Wednesday, September 25, 2024

About Sean

 Hi!  Thanks for your interest in Spectrum Band.  If you end up booking the band, I will be your main point of contact from your initial inquiry through the last note of the evening.  Since we'll be working together, here is a little bit about me.

I've been playing bass (electric and upright bass) since 1989 and started playing professionally in 1991.  I earned my music degree in composition and music theory in 1994 at Mizzou.  My career highlights include several professional musical theatre productions, performing in Branson, MO, and on cruise ships.  I've played in more than my share of bars and clubs playing in both original band and cover bands.  For two years in the 90's, I played in the The Kansas City Street Band (based in Columbia MO), performing all over Missouri (Columbia, Lake of the Ozarks, St. Louis and other towns), throughout Illinois, Nebraska (Lincoln, Grand Island, and Omaha), and Des Moines Iowa.  


definitely one of the first pics of me playing bass before a college big band concert

my college band back at Mizzou


Performing for a private event at Mizzou

In 1999, after a short audition, I found myself flying to San Juan Puerto Rico to start my first cruise ship contract as an Orchestra bassist with Carnival Cruise Lines.  I eventually switched to Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and was the main Orchestra bassist on the Voyager of the Seas (at that time it was the largest ship in the world) and also spent time on the Rhapsody of the Seas.  During my cruise ship days, I worked 54 cruises on 4 ships, and performed with celebrities like John Davidson, Fred Travelina, Charo, and The Osmond Brothers.  After performing with The Osmond Brothers on a cruise ship near the end of a long contract, I was hired by Jimmy Osmond to perform at The Osmond Family Theater in Branson, MO in 2001, where I performed 12 shows a week for nearly an entire year.  


My classic Shakespeares Pizza T-shirt pic in St. Thomas VI


Performing with the big band on RCCL's Voyager of the Seas


Performing with John Davidson on the Voyager of The Seas



With Merril Osmond and his wife Mary, and our band leader David Osmond at dinner on board the Rhapsody of the Seas, right before a performance with Osmond Brothers


Throughout my career, I've mostly been a bassist for hire, playing in multiple professional bands performing for weddings and corporate parties, jazz groups, big bands, latin American bands, and country bands.  One band I was in prior to joining Spectrum Band, Nonstop Classic Rock, was a very talented horn band that played music by Chicago, Steely Dan, Blood Sweat and Tears, and music from other classic rock bands.  A highlight for Nonstop were two concert appearances at Branson Landing in front of the waters fountains and giant fire cannons, performing for crowds of thousands of people.





Nonstop at Branson Landing


Nonstop performing at Bottleneck Blues Bar for a corporate event, with a sub on piano that would eventally become the pianist for Spectrum Band


Nonstop Stop Classic Rock

In 2011, I was asked to audition with Spectrum Band, which at that time was already the top private event and wedding band in the St. Louis area.  I passed my audition and was offered the full time bass chair for Spectrum Band.  That is how my career with Spectrum Band started.  


My first gig with Spectrum Band - Coronado Ballroom in 2011

During my first 10 years with Spectrum Band, performing nearly 400+ wedding receptions, I worked closely with the band's leader and founder, Tim Calihan.  I'd always been interested in the production side of the band, and song selection.  After a couple of years in the band, I was asked to be the "song caller".  Spectrum Band uses an intricate system of calling songs on the fly to literally "create a set list" in real time based on the crowd, our clients' song requests, and on our experience of playing hundreds of wedding receptions.  I use a talkback mic to speak to the band members and direct them from song to song to keep the party going and to give our clients the vibe and the feel that they had communicated to us that they wanted.  I've now been the "song caller" for easily over 500 wedding receptions in my career, which is a valuable skillset that I bring to every wedding reception we play.  I believe there is an art to it, to know when to increase the energy, when to insert a well placed ballad, and how to work a crowd with song calling to achieve the type of party that our clients expect from us.  



We've peformed at the Coronado Ballroom more than any other venue


Faust Park Concert, we've performed for this concert series in Chesterfield MO for 25 consecutive years


New Years Eve at Tan Tar A for 700 people

In December of 2020, Spectrum Band's leader, Tim Calihan, and I had an eventful lunch.  2020 was obviously a tough year for the entire wedding industry where nearly all of our jobs had been postponed due to the pandemic.  Tim had been suffering from an ongoing wrist injury, which for a drummer was not good at all.  He was hoping that a year off would help him heal, but his injured wrist was threatening his playing career, and after 20+ years of drumming and handling the business side of Spectrum Band, Tim was ready to retire.  We discussed all sorts of potential outcomes for Spectrum Band; from retiring the band to what the band would look like under new leadership.  Ultimately, the result of that conversation led me to the role I'm in today, as the owner of Spectrum Band LLC and the Booking/Business manager of the band (and also the bassist, emcee, & song caller).  


