Yacht Rock wedding

Yep, it’s the nuptial everyone is talking about.  Yacht Rock wedding band center stage making an impact and taking smooth to that next level.  Sure, you could hire that Bruno Mars tribute band and Uptown Funk it for the 10,000th time.  However, in the last 5 years, the stock price of smooth has soared and hot weddings require something with that X factor.  Believe me, we all love to get down to 24k and the classics of Sweet Caroline, Mustang Sally, Brick House, and Don’t Stop Believin’.  But, the heyday of that cliché vibe is waning.  And, why not go for something new and fun.  Providing a distinctive experience is definitely our game.  In fact, we are playing the playlist of your life and the vibe just screams, “I’m on a Boat“!

Furthermore, Yachty by Nature turns 5 years young this year.  Now, we recount the experience of early Yacht Rock years.  In fact, the specter of captain hatted sailors headlining the “big day” for a bride and groom 5 years ago was limited to the superfan and deep yacht rock enthusiast.  On the contrary, the time has come and smooth music and smooth sailors are taking the yacht rock wedding scene by storm.

Smooth Sailing

For example, our band Yachty by Nature booked weddings in the last couple years from Catalina Island all the way to Okoboji in Iowa, Sacramento river delta, Paso Robles, and Arizona.  In fact, the weddings we played were more than our usual Love Fest.  These matrimonial memories were like a destination wedding in some regards.  They were taking the pleasure cruise and it didn’t have to be all yacht.  It was just a high falootin’ affair christened by the cruisiest band in all the land.  No longer was a yacht rock band a niche or novelty occurrence.  Smooth has hit the mainstream.  With its widespread appeal, the smooth music hits the delight of dancers from age 8 to 80.

The transcendence of yacht music symbolically broke through the radio waves with Sirius/XM yacht rock radio.  As well, weddings ran the gamut from friendly low key to high brow.  In the same way that audiences fawn over Africa at sporting events and yacht parties, Yachty by Nature is playing weddings and the music fits like a glove.  In fact, the entire experience is a spectacle from the dress of our outfits to the performance of our songs.  It’s an event, a place to be, and an experience that becomes infectious fast.  The yacht band, the imagery, and the fun all works.  As much as having a band for tying the knot provides interaction.  The Yacht Rock wedding experience takes the fun to the next level.  The crowd anticipates the captain hat crew.  And, when the boat launches, the smooth music swarms and the yacht party ensues!

Covid Cancellations!

Believe it or not, we have plenty of yacht rock weddings looking to 2021 now!  The cancellations over the pandemic have added up.  In addition, it looks like next year is ripe for a lot of new marriage and wedding dates.  In fact, June and July 2021 are going to be a gold rush of postponed weddings.  As you can see, we look forward to playing again.  Let’s hope that things will get better and life can get back to normal.  Hopefully, 2021 will see us right the ship and get back on course.  Our Iowa wedding and many others unfortunately couldn’t happen because of Covid 19.  But rescheduling is happening and we just played for a wedding reception in Paso Robles last weekend.  Come Sail Away and know that Yachty by Nature will be there to make that Yacht Rock Wedding happen.

When it comes time to planning that wedding, check out this great article!  It comes from our friends over at Art and Soul based in Los Angeles.  Especially if you’re planning during the times of Covid 19, it’s a great read.  In fact, it even features a great picture of our own Captain Carl under the heading COMPLIANCE CAPTAIN!  Who knew 🙂

Yacht Rock Wedding AHOY!

First, it goes without saying we have a passion for Yacht Rock music.  Secondly, Yachty by Nature has a pedigree that few other bands have now.  With 5 years of playing music from coast to coast, our experience really shows.  From early small bars to Brooklyn Bowl to opening for Snoop last year on a massive stage, we are comfortable with all size of venues.  In addition, personality goes a long way.  Hiring us makes a statement and when we hit the stage it’s a party starter and show stopper.

This band has a professional approach that leaves a mark every time.  Friendly, approachable, fun, and interactive, this yacht band is smooth sailing.  As well, the level of musicianship is first rate and we go ALL LIVE all the time, no phony pre-recorded backing tracks.  Ultimately, plug in this band of yacht rock superstars and you have the Caddyshack meets Step Brothers and Ron Burgundy experience.  The witty banter, epic tunes, and captain outfits come together into one special night of Catalina Wine Mixer fun and frolic.

Full Service Yacht Rock

Yep, this band aims to please.  We regularly incorporate the services of our resident DJ Tony Trunks and our emcee Joey!  When you drop anchor with the S.S. Yachty by Nature we’ve got you covered.  Our emcee is second to none.  A full pro and musician himself, Joey takes over the helm and rides you to the straits of smooth.  Indeed, this smooth operator not only has the experience of a live musician and knows how to start the party.  He battens down the hatches for the smooth pleasure cruise from the ceremony to the dance party.  Likewise, DJ Tony Trunks literally breaks out the vinyl and drives this old school party boat to the jams both new and old that will rock the yacht.  He knows his music and if you like smooth, you’re gonna love this guy.

