The genuine live Jazz experience
from Melbourne’s best working band

References & Testemonials

Corporate and Public performance references: (Wedding references please see below)

Please see below just a sample of our dozens of testimonials spanning over 20 years. Additional or original references provided on request

Click here to read our dozens of 5 star Google reviews 

Major Media Corporate Marquee @ Flemington Racecourse/Spring Racing Carnival

To Whom It May Concern:

Orlando Combo has performed in the Major Media corporate marquee for the Spring Racing Carnival for Melbourne Cup, Oaks and Derby days at Flemington racecourse. Due to the successful nature of the booking it has continued now every year for 8 years straight.

Because of the bands professionalism, reliability and outstanding musicianship we had no hesitation in booking them in every year as we received so much positive feedback from our clients and guests.

I have no hesitation in highly recommending the Orlando Combo jazz band to anyone seeking quality live music for a venue, function or event.

Regards,

David Field

Managing Director – MAJOR MEDIA

Melbourne’s iconic Botanical Hotel, South Yarra 8 year weekly residency performance reference from General Manager, Peter Baker

Botanical Hotel, South Yarra

To Whom It May Concern,

We have had the pleasure of having Orlando Combo perform at the Botanical Hotel, South Yarra continually over an 8-year period. 

The group has played every week in our public bar/lounge area on Wednesday nights and also for many of our private events including ‘Oyster Frenzy’ nights and weekend Wine Market.

Over this time the group has been an integral part of the Botanical operation and our preferred source of live entertainment.

We have a very discerning cliental and the bands genre of music and their level of musicianship are in keeping with that. They provide a sophisticated and entertaining atmosphere but when required can play at a volume that doesn’t ‘take over’ the venue. This allows our guests to socialize as well as enjoy the music.

We receive ongoing complimentary feedback regarding the group and many of our guests visit on a Wednesday night for the live Jazz sessions in the bar.

Due to the longevity of the successful residency and performance I highly recommend Orlando Combo to venues and event planners that are seeking quality live Jazz entertainment. Lucas Evans (Bandleader/Manager) along with the other members are extremely punctual, professional and the bands musicianship is of the highest standard.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Baker

Colonial Leisure Group

Toyota ‘Gold Excellence Awards night’, Trilogy Room – Park Hyatt, Melbourne

A huge thank you to Orlando Combo for creating the mood and enhancing the Toyota Gold Excellence Awards function held recently at the Park Hyatt, Melbourne.

Your expertise and ability to read the room provided a seamless backdrop for the entire event.  I’d highly recommend Orlando Combo for any function.

Michelle Hobden
Regional Operations Manager
Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Limited

Oaktree Capital (Hong Kong) Limited event @ The Park Hyatt 

Hi Lucas,

I wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you and your band for the wonderful performance at our client event just a couple weeks ago!

Park Hyatt actually recommended a band for our event this time, but I immediately told them that we have a band in mind that we would like to hire, since we have had such a great experience hiring your group back in 2010.  Besides the great music that you played, I thank you especially for the flexibility at our last minute request and your commitment to perform regardless of our group size.  Your performance added a relaxing atmosphere after our heavy presentations during the day, which is exactly what we were looking for.

I look forward to working with you once again in the near future!

Best wishes,

Samantha Ho
Associate – Marketing and Client Relations
Oaktree Capital (Hong Kong) Limited

Accor Hotels Vietnam

ANZ Banking Group Ltd

Dear Orlando Combo,

I just wanted to drop you a note to thank you all so much for a great performance on Tuesday night at the ANZ Institutional Awards Dinner at Champions.

Your music was exactly what we required – something entertaining yet not too overpowering. It set a fantastic atmosphere to what was a great night all round. Your professional and flexible manner were greatly appreciated – especially with all the presentations that were held throughout the night and the last minute changes to timing. Your performance never wavered, even towards the end of the night when there were only a few stragglers left.

We hope that you enjoyed performing as much as we enjoyed having you there.

I hope to see Orlando Combo at future ANZ events.

