Jon,
Thank you so much for making our daughter’s wedding so memorable. The band
was wonderful. They had people dancing all evening and it was so nice to
not have to worry about a thing. They are true professionals who know
exactly what they are doing. The soloist for the church also did a
wonderful job and helped make the service so beautiful.
Two of our guests just booked Downtime for their
daughter’s wedding in November so Gene and I will have the opportunity to
hear the band again. We will be looking forward to that reception!
With Much Gratitude,
Roben Carter – Mother of Bride
Hilton Frontenac – St. Louis
July 2010
Jon -
I can’t tell you enough how awesome it was to work with you. I really appreciate you always promptly answering my bombardment of questions and emails. I was very nervous using a band at first but it’s what Andy really wanted. Now I can’t imagine how I ever was unsure of booking you all. Our dance floor was constantly packed and with a wide variety of guests and it was like that all night. The songs you played and learned for us were amazing.
And finally I can’t tell you how many compliments we received on the band. It literally feels like every guest raved about you guys! Our parents in particular couldn’t stop raving about you and they can be hard to please. Last but no least, your female vocalist was phenomenal. Her singing “I Will Always Love You” for the mother/son dance had EVERYONE talking about it. She about received a standing ovation!! I will never forget that. Please let her and your other members that we could not have been more pleased!!!
Sincerely,
Andrew & Tiffany Fox
Hilton Frontenac – St. Louis
July 2010
We were absolutely thrilled with Downtime’s performance at our wedding reception. Jon was extremely helpful leading up the event, and totally respectful of our requests for the night. Our guests have raved about the music and more than a handful have said that it’s the best wedding band they’ve ever seen. I’d endorse Downtime any day. Great energy, awesome selection of music, and good people.
Joe & Julie Sullivan
Moulin Events – St. Louis
June 2010
Jon and Band-
Thank you so much for the best reception EVER! The band had great energy and my guests LOVED you! I had probably 50 people tell me that you were the best band they had heard at a wedding (especially my friend who played your tambourine!) I also think one of my guests asked for one of your business cards that night! Every time I looked, the dance floor was packed and that is because of the great entertaining you guys did! The songs were perfect and the vocalists’ voices rocked!!!!! Thank you again for all you have done! I would HIGHLY recommend Downtime, they seriously made our reception such a success! Thanks again, you guys are wonderful!
Also thank you Jon for being so patient with me! You were more than helpful when I was making decisions. Thanks for being so prompt with emails and meeting John and I (and our entire family). We appreciate all of your hard work! THANKS!!!
Tessa & John McConkey
June 2010
Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center – Chesterfield, MO
Jon Jon Jon,
Where do I start? When I first came in to see you I wasn’t even sure I wanted to have a live band. I thought I did… but was sure sure. After briefly meeting you (and bothering you to meet with me at the drop of a hat) I knew I had to do it. Somehow meeting with you made me visualize how awesome having live music could be.
You were there for me every step of the way. Checking in, getting back to me promptly (which was huge for me being far away). I felt good energy from you the whole time. I think that translated really well the day of. You were there so I don’t need to explain how amazing the day was… and in large part that is because of you. Somehow it slipped my mind that you would be playing drums. You had told me that… but when I saw you up there I was like OMG that is so cool 
So thank you. You rocked it. I know I can be demanding: and you met the demand Please know you have my highest recommendation if ever needed!!
Also, thank you for working with the Raveonettes. How cool was that?!
Best wishes,
Sara Meyers
June 2010
Ameristar Casino – St. Charles, MO
Dear Jon & Band,
Thank you so much for providing such fantastic entertainment at our wedding! The dance floor was packed and everyone had a great time. We received so many compliments on the music. Also, thank you for accommodating our very late special request. Really, no wedding is complete without “Baby Got Back!” It just completes an evening that included the “Tangerine Dream.”
We really enjoyed working with you and will be sure to recommend you to anyone planning an event!
Thanks again!
Melissa & Adam Wilburn
April 2010
Hilton Ballpark – St. Louis, MO
Thank you for providing such wonderful music at our reception. People loved the variety and really raved. We are still receiving compliments. Working with you and your performance was GREAT! We would recommend you without a doubt.
Many Thanks!
Lyn & Chris
April 2010
Crystal Ballroom – Staunton, IL
Jon,
We are so glad Downtime was willing to come to Florida for our wedding! Thank you for everything and for working with me to have the best dance party ever!
Cheers!
Jen & Ed O’Connor
February 2010
South Seas Resort – Captiva Island, FL
Hi Jon,
I hope holiday season is finding you well! Now that we are back from the honeymoon, through Thanksgiving, and able to breath a bit before Christmas, Jason and I both want to thank you, and the rest of the Downtime Band, for helping make our wedding reception amazing! We had a total blast!