As you can see, our Yacht Rock wedding game is strong so don’t hesitate to fly the SOS and we’ll be there.  Our clients sing our praises and we love to entertain.  Hit us up as soon as possible if you want to Rock the Boat.  Since Covid 19, this next year will be packed and Yachty by Nature will be on high demand.  Bottom line, for those about to Dock, we salute you.  Make this a wedding to remember and get yachty with America’s yacht rock band, Yachty by Nature.

#yachtrock #yachtrockwedding #softrock #smooth #captains #brandy #allnightlong #yachtybynature #nuptial #bride #groom #yachtrockband #yachtrockbands

Yacht Rock Outfits 101

Whether you just discovered the art of smooth or been digging smooth soft rock for a while now, the subject of Yacht Rock Outfits is on your mind. Let me just say, for those about to dock, we salute you. There is an unmistakable moment when Yacht Rock is revealed to you. For me, it happened at a fancy industry party in LA. This fab girl came up and mic dropped it so smoothly to my then 80’s band, Neon Nation, saying “you guys play any yacht rock”? Holy crap, I pretty much spit out my drink and fell to the floor wondering what I was in for.

“You walked in to the party, like you were walking onto a yacht.”

Yachty Attire

The rest is history and I’m now well into 7 years of playing keyboards in a nationally successful yacht rock band, Yachty by Nature. No doubt, I’m living that dream and it goes without saying, I’m deep in the yacht myself. With weekly yacht party after monthly yacht wedding and more, I’m becoming a Yacht Attire expert in thought and practice and already guiding the band and others in this area of fashion.

Truly, if you get the clothing right, enough people with that common goal, just add yacht music and the fun ensues. Truth be told, I’ve watched as a room full of punk rockers that committed to the groovy, eclectic yacht rock dress code transformed like you wouldn’t believe.  They turned a simple celebration with a yacht rock band into a full scale 1978 throwback LOVE FEST and the clothes were off the hook. The energy, the vibe, the clothes, the music became something so magical all its own. Build the yacht and they will sail to it.

So, next time you are having a yacht party or watching your favorite yacht rock band indulge yourself with an epic outfit that will make all it happen. It’s not just the music, the band, the vibe, the look, the energy. It’s the sum of its parts and those smooth outfits have the mighty power to transfix your situation.

The Captain’s Hat…

Yep, you guessed it, the fastest coronation to yacht rock royalty is the Captain’s Hat.  Buy one, make one, bedazzle one or borrow one. In fact, the sky is the limit here so let your creativity reign if you are gonna go for it.  But, just get one somehow, some way and you are on the yacht. In fact, Broner makes a very comfortable, quality, straightforward and good looking hat that fits well.  Additionally, it avoids the cheap fit and look of those basic hats on Amazon. Do yourself a favor, get a hat or dig deep in the vault and find a classic, vintage, or authentic captain’s hat online. Additionally, we’ve seen some pretty cool and unique creations out there, but for simplicity, fit, and value, Broner is the answer.  Lastly, remember what Hefner did for the captains hat!

Yacht Rock Stripes get it done…

No matter what color, stripes will be the 2nd easiest way to begin your yacht fashion transformation. Put on a red and white striped shirt (or blue or black mainly) and you’ll be sailing in no time. In fact, stripes are probably the #1 most sighted outfit at a yacht rock party. Just know that it’s only the start. When you accessorize over the stripes with a complementary pant color or scarf, ascot, belt, and obviously the captain’s hat or more, you’ve earned your captain’s bars quicker than you can say Ship Shape! Don’t forget to keep it simple, too much or conflicting stripes will sink that ship just as fast.

That 70’s look…

Gettin’ Yachty @ Costello’s in Mission Viejo

Due to the strong connection between the silly, the goofy, the fun and the yacht party, going retro will set a course for adventure. Call it the Ron Burgundy effect or just throwing back to the 1977 duds they wore on Midnight Special, this look is uber sexy and may attract the opposite sex faster than any other yacht look. In fact, you don’t have to look too far to find polyester or denim clad jean meat at many yacht rock concerts. Additionally, the fake mustache works wonders whether you go 70’s vintage or any different yachty outfit.  More importantly, get bonus points on your yacht rock outfits if you can get the feathered hair going!  Polyester, print shirts, and for the ladies, buy that disco dress and some fabulous glasses and you’re ready to yacht!

