Here’s what some of our recent booking clients and booking agents have said:

Note: The following are "unedited" original letters.

Just a few of our recent clients have said:

9/27/08
Hey there Everyone, 

I had the opportunity to see THE TROUPERS this past weekend at a great friend of mine's wedding in Asheville. They were an excellent band! The jazzy cocktail hour set was perfect and set the mood fabulously. Once the sit-down dinner portion of the evening was over, Troupers REALLY pumped it up to the next level. The dance floor should have been a lot bigger, because it was pretty crowded all night long! With excellent male and female vocals on the front-line, stellar lead guitar work, strong bass lines, magical keys a phenomenal horn player and a solid drum-beat this band is elegant, entertaining and very professional. 

The planner and venue alike were pretty nervous about volume control. They usually work with the same bands over and over again, and were nervous about doing something outside of the norm by working with East Coast Entertainment.. The mountains tend to echo the sound and they frequently receive complaints from neighbors during large events. Both the venue reps. and the planner came up to me during the night to let me know how cooperative and accommodating Bill and the band were in regards to volume control and what a great band they are! 

Thanks Troupers! 
Ellie LaBar, Entertainment Consultant,  EastCoast Entertainment
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8/2/08 - Charleston, SC

Once again, I cannot thank you enough - you and your band helped make the evening such a success. I appreciate the quieter music during dinner so people could talk - as you witnessed after dinner this was definitely a dancing group - some of them may not have known that about themselves before that night! I have received so many positive comments about you. I am more than happy to be a reference or testimonial - my pleasure! Please let me know if you ever need my comments to support your marketing!

Mary Beth Dacey, Kiawah Island, SC 
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May 3, 2008 - Fundraising Gala

You are very welcome. I just sent my comments to Ted Hall at East Coast, and am happy to send the same sentiments to you all as well. You all are by far, hands down, one of the best bands I have ever heard and been involved with. You personally were a pleasure to work with, and I appreciated your suggestions and comments, and am thankful that you helped me make announcements throughout the night. All of you were kind, nice people. I liked how you took turns with the vocalists, and all of you have really great singing voices. Robin gave Chaka Khan a run for her money with "Sweet Thing". I received so many compliments on you that night. This week, people have been coming in to tell me how nice the event was, and how much they enjoyed the music and food. You were very prompt in returning after breaks and you stayed in the vicinity to keep up with our schedule. You have a great repertoire and the variety kept the crowd on the floor. I can't think of any negative things to report to you. 

As soon as we get the date for our event next year, I am planning to book you again. 

Thanks so much for entertaining us. You will receive my highest
recommendation from here on out!

Dawn Carter, Director of Development, Ridgecroft School, Ahoskie, NC
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April 25 – Rehearsal Dinner .April 26 Wedding Reception, Washington, NC

We really did have the best time. Dustin and I both are terrible dancers but that didn't stop us from dancing to every song. We liked every song and we enjoyed the diversity of the music and the male/female vocals. We had to wait 30 minutes just to make our formal "exit" because the City Club said they couldn't get people to leave! Everyone was having such a blast dancing.

Thanks for a terrific evening, Catherine and Dustin Barr
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March 31, 2008 - Corinthian Ballroom, Roanoke, VA

We would definitely love to have our comments on your website - you all did a fantastic job at the wedding!

Thank you so much for the wild party you helped us throw! The dance floor was packed all night and we keep hearing compliments of how much fun everyone had and it is due in part to the great job you all did. Every song was one we loved and wanted to dance to. We will be passing your name around to our friends for future celebrations and weddings. My brother is getting married soon and has already asked for your contact information! We had a blast...thank you so much again!

Take care, Alison and Brad

Ps The Troupers have booked Alison’s brother’s wedding reception Oct 4, 2008!

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March 8, 2008 - Alamance CC, Burlington, NC

Dear Bill and The Troupers,
We wanted to let you know again how much we enjoyed and appreciated
the music and fun you provided at our daughter's wedding last Saturday at 
the Dunes Club. You have a great mix to choose from and we enjoyed 
picking out the music ahead of time because we knew there would be a 
range of ages and tastes among our guests.
Another positive thing we would like to commend you on was that the 
volume of your music was just right. 
You are a very talented, professional, and friendly group and we will 
certainly recommend you to our friends and acquaintances in the future.
All the best to each of you!

