Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Thielen.
Hi Andrew, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Andrew Thielen band leader of the Andrew Thielen Big Band was born in South Dakota and started playing drums at age seven. Mother and dad were both musicians and teachers. Went to college as an English major in Minnesota but entered the USMC officer course and became a 2d lieutenant upon graduation. My first duty assignment was at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and I fell in love with the south. So I have never left.
After leaving the Marine Corps I was a PR man in Wilmington, NC then ran the Little River Chamber of Commerce in South Carolina .
All the while I had always dreamed of playing drums again and running my own big band.
I started the big band in 1993 playing for the door in Myrtle Beach at Cowboys Nightlife, and the shag and beach clubs of Ducks, Fat Harolds and Suspenders. As the band got better we became recognized state wide playing for Charleston Place corporate events the Carolina Cup, debutante balls and many weddings. Then we became nationally known and played at the House of Blues and Planet Hollywood. We played for Inaugural Balls in Maryland for Governor Hogan and in South Carolina for Governor McMaster.
Next we played Betty White’s 90th birthday party and a PBS show for SCETV in Columbia. The SC General Assembly hired us to represent the “best of South Carolina” at a tourism expo in Oklahoma. We have also been hired repeatedly for a yacht clubs in Key Largo and Charleston cotillions in Virgina, NC, & SC and events from Mardi Gras in Alabama to exclusive golf events in North Carolina and Florida.
This past summer we were hired by Toyota to play for an awards incentive retreat for their very best car dealerships in Banff Canada.
Most events we play are private but people can see us every New Years Eve at the “Sanctuary” at Kiawah Island. It is a thrilling event for all.
About the band.
Why are we so successful?
Let’s start with the music. The sound of a big band for dancing feet is thrilling. Live trumpets, trombones and saxophone create the fullest sound of music you will ever hear that has maximum energy. But that’s when the big band is top notch.
Unfortunately many “community big bands” have players that blow the dust off their horn for the annual summer concert in the park once a year and sound as dried up as they look. They may have a warbling singer do a couple tunes. THIS IS NOT US. That’s Great, Great Grandpa’s big band.
Our big band is a FRESH, powerful, professional ensemble of ONLY THE BEST musicians and singers in NC, SC, GA, AL, VA & Fl. It’s an all star cast of talent including many former Disney and theater singers and one who was a successful contestant on “The Voice.” The band drummer is nationally acclaimed as one of the best.
This big band is professionally run. WE have a top notch sound and light show and have about thirty five matching tuxedo vests and tie sets we wear that match our female vocalist’s cocktail dresses. NEVER T-shirts and jeans.
Our music is not the old fashioned big band material. We have brought the sound and our music up to date. We have very horn driven, soulful renditions of Carolina beach music, rock classics, 70″s & 80’s hits and great dance music of today. Ever hear a big band play Shania Twains’s “Still The One” or Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing or Guns & Roses “Sweet Child of Mine?” ? Well you will with us. How about some great horn filled Motown songs like “Midnight Train to Georgia, RESPECT or Neal Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline?” We get them ecstatic on the dance floor for all this music. Plus we have written our big band charts for all ages. Our big band has a way of making all music exciting yet palatable for every taste.
Of course for the purists and swing fans we may play one or two big band classics like “In The Mood” or “Sing Sing Sing or New York, New York” or another swinger, but we position them at the perfect moment in between many more of the top dance tunes of the past 50 years through the night.
This big band is a dancer’s dream band and that’s why we are asked to play everywhere. Thanks for reading.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Struggles?
Sure all businesses have them.
Getting some “jazz music cats” to play more variety was originally hard. But now that some of them have seen how good this band is and how much fun our music is….I don’t encounter that anymore.
Also discipline. Our Big Band is always on time, sharply dressed and extremely polite and appreciative to the crowd. I don’t allow hats, ball caps or cases and jackets anywhere on the band stand. Breaks are few.
Grooming standards are top notch for gal singers and all who perform.
Any big plans?
We are planning on doing a new recording of the band.
More videos for prospective clients to see on Youtube & Social media.
We have also begun doing some original music that corresponds with the events we do and places we have played.
Titles Include ” Toyota Groove”, “Shag at The Debutante Ball”, “SWingin Through the South” and “Brass Is Back.”
Pricing:
- Price for big band for 3 hrs w no breaks
- Pricing avail for 4 hrs with one break.
- Instrumental music/ jazz trio for dinner hour.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bestbigband.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrew.thielen1/
