maryh

My son (American) will be married next July in a little town near Ancona where the bride's parents grew up. They will have some Italian music, but for dancing want a funky/soul-oriented band that plays American music. If anyone has any leads on bands in Italy, please advise!

I've learned a lot from Jackie_in_Italy about the Marches region and am looking forward to my first trip there! I'm hoping she might have some ideas!

Huitres

I've seen many such bands all around Italy (Riomaggiore, Elba, Capri, Pisa, Florence, etc). I would suggest looking into the local universities for postings about bands or groups. Likewise, if there is a disco or cafe in town (Ancona or Senegallia) you could find out if they have any musical groups perform there. Also, there are often postings of ads, groups, flyers, etc at train stations.

The Marche region is very beautiful and is being touted as the next "Tuscany" in terms of tourism, etc (Italian govt trying to promote more tourism in this oft-overlooked region). My best friend is from Ancona and lives in the U.S. now - she misses the Marche very much.

Jackie_in_Italy

I hope le Marche never becomes quite as touristy as Tuscany, but some tourists might be nice .

Mary--what is the name of the town? Maybe with all of the beach activity at that time, finding a band in that area won't be so hard (with all of the discos and stuff around), but I really don't have much experience with it. I can ask around though. In the meantime, I would follow Huitres's ideas about loca universities. Ancona has a university, and they might have some people who play.

Another idea is there is a music bar in Ancona called the Barfly. It might have a website. It is pretty popular and gets some big acts (Carmen Consoli, for example), so they might have some information on local bands. That might actually be your best bet, or at least the best advice I can give. I will see if I can find a website for the Barfly, if you can't.

Jackie_in_Italy

found the website:

http://www.barfly.it/

maryh

Thanks, Jackie. The wedding is in Recanati.

rex

How about some Fodorites come together to make a band for you?

I learned the flute just to play (during the couple's first dance, as a surpise) at our daughter's wedding reception, earlier this month.

How hard could it be to learn to play bass guitar?

Whatever you work out - - congratulations on their new life in marriage... and...

Best wishes,

Rex

Jackie_in_Italy

I agree with Rex! I can play the guitar and do vocals . I live near Recanati, so it would be an easy trip to and from!

Seriously though--Mary, I will see if I can find out any more about Recanati specifically. We have some friends who live there, and I'll ask them.

rex

Anybody play the drums? Would one of those electronic percussion things do?