by Sharon Planer, Pianist for Parties

My first experience at Carlos Creek Winery was on a cold winter night in January of 2012 when members of the Central Minnesota Wedding Association visited the winery in Alexandria, Minnesota, to find out if all the rave reviews we were hearing about it as a wedding venue were true. 

 When we arrived, the Wine Tasting Room was cozy and inviting and the staff were gracious and happy to serve us some tasty hot food and delicious wines. We got a tour of the wine making process and a peek into the Wine Cellar accompanied by some intriguing true cellar stories. The Stables Hall was totally outfitted for hosting fancy events and receptions.  It was a very cold night.  Peering out the windows, it was hard to imagine what the vineyards would look like for a summer wedding.  I really wanted to see their outdoor ceremony locations but there was too much snow and darkness!

Fast forward to March 2013 and the Carlos Creek Winery Open House where I participated with other vendors.

The guests were invited to view the grounds and enjoy the delicious catering and wine sampling. They had a chance to meet the vendors and find out how we could enhance their experience at the winery if they chose to hold an event there in the future. I had the privilege of playing live piano music during the event. One of the attendees was a bride who had already booked her August 2013 wedding at the winery.

When the bride and her parents heard my piano music, they hired me to play for the wedding reception in The Grande Stables Reception Hall as well as the outdoor ceremony in the Natural Cathedral. I was delighted!  

Since the bride and groom lived in the Twin Cities, it was convenient for them to meet with me in Minneapolis to plan and select their wedding music. Throughout the planning process for the wedding, Michelle and Katie at the winery were so helpful and responsive to my questions regarding the set up of my portable pianos and details about my music performance.

The Wedding Day! This was the day the bride and groom had waited and planned for.

The beauty of nature provided a relaxed yet elegant setting for their outdoor wedding ceremony.

Since the winery only allows one wedding per day, I had ample time to set up my music equipment for the ceremony and reception ahead of time...one portable piano outdoors in the Natural Cathedral and my other portable piano in the Grande Stables Reception Hall.

The Natural Cathedral was a beautiful setting under a canopy of trees. Even though temps were in the high 80's, the ceremony site was completely shaded by the trees and a slight breeze made it very comfortable. My next stop was The Grand Stables Reception Hall where I set up my other portable piano and amplification.  

As the guests arrived to the Natural Cathedral they were greeted by my elegant piano music. The bride and groom shared their intimate vows in the midst of this beautiful woodland.

  Following the wedding ceremony, the guests enjoyed some outdoor games as well as wandering through the stables and the lovely grounds.

There was amply opportunity to sample the delicious wines that are made at Carlos Creek Winery.

Their 'Minnesota Nice' brands live up to their names;

  Hotdish Red!  

Wobegon White!

You Betcha Blush!

As the door to The Grande Stables opened for the start of the wedding dinner, I greeted the guests with upbeat piano jazz standards.

When it was time for the bridal party and bride and groom to enter for dinner, DJ Kevin set the mood and got the guests clapping and cheering. As the guests began to dine I created an elegant atmosphere with songs of romance.   The bride and groom seemed ever so happy with guests speaking kind words about them and sharing in their joyous occasion!  I loved sharing my music for their wonderful celebration.  After I was done playing and heading out, I could hear DJ Kevin from St. Cloud DJ's, rockin' the place.  I am sure there was a whole lot of celebration going on well into the night!

by Sharon Planer, Pianist for Parties

'Do you know any Brazilian music?' was the question asked of me when I was hired to provide piano music for a party.  

"Oh, Yes! I love playing Brazilian and Latin music!", was my answer. The event was a cocktail party and I knew the music would create a lively jazzy atmosphere which is just what they were looking for. The event was an Appreciation Party for those who have supported their cause over the last few years.

I appreciated the client taking time to share his enthusiasm about the Foundation I was playing for. He explained that Joy of the People (Center for Soccer) in St. Paul had a unique youth sports philosophy.

They believe that children should have a place to experience the joy of free play and that it should be accessible to all children. 

They recently signed a ten year lease on the building and property which means they can now move forward on some great field improvements. They also received a wonderful grant on the turf needed once they get the field prepared. So they are in fundraising mode for this great cause! 

Midway through playing for the event I learned the 'Brazilian' connection. The founder and a foundation member visited Brazil to meet with some of the soccer talents and learn more about their concept of free play in Brazil. They returned with renewed vision for their endeavor.  You will enjoy reading some of their findings on their Joy of People web site. 

 If you have a passion for allowing children to be children while enjoying the sport of soccer, you could help make their Field of Joy come true. I invite you to show your interest by contacting Ted@joyofthepeople.org

Joy of the People sponsored a beautiful evening of appreciation for their volunteers and sponsors. I had a fun time playing catchy Latin rhythms for this great group of people!

by Sharon Planer, Pianist for Parties

Guests at the New Year's Eve party were in a mood to celebrate! I enjoyed creating a fun atmosphere with familiar pop tunes.  As the clock neared midnight I revved up the music. Then came the horn tooting and cheering followed by Auld Lang Syne.  Happy New Year to William and all of his wonderful friends!