Mary and Claude Fournier,Morehead City, NC
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Wedding Reception in Camden, SC 9/15/07

From: Bill Butler

Friday, September 28, 2007 
Subject: The Troupers 9/15/07 
Tish,
Thanks for having The Troupers play for your daughter's wedding reception. We had a ball! You guys were a fun and DANCING group. We certainly appreciate your hospitality - especially the HI Express across from a Krispy Creme!
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H Zimmerman wrote: 

Bill, 
We had a wonderful time at the wedding, much of that was due to the music 
you created! (and I didn't know there was a Krispy Kreme by the HI - purely 
coincidental!) We had so many compliments on your band, even had another 
engaged couple that says they want to cancel their current band and hire 
you! Of course you can use my comments on the website - I am a good 
organizer, but not much of a writer, though. I already wrote a nice 
paragraph and sent it to East Coast Entertainment, and thought I had also 
emailed the same thing to you but cannot seem to find it. So here goes 
again... 

The Troupers band really came through for our daughter's wedding on 9/15/07. 
They are true entertainers, and we have had many compliments on the band! 
The band members read the crowd very well and adjust music appropriately. 
We had a wonderful time, even those folks who don't get up and dance much 
were on the dance floor most of the evening. The large variety of music 
pleased all age groups that came to the wedding, and vocals were quite 
impressive as well. The music was simply fabulous. Would we hire them 
again? You bet! This band gets two thumbs up! I would recommend it for 
anyone who wants to get a great party going. 
Sincerely, 
Tish Zimmerman 

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June 16, 2007 Wedding Reception Salisbury, NC
Jacqui Roemer Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2007 

The Troupers are the perfect band for a perfect evening. The band was so easy to work with during my crazy time of planning. They did everything they could to make sure the day was everything I hoped for and that they day went smoothly. I am still getting complements on the band. My family and friends had a blast! Thank you Troupers for your musical precision and soul moving vocals!

Hope this will work for your website...I mean everything I wrote. Thank you for making our evening so fun!!! I will suggest to everyone that they use The Troupers!

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7/28/2007 Fundraiser in Salisbury, NC

Bill, 

Sorry it's taken me so long to respond, but I needed some time off! Your 
band was absolutely fabulous -- a true crowd-pleaser! The dance floor was 
full all night long! Thanks so much for your professionalism and excellent 
performance. We hope to have you back in the future. 

All the best,  Barbara 

Barbara Martin Lawther, Director of Development , The LandTrust for Central North Carolina 

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June 30, 2007 Lewisburg, W VA.
Hello!
It has been a bit hectic since the wedding...sorry to take so long getting back to you all!  Well... I cannot say enough about The Troupers. 

First, Bill was extremely professional to work with. He was very attentive and responsive to our requests. I was nervous about the traffic coming up from NC to WVa and they were at the reception site setting up before I even got there! They sounds checks were complete and they were ready to go.... 

Second, I had Bill once we signed the contract to see if they could learn Madonna's "Like a Prayer". This is my favorite song and I knew it would be so fun for them to play. They learned the song and played it as the wedding and it was SUCH A HIT!! We are still having people come up to us telling us how amazing the band was, how interactive, upbeat and great sounding they were. 

We were really pleased with the band. They put on a great performance and we will recommend them to anyone! (They are actually playing at a friends wedding in Sept in Charlotte)

Thanks so much for everything! Margaret Tomlinson

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5/16/2007 Wedding reception in Charleston
Hello!
Steve and I had a wonderful time at our reception thanks to you and your band! I really enjoyed everything you guys did from beginning to end and so did all of our guests. You did everything I requested and it turned out wonderful. Everyone is calling it a Cinderella wedding, and I have to believe that a big portion of it was due to your band and the way you handled everything! Several people have asked me for your contact information because they loved the music selection and the way you guys performed. My particular favorites were the "Love train" and also your rendition of "With this Ring". 

Thank you for your attention to the details I had requested and thank you for making my wedding reception so entertaining. You and your band are truly talented!

Kind Regards, Michelle and Steve Fraser

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New Year’s Eve - 12/31/2006 - Wilkes Co. Community College

The Troupers have already been re-booked (on Jan 10, 2006!) for NYE 2007 by this great group!

Email form client:
“Everything was great Bill. I believe all our folk had a super time and thoroughly enjoyed you and the Troupers! I had a number of very
favorable comments...and no negative ones! I appreciated the professional manner in which you and your band conducted themselves both prior to the event and during your time on our campus.
Nothing by good things...and I'll be happy to say so to anyone you might want me too! 
Thanks again. We're beginning to plan next year already and I'm sure
you will be considered again.

