What Are You Celebrating?
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 and keyboardist/composer Mark Gee, with a lineup of talented, experienced musicians and special guest players, the band brings decades of stage experience and professional polish to every wedding jazz band booking and private event.
Flexible Configurations
MAMA Nominated
See & Hear the Band
Experience the Sound
Caravan
Don't Get Around Much Anymore
Makin' Whoopee
At Last
Live Performances
Watch & Listen
A few moments from recent shows — jazz, Latin rhythms, and everything in between.
Denise Choate & The Not Just Jazz Band
Jazz & American Songbook
Denise Choate & The Not Just Jazz Quartet
Jazz & American Songbook
Denise Choate & Mark Gee
Not Just Jazz Duo
La Diversión
Latin Rhythms Band
Performance Options
Choose the Format That Fits Your Event
Jazz Duo
Denise and Mark — voice and keys in an intimate, elegant setting. Perfect for cocktail hours, restaurant residencies, and private dining.
Intimate SettingsJazz Trio for Hire
The signature configuration. Denise, Mark, and Clinton deliver a full, rich sound perfect for wineries, lounges, and corporate events.
Most RequestedFull Band
Expanded to five-piece or larger for festivals, galas, casino stages, and large-scale events. Full horn section and percussion.
Festival & Stage ReadyWe 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.
Wedding Jazz Band
From ceremony to reception, a live wedding jazz band 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.
Why Choose Us
What Sets This Band Apart
Polished Stage Presence
Every performance is visually and musically refined — professional attire, tight arrangements, and a natural connection with every audience.
Adaptable Song Selection
An expansive repertoire spanning jazz standards, Latin, bossa nova, blues, and romantic ballads — always matched to the mood of your event.
Seamless Communication
Easy to work with from first inquiry to final bow. Clear contracts, flexible logistics, and responsive coordination throughout.
Instant Atmosphere
Live jazz creates an elegance no playlist can match. Guests linger longer, conversations deepen, and the event becomes the event.
Decades of Experience
Collectively trained, degreed, and road-tested musicians with credentials spanning the Columbia Jazz Band and studio recordings.
Flexible Setup Options
Duo, trio, or full band — right for any space. Self-contained setup available for venues with limited infrastructure.
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
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.
Ready to Book
Let's Create the Right Atmosphere for Your Event
Available for weddings, wineries, corporate events, private parties, restaurants, festivals & casinos throughout Northern California.
Questions? booking@denisechoatejazz.com