"Handing over our evening to The Cool Rulers was the best wedding decision we made."
"We actually had folks stop us as we left the wedding venue, who lived nearby, and say they had eaten dinner on their porch just so they could overhear the great music and inquire about the amazing band."
The Cool Rulers were so, so phenomenal!! Our wedding was on an island in Maine and despite having to navigate issues like getting all the equipment to the island on a boat, set up, travel from NYC, they were kind, professional, and did a huge amount of the problem solving for us, calling the venue and ferry services themselves and letting us know what they had worked out.
They always presented us with choices when going over what services we could opt into for the ceremony, reception, etc, and priced them out, so we knew exactly what we could get and what our choices were. All of this on top of the fact that they are the best musicians around and put on a spectacular show. We actually had folks stop us as we left the wedding venue, who lived nearby, and say they had eaten dinner on their porch just so they could overhear the great music and inquired about the amazing band.
We could not have asked for a better experience leading up to the wedding day, a more seamless actual wedding day in terms of set up and professionalism, and then a more phenomenal wedding music set. It was perfect!! We love the Cool Rulers!! Our friends have been uploading video after blurry video of the amazing music and dancing.
Xandy & Will
"People danced so hard that they went and changed into more comfortable clothes only to come back and dance some more."
I cannot imagine a better wedding band. Charlie Ferguson and The Cool Rulers made our wedding absolutely epic. People danced so hard that they went and changed into more comfortable clothes only to come back and dance some more. Also, many had to leave, jump into the lake and come back just to cool off.
"Shout" was so insane that nearly our entire cast of wedding guests laid down on the floor.
The band was able to learn songs we suggested, and allowed us to modify the playlist. The energy they brought into the room could only be matched by our guests enthusiasm. It was an epic feedback loop that left me happier that I could have ever expected on my wedding night.
We had a storm come in that made us abandon our tent and take up the camp dining hall. The band rolled with it. We put flashlights in the rafters, ran extension cords, played without limited amplification and proceeded to have the most epic dance party of my life. My friends are still talking about it.
The band themselves are also so lovely and giving. After the wedding we all sat down by the fire and sang any 90s song that came to mind. I was happy to share a memorable moment of my life with them.
Teresa & Pepin
"Charles handled everything seamlessly. We did hear back from our wedding planner that they were one of the easiest bands to work with."
If I could give these guys 6 stars, I would!
Where to begin? Their great sounds? Their professionalism? All the fun we had at our wedding?! I don't know!!!
I guess first and foremost is these guys know how to play. Soul, funk, motown, R&B, top 40, the hora. These guys can do everything. They have a standard repertoire which should be familiar to most people, but we did make a few special requests and they nailed all of them. (They make Daft Punk sound better than Daft Punk.) As I understand it, most of the band members are professional musicians who play in other bands, but they've come together for this awesome ensemble. This isn't a corporate sounding wedding band, but a group of fantastic musicians who happens to play at weddings. (If you don't know -- I didn't -- their name "Cool Rulers" comes from a Gregory Isaac's song... these guys love music.) One of the lead singers was in Fela! the musical. Most of the band members apparently met at music school in New York.
They are also wonderfully professional, and we felt completely at ease with Charles, the band leader, running point with our wedding planner. We held our wedding in a venue that required multiple walk-throughs with the vendors and had onerous insurance requirements. Charles handled everything seamlessly. We did hear back from our wedding planner that they were one of the easiest bands to work with.
As you can see from the photos I posted, we had fun. Too much fun. These guys had everyone of every age out on the dance floor. We have been to a lot of weddings over the last several years, and it's easy to tell when a band is going through the motions. Not the Cool Rulers. These guys love to play and love to party. I would not hesitate to hire them for your wedding. Get them now before they blow up and you can't book them!
Vasudha & Sam
"They aren't a typical 'wedding band' and are clearly extremely talented musicians (our guests kept asking how we knew about them) and you won't regret it for a second."
We were married this August, 2016 in a backyard ceremony at our family's home. We were originally connected to the Cool Rulers after inquiring about Zongo Junction's availability through their agent. We were even able to incorporate a Fela Kuti set into the mix.
Charles Ferguson the drummer and band lead is courteous, kind, and responsive. Our guests couldn't believe how brilliant the music was. The vocalists, Abena Koomsom and Xavier Smith were truly incredible. Our guests kept shouting one more song at the end of the night and we didn't want the dancing to end. We couldn't stop smiling through their hora medley and we concluded the night with Ginuwine's Pony.
