Striking The Right Chord, The Nafshenu Way

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Written by Michele Justic

Wednesday, 17 June 2009 19:00

As my sixth wedding anniversary approaches, I think of my love for my husband, my beautiful children, and...the band we had at our wedding. Yes, I still remember that time in the oh-so-distant past and the beautiful music that served as the perfect accompaniment to our special day. I'm sure I must drive my dear husband crazy when we attend other weddings and I comment, "Do you remember how perfect Nafshenu was? They knew just what to play and when-the fun music in the beginning and the slow music to wind down with..." (At this point, my husband feigns a deep interest in the cars in front of us and the nearby billboard.)

So, with three small children at home and an anniversary-night date becoming more of a questionable prospect, I decided to catch up with my favorite band and see what has changed and what has remained the same since 2003.

I began with a search of the website (www.nafshenu.com). I could have ended there, since it really has just about any information you could want: bios of the highly talented and experienced crew, song samples, a listing of their comprehensive services, and more testimonials than you can imagine, sorted by year.

Still, I long for the personal touch, so I called Aaron Appelbaum, as I did so many years ago. He and Jonathan Rimberg are the directors of Nafshenu in New York, and David Kerzner coordinates affairs in Toronto. Far from mere number-crunchers, these men also bring their many musical talents to ensuring that each member of the crew gives a sensational performance. They also work with clients to provide a musical experience that perfectly complements their special day. I remember meeting with Aaron and giving him a four-word description of my musical tastes. Based on that, he put together the most sensational music I had ever heard. All of our guests-from chassidish to non-Jewish-were entertained as never before and raved about the experience.

And with vocalists and band leaders such as Jeff Braverman, Ethan Leifer, Tzvi Silberstein, Yankey Goldenthal, Moshe Kiss, Yossi Bayles, and other top talents, what's not to like? Aaron explains, "With one of these very sought-after vocalists, we can assure you we have somebody who can meet your musical needs." In addition to a strong background in simcha music, Nafshenu features musicians who have earned acclaim in the secular world, as well. Their talents can be seen on Broadway, film, and television. These versatile performers have worked with Frank Sinatra, Gloria Estefan, Celine Dion, Tony Bennett, and many other well-known entertainers.

Nafshenu will accommodate all styles of music, including simcha dancing, heimishe/chassidish, classical, klezmer, Sephardic, Mizrachi, Persian, classic rock, motown, disco, jazz, and even current top 40. As one client marvels, "Is there any style music you guys cannot play?" They have traveled all over the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, and played at venues such as the Mandarin Hotel in Washington DC and the Madison Square Garden Theater, the Waldorf Astoria, the Pierre Hotel, and Lincoln Center in New York City.

Even with a full performance schedule-Nafshenu performs at several hundred occasions a year-the event planners at Nafshenu still make each client feel that their affair is the one of greatest importance. They meet with each client personally and get a handle on musical tastes and restrictions. They accommodate all requests. They have as much respect for your preferences as a family member would-OK, more. Their unparalleled customer-service experience results in repeat and even multigenerational customers. One customer wrote, "The mix of songs you played, how you were able to feel the crowd, the level of sound, it was all perfect!"

Returning customers may be surprised that Nafshenu's list of services has kept up with the times and now offers DJs and MCs, dance motivators, lighting shows and visual effects, party favors, a cappella groups, magicians, multi-talent performers, jugglers, multimedia presentations, virtual reality games/sports, game shows, comedians, video montages, and karaoke. The list of instruments they perform on would baffle even the most astute music aficionado: sitar, tabla, dumbek, and didgeridoo in addition to the classic piano, violin, trumpet, etc.

How does it all sound in the end? Clear, not loud. Aaron notes, "We have our own in-house sound company providing state-of-the-art sound equipment that you will find only in the top theaters. We are always sensitive to the volume concern that many clients have and will accommodate just the right volume control." Listening to the top performers playing music personalized for your tastes at the perfect volume-that's the Nafshenu experience.

Yet, they make sure to offer all of this at a price you can afford. Aaron explains, "We are very sensitive to the state of the economy right now and are willing to work with people and try to help them." He notes that the philosophy of the band is to "keep the customer happy at any cost."

"We go above and beyond to personalize the affair, meet personally with every client, and even accommodate last-minute changes."

Ahh, I can hear those horns now...Wait, that's the baby crying. OK, I'll return to my own "simcha" here at home. But if you're planning a real simcha, go call Nafshenu at 516-371-6660 or visit www.nafshenu.com for an experience you'll never forget.