UpFront is a dynamic musical group and solo performers specializing in live entertainment for any special occasion. Voted one of the best wedding bands on CrackerJack, we offer a diverse range of musical genres including jazz, Latin, ballroom dance, and our unique twist on classic rock-n-roll, oldies, and pop songs for parties. We also provide classical music for wedding ceremonies. At reasonable rates, we customize our performance to suit your preferences.
The band's founders, Chris Bidleman (piano, keyboards, and bass) and Steve Burpee (saxophones), have been playing music together since junior high school. They formed UpFront in 2002 and are joined by Robert Schultz on drums with Jason Hafer on bass and Larry Pindar on guitar. We can offer various configurations of musicians, ranging from a duo of piano and sax to a larger combo that gets people on the dancefloor.
UpFront has been showcased on Portland's KINK.FM, a local music spotlight radio show. Our extensive playlist encompasses over 500 songs, including oldies, pop tunes, cultural favorites, seasonal standards, and even classical pieces. We take requests from the audience to ensure customer satisfaction.
We can perform as a solo, duo, trio, or larger band to accommodate your budget and location. Based in the Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA area, we are happy to travel within the states of Washington and Oregon. Explore our sample music online at our website and read our reviews testifying to our ability to adjust our music style to fit any event or situation.
At UpFront, we love to entertain and create a performance that suits your event's specific needs, bringing a smile to your face and joy to your guests.
Pop / top 40, Rock / classic rock, Jazz / Blues, Mariachi, Covers, Variety, Country / bluegrass, Oldies, Dance,
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Service Reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Service as described
5.0
Communication
5.0
Punctuality
5.0
JH
Joshua H.
I express my gratitude towards the musicians of UpFront Band for their outstanding professionalism and interpretation skills. Meeting the members of the band was truly enjoyable, and it was an honor to share in their music at a diplomatic event.
The performance of UpFront Band significantly contributed to improving the ambiance of the occasion.
I wish them all the best in their future endeavors because they are truly deserving of it. I look forward to another opportunity to witness the talent of UpFront Band.
Best regards,
Claus
February 20, 2023
JC
Jacob C.
Our wedding reception was made even more special by the incredible performance from Chris and the UpFront Band. The 5-piece jazz/swing combo delivered exactly what we had requested - swinging music that we could dance to all night long. Not only did they sound fantastic, but they were also professional and a whole lot of fun to be around. Planning the event with Chris was a breeze as he was always quick to respond to our requests and offered great ideas. We highly recommend the UpFront Band to anyone looking for exceptional entertainment for their special event, especially if they're jazz lovers or dancers.
December 7, 2022
SS
Sarah S.
Working with UpFront Band was a fantastic experience. Throughout the planning process, Chris was attentive and offered valuable assistance. On the event day, they arrived on time, were amiable, and delivered an outstanding performance. Our clients were thrilled with the event and particularly enjoyed being able to request songs. We extend our appreciation to UpFront for their exceptional contribution.
May 18, 2022
MW
Melissa W.
Choosing UpFront Band was definitely the top choice I made for our event! Despite the fact that not all guests hit the dance floor, numerous compliments poured in from attendees who thoroughly relished the experience of witnessing this band's live performance. The musicians exhibited utmost professionalism and proved to be very accommodating. Their music was engrossing across all age groups. Level up your event by securing UpFront Band's services - you won't be sorry!
February 20, 2022
CK
Christopher K.
Chris was a true pleasure to work with for our holiday party this year! He demonstrated punctuality, professionalism, excellent communication skills, and remarkable adaptability to the specific needs of our event--and let's not forget his outstanding musical talent! He is undoubtedly a consummate professional, and I would not hesitate to employ his services again. Thank you, Chris, for an unforgettable evening!
