"we really appreciated the sensitivity and musical sensibilities with which you and your colleagues approach your work, and wish we could have another event next week so we could work with you again!" "the evening was a complete success and we thank you for providing such beautiful and sensitively planned music! you were terrific.... many, many thanks for your music!"
- Janet & Fred Rosenberg, NYC

"Thank you so much for all the attention you've given us! ... A great day. All the best, & thanks again for everything."
- Lynn Starr, Falls Church VA

Thanks again for a great night of music. BTW, we have gotten NON-stop compliments about the band! You guys were awesome-ness!
- Nancy Schwartz & Megan Cossey, Riverdale NY

It would have been a special occasion under any circumstances but you and your band made the evening soar.
- Rosemary McLaugh, Jersey City NJ

"Met Klez was a key part (no pun intended) of our daughter's Bat Mitzvah celebration. The band was fun, and very tuned in to the audience and the various moments of the party. Plus, the music and musicianship were just outstanding. While the Klezmer was beautiful (both fast and slow), I was as impressed by the range of your group, with a steamy version of "Summertime" with wonderful vocals to the classics of Jazz, such as Song for My Father (ironically, played without a piano). Coupled with the great musical experience was a high degree of professionalism--the band was on time, did everything as promised and all dealings were straightforward. Eve Sicular, the multitalented band leader, was also in synch: very approachable, flexible and friendly. After the party I enjoyed chatting with some of the band members. I am trying to think of an excuse to hire you all again and hear more great music."
- Mark Shlomchik, Yale University New Haven CT

We just got back from our honeymoon travels, and now that we're settling back into things here, we wanted to thank you again for the fabulous music at our wedding. Everything was perfect, from the ceremony to the cocktails to the reception---your music created such a beautiful, memorable experience for us. We're very grateful; please forward our thanks to all of the musicians who played that day!

Hope that we'll catch Metropolitan Klezmer again around the city....
All the best, Jen & Ken

"I love listening to your music! The playing is AMAZING and really dazzling."
- Carrie Feiner, Feiner Entertainment

"Now that Jill and I are back from post-wedding travel, I just wanted to thank you and the band for your tremendous work on Sunday at our wedding. We loved the music and you all added a lot of simcha and joy to the celebrations. Thanks also for being open to learning new tunes! We heard lots of compliments from guests about the music.
Best of luck for the future ~"
-Guy Austrian [& Rabbi Jill Jacobs], NYC

We're still getting gushing compliments for the band whenever people talk about our wedding, and you guys helped so much to make it a very special day. Please feel free to give out our contact info... Having musicians in my family, I'm always happy to help y'all continue to do what you do and enrich the lives of all your listeners (especially now, when our government won't help). Congrats on the new CDs! And best wishes for a fun and gig-filled summer.
- Susan Roth
Washington DC

I have had a "thank you Eve" email hibernating in my head for the whole winter (thank you for the wonderful show)... In any event, yes, of course, I/we would love to act as a reference in any capacity... you're great, professional, and were the easiest and most fun to do business with of any of the people I contacted for our wedding (bands or otherwise).
- Ben Freeman
Brooklyn NY

Thanks again to you and all the band members for such a great performance at our wedding in May. We had such a fantastic time and your music really helped to make the event even more special and wonderful. Without exception, anyone who has talked to us about our wedding (and attended), mentions the music and how lovely the singing and instrumentation were. They also say that they appreciate that it was not loud and excessive. We (and Paul) also were really thrilled that you were able to play so much of the music on Paul's list.
So again, many thanks, and all good wishes!
Pam (and Steve)
Pamela A. Geller, PhD

Your band made our wedding day so special and unforgettable. Larisa and I are so in love that the day would have been memorable with no music, but you far exceeded all of our expectations by painting vivid colors of love and warmth with your instruments and song selection and your singer's beautiful voice.

Your proportional mix of hora music and standards was perfect. You played music at all the right times and made our special requests feel truly special. So many guests gushed about your music, but my father was the biggest fan. He was amazed that the music was not too loud! And he loved your song selections. He's a very tough critic. We're simply amazed that you pleased even him!!!

...We would highly recommend your band to anyone without qualification ... for any type of gathering or event.