Don't think twice about booking this group. They aren't a typical "wedding band" and are clearly extremely talented musicians (our guests kept asking how we knew about them) and you won't regret it for a second. Guests of all ages danced the entire night. Hire a videographer because you'll want to keep listening to their music for a long time to come. Thanks you guys!
Simone & Adam
"We only wish they played shows outside of weddings, so that we could see them again. Stop looking for a band, you found them!"
When we started planning our wedding, we decided on our priorities – what were the most important things for us? First we chose our venue… and then we needed a killer live band. We spent months reading reviews, watching videos, and asking for recommendations to make sure we found exactly what we wanted. After describing our vision to one bandleader, he suggested we check out The Cool Rulers. Oh man, he was so right. They were perfect!!
We knew we had our band when talking to Charles from The Cool Rulers about our first dance. I asked him if he knew Charles Bradley - referring of course to Charles Bradley’s music - and he responded “Oh yea, Charles is a great guy!”. Turns out members of the Cool Rulers played in Charles Bradley’s (RIP Charles) band and already knew our first dance song.
As expected, the band was super professional and responsive in the run up to the wedding. Getting everything set up for the big day was a breeze, including coordinating travel arrangements due to their trek from Brooklyn to Vermont. The performance itself was beyond expectations! The dance floor was packed, everyone was out there having a blast, and the band kept the party rocking all night - including a truly epic second set. The Cool Rulers crushed the Motown standards, the Stones’ cover we requested, and brought down the house with a few surprise sing-along anthems (who knew that Pony would open a portal into the ultimate party dimension?). In the days after the wedding, eight couples asked us for the band’s name + info, and one of our friends said it was the best music performance she’d seen and heard in a long time, wedding band or not!
Do not hesitate and book The Cool Rulers – music was one of the most important parts of our celebration, and they aced it. We only wish they played shows outside of weddings, so that we could see them again. Stop looking for a band, you found them!
Sasha & Aaron
"What more can you ask for than to have four generations mobbing the dance floor for three hours of music?"
My wife and I had the good luck to hire the Cool Rulers for our wedding last June. We met a few months in advance of the event with Charles, the band's friendly and thoughtful leader. He gave us the option to request a couple songs that the band could learn, and quizzed us on the particulars of our event. We chose songs for the traditional first dance and father-daughter dances, and also made some suggestions from their long, eclectic, and Motown-centric list. I like Charles' attitude towards input: we had a hand in the set list while allowing the experienced musicians to steer the ship.
Handing over our evening to The Cool Rulers was the best wedding decision we made---besides agreeing to get married in the first place! We took advantage of the relatively affordable option to have 3 members of the band play jazz during cocktail hour, and they were great. For the reception, the 8-piece band (they go up to 10) covered every song skillfully--- several members play together in other bands and it shows---and with an infectious joy for the source material. What more can you ask for than to have 4 generations mobbing the dance floor for 3 hours of music? Our guests were a diverse bunch, but nearly everyone was thrilled to be dancing non-stop. If you think your guests want to dance, the Rulers are it. Apologies to the salads and entrees several guests forgot to consume!
Weddings can be a logistical headache and an intimidating expense, and I would never criticize anyone for wanting to pull back and simplify the event however they see fit. What I will say is that hiring this talented group to play hours of music for my wife and I and our friends and family was a crazy indulgence that we will never regret!
Sara & Jake
"We have actually been to two weddings with the Cool Rulers, and we noticed how flexible they were between the two weddings. They can do great Motown stuff that can please older generations, and then later in the night they can shift to our favorite 90's R&B.
The Cool Rulers were awesome at our wedding. In preparation, they were totally responsive and flexible, willing to work with us to put together a playlist that we were psyched on. In the days leading up to the wedding, when we were stressed, they were easy to get a hold of and willing to make last minute switches. They took care of our request to cut the first dance short and switch to an iPhone song for a family dance. At the wedding, everyone was floored with how awesome they were, and kept coming up to us saying "the band is amazing!" They made for a great party.
We have actually been to two weddings with the Cool Rulers, and we noticed how flexible they were between the two weddings. They can do great Motown stuff that can please older generations, and then later in the night they can shift to our favorite 90's R&B. They throw in rap verses on "No Diggity" and get their voices as high as Prince's on songs like "Kiss." They were totally awesome and we highly recommend them.
Katy & Sam
"I'm a musician myself, and I had very high expectations for my wedding band. They met and exceeded them to such an extent that I barely got off the dance floor the whole night."
