Big Ric Rising: One of the Best Wedding Bands in Philadelphia

Rivercrest: Fugelo-Prolow Wedding – October 10, 2015

"Big Ric Rising played a huge role in the success of my Wedding Reception. Big Ric handled all of our requests and guided us through the entire process. I couldn't of asked for a more entertaining, more engaging, or more professional experience. All through the reception and afterwards all people could talk about was how great our band was. Big Ric Rising took our reception to a new level and I am so happy that we picked Big Ric Rising. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a band for their event."

- Andrew (Groom)

Cescaphe Ballroom: McCarter-Tarsi Wedding – May 29, 2015

"Big Ric Rising is the BEST band out there! My husband and I were beyond pleased with their performance at our wedding!! All of our guests raved about them! Big Ric was such a pleasure to work with and he learned new songs just for us!"

- Jamie (Bride)

Rivercrest: Wiedersum-Gennaro Wedding – August 1, 2015

"Big Ric Rising was absolutely amazing at our wedding! People are still raving about what a great band we had! Our dance floor was packed all night long! Thank you, BVTLive!, for making the whole planning process with you easy and seamless!"

- Kristen and Bill (Bride and Groom)

The Ballroom at the Ben: Gaval-Fitzpatrick Wedding – May 2, 2015

"Fantastic band, Big Ric Rising, for the Gaval's wedding! My son, Dan, the Groom, had a beautiful and absolutely fun wedding reception at this venue and the band could not have been more entertaining and exceptionally great singers! You should get some of the videos and pictures. The whole evening was a fairy tale!!"

-Maureen Fitzpatrick

Allied Resources: Company Holiday Party – December 6, 2014

Hi Big Ric!

I just wanted to send you a big “Thank you” from both myself as well as the rest of our guests on Saturday for the show put on by Big Ric Rising. The variety of tunes you played was perfect and I absolutely loved your Louie Armstrong. Your energy was very catching and I can really tell that you love performing! The dance floor was packed the entire time and you were able read our group perfectly. You really pulled some people out of their shells who I did not expect to step foot on the dance floor! I will definitely be recommending Big Ric Rising to anyone and everyone!

Thank you for making our party a truly memorable one!

Angela Pierce

The Westin Philadelphia: Sector-Solomon Wedding – September 6, 2014 – Father of the Bride

Big Ric was great. My daughter's wedding was a great event and a terrific party. Big Ric’s talent, energy and personality were key components in the fun that everyone had. We are very happy that we chose Big Ric and his band to play at our wedding.

The Westin Philadelphia: Sector-Solomon Wedding – September 6, 2014 – Bride

Big Ric Rising was ABSOLUTELY phenomenal! Not only does Ric and his crew have great musical talent but Ric's energy was contagious. From the moment the doors opened to the party the floor was packed until the moment the last note was played. Ric made us feel comfortable from the first conversation and we knew we were in GREAT hands. If you want to have a top notch wedding look no further!

- Rachel

Drexelbrook: Kline-Horton Wedding – September 19, 2014

Big Ric made our wedding! He is amazing and I would book him again in a heartbeat!

- Carrie

Congregation Beth El: Landman-Turoff Wedding – July 13, 2014

Dear Ric,

We don't know where to begin to thank you and your band for the incredible job you did this Sunday at our wedding! We loved every second, and thought your "Karate" opener was exquisite. Dave, myself and our parents have been getting non-stop calls and emails about how incredible you and your band were!

Dave's Uncle who is a musician came up to us at the wedding to rave about our great band pic, and another guest said he was texting with his sister-in-law and told her they have to hire your for her son's Bar Mitzvah band!!!! Everything was so perfect from the opener, to the Hora, the crowning, the incredible selection of music, the energy, and including our family in everything (i.e. allowing my brothers and my cousin's daughter to sing...we loved that)!!!!

 Thank you so much! Sincerely, Sara and Dave Turoff

White Manor Country Club: Hain-Narvalz Wedding – June 28, 2014

Now that we're back from our honeymoon, I just wanted to send a HUGE thank you to Big Ric Rising! We hired this band for our wedding and I couldn't have found a better band! Everyone at the wedding could not stop talking about how great Big Ric was, super charismatic, energetic, funny and professional.

They literally made our wedding the best party ever! The dance floor was packed all night. If you're looking for a band for your wedding or event - don't hesitate - these guys are the best! Thank you so much!!!!

Knowlton Mansion: Rifkin-Wojcik Wedding – May 25, 2014 – Bride

They don't come any better then Big Ric!! He is a gentleman, professional and the best bandleader & singer around!! Everyone at the wedding commented on the GREAT BAND!!!

I am so pleased with him!!! I'd hire him again in a heartbeat!!!

 

Knowlton Mansion: Rifkin-Wojcik Wedding – May 25, 2014 – Mother of The Bride

Big Ric is beyond words. His professionalism, leadership abilities, personality, zest for life and most importantly, his gorgeous singing voice, made my daughter's wedding a "Dream come true"!! I can't say it enough how 100% pleased we are.

