The Adrian Duke Project
The Adrian Duke Project combines soulful Motown, jazz, and rock with critically acclaimed musicianship, offering a tailored, high-energy experience that suits any event, from weddings to corporate parties.
Core Lineup
Add-on Lineup Options
Add-on Services
About the Band
The Adrian Duke Project
Combining critically acclaimed musicianship with a vast repertoire of music ranging from The Beatles, Van Morrison and Elton John to Marvin Gaye and Ray Charles to Duke Ellington and Frank Sinatra, The Adrian Duke Project is a perfect fit for everything from a wedding reception to a company holiday party. Playing a funky mix of motown and soul, jazz and swing, and good ol' rock-n-roll, The Adrian Duke Project has pleased crowds at wedding receptions, corporate events, festivals, and concerts from Atlanta to Baltimore and everywhere in between. In 2007, Adrian was selected to be part of the band used as Richmond, VA's "Royal Welcome" for Queen Elizabeth II, and he has headlined festival stages throughout the Mid-Atlantic. It is this pedigree that separates The Adrian Duke Project from the average "variety band" - he plays the songs you know and love, and leaves the cheese behind!
As the bandleader, Adrian makes every effort to ensure your event will be a night to remember for all the right reasons. The Adrian Duke Project is a full seven-piece band, including trumpet and sax as well as the soulful stylings of female vocalist Theresa Richmond. Adrian is also capable of playing any number of classical pieces for a ceremony, performing solo or as a combo with other members of his band for cocktails, and playing a relaxing set of jazz and swing standards for dinner sets. Event planners and clients alike commonly note how professional and easy to work with Adrian is, as he focuses on tailoring the band's setlist and style to the needs of each event. Adrian will even learn several songs for any event, provided it's something that fits within his broad style of music. He's learned everything from Widespread Panic to "The Final Countdown" to ensure that everyone leaves happy at the end of the night.
LIVE PERFORMANCES
Testimonial
The Adrian Duke Project was FANTASTIC! Their song lineup was perfect with quieter music throughout dinner and they didn't let a single lull occur during dancing. So many guests commented what a fabulous job they were doing. We had such an excellent experience with them and will certainly keep them and Sam Hill Entertainment in mind for future events!
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FAQs
Find answers to your questions about our bands and booking process right here.
We offer bands for nearly every budget, from local jazz combos starting at $750 to top party bands at $10,000+. Most dance bands for weddings or events range between $2500 and $7500.
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.
Most 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. Note: smaller bands, like acoustic or jazz groups, usually don’t bring lighting.
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!