Live Jazz Band for Weddings & Events in California
Candela! is a live jazz and event band based in Los Angeles, California. Our jazz ensembles — from a solo pianist to a full vocal jazz quintet — perform at weddings, corporate events, and private parties throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Jose, Palm Springs, and Las Vegas. We play timeless jazz standards, bossa nova, and smooth jazz, plus today's hits arranged jazz-style, with vocals in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
Jazz Ensemble Options
Every event is different, so we scale the ensemble to your space, guest count, and budget:
Solo Jazz Pianist — elegant, understated background music for intimate ceremonies and dinners.
Jazz Duo — piano and upright bass, or guitar and vocals, for a warm, conversational atmosphere.
Jazz Trio — piano, upright bass, and drums. Our most requested lineup for wedding cocktail hours.
Jazz Quartet — the trio plus saxophone or a lead vocalist for a fuller, more expressive sound.
Vocal Jazz Quintet — the complete jazz experience: rhythm section, horn, and vocals.
Add-ons — saxophone, trumpet, violin, or a second vocalist can be added to any lineup.
Jazz Styles We Perform
Classic jazz standards from the Great American Songbook
Smooth jazz and lounge
Bossa nova and Latin jazz
Swing and up-tempo big-band energy
Vocal jazz in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese
Modern pop and R&B reimagined as jazz arrangements
Classic Chinese songs performed jazz-style — a favorite at our multicultural weddings
Perfect For
Weddings — ceremony prelude, cocktail hour, and reception dinner. Jazz keeps the room elegant while guests mingle — then we can transition into the full Candela! party band and DJ for dancing.
Corporate events — galas, award nights, product launches, holiday parties, and networking mixers where you want sophistication without drowning out conversation.
Private celebrations — anniversaries, birthdays, proposals, dinner parties, and rooftop gatherings.
Sample Jazz Repertoire
A small taste of our songbook — every setlist is tailored to your event:
Jazz standards: Fly Me to the Moon · The Way You Look Tonight · L-O-V-E · What a Wonderful World · Unforgettable · Misty · Autumn Leaves
Bossa nova & Latin: The Girl from Ipanema · Corcovado (Quiet Nights) · Blue Bossa · Wave · Sway
Modern songs, jazz-style: Perfect · Can't Help Falling in Love · Just the Way You Are · Isn't She Lovely · At Last
Chinese classics, jazz-style: 月亮代表我的心 · 甜蜜蜜 · 夜來香 · 我只在乎你 — ask us about our full Chinese songbook.
Have a special song in mind? We're happy to learn it for your event — just give us a few weeks' notice.
From Cocktail-Hour Jazz to a Packed Dance Floor
Here's what makes Candela! different: the jazz trio that plays your cocktail hour can grow into the full Candela! band and DJ for your reception. One team, one contract, one seamless soundtrack — no vendor handoffs, no silence between moments. It's the easiest way to get an elegant first half and an unforgettable party.
Where We Perform
We're based in Los Angeles and perform across Southern California — including Orange County, Newport Beach, Pasadena, Santa Barbara, San Diego, and Palm Springs — as well as the San Francisco Bay Area, San Jose, Sacramento, Napa Valley, and Las Vegas. Destination weddings and events are always welcome.
Why Choose Candela!
Seasoned jazz musicians who read the room and adjust the energy in real time
Flexible lineups, from solo pianist to full band + DJ
Vocals and MC services in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese
Experienced with luxury venues and multicultural weddings across California
Trusted by wedding planners and corporate event producers
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a jazz band cost in Los Angeles?
Pricing depends on ensemble size and performance length. A solo jazz pianist or duo is our most affordable option, a jazz trio is the most popular choice for a two-hour cocktail reception, and quartets and quintets are priced higher. Contact us for a custom quote — package pricing with our full band and DJ is available.
Can you perform acoustic-only for outdoor ceremonies?
Yes. We offer fully acoustic and low-volume setups for outdoor ceremonies, garden venues, and locations with sound restrictions.
Can the jazz ensemble transition into a full party band?
Absolutely — this is our specialty. Many couples book our jazz trio for cocktail hour and dinner, then our full band and DJ take over for dancing. One team covers your entire event.
Do you sing in Mandarin or Cantonese?
Yes. We perform classic and contemporary Chinese songs in jazz arrangements, and our MC services are available in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
How much space does the ensemble need?
A solo pianist or duo fits almost anywhere. A jazz trio is comfortable in roughly a 10 by 10 foot area; quartets and quintets need slightly more. We coordinate all technical details directly with your venue.
How far in advance should we book?
Popular wedding dates — spring and fall weekends — often book 6 to 12 months ahead. For corporate events and private parties, 4 to 8 weeks is usually enough, but reach out even for short-notice dates.
Do you travel outside Los Angeles? Yes — we regularly perform in San Diego, Orange County, Santa Barbara, the Bay Area, Palm Springs, and Las Vegas. Travel fees may apply depending on distance.
Book Your Jazz Band Today
Tell us about your event — the date, venue, and vision — and we'll recommend the perfect jazz lineup and send you a custom quote.