Thank you so much again for your warmth, your personal touch, your professionalism, your promptness, and your gift of music.
- with love, Rob Wunder and Larisa Shlahet, NYC

New Year's Day, 2005
As we contemplate 2004, surely our favorite day of all -- if not the happiest day of our lives -- was our wedding day of August 29. You were all an integral part of that. Your gifted playing brought such joy to our wedding. We will never forget dancing the horah with our family and friends that day. Thank you, Eve, for working so hard to put together just the right combination of talented musicians. It really paid off, and everyone had a wonderful time.

We hope to see you soon, ideally at one of your concerts. School essentially ran away with us both the minute we returned from our honeymoon, and we're just resurfacing.

We hope 2004 ended on a good note for you, despite the outcome of the election. Here's to peace, health, and joy to you in 2005.
Love, Rachel & Sarah

The celebration couldn't have been more joyous or meaningful and you and the other members of the band contributed mightily to the spirit of the day. Literally, my only regret was not being able to sit back and listen to the music for more than a few minutes here and there. Many in the room were shocked (as was I) at how much dancing I did (I don't usually dance at all at these types of celebrations). And Susan, who (unlike me), is no slouch musically, was impressed by your musicality (I think that's the term she used).
- Todd Gordon, Irvington NY

Today is our one-year anniversary-so we figured it was time to finally write you the thank you note we've put off all year.

What we have wanted to tell you, ever since the wedding, is how grateful we are for the terrific job you did. The music, on the beach and at the house, really helped to create just the kind of spirit we had hoped for. The wedding was a very joyous one for us, and for all of our guests, and we are convinced that the music was a major part of that good feeling.

But we were also particularly grateful that we didn't have to worry about anything. We were so glad, and relieved, to be able to leave everything in your hands.

So please accept our belated thanks for helping to make our wedding the joyful event (and smooth-running operation) it was. If you would like to use us as a reference for other weddings, please don't hesitate: we'd be glad to sing your praises.
- Sam Stoloff & Ilena Silverman, NYC

Thank all of you for the wonderful music at our wedding. People are still talking about it! The spirit of the music made the occasion even more festive and joyous, and Mike and I couldn't help but get caught up in it and thoroughly enjoy ourselves. In a word (or two), you guys are great!
- Terri Fried and Michael Green, Woodbridge CT

We cannot tell you how vital a role your music played at our wedding. Not only was it very well received, but it was arranged well, melodic, energetic and conveyed all of the history and mood that we had hoped for.
- Ronit and Ethan Silverman, NYC

Thank you so much for playing and playing so well. Stella, Ronnie's grandmother said it was the best party she had been to in over 50 years, which, to me, sounds like a very long time.
Thanks again, and be well,
Trish Gray, NYC

I loved your work at my wedding in January. Thank you for it; you helped make the event a success.
Joyce
Joyce Gold History Tours of New York

Thank you for the "highest quality" performance. I want you to know that several people commented to me how they were transfixed by the music. For me, the music reminded me of what the celebration is about, when you strip away all of the extraneous "stuff" --
And thank you for the CD -- Regards,
Ken Krushel

I want to thank you for playing at our wedding. You guys were so awesome! It really made the party. Please feel free to use us as a reference....
Samantha J. Sanders, Chicago IL

Congratulations on the official release! Greg and I are settling back into regular, non-wedding-focussed life. I just want to reiterate that you guys were great, and we continue to hear very positive remarks about "that wonderful band" from our guests. Please continue to send us updates... we'd love to come see you play under less duress and with less distraction.
all the best-
Melanie Rock

thanks for everything--you guys and gals were a hit!!!!!!--now I just want to be a guest at someone else's wedding that you are playing at so so I can really enjoy you without distraction!
Deborah Gar Reichman
[wedding to Shelly Curnow featured in New York Times, 5/22/04]

We enjoyed your playing very much - and thanks again! I'm only sorry I didn't allow myself to slow down and listen carefully and dance more - I wish I could do it all again in slow motion. Please tell the other members of your group how much we (and our guests) enjoyed them.
-- Betty Eigen
Brooklyn, NY

On behalf of our family, I want to thank you enthusiastically for a terrific performance at Andrew's party. My only regret was a lack of time to dance to more of your music. So many things were perfect: the klezmer tunes, the standards (your rendition of "More" sent me over the moon) and your ability to deal with 13-year-olds who wanted to jam on your equipment during the break. It's a high compliment to say I never once felt the need to supervise... a liberating feeling for a nervous mother/host.