I just loved his ideas about how to include all the traditions' we incorporated in our wedding. He had everyone dancing from beginning to end. He is just a TRUE ENTERTAINER!!!!!

Everyone of my guests have called to ask me, where I found him... He is the best of the best!!!!

We all LOVE BIG RIC!!!!!!

 

The Rittenhouse Hotel: Cohen-Dressler Wedding – April 12, 2014

Big Ric was amazing in so many ways. He was a pleasure to work with prior to the wedding. He listened to us during our meeting and also guided us as we talked about ideas for the music. He was professional, friendly, warm and knowledgeable.

At the wedding, it was clear that he has a talent for reading the crowd and keeping the party going. As he asked guests to sit for the first course, they wouldn't let him stop because they didn't want to leave the dance floor. At the end of the evening, there were about 60 guests still on the dance floor.

It was perfect!

Overbrook Golf Club: Wedding of Lauren and Chris Moore – October 5, 2013

We cannot begin to thank you enough for your great performance at our wedding!

Two months later and people are still raving about "our band" and the amazing dance party! Jimmy at Overbrook has dubbed our wedding the "vertical wedding" because no one stopped dancing, except when you sung us to our "seats because it was time to eat"!!

BVTLive! was great at keeping us on a timely track leading up to our wedding! Everything went smoothly. The band was professional, fun, energetic, and quite simply what you look for in a great band! We would highly recommend Big Ric Rising to anyone who is looking to have an amazing band that is easy to work with and never takes a break.

Thank you for everything!

Chris and Lauren

The Waterworks: 60th Birthday Party, August 10, 2013

We used Big Ric’s Band, which we contracted through BVT, for Mac’s 60th Birthday Celebration. I needed to take the time to inform you have WONDERFUL the Big Ric Band was for the event. I was highly impressed with their timeliness, performance, helpfulness, cheerfulness you name it, they were the best at it. No less than 30 guests from the party commented on their performance with high honors!!! Thank you for much for recommending the Big Ric Band and I will definitely be using their services for EVERY party we have at FIS Group,Inc.

Sincerely,

Michelle

Private Residence: Fallis Wedding- June 1, 2013

Our wedding and guests cannot stop talking about how awesome you were at our wedding on June 1st. We had the absolute best day/night ever, and owe you a huge thanks to all of you for your talent and professionalism. You even got Andrew to sing in public and that NEVER happens/ Thank you so, so, much for everything. You are the most fun band and we’ll never forget you.

Koplan Wedding- May 18, 2013

Big Ric Rising isn't just A band...they are THE band.

My daughter's wedding was made a truly special occasion because of the talent and professionalism of this crack ten-piece unit. Every single player was top notch - from the shredding guitarist to the killer rhythm section, to the fabulous horns and the world class lady singers. They didn't just play music; they gave a real PERFORMANCE worthy of a concert hall. And unlike many wedding bands, their sound mix was perfect. They were powerful but never too loud.

And then there is Big Ric Minter himself.

Ric is not only a singer without peer (don't miss his version of James Brown's "This Is A Man's World"...you'll never forget it.), but a true gentleman who does everything he can to please both his client and his audience. And in performance? WOW! He had everyone up and dancing all night, even those who normally wouldn't leave their seats. In addition, he has a wonderful sense of humor and soul to burn.

I would recommend this wonderful ensemble to anyone who knows the difference between just good music and really GREAT music by a band and leader who really care about showing their client and their guests a great time. Big Ric Rising gets the party started and never lets it stop. HIRE THIS BAND!

-Gerald Kolpan

Northampton Valley Country Club: Albert-Rapp, March 2, 2013

Dear Kurt,
We want to tell you how wonderful "Big Ric and the gang" were at our daughter's wedding on 3.12.13.We knew they would be fantastic, but their performance surpassed our expectations and made Nicole and Jonathan’s wedding reception unforgettable. They are all so extremely talented and we had an unbelievable number of comments about how fabulous they were. Of course, the fact that the dance floor was filled with guests of all ages the entire night, many until the very last song, tells the whole story! One of our guests told a friend who is getting married how tremendous our band was and she will be attending a future showcase.
Ric made himself available whenever we had questions or concerns. His ideas and suggestions for my husband’s and my special dance and our speeches made working with him stress free and “just a breeze.” It was my dad’s 89th birthday and his dream was to dance with Nicole, his first grandchild. Since his favorite song is “Unchained Melody” Ric performed it beautifully and made my dad’s dream come true. When Ric told us not to worry because he would be taking care of everything, he meant what he said. Thanks to all of you for helping to make Nicole & Jonathan’s wedding so special and so much fun. It was all we had envisioned, and more. We wish we could do that evening all over again!
Thank you so much.
Evie & Jeff Albert (Nicole’s parents)

Overbrook Golf Club: Fitzpatrick-Lange Wedding, Sept. 15, 2012

I just want to send an email telling you what an amazing job Big Ric did at Overbrook Golf Club last Saturday night for the Fitzpatrick/Lange wedding. Big Ric and his band were phenomenal. They brought the party and kept that party rocking all night! Their song selection was right on and their ability to segue from song to song was very impressive. Ric’s band mates were having a blast. They were upbeat and rocking as hard as he was, even when they had to deal with those one or two guests who feel the need to join the band.

