year could be the year. Karl also crushes Miller Lites with the same intensity he crushes drum solos — often simultaneously!
Availability
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.0
8 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
Now! Karaoke Band is highly praised by multiple reviewers for creating fun and memorable experiences at various events. The band's professionalism, talent, broad song catalog, and ability to engage guests are highlighted in the reviews. Their energetic performances are commended for turning ordinary gatherings into lively, interactive experiences. Clients appreciate their communication, versatility, and adaptability, making them a popular choice for weddings and special events.
Top reviews
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Madeline P
Highlighted review.
5.0
5/03/2025
I hired Now! Karaoke Band for a social event during a large conference in New Orleans. Now! Transformed our hotel conference room into a rock arena, and we had a blast.
The band was as professional as they were entertaining. They had an impressive catalogue of songs, and executed them perfectly. Their enthusiastic vibe motivated our diverse group, encouraged the shy singers, and helped the rockstars shine.
I highly recommend Now! Karaoke Band. They’re professional and talented hype men who can provide an electrifying experience for your event.
Response from Now! Karaoke Band on 05/03/2025
Thanks so much, Madeline! We loved rockin with y'all! It's always a blast to get kids up o...
n stage to sing, too. Can't wait for the next conference!
Jed V
5.0
6/30/2025
We hired Now! Karaoke Band for my dad's retirement party, and it was an absolute blast! Dan and the band were awesome to work with in the lead-up, learning a number of new requested songs. Day of, they did a great job of playing a few songs to get the party started before guests were ready to step up for karaoke. Then, the karaoke worked perfectly - the band was able to make every song enjoyable for the crowd even with our most... wanting karaoke singers! Would absolutely hire again for a future party!
Response from Now! Karaoke Band on 07/05/2025
Thanks Jed! If your dad retires again, we're there!
Any questions?
Michelle K
5.0
6/27/2025
This was such a fun and memorable experience. I hired Now! Karaoke Band for my partner's 40th birthday and he loved every moment, as did our guests. The best part was probably seeing his dad sing however - I don't think I've ever seen him so happy! The band was great to work with, professional and accommodating. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to perform as a rockstar, now is your chance!
Response from Now! Karaoke Band on 07/05/2025
Jim is the best. We're so glad we got to play for y'all! We're keeping The Last Dinner Par...
ty in our pocket to play for him any time he wants to sing it.
Heather N
5.0
6/27/2025
Do not hesitate to treat yourself to the ultimate in playful pleasure, connectedness for you and your guests, and sheer musical genius. Truly talented and professional musicians who defy expectations. Their catalog is extensive and guests are bound to find favorite songs. Plus, the band members are very experienced in event planning and production, so they added extra value from that perspective. The Now! Karaoke Band takes my most special events to levels of enjoyment that are beyond words.
Response from Now! Karaoke Band on 07/05/2025
Heather you have such a way with words! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the ki...
nd sentiments.
5.0
5/01/2025
Dan, Karl, Jake, and Ricky are true professionals and excellent musicians. Their communication was clear, their prices are reasonable, and their performances were impeccable. Plus, to top it all off, they have a repertoire of over 200 songs! There was something for everyone at my wedding party. Even my father-in-law, a notorious curmudgeon, loved it!
Response from Now! Karaoke Band on 07/05/2025
Spoken like a true wedding veteran. Thank you! (BTW, now its over 250 songs!)
5.0
4/30/2025
The band plays the songs, the guests sing them. It’s just like regular karaoke, but with a band. Once we heard about it, we knew this was an obvious choice for our wedding—it got the extroverts on the stage and the introverts on the dance floor. The musicians are super talented and funny and charming. Great communication and easy to work with. Ask for the champagne list.
Response from Now! Karaoke Band on 04/30/2025
We love getting all the 'verts mingling out there. Thanks for the kind words!
Rachel L
5.0
4/29/2025
Everyone said our wedding was the best they had ever been to and this was in large part thanks to NOW! Karaoke Band. They brought the most incredible energy and were amazing to work with.
Response from Now! Karaoke Band on 04/30/2025
Y'all were so much fun to work with, and jamming with your stepdad Andy was great! Hope to...
catch you at a public Kajun's show soon, we've always got The Ballad of Lauren and Rachel locked and loaded.
Hayley B
5.0
4/25/2025
You will not regret booking the Now! Karaoke Band for your wedding or special event.
In fact, the biggest problem you will have is fielding all of the “Wow, having a live Karaoke band at your (wedding or special event) was such a fun idea!”
My wife and I had the Now Karaoke Band at our wedding at the Music Box Village for our wedding in March 2024. Our guests were skeptical about signing up to sing a song at an event, but we had to field multiple requests to come on stage mid event. Almost everyone who attended reached out to us afterwards to express what a highlight it was - young or old, adventurous or even-tempered, everyone loves Karaoke.
I remember one moment in particular. A family friend of my parents, a couple I’ve known since childhood, signed up to sing “Ain’t no Mountain High Enough.” The husband of the couple wasn’t feeling well when the time came and she asked for an alternate. I was able to run upstage and sing with her, a wonderful experience and tribute to the people that made us who we are that my parents appreciated.
Another highlight was singing a John Prine song with my wife in lieu of a first dance. While not part of their standard repertoire the band was happy to learn it for us and it was special to share with the audience.
The members of the band are all accomplished musicians in the New Orleans scene and as such have familiarity with most venues in the city and their logistical requirements. They worked well with our contact and required little to no oversight on day of the wedding.
Dan, our main contact person, was very responsive and helpful when planning out our big day.
As with any live event, there will be hiccups, but the band was very adept with rolling with the punches and adapting to the situation.
I cannot recommend Now! Karaoke Band any higher, you will not regret it.
Response from Now! Karaoke Band on 04/28/2025
Thanks so much Hayley! That was such a special night for us- we loved playing the Music Bo...
x and your request songs were so sweet. I'm so glad you had a blast!
Use this secure form to reach out and share your wedding vision.
Now! Karaoke Band
Dan Cardillo
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Guitar, Responding to messages on the Knot
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