Sean and Tim


Since officially taking over the business end of the band in 2021, we've had three retirements of long time band members.  It was my job to find their replacements.  I'm so happy that the 3 musicians that I wanted more than anyone else in the St. Louis music scene all said yes to joining the band, and in 2022 we rolled out this current Spectrum Band line up, which is an impressive line up of musicians and people indeed.  The throughline of musicians that have joined this band has always been on an upward trajectory, and that remains true with this Spectrum Band line up.  I can honestly say that the musicians I get to play with inspire me and it never gets old performing with them.


The current Spectrum Band line up performing for a formal reception at The Coronado Ballroom


 

Over the course of working with hundreds of clients, I've learned to embrace the entire arc of working with our couples from the date they book us to one of the most important days of their lives.  During the weeks leading up to their big day, I take their questions in stride and answer them quickly and effectively because I know that they have a thousand other things going on in their heads and their hearts leading up to their day.  I try to be a calming force and I share in their excitement, but I also have to be an honest broker between perception and reality.  By the time we've reached the day of their reception, I've made sure that all of my questions are answered, from logistics, to timelines, to song requests, to learning songs, and knowing what is expected of me and the band.  All of that goes into a feeling of confidence that we're going to have a great night and a great party.  I find so much enjoyment in the entire process with the reception being the apex of that process.  I enjoy watching not only the newly married couple having a wonderful time, but their parents, and grandparents, family and friends.  The look on their faces tells the story for me.  And when we play our last note, and I come out to say thank you to folks that started as clients, but eventually become our friends, that circle is complete.  It truly is satisfying being part of so many great celebrations.   


Post wedding reception at Meadowbrook Country Club for former St. Louis Cardinal pitcher Michael Wacha and his wife Sarah Wacha

It is an honor to get to do what I do.  Yes, I'm very experienced at this, and I very work hard and take what I do seriously, because the stakes are super high!  My collective experience both as a bassist, a manager, and professional musician in so many different roles allows me to be very confident when I tell our clients that "We're gonna have a great time!".  We always do!  In my entire 14 years with Spectrum Band, over the course of hundreds of weddings, we have never let anybody down, and we never will!

Outside of Spectrum Band, I'm happily married (married 18 years, together for 25 years) with a brilliant 17 year old son, and 2 rescue dogs!  I work remotely from my home office for Sweetwater (the nation's largest online music retailer) working with school music programs and helping young kids get involved in music and supporting music education, which is another passion of mine that has been my "day gig" career for 24 years.  For fun, I've always loved to travel.  Back in 2019, I became a teardrop camper owner and love camping and spending time in nature.  While I love to get out as much as I can, mostly dispersed camping, my favorite thing to do is visit our country's amazing National Parks.  I also enjoy riding my bike, visting with friends, and going to see other musicians play.  


Working my day job with Sweetwater at a music conference in Chicago


Camping in Grand Teton National Park with the family


The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

 
tear drop camping in Grand Teton NP

Ok, that's enough about me.  I hope you've learned a little more about me. Thanks for reading!


Sean


Saturday, January 15, 2022

Current Spectrum Schedule



Thank you for checking out our live music schedule.  

If Spectrum Band is already booked for your date, please contact us anyway, and we'll be happy to provide you with some referrals of other bands that we know and trust to do a great job for you to check out.  