The Yacht Club, Tennis Club, Golf Club…

Think Caddyshack, Marina del Rey, golfing, the harbor, and tennis. Moreso, put a tennis sweater over that polo or even better go up the ladder and put on that navy blue blazer with an ascot and some yellow glasses. Actually, that’s the calling card for us in Yachty by Nature! Pretend that you’re christening the Flying Wasp or dropping anchor with Rodney Dangerfield in Caddyshack and you’ll be flying indeed. Or even better, watch Caddyshack to get in the mood for your party and let inspiration take hold…and even a few classic movie lines. In fact, if you look around the golf club or yacht club scenes, your creativity is sparked immediately.  The outfits jump right off the screen and wreak of Yacht Club greatness.  Speaking of movies, we’ve even seen a die hard Yachty arrive in the Goldie Hawn outfit from the movie Overboard. Keep your yacht rock outfits classy San Diaaaaaago!

Go Hawaiian on your Yacht Rock outfits…

One of the easier ways to get Yachty quickly, hawaiian shirts and vibe will dial in your yacht costume.  Furthermore, this look just breathes sailing and fun into your personal vibe.  Most importantly, try to avoid too much Tommy Bahama or Jimmy Buffett.  That look gets a bit too Trop Rock and Parrot Head which is a different party all together.  Thus, choose that hawaiian shirt very carefully and make sure it is fun first and old fogie last.  As such, a Costco shirt just ain’t gonna work.  To keep the yacht party cruising, it’s got to be fun, eclectic, and coordinate with your entire ensemble.  For this look, the thrift store is a near must but the world is getting more yachty and you might even find a treasure at the mall.  Lastly, make it fun not frumpy.  In fact, this is where we intersect with the Tiki world quite nicely.  When we’ve played at Tiki Caliente, they are bringing their A game to the Yacht and Tiki Party combined!  Make sure your Hawaiian shirt game is strong!

Get Nauti !

Lastly, this category is a catch all for everything nautical, yachty, and seaworthy.  Use your imagination or stick to the basics.  You can don the captain’s outfit with shoulder bars easily for the Love Boat vibe.  Or, you can just look like Charlie’s Angels coming off a yacht in 1978.  Literally any type of ocean, beach, seaside, or otherwise yachty type of clothing will do.  The scarf around the neck, the boat shorts and the Nantucket red pants and plaid shirt all qualify as supremely yachty fashion.  When in doubt, check yourself by asking, “would I wear this outfit in the summer in Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard?”  Most importantly, if the answer is yes, you are yacht rock camera ready.  In fact, let’s not forget the boat shoes, deck shoes, or Sperry Top Siders all together.

Yacht Rock Outfits Wildcard…

Never forget that there’s really no authority on this subject so you can always just go for it.  Sometimes, the more uniform, standard, and strict we get on the yacht, the more mundane we become.  Therefore, don’t be afraid to dive into the vanity t-shirt, go stripes and ascot, and generally mix it up.  There are no hard and fast rules behind the Yacht Rock outfit, just your creativity and passion for the music.  From experience, we’ll go captain’s outfit one day and crazy boat shirt the next.  Ultimately, we’ve seen it all from the stage and relish the moments when people go wild with it.  In fact, there’s probably even a yacht rock adjacent area for the Pirate Party as well.  Captain Crunch sightings aside, those parties can really bring together the nauti, yachty, knotty by nature and then some.  In the end, go for it and see what happens.  It’s all fun and games until someone loses an eyepatch.  Honestly, it’s all about the fun so get Kraken!!!

As always, let the vibe be your guide.  Thus, for your next yacht rock themed party, concert, or just a Yachty night on the town, get your ensemble going.  Whether you are new to the yacht or an old deck hand, that outfit will crank up the experience.  So, commit to making that statement with your yacht clothing or up your game and improve on the garb you already have.  As we well know, you can never have enough options to mix it up for a fun night with Yachty by Nature or some other occasion.

Happy to be your guide here.  Feel free to comment and add some great ideas on this post or on social media. #yachtrock #yachtrockoutfits #yachtybynature #yachtattire #yachtrockfashion

Yacht Summer Nights!

Yacht summer nights continue with Yachty by Nature as we dart across Southern California to meet the demand for LIVE yacht rock. So far, we’ve played to big crowds recently at Ladera Ranch, Mission Viejo, Palm Springs, Inglewood, Costa Mesa, Catalina Island, Tustin, San Diego, and Dana Point. Indeed, this crew can spin some yarns about the fun that we’ve been having. More importantly, I’ll share a few photos here and invite you to join us at some really cool upcoming shows. As always, check the website here and check in with us on Facebook, Instagram, and beyond social media if you can. Thanks so much for all the love and we really appreciate your continued interest in #yachtrock played all live by us 6 captains of smooth.

