Nonprofit gala violinist in Colorado
For development teams planning a gala, live violin gives the reception a lift without competing with your program.
Extreme Strings has played the Governor's Art Show Opening Gala, two events for the Junior League of Denver, and nonprofit and industry galas from Denver to Pueblo and Cheyenne. Jared plays the reception, the dinner or both, brings his own sound, and can send the COI and W-9 your venue asks for.
Where violin fits in a gala evening
| Part of the night | What the violin does |
|---|---|
| Arrival and reception | Upbeat songs guests recognize, while they check in, bid and mingle. |
| Dinner | A lower-key set so tables can talk. |
| Program and paddle raise | The violin stops. Jared can provide a microphone during his contracted hours, but he doesn't MC. |
| After the program | Music picks back up to close the night on a high note. |
Most galas book two to three hours of music. Jared can go up to four, with one short break and recorded music during it. See how long a violinist can play.
Galas Extreme Strings has played
- The Governor's Art Show Opening Gala at the Loveland Museum
- The Junior League of Denver, at Space Gallery and again at Dry Clean Only, after inviting Jared back
- A nonprofit gala at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Denver
- A hospitality industry gala at MSU Denver
- A citizen of the year gala at the Pueblo Convention Center
- Several galas at Little America Hotel & Resort in Cheyenne, Wyoming
What gala organizers say
★★★★★“We invited him back because everyone loved him so much the first time, and he did not disappoint.”
★★★★★“His music selection was classy, relevant, and upbeat - making his music a perfect fit for our gala. We had many compliments on his addition to our event.”
★★★★★“Fabulous performance. What a great addition to the Governor’s Art Show Opening Gala!”
★★★★★“Extreme Strings, led by the talented Jared Judge, delivered an unforgettable performance that elevated our event to new heights!”
Easy for development staff
Gala planning is a lot of moving parts, so the music should be the easy one. Jared sends a proposal you can sign and pay online in BookLive. If your venue needs a certificate of insurance with the venue listed as additional insured, or your finance team needs a W-9, he can send both. Checks are fine for payment too. More on COIs, W-9s and payment.
The music itself works for a mixed crowd: pop and rock hits played with an elegant, modern sound, plus classical pieces when the moment calls for it. Browse the song list.
On the day, Jared arrives about an hour before his first set and is sound-checked before your doors open. He brings his own sound system, so your AV budget can go to the stage and screens. Backstage, all he needs is a closet or corner for his cases.
Questions planners ask
Can you play during our live auction or program?
The violin stops for speeches and the program so every word is heard. Jared can provide a microphone during his contracted hours, and music picks back up after.
Can you list our venue as additional insured?
Yes. Jared can issue a certificate of insurance that names your venue or organization as additional insured.
Do you play galas outside Denver?
Yes. Extreme Strings has played galas in Loveland, Pueblo and Cheyenne, and travels anywhere. A travel fee may apply outside metro Denver.
Do you need a green room?
No. Jared just needs a closet or corner to store his instrument cases.