DateEvent
Saturday, October 10, 2026 - NEW BOOKINGMissouri History Museum - Wedding Reception
Saturday, October 18, 2025 - NEW BOOKINGBevo Mill - Wedding Reception
Saturday, October 11, 2025 Silver Oaks Chateau - Wedding Reception
Saturday, October 4th, 2025Stifel Theatre - Wedding Reception featuring Spectrum VII
Saturday, September 20, 2025 - NEW BOOKING The Hawthorne - Wedding Reception
Saturday, August 30, 2025 - NEW BOOKINGWedding Ceremony and Cocktail Set featuring Spectrum Society Jazz Quartet and live Ceremony Musicians provided by Spectrum Band - Knotting Hills
Saturday, July 19, 2025 - NEW BOOKINGWedding Reception at Bogey Hills CC
Saturday, June 28, 2025 The Franklin featuring Spectrum - Wedding Reception
Saturday, June 7, 2025 Clayton Plaza, Crystal Ballroom - Wedding Reception
Saturday, May 24, 2025 - NEW BOOKINGThe Bayer Center, Missouri Botanical Gardens - Wedding Reception
Saturday, May 17, 2025 The Coronado Ballroom - Wedding Reception
Friday, May 16, 2025 - NEW BOOKINGWedding Ceremony and Cocktail Set featuring Spectrum Society Jazz Quartet and Second Line horn section - Larimore Mansion
Saturday, April 26, 2025Four Seasons - Wedding Reception
Friday, April 18, 2025Barnett on Washington - Wedding Reception featuring Spectrum 
Friday, April 11, 2025 - NEW BOOKINGThe McPherson - Wedding Reception
Saturday, January 11, 2025Olive + Oak - Wedding Reception
Saturday, January 4, 2025 - NEW BOOKINGBel-Air Bowl, Belleville Fire Department Fundraiser featuring Spectrum VII
Tuesday, December 31, 2024 Missouri Athletic Club - Wedding Reception
Monday, December 30, 2024 - NEW BOOKINGHermann Hill in Hermann, MO - Wedding Reception featuring Spectrum V
Saturday, December 21, 2024Holiday Inn Six Flags - Private Event
Saturday, December 14, 2024The Noble - Wedding Reception  
Saturday, December 7, 2024Missouri Athletic Club - Wedding Reception
Friday, December 6, 2024 - NEW BOOKINGWhitmoor CC - Private Members Event
Saturday, November 9, 2024 - NEW BOOKINGWild Sun Winery/Brewery in Hillsboro MO - Wedding Reception featuring Spectrum VII
Saturday, October 26, 2024 Chandler Hill Winery - Wedding Reception featuring Spectrum VII
Friday, October 25, 2024Missouri Atheletic Club - Navy Ball
Saturday, October 19, 2024 Sunset Event Space - Wedding Reception
Saturday, October 12, 2024 The Lalumondiere Mill & Rivergardens - Wedding Reception featuring Spectrum 
Friday, October 11, 2024 Westwind Hills Country Club, Pacific, MO - Wedding Reception featuring Spectrum 
Saturday, September 21, 2024 Rose of the Hill - Wedding Reception
Saturday, September 14, 2024Cedar Creek, New Haven, MO - Wedding Reception
Saturday, August 31, 2024 Stifel Theater - Wedding Reception
Saturday, August 17, 2024Bogey Hills Country Club - Wedding Reception
Saturday, August 10, 2024 La Verona - Wedding Reception featuring Spectrum - plus ceremony piano
Saturday, August 3, 2024 - NEW BOOKING10th Anniversary Party, private residence, Hillsboro IL featuring Spectrum 
Friday, August 2, 2024 Piazza Messina - Wedding Reception featuring Spectrum 
Saturday, July 27, 2024Wedding Reception at Olive + Oak
Saturday, July 6, 2024 Third Degree Glass Factory - Anniversary/Birthday Party featuring Spectrum
Tuesday, July 2, 2024 - PUBLIC EVENTFaust Park, Chesterfield MO as part of the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce Faust Park Concert Series.  This will be our 25th Year!
Saturday, June 22, 2024 St. Louis Hilton at the Ballpark - Wedding Reception
Saturday, June 15, 2024 The Noble - Wedding Reception featuring Spectrum 
Saturday, June 8, 2024 Lemp Grand Hall - Wedding Reception
Friday, June 7, 2024-PUBLIC EVENTSt. Elizabeth Church Picnic in Granite City IL
Saturday, June 1, 2024 Missouri Athletic Club - Wedding Reception
Friday, May 17, 2024 The Factory on Cherry in Troy MO - Wedding Reception
Friday, May 11, 2024Sqwires - Wedding Reception featuring Spectrum 
Saturday, May 4, 2024 Hermann Hill in Hermann, MO - Wedding Reception