Kind regards,

Jessica Needham
Events Coordinator
ANZ Institutional
Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd

Hotel Sofitel Plaza Saigon

To Whom It May Concern:

This is to certify that The Orlando Trio has been working with our Hotel from 9th October 2000. During their time at the Hotel Sofitel Plaza Saigon, The Orlando Trio has performed excellently at our L’Elysee Bar, they are currently undergoing a six month contract that will end on the 31st of March 2001.

All the members of the band, Evans Lucas Graham, Pingree Jonathan James and Orlando Adam Mario who are all from Australia, are very courteous and enthusiastic. They play with all their talent and passion to make our guests happy. As a result, we have received more and more good comments about the band, and some of our valued guests say that the band is one of the reasons they come back to our Hotel.

We strongly recommend The Orlando Trio to their other partners.

Yours Sincerely,
Jacques Serpollier
General Manager
Hotel Sofitel Plaza Saigon

Design Institute of Australia event @ Abbotsford Convent 

Thank you Orlando Combo for the perfect musical complement to our big night!

It was no small task to get our 170+ guests up and jiving with just the trio – but jive we did! The Combo came to us with a great plan for the night but were more than happy to hear our suggestions, work with us, and read the crowd to create just the atmosphere we were looking for. Lucas was a breeze to work with, and from an organiser’s point of view it was a load off my mind to know he had the musical delights under control.

I’d highly recommend The Orlando Combo to anyone looking for a good time whether you’re entertaining 20 or 200 guests. Thanks guys!

Caroline Caneva, Design Institute of Australia

Jemena/United Energy Christmas function @ Melbourne Museum

Hi Lucas

I have received numerous emails today from our guests who raved about the venue, band and the food so a big thank you to you and the guys – brilliant job as I knew you would do. I have actually passed on your details to a few of the guests – I wish you all the best.

Enjoy the wine and have a nice Christmas and holiday season and I will be in contact with you for United Energy /Jemena functions for 2011

Regards

Erin Chain
National Manager Stakeholder Relations – Jemena

Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne

Good morning Lucas,

We had such wonderful feedback about the band and the music played.

Thank you to you and your band the night was a great success!

I will be sure to keep your details on file for our next event, as well as refer any clients to you.

Thanks again,

Shannon Roche

Coordinator, Sales & Marketing – Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne

TressCox Lawyers

Hi Lucas

I just wanted to pop you an email to say thank you so much for playing at our party the other night. Everyone loved the band and I have passed on your number to quite a few people already!

Our managing partner was very impressed and as I mentioned on the night, he has decided that you are now our band for future events – so well done!

Thanks again,

Tracey Gold

Business Development Manager – TressCox Lawyers

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

Dear Lucas,

On behalf of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Orlando Combo for supporting the Victoria Faculty Fellowship and awards Ceremony on Sunday 25 November 2012.

Your efforts contributed to the success of the event and we are very grateful for your involvement.

Thank you for taking the time to be part of this very special occasion which celebrates the profession of general practice.

With sincere thanks,

Emma Stonham

ACGP Victoria Faculty Manager

Kieser Training @ Melbourne’s Savage Club

Hi Lucas

Thanks so much for your performance last night you were a great hit! Everyone was talking about you guys and how great you were!

I hope we can host events in the future with you guys.

Best Regards

Steph Klein

Operations Manager – Kieser Training

Keg Restaurants Pty Ltd

To Whom It May Concern:

In the summer of 1997, the Keg Restaurant Albert Park launched “Sunday Jazz On The Terrace”. Initially a new concept, it was well accepted by our guests and proved to be a popular day for all involved. The Orlando Trio were vital to the success of this promotion in providing appropriate levels and types of jazz music for our patrons.

I found the band members involved to be professional, courteous and a pleasure to work with. I would have no hesitation in recommending the group to anyone who seeks enthusiastic, versatile and well respected musicians.

I wish them all the best for the future and if you wish to discuss them in further detail, I would be happy to do so.

Kevin Sheeman
Manager
ph (03) 9571 0662

Melbourne University Event @ The Windsor Hotel

Dear Lucas,

Thank you for your email. Orlando Combo was absolutely brilliant on Thursday.