Andrew was shocked that a "klezmer band" could be lively, hip and fun ... and he has apologized for ever doubting that the music at his party would be great. It was a stroke of genius, by the way, to play "Watermelon Man," a tune Andrew knows from his own saxophone playing.

So, thanks again for everything. I hope to get the chance to hear you again soon.
- Lisa Green, NYC

I meant to write you a week ago but I have been trying to catch up... I just wanted to say how much we enjoyed your music and how special it made Rebecca's party. We've been told that a one year old and a three year old, who had never danced before, danced immediately upon hearing your music. And now they keep asking to hear the tape we gave them of your music (in addition to asking to be lifted up in a chair). Life will never be the same! ... Let me know when you have a new tape out.
All the best,
Lesley Cohen-Short
NJ

We want to thank you for your great performance at our July 20, 2003 wedding. Several familiy members asked us how we found you and commented on how much they liked the music... Amazingly, Modern Bride New York (regional magazine for Modern Bride), decided to publish an article about our wedding... on page 262 of the spring 2004 edition... We mention there that you provided the music.
Sincerely
Elizabeth & Rich

Just a note to say THANK YOU FOR THE TRULY AWESOME MUSIC. The Love Fest wouldn't have been the same without you.
Much love,
Dawn & Marla

thanks. the band was absolutely terrific - and not too loud. it was perfect. i think you played all our top requests and played a nice mix for the non-klezmer music. the rest of the wedding was great, too - we had a blast.
Rachel and Caleb

It was wonderful- everyone loved the music and appreciated it- you made the party really special- and it was a pleasure to "work" with you....
Take care, hope to enjoy your band at future simchas.
Joan Hollander, NYC

Thank you for providing such moving, beautiful music at our wedding! Compliments for Metropolitan Klezmer poured in by the droves from satisfied guests.

Many, many thanks again.

Best,- Laurie Israel [North Haven, NY & NYC: wedding featured in New York Times, 7/13/03]

Thank you so much for helping to make our daughter's 5/25/03 wedding the amazing affair that it was.
- Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Geller, Patchogue NY

Thank you for the wonderful music you played at our wedding in August. Thank you also for traveling such a long distance and for staying late so people could enjoy your beautiful playing a little longer. Friends and relatives still talk about how much they enjoyed the music. We can't thank you enough!
- Andrea & Michael Weiner, NYC

Did you notice that people wanted to dance to your music? Did you notice that your band made the party? I hope that you noticed these things because we can't find enough superlatives to convey our gratitude for your incredible music. - Sylvia Lee, Bloomfield Hills MI

Now that we've had a chance to catch our breath, we just wanted to let you know how much we and our guests enjoyed Metropolitan Klezmer, the music and the wonderful spirit with which you played together. The band made an enormous contribution to helping us have the wedding day we wanted, one filled with high and joyous energy.
- Regina Weiss and Todd Friedman, Brooklyln NY

Rob & I want to thank you for helping to make our wedding celebration so wonderful! It was really a pleasure working with you, and I would recommend the band unconditionally!
- Ellen Jawitz, New Haven CT

We want to thank you for the awesome, awesome music you performed at our wedding! It was exactly what we wanted - terrific klezmer that went on & on, and it absolutely created the mood we wanted for the entire wedding - lively & hamisch. We had many guests who had never heard klezmer before, and they - plus those who are well-familiar with it - made lots of comments about how terrific it was.
- Felicia Herman & David Ben-Ur, Cambridge MA

Thank you again for playing for us on our wedding day. We had a wonderful time. I wish I ran an audio tape; I remember so little! But when will I ever again hear a Country Western musician sing an R&B tune with a klezmer band? Fondly
- Julia Ann Mucci, Astoria NY

The band made our wedding a success! We got the video - about half of the 2-hour tape is the music and dancing. We love it and it made us really know how pivotal you were in everyone having such a great time. Much love
- Andrea Small, Schoharie NY

You guys were a breeze to work with, and made the party fabulous! Everyone raved about the music - as well they should. It was a real treat.
- Shira Weinstein, Mamaroneck NY

Well, we all had a great time; it looked to me like the band did too. Please thank them all for their consummate professionalism, flexibility and incredible knowledge of klezmer music. Love to you all
- Barbara Solomon-Sperengen and Mike Sperengen, NYC

Wonderful day - you have contributed so much to our celebration. Oh wow, your ensemble was AMAZING. You all play gorgeously - and you also bring such joy and passion to your music. The music shaped the whole mood and arc of our celebration.
- Harriet Chessman, Madison CT

[a third-party letter of reference from Heidi M. Smith responding to Nino Rodriguez, both of whom have now been our wedding clients:]

Metropolitan Klezmer was great! I recommend them wholeheartedly.

