
The Reviews Are In!
“Our audience just had a blast! Everyone wanted you to keep playing, and that's ALWAYS what we want!”
— Performance & Engagement Manager, Saugatuck Center for the Arts
“Top Tier Entertainment! Kanola Band kicked off the 15th year of GRAM on The Green in style! I truly can't think of a better act to play the first concert of this year's series, and their take on New Orleans style jazz fits perfectly into WYCE's eclectic music format. A treat for all in attendance!”
— Music & Program Director, WYCE - GRAM on the Green Concert Series (Grand Rapids, MI)
“We booked the Kanola Band for our Summer Concert Series in Kindleberger Park, Parchment, MI. The band was very professional, very entertaining, and the audience was tapping and clapping along. Benje was very easy to work with. I was amazed at the instrumentals. Horns and sax second to none. It felt like a summer celebration in New Orleans. Would recommend the Kanola Band 100%!”
— Concert Series Coordinator, Kindleberger Arts Commission - Summer Concert Series (Parchment, MI)
“Kanola Band is awesome! We could not have been happier with the charm and musicianship put on display by Kanola Band at our community event. Highly recommended!”
— Director, Ransom District Library - Mardi Gras Concert (Plainwell, MI)
“Great music and vibe! Kanola Band played for our Riverfront Concert Series in June and it was a really enjoyable concert for everyone! Adults and kids were dancing and having a great time with the band. The band members are fantastic musicians and very personable in between songs giving some background about the different New Orleans sounds they perform. Highly recommend them!”
— Concert Series Coordinator, Foundry Hall - Riverfront Concert Series (South Haven, MI)
“The Arts and Lectures Committee at Ferris State brought the Kanola Band to campus for a public performance and it was wonderful! Great band, playing fun and lively music! The night was entertaining, and they did great job engaging the crowd. Talented musicians, great chops, and beautiful vocals. The audience, ranging from college students, to senior citizens, all enjoyed the performance and left impressed!
— Live Performance Coordinator, Ferris State University
“We have received so much positive feedback from both performances. It was fantastic to see the audience at both concerts – especially when the weather conditions aren’t ideal. Your group was great and kept the audience engaged the whole time!”
— Project & Purchasing Manager, St. Clair County Community College
“Kanola Band is awesome! We had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Kanola Band to our club for a special member event, and they were nothing short of phenomenal! From the moment they took the stage, their energy, talent, and professionalism were evident, setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable evening. They were an absolute joy to work with—flexible, engaging, and completely in sync with the theme of our 1920s-inspired party. Their incredible music brought the era to life, creating an atmosphere that had our members dancing, mingling, and thoroughly enjoying themselves all night long. Thanks to Kanola Band, our event was a resounding success, and we can't wait to have them back for another incredible performance!”
— Events Coordinator, Haig Point Club & Community Association (Daufuskie Island, SC)
“They made our wedding day absolutely perfect! We could not have been more pleased by the performance and the energy and the enthusiasm and the skill and the company of this band! They serenaded us as we entered our ceremony on the beach first too. All you need is love for the groom and then here comes the bride for the bride, then Mendelssohn’s wedding March and then paraded us second line style all through our neighborhood. It was extraordinary! Couldn’t give them a higher rating!”
— Bride, Beachfront Wedding (Union Pier, MI)
“Very professional and spectacular performers. The entire Kanola Band was spectacular to work with! Benje was our main contact and he was very professional, consistent in his communication and working with us for our desired event production. We ended up using the band for 3 different Acts and they flowed seamlessly from one to the next. First, they did a New Orleans style roving jazz band at the entrance to our Reception to provide fanfare for our guests as they arrived to the event. Then we had a vocalist and pianist performing concurrently at our Reception followed by the rest of the band after all our guests had arrived. Next, they provided fanfare leading into our Dinner with brass and drums which was a lot of fun. Then they did a spectacular job performing beautiful smooth jazz during dinner. The vocalist is fantastic along with the rest of the band members. The transitions between the different acts were a bit complicated but Benje was a true professional and worked out all the various details prior to the event so it went completely smooth. Our guests commented repeatedly on their performance afterwards and how much they loved them. I highly, highly recommend hiring them for your event. We did a Southern Soiree gala-style event for charity. The band was polished and professional and above all highly talented! I produce hundreds of events all over the world. I've been doing this for over 20 years. I am extremely picky about whom I choose for entertainment. They need to be not only talented but also possess character and charm that makes them stand out. The Kanola Band more than delivered. Thank you so much for your spectacular performance!”
— Private Fundraiser Coordinator, Sea Island Resort (Sea Island, GA)
“Kanola brought the heat! Warmed our hearts and souls at The Alluvion in Traverse City, MI.”
— Director of Operations & Booking, The Alluvion (Traverse City, MI)
“Big Easy sendoff! My Dad always wanted a "New Orleans Jazz funeral". When he passed in May this year, my focus was to give my him the send off he always wanted, and deserved. I tried a local group but they were booked. I started to google bands and groups in the area. I widening my search and found . . . Kanola Band. What a blessing!! Benje was great to work with and coordinate all the details. Their repertoire is pretty large, so I settled on "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" for the Dirge, and "Down by the Riverside" along with "When the Saints go Marching In" for the Second line. The band arrived early, rehearsed and was appropriately dressed in black suites and tie with white shirts. The band included Snare Drum, Tuba, Saxophone, Trumpet and Trombone. I know my musician Dad, was looking down and "pleased as punch!" Thank you Kanola Band for helping us with Dad's Big Easy sendoff!!”
— Jazz Funeral Service (Jackson, MI)
Book Kanola Band!
In addition to festivals, concert series, and club dates, Kanola Band also performs for private events and offers educational clinics/residencies. We are focused on the midwest with our base out of Kalamazoo, and in the southeast with our base out of Savannah, GA.
Manager + Bandleader
Benje Daneman
Email
info@kanolaband.com
Phone
(616) 706-3946