The sound man is great. He was knowledgeable, polite, and did a great job loading in and out. It’s nice to not have to worry about those little things because you know it’s being handled professionally.

Ric is a pleasure to work with! He is professional, on point, and has the guest's best interests in mind. It is great to see. I look forward to the next time I have an opportunity to work with Ric. What an awesome party! All the best to you and your team! Thanks, guys!

Best Regards,

Jimmy Bartorillo

The Phoenixville Foundry: Caitlin & Christian – Sept. 8, 2012

Ric,

I would have emailed you sooner, but Caitlin and I left the Monday after our wedding for South Africa, and literally walked in the door just a few hours ago. When we woke up on Sunday morning, (amongst) the first things I wanted to do was call you and tell you what a great time we had at the reception. As you know, we were concerned that our caterers were cutting into our dance time, but once the music started all of our guests had a blast. I don’t know that I’ll ever forget seeing Caitlin’s step-dad go Swayze in Dirty Dancing out of nowhere, nor will I ever forget Caitlin singing in front of a room of people.

It was an incredible day, and you and your band exceeded our very high expectations. I hope we have cause to throw another blowout in the future so we can book you again.

Best,

Christian & Caitlin

White Marsh Valley Country Club: Dougherty-Varadi Wedding, July 7, 2012

Big Ric Rising performed at our daughter’s wedding, Mercedes Dougherty, on 7/7/12.   I don’t know that I can put into words how wonderful Big Ric was, how awesome the music sounded and how everything about them was truly professional and something to be very, very proud of.   We are so thankful Mercedes booked them after seeing them perform at a show case.  We appreciate their talent and professionalism.  We wanted to make sure you knew how happy we were with them.  People are still talking about them and will for some time.  

Thank you!

Eileen Dougherty

Crystal Tea Room – June 23, 2012

Big Ric Rising,

Wow! You exceeded our expectations. Your professionalism, talent & personality contributed for a perfect day! Thank you for adding to the wonderful memories that we have.

Lynne Novelli
6-23-12

The Arts Ballroom: Stack-Shenkman, April 21, 2012

Ric,

While I had not "interviewed" you or witnessed your musical talents in person at any Showcases last year, I knew that our new son (in-law's) taste in music was exquisite and that any band he chose for his wedding HAD to be the BEST... when Gail and Spence (Glen's parents) enthusiastically seconded Glen's endorsement of Big Ric Rising, the deal was done... and blessed!

THEN, when you and I spoke on the phone the first time this past February, I got to know Ric, the human being and dog-lover, as you mesmerized me with your sweet saga of "Baby" ; we connected initially through our mutual love of dogs, and THEN we talked music!

Thank you for so many things! For your kindness in helping to plan Jordan's "secret/surprise" toast. Your willingness to share your keyboard and let Jordan rehearse during the cocktail hour was wonderful. For your amazing voice, your stellar leadership and party mover-and-shaker talents and for just Making the Par-tee happen!!!!

We will be singing ( and you saw how much the Stacks love to sing!) your praises and referring you over and over. If we are blessed with more weddings in our family, you will be our first choice: we want Big Ric in the HOUSE!!!!!!

With thanks and big big hugs,

Shari and Jay Stack

Loews Philadelphia Hotel: Frankel-Coslov, November 5, 2011

November 5, 2011

Wow!  What a fantastic wedding!  Thank you so much for being a part of our special day - You did an amazing job!  All we kept hearing the next day was how much our friends "loved Big Ric" and that "the band was fantastic!"  Please feel free to use us as a reference for brides and groom that are interested in having your band at their wedding.  We really loved every minute of the reception and couldn't have asked for a better night.  Thank You!

Marissa and Noah Coslov

Rockwood Carriage House: Hally-Hancher, April 30, 2011

April 30, 2011

Big Ric,

YOU ROCKED IT!!!

Colleen and I want to sincerely thank you for the amazing performance you and the rest of Big Ric Rising gave at our wedding reception. Not only did you guys sound awesome, but you all provided the perfect atmosphere for the night and the venue. I can't be happier with having made the decision to have you perform, and you and the band's talents made a night that we'll remember forever.

You told me before the wedding to relax and that the band would "bring it." Well, you guys "brought it!", and made two people incredibly happy.

Thank you so much!!!

Sincerely,

Joe and Colleen Hancher

Bride and Groom