We wanted them to be low-key about MCing, and they were, but they were effective too... like they got people to join us on the dance floor when my husband and I had run out of dance steps during our "first dance." They were very good at reading and also setting/contributing to the mood of the evening, something I noticed while it was going on, it was like they provided the perfect soundtrack to our wedding, not just the music. I think people who were into dancing had plenty to dance to. They kicked butt during the whole hora dancing/chair lifting thing-it was like a mosh pit, totally insane, which was what we wanted (but for that you need the right friends and relatives too). And I was very impressed with the fact that we asked them to play quietly enough that people at the tables could converse, and they did, not so quietly that you couldn't always hear them, but just perfect so that all the older aunts and uncles didn't get uncomfortable, which was also important for us. And also Eve found this great wedding march for us. We organized everything without any wedding planner or anything, and Eve and company were completely the best of our vendors, really a joy to work with.

Everybody loved you! They said your music was one of the best things about the weding. Stay swell,
- Heidi M. Smith, San Francisco CA

[another third-party letter of reference, this one from Mike Zalis to Nino Rodriguez, both of whom have now been our wedding clients:]

Responding about Metropolitan Klezmer is easy: they were fantastic.

I could stop there, and it would be a complete description, but having recently been through the wedding planning process, I suspect a few extra details will help you with your decision. I should say from the outset that my only dealings with the group were in hiring them for my wedding, and I have no personal or financial ties to them.

Like yourself, I had heard of M.K. without having a chance to see them, and was cautious about hiring them for my wedding. I can say that in all my interactions with the band, and with Eve Sicular in particular, the group displayed an excellent sense of professionalism (spanning the range from prompt responding to calls/questions to having dependable and flexible contract arrangements) and musicianship (they were wonderful).

Their core repertoire works well with the wedding setting in that their music is very lively and beautifully performed. It's a matter of taste, but I often found that the standard rock band set up generates a sound that's too heavy in electric bass and drums for a wedding party. Mind you, I love rock and play electric guitar myself, but for us, it didn't feel right for our wedding. M.K.'s music kept our guests up, on their feet dancing (and I mean really, really dancing), and also varied to more relaxed tunes during the meal and other parts of the reception. Because their sound is somewhat lighter than the typical rock set up, they avoided the unbalanced, heavy sound I just mentioned. I could continue, but the simple answer is that they were great, and I recommend them whole heartedly. Many of our guests - most of whom don't listen to klezmer regularly - raved about them afterwards.

To answer your question about reading the mood, the band helped to set a festive mood early on, and later, were able to aptly include some slower tunes to balance out the reception. Eve also had good suggestions about how to arrange the instruments, and which songs to play. The band was able to accommodate some off-the-beaten-path requests, which were performed with a deft touch. Eve's got good judgement and experience, and I'd trust what suggestions she has to offer. The band had relatively little to do with making announcements at our wedding (we had an emcee for that), but I trust they could do the job well and with taste.
- Mike Zalis, Boston MA

Your band was amazing! Everyone loved doing Yaish, and the music for the ceremony was absolutely right. Lots of our guests said the music was really great. Thanks again for all your help, guidance and most of all... patience! Hoping to see the band soon. Cheers,
- Nino Rodriguez & Adrienne Greenhart, Brooklyn NY

When our friends ask us about our wedding, I say if I were an ad exec, I'd like to make this commercial: Flowers - $XXX; Tent - $XXXX; Catering - $XXXXX; Isle of Klezbos as the wedding band - priceless. Thank you!
- Melissa Stein and Elena Deutsch, NYC [featured in the New York Times, 9/29/02]

Thanks for your great work - and for staying up late. You'll always get our highest recommendation.
- Gersh Kuntzman & Julie Rosenberg, Brooklyn NY

Your music was delightful, the calling of the dances was energizing - one of the most terrific parts of a wonderful memorable wedding day. Many thanks and much love to you!
- Linda Stone Davidoff, NYC

Thanks so much - Your music set the perfect tone at Jessica and Tobias' wedding at the Brooklyn Museum. You added the musical dimension that complimented the sensitivity of the ceremony!
- Sylvia Safier, Brooklyln NY

Lisa and I want to thank you and the band for making our wedding such a great party. Everyone loved the music and had fun dancing. We have already highly recommended you to one couple, please feel free to give our name to anyone else.
- Lisa & Adam Eggers, NYC

You were FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone had a great time! Thank you so much.
- Corie Herman, NYC

Thanks so much!

