Hot Hot Hot! an amazing summer of gigs

I know the purpose of a blog is to keep everyone up to date with what we've been up to, but my blogs are a bit like my diary ... occasional!  I'll work on it :)

So then, what's been going on? we have played at 40 weddings and events since my last blog in June (which may account for the absence of updates here).  It's been a great year, but this summer has been my favourite, we have met so many great people and played at some wonderful locations, how about this for a view...

Studland

And here are the guests enjoying a boogie to Funky Buddha - this looks like a slow dance!

There has been a lot of traveling around the country, and it does sometimes feel like a bit of a road trip, but as long as there are rewards along the way we are happy...

Huw and Kelly

You may know that Funky Buddha comes in different sizes, mostly people opt for the 7 piece band, but this summer the 10 piece band has also been popular.  It's a GREAT sound with 3 singers and 3 horn players.  We had a fabulous night at Hendon Hall

Hendon Hall

Richmond Hill Hotel

Tithe Barn - Ditcham

Buddha Ladies

I have so many photos - but alas I can't always remember where they were, so if by any chance you read this blog and recognise yourself or your friends then let me know.  Here are a few to get started with...

Busy Busy Busy Buddhas!

Well a lot has happened since the last blog - it's been a long time, we have been playing at weddings, parties and functions every weekend since January - honestly.

In between performances we have rehearsed up some great new songs that are now included into our party sets; they have had audiences jumping up and down, dancing the night away and shouting 'More More More!' when we finish.

We've been playing all over the place, there have been weddings in Norfolk, Derbyshire, Cornwall,Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Northampton, London and a few performances in our home city Brighton.  It's been great fun and we've met so many lovely people on the way. We also played at Epsom races for 2 days last week - already booked us for next year! Thanks to all the staff for looking after us so well and to the guests for their endless enthusiasm.

I've been busy playing solo piano for wedding ceremonies and over drinks/dinner, and have a chance to play on some wonderful pianos too which has been a bonus!   Our jazz option is turning out to be very popular - we included this last summer at a discounted price when people book us for the evening and I'm pleased to say that we will be continuing to offer this for the foreseeable future.  Our options are very flexible, Kelly and I have been performing solo piano and voice at weddings and Mark is busy playing guitar for weddings too.  Buddalicious has been busy too - this option is great for smaller venues as it's a 3 piece band, but still has all the great Funky Buddha backing playing along with the live music.

I've taken a lot of photos on the way which I'l attach to this blog - you may see yourself dancing in them!

Happy New Year!

Mark

Jim - roamed around Battersea power station playing solo sax to arriving guests

Happy New Year!

so it's been a very very busy time... LOTS of parties and even a few Christmas weddings.

Huw (and drums!)

Throughout December we played at parties and weddings - including a contract with Best Parties Ever at Battersea Power station.  The theme was 1920's (as you can see from our outfits!).  It was great fun - playing jazz as guests arrived, throwing in a couple of cheeky Christmas classics during dinner and finishing off with our much loved party set!  

We also played at the Royal Holloway University - photos to follow.... beautiful beautiful wedding and some VERY good dancing too!  




AND weddings in.... Cornwall... Kent.... Sussex2012 finished in style playing to a great audience on New Years Eve.... then REST!  But, not for long as we are preparing some new exciting songs for this year.  The next showcase is in March, you could come and have a listen for yourself.

View of the dance floor as we played

Abbie 

Looking up!

Me - given size 10 boots and a hard hat to wear as we load in..... 

View from inside

Looking good in 1920's dress

Busy Busy Buddhas....

October - A fantastic month to get married!  

We've had great gigs throughout the whole month, from Northampton to Gloucester, London, Cambridge, Chichester, Oxford, Kent, Lewes and of course our hometown... Brighton!  It's been a bit of a road trip but we've had a brilliant time playing at your weddings and parties.  I've taken a few photos on the way - see if you can spot yourself in any of them!

Busy September gigs!

Another great month of wedding and parties; we've been all over the country playing at country houses, in marquees, gardens, mansions and hotels... it's been quite a tour!
The jazz sets are getting really popular - I've been enjoying the sun while playing in our quartet, trio and quintet.  With lovely guests offering canapes and pimms... who could ask for more! I've taken a few pics on the way - take a look and see if you can see yourself (or someone you know!)

Psychodelic Tithe Barn!

Hill Place - Swanmore

Dean on drums

Martijn and Piers giving it a blast

Rachel - The Hurlingham club

The Hurlingham club - Putney

Great Fosters

Party on!

Pembrook Lodge

Could this be a new role fro Jim?

Jim and I doing a duet!

Funky Buddha's gig in the sun

Funky Buddha perform in Cannes...

We've just returned from performing at an event in Cannes, France! It was a flying visit but we had a great time performing and taking in the beautiful surroundings. 

Many thanks to Sam from Scarlett Entertainment and Valerie from Bray Leino events for looking after us so well.

Here are some photos...

Chris on bass

Joe on keys

Enjoying the sun

Beautiful Cannes