NORTHERN CALIFORNIA JAZZ
Denise Choate
& The Not Just Jazz Band
★ Nominated · Best Jazz Band 2025 · MAMA (Modesto Area Music Awards)
Elegant Live Jazz for
Wineries, Events & Private Celebrations
Polished jazz, Latin, blues, and romantic standards for upscale events throughout Northern California.
- Duo, Trio & Full Band Options
- Jazz · Latin · Blues · Romantic Standards
- Serving All of Northern California
About the Band
Jazz That Moves the Room & the Soul
Denise Choate & The Not Just Jazz Band is a polished, audience-first ensemble rooted in the American jazz tradition — and gracefully beyond it. From swinging standards to Brazilian bossa nova and sultry Latin jazz, every performance is crafted to elevate the atmosphere and connect authentically with the room.
Led by vocalist Denise Choate — known as “The Voice” — alongside co-leader Mark Gee on keys and virtuoso bassist Clinton Day, the band brings decades of stage experience and professional polish to every event.
3–8
Flexible Configurations
3–8
MAMA Nominated
Performance Options
Choose the Format That Fits Your Event
02
Jazz Duo
Denise and Mark — voice and keys in an intimate, elegant setting. Perfect for cocktail hours, restaurant residencies, and private dining.
Intimate Settings
03
Jazz Trio
The signature configuration. Denise, Mark, and Clinton deliver a full, rich sound perfect for wineries, lounges, and corporate events.
Most Requested
05+
Full Band
Expanded to five-piece or larger for festivals, galas, casino stages, and large-scale events. Full horn section and percussion.
Festival & Stage Ready
We Play Where It Matters
Perfect for Every Occasion
🍷
Wineries
A natural pairing — sophisticated jazz elevates every tasting experience throughout Motherlode, Lodi, and Napa.
🏢
Corporate Events
Polished background music for receptions and galas, or interactive performances that command the room.
💍
Weddings
From ceremony to reception, live jazz creates an atmosphere no DJ can replicate. Timeless and unforgettable.
🍺
Private Parties
Milestone birthdays, anniversaries, holiday parties — live jazz transforms any gathering into a lasting memory.
🎵
Restaurants & Lounges
Regular residencies and one-night engagements. An authentic jazz lounge atmosphere that keeps guests coming back.
🎪
Festivals & Casinos
Stage-ready and crowd-tested. The full band is built for outdoor festivals and casino showrooms.
See & Hear the Band
Experience the Sound
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Why Choose Us
What Sets This Band Apart
i.
Polished Stage Presence
Every performance is visually and musically refined — professional attire, tight arrangements, and a natural connection with every audience.
ii.
Adaptable Song Selection
An expansive repertoire spanning jazz standards, Latin, bossa nova, blues, and romantic ballads — always matched to the mood of your event.
iii.
Seamless Communication
Easy to work with from first inquiry to final bow. Clear contracts, flexible logistics, and responsive coordination throughout.
iv.
Instant Atmosphere
Live jazz creates an elegance no playlist can match. Guests linger longer, conversations deepen, and the event becomes the event.
v.
Decades of Experience
Collectively trained, degreed, and road-tested musicians with credentials spanning the Columbia Jazz Band and studio recordings.
vi.
Flexible Setup Options
Duo, trio, or full band — right for any space. Self-contained setup available for venues with limited infrastructure.
What Clients Say
Voices From the Room
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Denise and the band were the highlight of our harvest dinner. Our guests couldn’t stop asking who the vocalist was — absolutely magical.”
— Winery Events Director, Amador County
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Professional, elegant, and completely in tune with what we needed. Our corporate gala felt like a proper jazz club event. Unforgettable.”
— Event Planner, Sacramento
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“We’ve had live music at every anniversary party, but this was something else entirely. The trio created the most beautiful atmosphere.”
— Private Client, Sonora
Trusted By
Venues That Trust the Music
Proud to have performed at these distinguished venues across Northern California and beyond.
And many more throughout Northern California
Photo Gallery
The Band In Action
Where We Perform
All of Northern California
Based in the heart of Northern California, we regularly perform across the region — from intimate winery events in the Gold Country foothills to festival stages in the Sacramento Valley and upscale venues in the Bay Area and beyond.
Sonora
Modesto
Amador County
Sacramento
Lodi
Napa Valley
Bay Area
Lake Tahoe
Motherlode
Central Valley
Stockton
Fresno
Ready to Book
Let’s Create the Right Atmosphere for Your Event
Available for wineries, corporate events, weddings, private parties, restaurants, festivals & casinos throughout Northern California.