I just want to thank you right away for doing such a wonderful job from beginning to end. The music was the best part of the reception. It really made the reception fabulous. Your band is really great and you were absolutely wonderful to work with.

And many, many people raved about the music to me.

Thanks for everything.

P.S. We might also send you a written card, but I wanted to tell you right away how thrilled I was.
- Amy Clark, Brooklyn NY

Metropolitan Klezmer played my wedding on August 24 [2003], I just wanted to let you know how awesome they were! They were so great - what a wonderful band. It was a beautiful wedding, everything went well, and the music was a big part of that. It was also nice how they tailored it to what people were doing. If you ever want a personal reference for the band, I'm always happy to do that. I just wanted you to know how classy the music was, it was just really great, and I would heartily recommend Metropolitan Klezmer to anyone who wants a good wedding band, or a band in general. Thanks so much.
- Elana Blumenthal, NYC

Many thanks to you and the band for contributing to our wonderful celebration of Philip's bar mitzvah. The day truly lifted our spirits and souls by reminding us of our deep connections to family and friends. You accommodated all of our musical desires exactly -- even Mack The Knife!
- Abbe Fabian,
Hastings-on-Hudson NY

You made an already joyous occasion even better! The whole band was just fabulous & exactly what we were hoping for.
- Love,
Rebecca Busansky & Jonah Zuckerman,
Brooklyn NY

Thanks for making the music at my wife's party possible. She, and all my friends, were delighted... It made something special much more extraordinary. My boss was also very taken with your group and has put you into our musicians file so that we can recommend you when clients request our advice...
- Tim Gregory, Brooklyn NY

What serendipity that Nathan heard you play at Usdan last summer! Your fabulous arrangements provided the perfect mood for the atmosphere we were trying to create... beautiful music. You were great!!
- Pearl and Owen Pell, NYC

Thanks so much for doing such a spectacular job at Sasha's bas mitzvah. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the music. I appreciated how attentive you were to all of our needs...
- Gail Lansky, Amherst MA

Thank you for all of your help in making our wedding more beautiful. The band was excellent & all of our guests continue to speak about how great they were...
- Love, Alana & Eli NYC

We want to thank you and the band once again for making Sid's Bar Mitzvah the hottest simchat around... You guys were cooking on this gig - and there is a buzz about Metropolitan by people who didn't have a remote idea what 'klezmer' is.
- Fondly, Victor & Laurie Olefson, Fair Haven NJ

"Thanks ... We were thrilled that you were there. Your wonderful music helpled make the day the most glorious simcha we could have hoped for! Much love, and our best wishes for a happy, healthy New Year."

- Liz and Bryn, Jamaica Plain MA

Thank you and all your band for doing such an amazing and wonderful job at our wedding. You provided the soul, warmth, wit and of course talent that made it a great reception (rave reviews from all the guests). Please especially thank Pam for her double duty [at the ceremony] where she was perfect.
Best - Mary Wallach & Brock, NYC

Dear Eve and all the fantastic musicians of METROPOLITAN KLEZMER,

Thank you so much for bringing the Yiddishkeit in the form of music to our wedding!! The klezmer, Eucalyptus Song, tangos and all the music you played was wonderul and really lifted the spirit of our special day. We appreciate all your time and effort, Eve, to help make our wedding such a success and look forward to hearing you all play again soon.
All the best and thank you again,
Tali and James (Brooklyn NY)

We can't thank you enough. You and your musicians were amazing! Look forward to the next time...
All the best,
Meir and Gillian

Thanks so much again. The music was fabulous and certainly made the whole event a joyous and enjoyable one for everyone. We were delighted.
Best,
Irena Fayngold
Jamaica Plain, MA

Yesterday worked out perfectly. The rabbi, cantor and my son were wonderful. The adults were thrilled that you performed instead of Tony the deejay and his two dancing girls. My son also thought you were great. The weather surprisingly held up, so when the boys needed an energy release, they were able to run around outside. Somehow we made it without a magician, balloon guy or face painter!
Thanks again
Eric Kessin, Scarsdale NY