The staff and students were quite pleased with the music and you were all very easy to work with. We will definitely consider Orlando Combo for future events, especially now that you are familiar with the way Graduation Dinner is run.

Thank you once again, it was an absolute pleasure working with all of you. Please let me know if you have any feedback regarding the night.

Best wishes,

Isha

Railway Club Hotel Port Melbourne

To whom it may concern:

The Orlando Trio – Members Lucas, Adam and Vincenzo played at our venue for a period of six months. They created quite a regular crowd on our wintery Sunday afternoons. We found them to be very punctual – thus would not hesitate in booking them again in the future.

Regards

Melinda,

Manager – Railway Club Hotel – 107 Raglan Street Port Melbourne 3207

Wedding References

Read more wedding reviews on our ABIA profile here

AMAZING OMG. We booked Orlando Combo (quartet) for our wedding on 8th November at Quat Quatta, – Wow wow I don’t even know where to begin.

 

 

These guys were FANTASTIC and my guests were so blown away by the songs they played. They literally took care of everything. Wish we could have our wedding all over again just to hear these guys play again. Lots of our guests got on their feet and danced all night! Even my usually shy uncle was doing the wiggle. They’re extremely professional, promptly answered all my emails and were just so accommodating.

 

 

We’re so glad we made the decision to have these guys play. Love all of the songs!

 

 

Thank you so much Orlando Combo for giving us a celebration to remember! You guys are just awesome!!

Wedding @ Tara Rise Healesville

Hello Lucas!!!

Thank you for your email. But most importantly THANK YOU for being precisely and utterly perfection for my wedding day!

I don’t think that I will be able to truly convey the absolute faith I had in you for the day. You just ‘got’ exactly what the vibe was for the day, and the rustic/elegant feel for the day.

The experience for me, as the bride, was smooth, easy, enjoyable and reassuring. I got to enjoy my style of music without any kind of worry, and I thank you a thousand times over. One guest told me that she could have listened and danced to your music every day for the rest of her life – That says it all.

Thank you for helping me create a magical and momentous day.

Thanks again ever so much,

Sarah Geddes

Wedding @ the NGV Melbourne

Hi Lucas,

John and I can’t thank you and the rest of the band enough for your performance on Saturday night – it was absolutely fantastic!

We all had such a great time and everyone has remarked that the music was one of the highlights. I never thought I’d see a conga line winding its way through the NGV, and even some of our non-dancing guests were breaking out their moves on the floor! All our muso friends were also super impressed with the Leslie!

So thanks again and we’ll be down at The Botanical soon to enjoy some more.

Best wishes, Michelle & John

Wedding @ RACV Club Melbourne

 Thanks Lucas – you guys were the highlight of the reception! Just fantastic!

Thanks again, Vanessa West

Wedding @ University House, Melbourne University

Orlando Combo were fantastic. They brought great atmosphere to our wedding – both relaxed & lively vibes. Their customer service leading up to the day was outstanding. They really got the dance floor going too, it was great fun!

Thanks again,

Cheers – Kate Lancaster

Wedding @ Arlington 

We were exceptionally pleased with our choice of band for Saturday, we really appreciated your professionalism and the music matched the venue and the structure of the night perfectly. It was great to see everyone up on the dance floor once you cranked up the volume after the meal.

I’ve received universally positive feedback about your performance and we thoroughly enjoyed it. ‘That’s All’ was exactly how we wanted it which was a great help in remembering all the steps!

All the best with your future performances.

Regards,

Adam Dawson

Wedding @ Sky High – Mt Dandenong 

 Hi Lucas,

Just wanted to say a massive thank you to yourself and the band for your performance on our wedding night. You were very contactable in the lead up to the day to get everything sorted out in advance and the day went fantastically! I didn’t get a chance to come over and speak to you personally during the night with everything else going on but you guys knew exactly what to do and when.

Your performance was great and you set up a terrific night for everyone! You had everyone up on the dance floor and put in the personal touches to the night that we asked for. Thank you once again for your major contribution to our great night! We would highly recommend Orlando Combo to anyone looking for a wedding band!