Saturday, April 27, 2024 Innsbrook Resort - Wedding Reception
Saturday, April 20, 2024 Hilton Frontenac - Wedding Reception
Saturday, March 23, 2024 Ballpark Hilton - Wedding Reception - featuring Spectrum 
Friday, February 9, 2024-PRIVATE EVENTKimball Hall Stephens College, Columbia MO - featuring Spectrum (rescheduled due to weather)
Sunday, December 31, 2023 Wedding Reception at Belcourt Manor in Belleville IL
Saturday, December 30, 2023 Wedding Reception at Silver Oaks Chateau
Saturday, December 16, 2023 Holiday Inn Six Flags - Private Event
Saturday, December 9, 2023 Private Event - Margaritaville/Tan Tar A Lake Ozark, MO
Thursday, December 7, 2023 Trainwreck Saloon Westport - Private Event
Saturday, November 11, 2023Quail Ridge, Wentzville MO - Wedding Reception
Saturday, October 28, 2023 Missouri Athletic Club - Wedding Reception
Friday, October 20, 2023 Missouri Athletic Club - U.S. Navy Ball
Saturday, October 14, 2023 AC Hotel - Wedding Reception featuring Spectrum  including cocktail duo and ceremony piano
Saturday, October 7, 2023 Live by Loews St. Louis - Wedding Reception featuring Cermony Pianist and Cocktail Duo
Saturday, September 30, 2023 Union Station Grand Hall - Wedding Reception
Friday, September 29, 2023 Definance Ridge Winery - featuring Spectrum 
Saturday, September 23, 2023 Coronado Ballroom - Wedding Reception
Friday, September 22, 2023Chase Park Plaza - Starlight Room - Private Event featuring Spectrum VII
Saturday, September 16, 2023Stifel Theater - Wedding Reception
Saturday, September 9, 2023 Ballpark Hilton - Wedding Reception
Saturday, September 3, 2023Grbic Events - featuring Spectrum 
Saturday, August 5, 2023 Mahler Ballroom - 50th Wedding Anniversary
Saturday, July 29, 2023 Stone House St. Charles, MO - Wedding Reception
Saturday, July 22, 2023 Grand Opera House St. Charles, MO - Cocktail/Dinner Trio
Saturday, July 8, 2023 Bogey Hills Country Club - Wedding Reception
Saturday, July 1, 2023Coronado Ballroom - Wedding Reception
Saturday, June 24, 2023 Bogey Hills Country Club - Wedding Reception 
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 - Public EventFaust Park, part of the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce Faust Park Concert Series 7-9pm
Saturday, June 3rd, 2023Missouri Athletic Club - Wedding Reception
Saturday, May 13, 2023 Cedar Creek, New Haven, MO - Wedding Reception
Wednesday, May 10th, 2023 - Public EventFree Public Performance! Join Spectrum Band as we kick off the 40th Season of Parties in the Park in Downtown Clayton MO 5-8 pm. Visit Partiesinthepark.org for more information
Saturday, May 6, 2023 Bogey Hills Country Club - Wedding Reception, including Quartet for cocktails and Duo for Ceremony
Saturday, April 22, 2023 The Noble - Wedding Reception 
Saturday, April 15, 2023 Hotel St. Louis - Wedding Recpetion
Saturday, April 8, 2023 Doubletree Hilton Chesterfield - Wedding Reception
Saturday, March 18, 2023 Defiance Ridge Winery - featuring Spectrum VI plus piano and sax for cocktails and dinner
Saturday, February 18, 2023 Drury Inn in Cape Girardeau MO - Fundraiser/Mardi Gras Celebration (repeat performance)
Saturday, February 11, 2023 Wildwood Hotel - Wedding Reception
Saturday, January 28, 2023 The Westin - Wedding Reception featuring Spectrum VI including Saxophone
Saturday, January 7, 2023  Wedding Reception at The Christy featuring Spectrum VI including Saxophone
Friday, December 30, 2022Piazza messina in Cottleville MO - Wedding Reception, including Piano for ceremony
Saturday, December 17, 2022 Holiday Inn 6 Flags - Christmas Party for the Bank of Washington
Saturday, December 3rd, 2022  Four Seasons - Holiday Party for Western Anethesiology featuring Spectrum VI including Saxophone
Saturday, November 12, 2022Atrium on 10th in Columbia MO - Funraiser Gala for the Alpha Psi Sorority featuring Spectrum VII
Saturday, October 29, 2022 Solarium at the Ritz Carlton - Wedding Reception, including Piano and Sax Duo for cocktails, Piano for ceremony