Booking live jazz with Vinny Valentino: questions and answers

Vinny Valentino is a Grammy-nominated jazz guitarist, composer, bandleader and educator based in River Edge, New Jersey, with 40+ years of performing. George Benson called him a young genius with a brilliant tone and fresh ideas. He has toured with drummer Steve Smith of Journey, performed in duo with vocalist Mark Murphy, studied jazz at Howard University, and has run the PlayAlongTunes jazz library since 2008. He has played Birdland, the Blue Note, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Ronnie Scott's in London and the DC Jazz Festival.

Based in River Edge, Bergen County, New Jersey. Vinny plays throughout Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Passaic and Morris counties, Manhattan and Brooklyn, Westchester and Rockland, Long Island and Fairfield County, Connecticut. Vinny travels to events worldwide, available by arrangement.

Three lineups: solo jazz guitar for ceremonies, dinners and intimate rooms; a trio of guitar, bass and drums for receptions, parties and restaurant nights; and a full ensemble that adds a string section for galas and large weddings.

Great American Songbook standards, swing, bossa nova and ballads, plus soul, funk and pop favorites arranged for jazz. Each program is shaped to the evening.

Vinny and the musicians take pride in looking the part.

Call (347) 618-9667 or email vvsaid@gmail.com with your date, venue, approximate guest count and the kind of evening you have in mind. Vinny replies personally with availability and a quote for the right lineup.

Yes. Send the run of show with your inquiry. Sets are timed around remarks, awards and auctions, and the band takes cues from your planner.

Tiffany & Co. in New York City, Rolls-Royce on Long Island, Hackensack Meridian Health, the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC and the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

A trio is the most requested option for receptions. Galas and larger ballrooms often call for the full ensemble, and executive dinners suit solo guitar.

Yes. Vinny coordinates timing, setup and technical details directly with your planner or venue team.

Yes. A common plan is solo guitar for the ceremony, then a trio for cocktail hour. Vinny can stay on for dinner or bring a full ensemble for the reception.

Yes. Include your requests with your inquiry. Vinny will confirm which songs can be arranged for your ensemble well before the date.

Ballrooms, country clubs, estates, restaurants and rooftop venues across North Jersey, New York City and the surrounding tri-state area.

Saturdays in spring and fall fill first, so reaching out 6 to 12 months ahead is wise. Shorter-notice dates are often still possible, so it is always worth asking.

For most homes and private dining rooms, yes. Solo guitar fills the room without overpowering conversation. Larger gatherings or outdoor parties are a good fit for the trio.

Yes. Send the song with your inquiry and Vinny will confirm the arrangement ahead of the date.

Solo guitar needs a corner and a chair. A trio needs a small level area near a power outlet. Vinny will confirm the details for your space.

Yes. Weekly and monthly residencies are a specialty, as solo guitar or as a trio.

Yes. Venues and planners are welcome to list Vinny as a preferred musician. Email for a short bio, photos and performance video.

One musician: Vinny Valentino on jazz guitar.

Yes. A common wedding plan is solo guitar for the ceremony, then the trio for cocktail hour and dinner.

A corner and a chair. Vinny will confirm the details for your space.

Guitar, bass and drums. Vinny Valentino plays guitar and leads the band.

A small level area near a power outlet. Vinny will confirm the details with your venue.

Jazz guitar (Vinny Valentino), bass and drums, plus a string section. The size of the string section is set to your room and budget.

For receptions, galas and large rooms where you want strings and a bigger sound. The trio suits cocktail hours and smaller rooms.

Yes. Include your requests with your inquiry and Vinny will confirm the arrangement well before the date.