If you want a band that will absolutely bring the party, hire The Cool Rulers. I'm a musician myself, and I had very high expectations for my wedding band. They met and exceeded them to such an extent that I barely got off the dance floor the whole night. I have honestly never danced that hard, nor had that much fun, with any other wedding band. The musicians are all serious players who know each other from other groups, and it shows. They establish a tight groove and good vibes from the get go, and they don't let up. Plus, they were willing to learn three new songs at no extra cost; our guests' minds were blown when the band launched into "Ignition (Remix)." Charles, who was my point of contact (and the drummer), is exceptionally professional, courteous, and easy to work with. You should have zero hesitation about hiring The Cool Rulers, especially if you want your wedding to kick ass.
Nicole & Rob
"There was never a moment where people left the dance floor, because each song was better than the last."
The Cool Rulers did an absolutely amazing job at our October wedding! My husband is a musician, so he knew that they were a quality band, and we were both so happy with how they played. From the moment they started playing, the entire room was on the dance floor, and it continued that way for the entire party. There was never a moment where people left the dance floor, because each song was better than the last. Our guests were raving during the wedding and have not stopped raving since.
Every time we see our friends and family, the first thing they mention about the wedding is how great the music was, and how much fun they had on the dancefloor. Aaron also did some emceeing for us and he did a great job keeping things on schedule and managing the flow of the evening. Everyone in the band was kind and energetic and they were a great presence in the room all night.
Communications leading up to the wedding were smooth and the band was very organized about playing our entrance/first dance music and our special dance songs at the appointed times. We would not hesitate to recommend the Cool Rulers to anyone who wants to have a rocking dance floor at their party!
Diana & Perry
"I remember saying to my husband-to-be 'please just book them now because at this point if we find out they’re not available, I'm going to be devastated'."
If you want a good band, there are probably a bunch out there. If you want the best, and a band that will literally keep your guests dancing the entire night, then I highly recommend you hire The Cool Rulers. Once we watched their demo reel, there was no turning back- every other demo we watched or listened to seemed a way distant second by comparison.
I remember saying to my husband-to-be "please just book them now because at this point if we find out they’re not available, I'm going to be devastated". Luckily, they were available, and they made the night a memorable one for everyone. My husband and his entire family are musicians, many of them professional musicians, so it was very important to us to have a band that would display a high level of talent, while also being fun, modern, and danceable. The Cool Rulers are a group of such incredibly talented musicians, not to mention captivating performers, and I can say with great certainty that everyone was both impressed and entertained.
Finally, the band manager emailed me the set list from the night, so now I can look back and remember every single song that was played when I think back to my wedding night- what a gift! The Cool Rulers are everything you're looking for. If you want the best possible option- this is it.
Marian & Lucas
"We knew we wanted a band that could play the best of Motown, and they agreed to drive up from Brooklyn to our outdoor wedding on a small lake in northern PA."
The Cool Rulers were one of the top 3 highlights of our entire wedding. They have such a tight sound and brought the energy. Our dance floor was crowded all night! We knew we wanted a band that could play the best of Motown, and they agreed to drive up from Brooklyn to our outdoor wedding on a small lake in northern PA. They totally transformed the space and created the party we were looking for.
To keep our costs in check we were only able to hire one of their vocalists, but man did she deliver! She has a powerful, gorgeous voice that perfectly complements the awe-inspiring horn section. The band is chock-full of incredible musicians. They were able to learn three songs for our first dance and father/daughter and parent dances. They were also relaxed enough to let a few family members and friends play our own instruments during the breaks. Highly, highly recommended for anyone who wants to keep their friends dancing to some of the best music around!
Lauren & John
"I can not say enough good things about this band. They created the perfect set list that left our guests dancing to their hearts content and communicating with them prior to the event was pleasant and professional."
My husband and I were lucky enough to have The Cool Rulers as our wedding band in August on 2017. I can not say enough good things about this band. They created the perfect set list that left our guests dancing to their hearts content and communicating with them prior to the event was pleasant and professional.
Book them!
Kate & Taylor
"They learned four specific songs for us and performed them perfectly."
The Cool Rulers were absolutely spectacular! Our wedding was a while ago and people are still coming up and telling us how much they loved the band. Not only are they an amazing band, they are really sweet people who took the time to listen and ask us exactly what we wanted. They learned four specific songs for us and performed them perfectly.
We would hire them again and again, and recommend to anyone looking to dance the night away, they were incredible!
Gabby & Justin
"Many said they have never seen such a huge number of people dancing. I really can't say enough about this band, they brought the house down!"