Cheers,

Anthony and Natalie

Wedding @ The Provencial Fitzroy

Hi Guys,

Thank you so much for such a wonderful evening of music and dancing! Your selection was outstanding, and you played just the right set for every section of the evening. We’ve had so many comments on the “wonderful musicians” from our guests, and the fact that some didn’t leave the dance floor all night speaks volumes! We really appreciated your professionalism throughout the planning process as well as on the night, and your prompt and calm responses, even when we had to change the venue only weeks out. To top it all off, you learnt our song for us so we could do our first dance together- perfect.

Thank you so much once again for helping our night to be all we wanted it to be!

Ash and Ciel
Provencial Hotel
Fitzroy

Wedding @ The Geelong Club 

Hi Lucas,

We just loved having your band at our wedding and your performance was amazing.  You brought the perfect vibe to the occasion and made everyone happy.  Some of my friends told us that it was the happiest wedding they had ever attended and I believe that your music was a significant factor in bringing about such a joyful ambience on the day. We just loved dancing with our friends and family to your cool jazz.  My whole family have been big jazz fans for many years. My 85 year old mum (the short lady in the bright pink dress) danced up a storm!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Kindest regards,

Miriam Webster (Jones-Grayling)

Wedding – Grange Ballinzona, Daylesford 

Hi Guys

Thank you so much for playing at our wedding. We had rave reviews; you were a hit with all age groups. Thank you for playing a beautiful version of our bridal waltz. Everyone had a great time and the atmosphere was amazing.

All the best,

Felicity and Stephen Francis.

Wedding – Yarra Valley 

Hi Guys

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you so much for yesterday….we had such a great time – you guys were incredible and completely made it rock

Thanks so much
Matt n Flick

Wedding @ The LakeHouse, Daylesford 

You guys were amazing…thank you so much! The ceremony music could not have been more perfect!

Nadia Reece

Wedding – Hawthorn Receptions 

Thank you Orlando Combo for making our wedding so special. We were blown away by your performance, and we were especially grateful for the MC / Singer’s professionalism, his service was beyond expectation. Our wedding reception ran perfectly according to the plan because of your great support.

A special thanks also for Lucas, we really value your professionalism, thank you for promptly responding to all of our inquiries, we believe your band is very fortunate to have you as their manager.

We would certainly recommend Orlando Combo for any special occasions. We wish you all the success in the world and we will remember you for any special events in the future.

With love,
David and Emelyn

Wedding at Stones of the Yarra Valley

Hello Lucas,

Just wanted to send you an email and thank the guys & you for a fantastic time last night. The music was so wonderful and some many of our guest commented how lovely the band and their music was.

You guys added the touch of romance & elegance to our night and we are thoroughly grateful for your talent & efforts.

We will definitely recommend you to any of our friends who need a band.

Tuan really liked your version of “out of my league” and he commented about it on our drive to our hotel. Once again thank you for enriching our wedding and it was a pleasure to have you with us yesterday.

Regards,

Ann & Tuan

Wedding @ Alto 

Hi Lucas,

Thank you for the email and for the wonderful performance you guys put on for our wedding. We absolutely loved every minute of it. Well done to you and your team.

Hope you guys had a great night.

Wedding – Quat Quatta 

Hi Lucas,

We just wanted to send you guys a quick email to say thank you for playing at our wedding on March 20th 2011 at Quat Quatta.

We had a fantastic time and Orlando Combo were an integral part to making our wedding day perfect. We really liked your professional yet easy going attitude and willingness to answer our phone calls with all our questions prior to the big day. We would have no hesitancy in recommending you to our friends and family should they require a band for their wedding.

Thanks again.

Robert & Jemma

Wedding, Butleigh Wootton

Hi Lucas,

It was a fantastic day and the music and dancing was at the centre of that.
Thank you, you made the whole process really easy!

Joan

Wedding at Fenix, Richmond

Dear Lucas all band members of the Orlando Trio,

We really feel it is important we write to you ‘all’ to say a very big thank you, for a superb and outstanding performance at our recent wedding function on August 14th 2004.

Your professionalism was first class, you all looked great and played magnificently – what more could we have asked for!
We also would like to thank you for being so obliging in allowing our friends Jeannie Norris & Ric Whittle play our Bridal Waltz with you, it really was a highlight and we thank you for allowing this to take place.