We got so many compliments on how great the band was and how much fun everyone had because of it! Several friends commented that they had never been to a wedding where the band was even good…let alone great! You managed to keep everyone (us especially!) on the dance floor the entire night! Not only that but you MC’d the night perfectly, we never had to worry about a thing.
Thank you so much for your attention to detail, your prompt response to any and all questions, your professional management of the vendor/client relationship and most of all, for ensuring that we were more than happy with our decision to have Downtime as our band. We are thrilled with our choice and will (already have!) recommended you all to our friends and family if they are ever in need of a great band.
With sincere thanks,
~Tiffany & Jason Hoppe
October 2009
Hurstbourne Country Club – Louisville, KY
Jon-
We can’t thank you enough for the fantastic time you and the band provided for us and our wedding guests Saturday night. We heard nothing but praise the entire night for the quality of the entertainment and sheer fun everyone had. You really contributed to making this the best wedding for our little girl and new son in law we ever could have imagined. Please don’t hesitate to use us as enthusiastic references for Downtime!
Lynda and Dave Marlett – Parents of Bride
November 2009
Northfield Inn & Suites Conference Center – Springfield, IL
I was happy, but not excited, to book Downtime. That was my mistake, I should have been ecstatic because they were awesome! Not cliche awesome, but really awesome. Having Downtime perform truly made our reception, we received countless complements about how fantastic they were. Our guests obviously thoroughly enjoyed them, from the 2 year old ring bearer to our 87 year old aunt (both of whom were on the dance floor for at least two hours).
Dave did a great job MCing our event, he kept things moving along with no inane and pointless chatter. We threw a couple curve balls at the last minute regarding wedding party introductions and he handled it perfectly.
Jon was extremely professional and really easy to work with. From the first phone call to the last drum that was packed up after the reception he was always very helpful and responsive.
If you’re considering hiring a band for you wedding do it, and make sure Downtime is on your short list.
Christine & Mark Grabish
October 2009
The Cedars Banquet Center – St. Louis, MO
Jon,
Just wanted to say thanks for a perfect evening last night. You and the other band members did an awesome job and if you ever need a reference or person to suggest your band feel free to let me know. Thanks for being so patient with me for the past few months! So glad we had you guys!
James & Jessica Dashner
Sunset Country Club – St. Louis, MO
October 2009
Jon,
Adam and I wanted to write to say thank you for making our reception
so memorable (I am assuming it was for you too – I want to hear your
stories about our crazy guests!) and a huge success. I have received
tons of complements about your band and I must say that I thought you
all sounded incredible!
Thanks again!
Heather and Adam
Lodge of the Four Seasons – Lake of the Ozarks
August 2009
Dear Jon -
Thank you so much for the wonderful music and for your unfailing professionalism from our first contact until the end of our son’s and daughter-in-law’s wedding reception. Your prompt response to every question made our planning for the reception so much easier. You and Downtime are the best.
Live music is truly the best for a great party.
Thank you again for your help and for your superb musicians.
Kathie Price (Mother of the Groom)
Orlando Gardens – St. Louis, MO
August 2009
Dear Jon,
Thank you so much for such a great reception. The band was terrific and so many people have inquired about you. BJ really wanted a live band for the reception and his parents agreed to book one. We are so happy Kathie found you. You really made the evening from the jazz at dinner to the dancing all night. I loved also how you kept me informed as to what was going on (especially at the beginning when the kids were ready and waiting to be introduced) You were a pleasure to work with. Jeanette is my middle of three daughters and both the other girls said they would love to have you at their receptions when and if they ever have the opportunity. John and I would agree in an instant. Thank you again!
Susan and John Schumer (brides parents)
Orlando Gardens – St. Louis, MO
August 2009
Dear Jon,
Thank you so much for the fantastic music at our wedding. The band was extremely talented and left us beyond impressed and enjoyed every minute of it! You were great and very easy to work with, helpful, kind, responsive, organized and we really appreciate everything! Thanks for adding such a lovely touch to our very special day. Downtime was a hit.
Take care,
Heather & Sam
City Museum – St. Louis
July 2009
Hi Jon,
I’m finally getting the chance to send our sincere thanks for providing such great entertainment at our wedding reception!! You’ve received numerous compliments on how great you were and how much fun they had at our wedding! From the beginning you were so easy to work with and collaborated so well with all of our other vendors to work out the details. The ceremony musicians and jazz trio were great too! I really noticed when watching our video what a fabulous job they did. I have your contact info ready to send out to anyone that might need it.
Best of luck to you!