The Cool Rulers are an amazing, soulful, and talented group of musicians. From the start, working with them was a breeze. They brought fun energy to our wedding, and all of our friends and family identified with the Motown and soul music repertoire. They also played a jazz/afrobeat style set for the cocktail hour that rocked. Many said they have never seen such a huge number of people dancing. I really can't say enough about this band, they brought the house down!
Val & Francis
"...they really made what was at first a stressful process become the easiest part of our wedding planning. As soon as we spoke with Charles, everything just flowed perfectly, and he was on top of everything."
The Cool Rulers performed at our wedding in October of 2016 - they were AWESOME. Cannot say enough about how professional Charles and Aaron were throughout the whole planning process and at the wedding itself - they really made what was at first a stressful process become the easiest part of our wedding planning. As soon as we spoke with Charles, everything just flowed perfectly, and he was on top of everything.
The music was on point, and our guests had an amazing time and still continue to talk about how great the music was. I highly highly recommend The Cool Rulers!
Caroline & Gerard
"The Cool Rulers were hands-down the best decision we made as we planned our wedding. Please, please book them. You'll be so happy you did."
We booked the Cool Rulers for our August wedding, and my husband and I can't stop smiling when we think about the wonderful experience we had working with them! We hired TCR to play a set of Afrobeat and other music during our cocktail hour and then to go to town during our party and dancing.
Throughout the planning process, Charles was pleasant, solutions-oriented, and offered excellent suggestions. He made the process simple, clear, and fun. He even joined us twice at the venue to scout the location and to make certain that all would be in place the day-of. Our few special requests, including a few additions to the traditional Jewish hora, were put together wonderfully.
And the DANCING! Oh, the dancing. Since I am a dancer, and my husband is a musician, it was important to us to have fabulous music to dance to, and we were really eager to see our guests on the floor. The Cool Rulers bring the party. Seriously, just trust them to bring it. We have gotten calls, texts, and exclamations from our guests complimenting the band.
The Cool Rulers were hands-down the best decision we made as we planned our wedding. Please, please book them. You'll be so happy you did.
Erica & Dimitry
"These guys had a big room full of 250 people dancing, singing and sweating all night long."
I saw The Cool Rulers at my good friend's wedding and they absolutely blew me away! We had just started planning our wedding, and agonizing over finding the right band for our party. These guys had a big room full of 250 people dancing, singing and sweating all night long. I knew almost immediately that we needed to book these guys. I reached out to Charles to get info, and heard back within 30 minutes that they were available. Good news!
My now husband and I had our wedding at a non traditional wedding venue, so power was a bit of a complication. Charles and his crew handled it with ease (we got it worked out ahead of time) and everything went off without a hitch. These guys played 2 awesome sets for us and our guests, and it was even better than my memories of them from my friends wedding where I first saw them. While we didn't do much shopping for another band, their price also seemed very reasonable for a band of their size and caliber. If you're thinking about a band for your wedding, look NO further than The Cool Rulers :)
Cassie & Gabe
"At one point they had every single guest on the floor including my wife's 96 year old grandfather!"
It has been 3 months since our wedding and my wife and I still can't stop talking about how amazing the Cool Rulers are. The planning process was seamless and the big day was better than we could have dreamed. We were married on July 3rd, 2017 which was a Monday after a long holiday weekend and even after playing 2 other events that weekend the Cool Rulers still came through to tear down the house. At one point they had every single guest on the floor including my wife's 96 year old grandfather!
We asked them to play one specific song at the end of the ceremony, and another for our first dance, then let them run with the rest of the set list and their choices were flawless. They showed up on time, prepared & professional.
One of our favorite memories started when the band was setting up their gear and my wide-eyed nephew, Connor (7 years old) struck up a conversation with the keyboardist, he told him that he just started taking ukulele lessons and hopes to play in a band someday. The keyboardist (sorry, I'm terrible with names) was kind and encouraging and responded: "You should jam with us tonight!" A few hours later Connor was up there strumming along, grinning ear-to-ear. He still can't stop talking about that time he got to play with the band.
If you're planning your wedding now, there's really no other choice. Stop looking and book the Cool Rulers.
Julie & Denny
"The Cool Rulers are the best wedding band ever! This was not just our opinion as bride and groom, but that of many of our guests who could not stop talking about how great the band was."
The Cool Rulers are the best wedding band ever! This was not just our opinion as bride and groom, but that of many of our guests who could not stop talking about how great the band was. Charlie was incredibly responsive, professional, and easy to work with. The entire band was helpful the day of the wedding, setting up and checking in with us to make sure we were happy. Would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a stellar wedding band!
Adriana & Ben