1st Generation Band
1st Generation blends veteran experience with contemporary style, delivering high-energy performances across genres like Motown, rock, jazz, and country to create a fun, memorable experience for any event.
Core Lineup
Add-on Lineup Options
Add-on Services
About the Band
1st Generation Band
Whether your event is a wedding, a formal fundraising gala, a corporate function, or just good friends gathering for a fun party, the 1st Generation Band knows exactly what it takes to give your guests the time of their lives. The band combines veteran experience with contemporary style, bringing a professional and high-energy approach that creates an atmosphere of fun and excitement to make your special occasion a complete success.
From Motown to current hits, soul to classic rock, 70s and 80s to jazz and even a little bit of country, 1st Generation covers all the greatest party music so you and your guests can dance for hours. With a lineup that includes two dynamic female singers, a classy and soulful male vocalist, electrifying sax and optional trumpet, 1st Generation is able to recreate every style of music to perfection. Simply let them know what type of ambiance you envision for your event and the band will help bring it to life!
Bandleader Morris Drane enthusiastically approaches every function with an open mind and heart, knowing that the right experience for his clients involves a great performance AND top-notch service. And the entire band, dressed for success and impeccably styled, offers both compelling personality and seasoned musicianship that is sure to keep your guests moving and grooving. Their goal is to exceed your high expectations and make sure everybody has FUN!
LIVE PERFORMANCES
Mayer-Metcalf Wedding, Foxhall Resort
Marvin Gaye
DNCE
Wilson Pickett
Justin Timberlake
Isley Bros
Aretha Franklin
Bruno Mars
Testimonial
The 1st Generation Band was absolutely amazing! We could not have been happier working with them and the night off. Their energy was amazing, our guests kept complimenting them throughout the entire night, and the dance floor was never empty. The songs they chose to play were exactly what we wanted and not just the typical wedding songs. We had so much fun and would recommend the 1st Generation Band to everyone! 5/5 stars, they were everything we hoped for and more!
Relax. You're booking a Sam Hill band.
Excellence On & Off Stage
It’s more than the performance—our bands are as professional offstage as on. We’ve got you.
Personal Booking Managers
No one-size-fits-all here. Your Booking Manager ensures your event is just as you envision.
Tech That Simplifies Everything
Our event planning tools make the process easy and efficient. Less stress, more excitement.
FAQs
Find answers to your questions about our bands and booking process right here.
We offer bands for nearly every budget, starting around $2,000 and going up to $15,000+. Most dance bands range between $3,500 and $8,500.
Bands bring instruments and sound equipment for most weddings and events, covering up to several hundred guests. For larger events, additional sound support can be arranged for a fee or through a vendor you provide.
All bands provide basic lighting for their performance area, but this isn’t decor lighting for the whole space. Light stands typically feature a few white or colored LED or par cans. Some bands can adjust lighting to fit the event, or they can skip it if you’re working with a separate lighting vendor.
Special event bands charge a single fee for up to a 4-hour block, including breaks. They’ll play a preset playlist during breaks, scheduled around natural pauses like speeches or cake cutting. For a 4-hour event, bands need at least 45 minutes of break time, usually split into two 20-25 minute breaks. Some bands offer a three-hour no-break option and can add overtime for an extra fee.
Spring and fall Saturday events often book a year or more in advance, with popular dates typically securing bands 8-15 months ahead. Non-Saturday events book closer to the date, and we often help clients with shorter timelines (2-6 months) find great bands. Booking early increases your options for in-demand bands, so reach out soon!