The Real Geniuses
The Real Geniuses add a playful edge to beloved hits, blending expert musicianship, fresh arrangements, and an expansive songbook to create a truly one-of-a-kind event.
Core Lineup
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About the Band
The Real Geniuses
The Real Geniuses were formed in August 2000 when 5 musician friends were asked to ‘come up with something fun’ to play at a friend’s birthday party. The Real Geniuses then thought it’d be fun to play a bunch of those old hit songs that everybody knows the words to but nobody ever really hears anymore. Their performance that night was a huge success. What the guys thought would be a one-night performance was quickly changed when several people approached them to play at events they were planning themselves. It was then that the Geniuses thought, “We might be onto something!”
Within months, they were playing at parties and events all over the Baltimore/DC area to rave reviews. At that point the Geniuses still saw themselves as just a group of goofy guys playing a bunch of goofy songs, but they were proven wrong in the winter of 2001 when they began performing at weddings and larger events. The band began to consider themselves “professionals” as the crowds and opportunities grew. They decided to run with it.
Over the past few years The Real Geniuses have honed their musical and technical skills while playing regularly for huge crowds of all ages at weddings, private functions, and on the Baltimore/DC club circuit. Their talent and reliability have turned them into a highly sought-after party/wedding/event band. Their enormous song catalog spans from the 50’s to today's hits, which makes them versatile enough to play just about any event that could use a live band. The band comes fully stocked with male AND female vocalists, so there isn’t a song that these guys (and gal) can’t pull off -- and they prove it, routinely making events more special by learning special requests.
All of that being said, the Real Geniuses are far from your ordinary “cover band.” Because the members are still young (none of them were even in high school when the older portion of their song catalog was played on the radio), they bring a fresh new spin to the songs they play. Whereas most cover bands try to duplicate the songs they play as closely as possible, The Real Geniuses pride themselves on pumping a new, stronger energy into their live performances. So, if you’re looking for a professional, high-energy band for your event, you can’t go wrong with The Real Geniuses.
LIVE PERFORMANCES
James Brown
The Early Years
Walk the Moon
Meghan Trainor
Prince
Testimonial
We were BLOWN away by the band at the wedding, it was an incredible evening and they really put on a great performance. We have heard countless times from family and friends how much fun they had. We can't thank you enough for helping make our day memorable across the board when it came to the music.
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, 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!