Rick Stegall, Development/Community Relations, Wilkes Community College
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September 14, 2006
From Bonnie Carol Barrow
Dear  "TROUPER BILL", THANK YOU to you and THE TROUPERS for making our wedding PERFECT!! I felt such ease during our first conversation that this portion of my wedding was in good hands, but you and the band truly made our wedding. I can not tell you the number of phone calls I have had from guest wanting your information. Everyone is RAVING about all of you, and laughing at how they could not walk for a week from dancing so much. People who NEVER dance, danced the entire time! Exactly what we wanted!! You truly are a TALENTED, FUN, and CROWD ORIENTED band, but most importantly "GOOD PEOPLE"!!

You will see me on the front row dancing and singing with you again!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

Bennie Carol Barrow, Sales Manager, Hilton Wilmington Riverside and Riverview Suites
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Wedding reception - Charleston, SC - Oct 7, 2006
From the groom:
“Thanks so much for performing at our wedding this weekend. You guys
were truly great. The timing was great, the sound was great and the
look was great. You guys also did a terrific job of getting our guests
up and inspiring them to dance.
Again, thanks so much for being an important part of our wedding.
Jennifer and I will always remember the Troupers fondly.
Please let me know if we can be a reference for you in the future.
All my best, Brett Katzner 

From the father of the bride:
Bill,
“Thanks for the email. Your band is great and I am so glad that Jennifer and Brett chose you for their wedding. Thanks for allowing me to introduce the song (I Loved Her First by Heartland – a special request by the father) and the band performed it beautifully. I have had many compliments about your band and the music. Hope to see you again soon. If you are playing, we'll be having a great time.
Has anyone ever approached you about playing in the park in Blowing
Rock? You would be great there.
Kindest regards, Jim McDowell
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Wedding reception - Belmont, NC - October 21, 2006
Mother of the bride to agent for this job:
“From: Dillman, Colleen 
Tuesday, October 24, 2006 
To: Ted Hall  (Agent for ECE)
Subject: RE: follow up form letter 
Ted, 
The Troupers were fantastic to work with, but I think you already know 
that. The crowd loved them and their music. They are a wonderful group of talented people and I was happy to have them there to share in Clair's joy. 
Colleen 
COLLEEN DILLMAN , SALES PERFORMANCE INTERNATIONAL 

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November 18, 2006 - Christmas Ball - Gastonia, NC
Reply email from Trouper Bill to host of event and email of appreciation from host to Trouper Bill:
Kristie,  Thanks for your kind words. On behalf of The Troupers, I would like to say thank you for your wonderful hospitality - we had a blast! The dance floor is our barometer, and the meter said "full". We were happy to play for your event and would love to play for you again. 
Happy Thanksgiving 

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November 21, 2006
I just want to tell you how much we enjoyed The Troupers this past 
Saturday night. You guys were awesome! Many guests told me that you were 
the best band that we have ever had. I can't thank you enough for all 
you did to help make our gala a success. I hope we get to work together 
again.
Sincerely, Kristie Smith, Junior League of Gaston County, Inc.
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Monday, October 2003
Barry Herndon of ECE wrote: The attached letter is from Michelle Ray - she used to be the “sales and catering” director at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill. The band I booked for her was THE TROUPERS! (based out of Durham, NC). THE TROUPERS are an outstanding variety dance band! They ALWAYS deliver. In short - this group is a “sleeping giant”. I (and several other ECE agents) have used the band in the past w/ the same results. Excellent band leader in Bill Butler – every time I book THE TROUPERS I know I can breathe easy because every “i” will be dotted and every “t” will be crossed! Bill advances dates well in advance, and bends over backwards for customers. Paying attention to every detail is Bill’s forte. Hands down - one of the best in the business. The band has dynamite female and male lead vocalists and great musicians. Simply stated - they can do it all: from a 1^st class dinner set to beach oldies, to funk and disco to even current music. The following testimonial speaks VOLUMES about this fantastic group. Do yourself a BIG favor - book THE TROUPERS

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Dear Bill, please accept my apologies on the delayed note to thank you and the Troupers for all you did to make our wedding day magical last month!  Ross and I have received dozens of compliments from guests and family about how much fun the reception was - and specifically about what a wonderful band we had chosen.  I appreciate the extra efforts you made to consult with me before the wedding to make sure that the tone of the evening would be consistent - sophisticated but high energy.  You pulled it off in grand style!

