Downtime Productions

Let me start by saying my husband was the one who initially wanted a band for our reception, so I was very skeptical of booking a band regardless of how awesome they sounded, how great their website was or great the reviews were. From my initial contact with Jon (manager and band member) to the final song they played at our reception, I could not have been more pleased with our decision to use them. All of my questions, whether email or phone, were answered promptly and thoroughly. As a vendor they were professional, organized, and very easy to work with. As a band, they were absolutely phenomenal. Our reception dance floor was packed from the moment our first dances were done up until they wrapped up the final song of the night. I saw guests ranging from 3 years old to their 80’s dancing the night away. I have no complaint and highly recommend them, it felt like every guest at our wedding raved about the band and many were asking how we found them, etc.

I was happy, but not excited, to book Downtime. That was my mistake, I should have been ecstatic because they were awesome! Not cliche awesome, but really awesome. Having Downtime perform truly made our reception, we received countless complements about how fantastic they were. Our guests obviously thoroughly enjoyed them, from the 2 year old ring bearer to our 87 year old aunt (both of whom were on the dance floor for at least two hours). Dave did a great job MCing our event, he kept things moving along with no inane and pointless chatter. We threw a couple curve balls at the last minute regarding wedding party introductions and he handled it perfectly. Jon was extremely professional and really easy to work with. From the first phone call to the last drum that was packed up after the reception he was always very helpful and responsive. If your considering hiring a band for you wedding do it, and make sure Downtime is on your short list.

Jon (the head of Downtime) was great in working with me to customize my ceremony music. They will learn any piece you are interested in having played, and their execution was wonderful as well! We had many non-traditional songs that we wanted played for before and after the ceremony (Cold Play – Viva la Vida, for example) – and they had no problem learning the arrangement and providing our guests with unique ceremony music.

In terms of large-repertoire, moderately priced bands, Downtime is a great choice! We used a 6 piece band and the guests raved about having live music. It is a cost, but if you are looking to have live bands, I would strongly suggest Downtime. There were 2 singers, male and female, and they were able to cover any song in the list. The song choices are wide and cover many different musical genres. Also, the band will learn 2 additional songs as a part of your package. We almost couldn’t decide what songs we wanted to choose – since most songs are on the playlist – which is great!

I knew we had found a good band, but I was delighted to find Downtime better then even my best expectations! It gave the whole evening a very elegant feel and you really did take care of everything during the reception, I didn’t have a single worry. Everyone loved it, the dance floor was always filled, and I kept getting asked all night how we had managed to find you. Having a live band perform, and in particular Downtime…really made the difference. We can’t thank you enough!

We could not have been more pleased with Downtime. Being from out of town made wedding planning challenging but Jon Spindler was by far the most responsive vendor answering all of our questions and requests quickly. His efforts were matched by each of Downtime’s band members. Downtime did an excellent job MC-ing our event and they provided the ideal music throughout the evening…from cocktail hour through dancing. We were extremely impressed by their performance and professionalism and recommend them to all our friends.

Thanks again for doing such a great job. Best of luck with everything in the future.

Sonja Bareiss-Wingard & Chris Wingard
October 2007
Art Museum - Forest Park - St. Louis, MO

Thank you Jon! You guys were amazing, I have received so many compliments! I’ll be sure to pass your name along to anyone I know that has an upcoming event, you were so great to work with.
Matt and Jessica Hoenes
May 2008
World’s Fair Pavilion - St. Louis

Thanks Jon! You were awesome to work with, and I would recommend Downtime to anyone. You guys were awesome at our wedding. I think having the dance floor packed all night says it all. Good luck with everything for your wedding and maybe we’ll see you around the neighborhood.
Thanks again for everything!
Kristi & Matt Yehling
October 2008
Sheraton Westport - St. Louis

Dear Jon,

I’ve been meaning to get this out to you sooner, but Bill and I and Emily and Sean want to thank you for the wonderful entertainment you provided for their wedding reception on October 25th. I’ve had several people ask me for your name and number. Everything was perfect! You and your musical group are professional and extraordinary. Your style in emceeing was very well done. I think everyone enjoyed themselves and it will be an evening we will never forget.

Again, thanks for sharing your musical talents with our families. I wouldn’t be surprised if a couple of our friends look you up for future events.

Great job!
Bill and Laura Hecht (Parents of Bride)
October 2008
Chase Park Plaza - St. Louis

Hi Jon,

This email is long overdue! We just wanted to say thank you! Downtime did an amazing job at our wedding reception. The band was awesome and our guests are still talking about you all! It was a great party! You were all fantastic to work with! We couldn’t have asked for more.
Take care,
Laura and Matt Westbrock
May 2008
Sheraton Four Points - Fairview Heights, IL

I knew we had found a good band, but I was delighted to find Downtime better then even my best expectations! It gave the whole evening a very elegant feel and you really did take care of everything during the reception, I didn’t have a single worry. Everyone loved it, the dance floor was always filled, and I kept getting asked all night how we had managed to find you. Having a live band perform, and in particular Downtime…really made the difference. We can’t thank you enough!
Steve and Rachel Molloy
April 2008
Cedar Rapids, IA

Hi Jon,
We had a great time at the wedding and think you did a great job with everything. The songs we picked were performed perfect. Everyone was talking about how great you guys were…….I thought working with you was a wonderful experience and appreciate everything.
Thank you!!
Curt and Heidi Skiver
April 2008
Crescent Hotel - Eureka Springs, AR

Jon,
Thank you so much for playing our wedding. You guys kept the dance floor packed all night and left them begging for more at the end! The whole band was awesome and you did such a great job learning our song. You also were so professional and easy with which to deal. I wish all my vendors had been as great at communicating as you were.
Thank you again for making the evening so memorable and quite simply— a great party. Please feel free to send any potential clients my way. I promise rave reviews!
Thanks,
Mary Pat Benninger Carl
October 2007
Forest Park Visitor’s Center - St. Louis, MO

Downtime Band is one of our favorite bands in St Louis for many reasons: They boast an expansive song list, have several different arrangements, provide an awesome sound, and provide quality live entertainment. Jon is the owner/manager and apart from being extremely knowledgeable regarding music (he has his masters in jazz performance), their customer service is also top-of-the-line - far superior than most bands we've worked with. We'd recommend them to anyone.

Downtime Band is awesome! By far my favorite band to work with. They play music you want to hear and keep it going all night long.

I love Downtime Band! They are professional, courteous and collaborative to other vendors to make certain the event runs as a cohesive team/engine and they sound absolutely fabulous! They always get the crowd dancing and smiling and ensure that your guests will have a great time.Sincerely, Angela LambOwner of Artistic Soup Photography

Downtime Band is an excellent band. There aren't alot of them out there, but Downtime certainly is one of the best ones. The guys and gals do a great job doing all sorts of music. Definitely worth taking a look at, I could have sat all night and listened to the music.