Expert interview: Jazz musician Robbie Schlosser of the Magnolia Jazz Trio

Wondering whether or not to have live music at your wedding, in particular Jazz music? Here are all the answers you need, from a real “industry veteran” – Robbie Schlosser, leader of the Magnolia Jazz Trio. To me, they are the absolute “gold standard” of Bay Area Jazz.

How did I get into music?
I grew up in a musical family where everyone played something, and I was no exception—starting on violin, then cornet, French horn, and eventually string bass. Like many kids, I listened to popular music on the radio, and one day my dad gave me an LP of early jazz. I was hooked. I started a jazz band in high school, and the passion stuck. Years later, as a grad student at Stanford, I heard the Preservation Hall Jazz Band play live—and right then, I decided to make music my life.

And how did I get into weddings?
I formed the Magnolia Jazz Band in 1975. At first, we played public and private events—sometimes as a dance band, sometimes a trio. As we played more, we were invited to more weddings. Over time, the trio became our specialty. We still play all kinds of celebrations, but weddings are something special.

What fascinates me about weddings?
Every wedding is a unique celebration. Sure, most follow a familiar structure, but each one is personalized—especially through music. The songs a couple chooses reflect who they are. Everything—the venue, decor, food, photographer, and the coordinator—adds to the one-of-a-kind vibe.

What’s our style?
Our style is upbeat, familiar, and fun—music that people recognize and enjoy. It’s rooted in the New Orleans jazz tradition and the American Songbook, spanning the 1920s to today.

How have I evolved?
Three ways: I keep practicing and improving my craft. I’ve learned to better serve people—like a great concierge or waiter, helping clients get exactly what they want. And I’ve become more organized and efficient, handling hundreds of small details behind the scenes.

How do couples find me?
Mainly through word-of-mouth—friends, past clients, and industry colleagues like coordinators and caterers. I stay visible online with a website and regular posts on social media.

Why choose live music?
Both live and recorded music can enhance a wedding. But live music offers a unique presence—a real-time connection between the musicians and the guests that brings the moment to life.

Is live music expensive?
Not necessarily. There are options at every price point. A great DJ might cost more than a small band, and vice versa. Live music can be surprisingly affordable and incredibly impactful.

Want to listen? Here you go! A soundbite for you. Enjoy!

Andrea and Pedro – an Elegant Country Club Wedding

When Andrea and Pedro first approached my wedding planning company, A Day Like No Other, they had pretty much settled on their venue but were seeking help with everything else – and it was fortunate that they had not yet booked that venue… Being very familiar with it, it was obvious to me that this would by far not offer sufficient room and function spaces for the 180-people event that the couple was envisioning. So – we started over! Again, fortunately, Andrea and Pedro quickly found their perfect venue among the alternatives that I proposed: Silver Creek Valley Country Club in San Jose, an elegant property with a golf course amid green rolling hills, a ceremony area with a waterfall as a backdrop, and a clubhouse with a beautiful patio for cocktails and a huge ballroom with picture windows for dinner and dancing (plus a super supportive venue manager!!).

Our planning took close to a year, and finally, finally – the Big Day arrived.

For the bride, it started with hair and makeup services by Wowpretty Salon

… and getting ready with her bridesmaids.

Andrea had chosen an elegant strapless, formfitting lace wedding dress…

… and glittery bridal shoes fit for a princess!

Photographer Frank J. Lee captured every moment from start to finish.

What’s missing? Her bridal bouquet, a very feminine, handtied summer bouquet with English Garden Roses in soft hues of ivory, pink and rust (all wedding flowers by Marie Krick of Laurel & Vine).

Ready for her pre-ceremony photos! Following time-honored tradition, Andrea had decided to let her groom first see her at the ceremony. Groom Pedro had meanwhile also gotten dressed up with the help of his groomsmen…

Ready for many photos on the beautiful grounds of the property.

Soon, their guests began arriving by shuttle (by Corinthian Ground Transportation), and many work teams – the A Day Like No Other team Haneen and Diane, the venue crew, the florist, the DJ (Henry Kim of Big Fun Disc Jockeys) – were busy putting the finishing touches on the ceremony setup.

Under a gilded circular arch in front of palm trees and a waterfall, a friend of the couple’s officiated their wedding ceremony.

Here comes the bride:

“You may now kiss the bride!”

Just married!

While guests were treated to cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres, photographer Frank took official wedding photos …

… and bridal party photos…

… and then, he took the newlyweds around the property for many more photos. And how do you get around in a golf club? That’s the fun part – in a golf cart, of course!

Again, frantic activity was happening behind the scenes – the photo booth (by Night Owl Photo Booth) had to be set up in time and the dining room had to be prepared for dinner. The couple had chosen metallic gold accents (gold Chiavari chairs and chargers) and pink napkins to go with their pink and rust centerpieces.

Grand Entrance!!

After a delicious dinner (inhouse catering at the venue), the newlyweds shared their much-anticipated choreographed First Dance.

DJ Henry Kim had learned a Spanish-language script for bilingual announcements just for Andrea and Pedro!

He kept the party going with Father-Daughter Dance, Mother-Son Dance, the traditional Money Dance…

… and the wild “hora loca” with dance lights and glowsticks!

What a party!! The couple’s festive Send-off happened in the same spirit of joy and exuberance:

Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together, Andrea and Pedro!