YBN upcoming calendar:

As such, here’s a glimpse of what’s coming up for the band on these Yacht Summer Nights…

7/27 Private party at Terranea

7/28 at Sea Legs at the Beach, Huntington Beach FREE show 2pm

8/4 at Tin Roof in San Diego 6pm, ALL you can eat Fish Fry $15 tickets:  https://www.ticketweb.com/event/yacht-rock-with-all-you-tin-roof-san-tickets/8556205

8/5 at Country Club in Costa Mesa 2pm, FREE show

8/9 at Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton 730pm, TICKETS here:  http://themuck.org/programing/2018/8/9/yachty-by-nature

8/11 Private party Playa del Rey

8/18 Tropicana Resort in Laughlin, NV at 8pm $20 tickets:

8/26 Monrovia Concert in the Park 7pm  FREE show

As always, on Yacht Summer Nights we’ll play all your favorite Yacht Rock hits from the 70’s and 80’s.  Of course, Captain Carl will be at the helm and Scotty McYachty will bust out those one-of-a-kind incredible vocals.  In addition, we’re always adding new tunes to float your boat and expand our deep repertoire of soft rock smoothness.  Inasmuch, make sure and reach out to us on social media, email, or the website to request your favorite tunes.  Furthermore, we sure got some deep inspiration from the incredible concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles with the trinity of yacht rock;  Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Christopher Cross.  Of course, we sure hope you made that pilgrimage to see the godfather, crown prince, and pope of yacht rock do their thing!  Indeed, it was a thing of beauty and smoother than Michael McDonald’s freshly waxed beard.

Yacht Summer Night Captain Carl

On a personal notes, I’d like to thank everyone for the big birthday wishes!  It was an amazing yacht summer night out at Arroyo Trabuco. In fact, we were in Mission Viejo with follow up in Ladera Ranch to see lots of friends and family get yachty with us.  Additionally, the McWitty wedding on my actual birthday was spectacular, especially when everyone jumped in the pool with their clothes on.  Oh What a Night indeed and a very memorable evening for that Captain Carl’s birthday.  As always, I’m super humbled and stoked that so many people around the country are resonating with this amazing band.  It’s always a smooth moment to realize that so many epic audiences understand our deep passion for this music and the entire Yachty vibe that we put out there.  Even more so, we love that our Yachtiences appreciate that this music is played ALL LIVE and no backing tracks.

On a sadder note, we lost a real superfan recently when our pal, Michael Donckels tragically passed away.  Our yachty hearts go out to his kids, his girlfriend Mika, and entire family.  As many of you know, he was genuinely Yachty and had a heart of gold.  As always, he loved that Paul Davis and so much of our soft rock set.  This entire summer will be a tribute to one amazing guy and a memorial to his constant support and love for the music project that he truly helped get off the ground.  We love you Mike!

Yacht Summer Nights San Diego

Speaking of Yacht Summer Nights, we are really looking forward to taking the yacht to San Diego for our maiden voyage at Tin Roof in the Gaslamp District next week.  Although there are plenty of great dates coming up, we’ve been playing San Diego a bit more as of late.  And, by the beard of Zeus, it’s so fun to grace the shores of Ron Burgundy’s hometown.  There will be more jazz flute, more smooth, and certainly more sexy to go around.  Spread the word  and feel free to share this email or share our posts from social media, we’d love to see you out there.

Sunday Funday at Country Club, August 5

Yacht summer nights resume in Costa Mesa/Newport Beach.  If you haven’t experienced a Sunday Funday with Yachty by Nature yet, here’s your chance!  Country Club is a fantastic way to spend a Sunday singing along to Hall and Oates, Toto and Steely Dan.  Most importantly, this place has amazing food, a beautifully yachty and country club vibe, super friendly staff, and delicious food.

The Muck, August 9

Ahoy Fullerton, here we come raising the sails for a smooth one at a really cool venue.  The good people at Muckenthaler Cultural Center recognized early that the Yacht Party must stop in for a proper helping of those 8 track and vinyl show stopping soft rock serenades.  We really look forward to playing in one of our favorite yachty towns and for a bunch of our strong followers in the Fullerton area – let’s get yachty!

Yacht Summer Night the river

Tropicana Laughlin, August 18

Talk about a Yacht Summer Night, it’ll be a yacht one in Laughlin.  Again, we’ll drop anchor out in Laughlin, NV on August 18 so get your tickets now!  It’s gonna be a Yacht One for those who like it Yacht!  Also, we hope to see you floating on the Colorado River with us after the show.  As always, we’ll smooth out any rough seas out there.

On a parting note, get out there to see us during Yacht Summer Nights and wear that captains hat proud!  As always feel free to wear your yachtiest outfit to these shows and dive in and Get Yachty with us!  May the Yacht be with YOU 🙂 #yachtrock #softrock #yachtsummernights #tinroofsd