Live music is one of the longest established forms of entertainment. It is quite difficult to think of a modern public performance which doesn't incorporate music at some point. In light of this it seems logical that live music performances are some of the most simple and long standing performances.

Many different styles of music can be listened to and enjoyed as entertainment. If you are looking for inspiration for choosing music for a party or event we have created a brief guide to some traditional styles.

Folk Groups

Folk music is a music that has arose and continued to develop from humble origins. Many early folk performances started out as low key impromptu events and this tradition still continues as folk artists strive to create intimate and informal performances.

Folk music has existed in different societies for hundreds of years. Folk music and its performances developed in areas when little musical technology was available and the style of music produced closely reflects this. This is evident in the prominent role that vocals play in folk performances. As our voices are an instrument that we always have to hand many folk routines and performances are centred on spoken word, singing and poetry. This open approach has helped attract new fans and artists to folk music who continue to further the tradition by sharing their own stories and experiences.

The lyrical content and narrative elements remain popular with people who are tired of sensationalist forms of pop music with little lasting appeal. Folk music originated from isolated rural communities where there was little communication and people had to rely on word of mouth. People would create folk songs to convey messages and issues of the era that otherwise couldn't be communicated. Folk artists were often not classically trained musicians but workers which listeners found more acceptable and consequently the form of music more accessible.

The instrumental side of folk music is also a big appeal. Simple percussion and strings are used to make music which although minimal has much charm. This kind of arrangement helps encourage people to dance and sing along making for some memorable performances.

Big bands first emerged during the 1930s with the popularity of swing music. As the name suggests big band members usually perform on stage as part of a large group playing jazz music.

Unlike jazz groups big band shows don't focus on improvisation and instead play arrangements from sheet music. Improvised solos are occasionally included if requested by arrangers before hand. This more structured approach creates a surprisingly different sound considering that the choice of instruments is remarkably similar.

Like jazz bands big bands also form the core of the sound using the rhythm and horn sections. As big bands have around ten to twenty members they have larger sections which can provide more textured sounds albeit with more organisation.