Why should we have live music?

Live music lifts your event beyond what you can hear driving around town.

 

Recorded music never changes. But live music is different every time, even if it's played by the same performers on the same instruments. It can be a little faster or a little slower, a little more mellow or a little brighter. Inspiration may strike on a particular phrase, leading to a new voicing. The music you experience at your event will never be heard again. It's a gift just for you.

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Why should we hire you?

We're unique. No one else in the Southwest pairs cello and mandolin/guitar in a duo. We do our own arrangements, so no one else plays these songs the same way we do. We'll work with you to make sure the music is as unique as you are. And we bring decades of experience, including Cindy's playing in multiple orchestras.

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What are your rates?
We start at $470 for one hour. Add $140 for each hour thereafter. Our package includes visiting with you about your music, any necessary amplification and travel within the Phoenix metro area. We do not charge for our set up time; the clock starts when the first note is played.

 

For a house concert, we can set up a donation box instead of charging a flat fee.

 

What type of events do you play?
Any event that is enhanced by soothing instrumental music – house concerts, weddings, dinners, corporate events, fundraisers and memorial services. We simply like to share our music.

 

What's a house concert? It's an intimate sharing of music in your home or backyard. Because the audience and we are so close, we share the experience of music. We can talk about the music, and audience members become participants by asking questions, sharing stories or even selecting a song.

When do we pay?
We require a $100 deposit to hold your date. The remainder is due three days before your event.

How long will you play?
Our minimum contract is one hour. We’ll play as long as you want to listen to us. For weddings, we can play for your ceremony, cocktail hour and/or dinner.

 

Where do you play?

We'll play anywhere in the Valley: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Goodyear or Litchfield Park. We travel outside the Valley to Tucson, Sedona, Flagstaff or Greer, adding a modest mileage fee.

 

Do you play for same-sex weddings?

Yes. Love is love.

What’s the proper music for a wedding?
That’s easy: It’s the music you want. We’re happy to help you pick the music that suits your personality.

 

Some brides love tradition, and choose “Canon in D,” “Bridal Chorus” and “Wedding March."

 

Other brides prefer current music and have asked us to play music from artists as diverse as John Legend,  Christina Perri or Cage the Elephant. We’ve played the Beatles' “When I’m Sixty-Four” as a recessional.

 

Still other brides like a mix of pop and classical.

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For one wedding, we accompanied the bride's younger sister as she sang during the candle ceremony.

 

It’s your wedding, and we’ll work with you to make sure you hear the music you want.

What if the song I want isn’t on your repertoire list?
We can add it for you. Give us eight weeks notice, please. Depending on the length of your contract, there may be an extra charge.

 

OK, we want to hire you. Can you suggest other vendors to us?

Absolutely. Check out this list.

Where can we hear you play?
Check out our home page, where we list upcoming public performances. Or listen to the clips on our “hear us” page.  We also can arrange to play for you at our home office or via FaceTime or Zoom.

Do you sing?
We’re strictly instrumental, and you really don’t want to hear Robert try to sing. But we know some fine singers and can add them to our ensemble. If you have a singer in the family, we can play with them.

How soon do we need to contract with Duo Ocotillo?
The earlier, the better. Spring and fall dates fill quickly, often a year or more out. Sometimes, though, we have an open weekend, so call and ask even on short notice.