Our entrance with the trumpeter and your group to “The Saints Go Marching In” created a sense of fun from the first moment we entered the Old Well Room, and your musicians worked tirelessly to ensure that the guests had a reason to dance song after song.  The song list was comprehensive, and allowed me to accommodate my parent’s generation with some wonderful swing and blues melodies while making sure that my friends had plenty of contemporary and classic pop songs to enjoy.  I loved being able to join you and one of my friends onstage for a grand version of “Brown Eyed Girl” – I suspect photos of that will make many albums! It was a special treat to have you offer to play an extra 15 minutes so that you could honor my last song request - who knew that we’d still have 80% of the guests on the dance floor that late?  You guided our event highlights (first dance, toasts, cake cutting) in an understated and appropriate way, making sure that the band breaks corresponded to natural pauses in the event and were very minimal.

Barry Herndon of ECE wrote:
The TROUPERS deliver again.... Below is more feedback on THE TROUPERS! This is from the job this past sat. If you have a form that you’d like for me to use, then just sent it. Otherwise, let me just say that Bill Butler is excellent at managing his client relationships.  He’s easy to work with and makes it clear that his job is for us to have a good time.  We went to a practice and knew we hired the “right” band.  We had some communications up to and including the night of our event.  He’s professional, flexible, customer-focused, and a talented musician with a great sense of humor that he probably reserves based on who his client is.  I’m so glad he let me get a glimpse of it since I think he’s a witty guy.  All of our feedback from the guests was positive and I believe his business will just grow and grow.  I had a tough crowd because of the huge age range and some close, close friends in the music industry who are somewhat critical.The Troupers won them over.  Not to mention, he’s well respected by Margaux’s Stephen (the premier Raleigh restaurant) which makes it a win-win situation.

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Thank you for booking The Troupers for our daughter’s very special day (Kiawah Island, SC  3/05).  We are already looking for a reason to have another party so that we can hire them again!  All contact with The Troupers prior to the wedding was met with prompt and courteous response. I cannot begin to tell you how WONDERFUL a group The Troupers are.  They are awesome performers, and they really brought all of the wedding guests together.  Within minutes of the beginning of their performance, it seemed as if EVERYONE was dancing and enjoying the event.  They were also extremely professional, from their dress to the manner in which they conducted themselves, both onstage and offstage during breaks.  We have since had numerous guests tell us it was the best band at a wedding event they had ever seen/heard….”

Amy R. Jordan, L.L.C. , Johns Island, SC    ___________________________________________________________

“Everything was fabulous! Everyone commented on how wonderful The Troupers were and you sure keep us dancing all night!”  (Bolivia, NC 5/05) Lauren Lorenzo, Convention Services Manager, The Westin Buckhead Atlanta, GA 
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The Troupers were fantastic!! All of our guests kept coming up to us and saying “this band is fabulous!”  The dance  floor was never empty.  I think y’all knew exactly how to play the best variety to keep people involved and that in itself is an art.   The whole group was amazing ~ and your female vocalist is SO talented!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this such a special night for Blair & Jeremiah AND for all the nice, supportive emails before the wedding.  It was just a pleasure having you all there. Astor Taylor (Blair’s Mom), Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill, NC (12/04)
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October 10, 2005

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This is my favorite band.  The Troupers play all types of music, sound just like the record, and had me dancing on the tables!”  George Bakatsias – renowned Chef and Owner of Parizade, George’s Garage,  Spice Street “New Year’s Eve The TPC at Wakefield Plantation and everyone couldn’t stop dancing until well into the next year! The Troupers are best band we have had at The TPC at Wakefield.”     John Sluck – Food and Beverage Director “The Troupers were wonderful! I received many raves and compliments for them and many people were asking for their name to use them in the future. Thank you so much for everything. We had a fantastic time!” Thank you for your follow up note. All comments about your performance, including my own, were very positive. In fact, to the point we would like to book you for next year. All the best and Merry Christmas, Owner, Governors Club Realty, Chapel Hill, NC
___________________________________________________________ What a fantastic time Gary and I had at our wedding this Saturday! I can’t tell you how happy it made me, (being the anxious bride of course), seeing one of your band members setting up before I even got there. It really calmed my nerves to see that all our communication before the wedding was being implemented. I want to thank you and the members of the band, for the most memorable night of fantastic music. To see my dad, (who is 70 by the way), out there dancing with my mom, my great aunts, his granddaughters and then line dancing with my girlfriends was a HOOT. What an evening to remember. Once again, thank you Bill....The Troopers were the best (oh by the way, when are you playing in Durham so we can come and see?) Donna Hamm