Again thank you so very much, we look forward to hearing you all play again soon.

Warm regards,
JuIie & Martin Hoffman

Wedding at Monsalvat 

Dear Lucas,

We were fortunate enough to have The Orlando Trio with guest saxophonist Ian Chaplin perform at our wedding. From the outset to conclusion they were an absolute joy to work with. All of the coordination for the event was handled quickly and with no fuss. More importantly though, the mood that Orlando set for our reception meant that everyone present couldn’t help but have a good time. The repertoire selected fit the bill, and the talent and professionalism of the musos were second to none.

It is always a gamble trying to find a musical group for a function (especially when both bride and groom are fussy musicians themselves), but we would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending The Orlando Trio to anyone for there function. The shame of it was that, as we were entertaining our wedding guests, we couldn’t just sit down for the whole night and take in the fine musicianship of Lucas and the members of Orlando. The guys are passionate about their music-that, combined with their collective talent means that you can’t go wrong.

Michelle and Deane Coleman

Wedding @ Comme

Thanks Lucas, just got back from the honeymoon.
The music was great at the wedding, and we can’t wait to see the video to hear and see you guys again.

Cheers
Justin

Sofia Ioannids & Thomas Karamzalis – Melbourne

To whom it may concern:

Thomas and I were very pleased with the performance given by The Orlando Trio. The music gave our cocktail reception a relaxed ambience and the band members were very attentive to our needs, especially since there was another band present performing alternate sets to cater for the traditional Greek folk dancing.

Thomas and I selected The Orlando Trio after ploughing through many sample CD’s of different jazz bands. As soon as we heard their sample CD we knew that The Orlando Trio was exactly what we were looking for, particularly the inclusion of a saxophone player as I simply adore live jazz music with a saxophone.

The feedback received from our guests about The Orlando Trio was very complimentary. Thomas and I would like to thank The Orlando Trio for a memorable evening. We were duly impressed with the efforts of the band to play our requested wedding waltz “Wonderful World” and the recommendation of including a vocalist for the evening was very rewarding.

Lastly I would like to thank Lucas with whom I dealt in the co-ordination of the use of the bands services. Thomas and I highly recommend The Orlando Trio for any event and would like to give our kindest regards once again to the band members for a memorable evening.

Sofia Ioannids & Thomas Karamzalis
Melbourne

Lorenzo and Emiko Lorefice 

The following reference is from Lorenzo and Emiko Lorefice, who commissioned The Orlando Trio to play at their wedding.

The Orlando Trio are undoubtedly highly qualified, experienced and share that unique ability to make any occasion extra special. We were delighted to have the band play on our wedding day. The atmosphere they were able to create was perfect, their passion for music is obvious

Lorenzo and Emiko Lorefice

Anat and Richard Gillespie 

Dear Lucas

Thank you for your willingness to be an essential part of the ceremony. Your enthusiasm to accommodate our requests was wonderful, and we appreciate you contribution. Everyone has told us how much they “loved the band” and the music you played. We felt that you tied the whole evening together, creating a perfect atmosphere for people to listen to the music and to have a good time. We hope that you too had a good time. Please convey our thanks to Adam and Vincent.

We look forward to hearing you play again soon.

Regards,

Anat and Richard Gillespie

Wedding @ National   Gallery Victoria

Hi Lucas,
Thanks for being part of our special day. We were delighted with your performance. We had many positive comments about the band.

Please pass on our thanks to the rest of the band.

Regards,
Lea and Cheens

Sylvia Williams

Dear Lucas,

Just wanted to say a huge thanks for playing at our wedding as I didn’t get a chance to come around on the night. The band was perfect and exactly what we were after. I had many comments from guests about how much they enjoyed the music.

Thanks again,

Sylvia

Wedding @ Melbourne Zoo 

Hi Lucas,
Thanks so much for Saturday, you guys were brilliant! We were more than happy with your performance and we received several compliments about the band from our guests!

Hope you guys enjoyed playing at the venue and hope to catch up soon in the near future!

Kristine

Original references provided on request