Rhandi & Adam Weinstock
Embassy Suites – Peoria, IL
May 2009
P.S. – Thanks for the message on our video and even helping calm my nerves right before the ceremony.
Jon,
Hey there! I wanted to tell you and Downtime Band THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! Words can’t describe how wonderful you all were… from the announcements, dinner music and the dancing!!! It was all amazing!! You kept the dance floor packed all night… even Ryan was on the dance floor and that rarely happens. I hope that I didn’t annoy you too much, thanks for letting me take my tambourine act public… I’m thinking about taking my act out on the road… ha!!
Seriously though, thank you for everything! The Reception was amazing and Downtime had a lot to do with that! I have recommended you to all my Brides and I hope to work with you all in the future!
Thanks!
Jen Conley-Champion
Ameristar Casino – St. Charles, MO
May 2009
Dear Jon & Downtime Band,
You guys were amazing. Everyone kept coming up to us at the reception to tell us how good the band was. Thank you for keeping the dance floor packed all night and for going out of your way to do the army/navy intro song. Should you ever need more references, please keep us in mind. Thank you so much!!
Rich & Rebecca Sheridan
Moulin Events – St. Louis, MO
May 2009
Jon,
I cannot thank you enough for the amazing job you and your band did at the wedding. Not only am I receiving compliments, but I am also getting questions on how to book you for other weddings, church picnics, etc… You wow-ed me, my guests, and even the owner of the reception venue. The music was great, allowing Mark and his posse to play was wonderful – Thank you for the drum set playing btw – and for letting them play a few along with the band. Our wedding would not have been such a hit without you.
Thanks so very much!!
Tiffany (Toennies) Iwinski
Hidden Lake Winery – Aviston, IL
May 2009
Dear Jon,
I’ve been meaning to get this out to you sooner, but Bill and I and Emily and Sean want to thank you for the wonderful entertainment you provided for their wedding reception on October 25th. I’ve had several people ask me for your name and number. Everything was perfect! You and your musical group are professional and extraordinary. Your style in emceeing was very well done. I think everyone enjoyed themselves and it will be an evening we will never forget.
Again, thanks for sharing your musical talents with our families. I wouldn’t be surprised if a couple of our friends look you up for future events.
Great job!
Bill and Laura Hecht (Parents of Bride)
October 2008
Chase Park Plaza – St. Louis
Thanks Jon! You were awesome to work with, and I would recommend Downtime to anyone. You guys were awesome at our wedding. I think having the dance floor packed all night says it all. Good luck with everything for your wedding and maybe we’ll see you around the neighborhood.
Thanks again for everything!
Kristi & Matt Yehling
October 2008
Sheraton Westport – St. Louis
Jon,
Thanks for all of your help. Your group did a great job, we have heard
nothing but compliments from those at the wedding.
Thanks for making our special day even better.
Patrick and Carrie Barry
August 2008
Spazio Westport – St. Louis
Hi Jon,
This email is long overdue! We just wanted to say thank you! Downtime did an amazing job at our wedding reception. The band was awesome and our guests are still talking about you all! It was a great party! You were all fantastic to work with! We couldn’t have asked for more.
Take care,
Laura and Matt Westbrock
May 2008
Sheraton Four Points – Fairview Heights, IL
Thank you Jon! You guys were amazing, I have received so many compliments! I’ll be sure to pass your name along to anyone I know that has an upcoming event, you were so great to work with.
Matt and Jessica Hoenes
May 2008
World’s Fair Pavilion – St. Louis
Hi Jon,
We had a great time at the wedding and think you did a great job with everything. The songs we picked were performed perfect. Everyone was talking about how great you guys were…I thought working with you was a wonderful experience and appreciate everything.
Thank you!!
Curt and Heidi Skiver
April 2008
Crescent Hotel – Eureka Springs, AR
I knew we had found a good band, but I was delighted to find Downtime better then even my best expectations! It gave the whole evening a very elegant feel and you really did take care of everything during the reception, I didn’t have a single worry. Everyone loved it, the dance floor was always filled, and I kept getting asked all night how we had managed to find you. Having a live band perform, and in particular Downtime… really made the difference. We can’t thank you enough!
Steve and Rachel Molloy
April 2008
Cedar Rapids, IA
Downtime offers an amazing mix of music guaranteed to entertain. The flow of the wedding reception was effortless on our part, because they took care of it all. We got compliments all night on the jazz, solo piano, and the band. Everyone wondered where we found such amazing talent! From start to finish, they were professional and full of personality. I’ve seen a lot of bands at wedding receptions, but none compared to Downtime. We can’t stop talking about it and couldn’t be happier! Thank you!!!
Brian and Erin Schniers
December 2007
Cornerstone – Peoria, IL
Performing at a national big-box retailer may not be the ideal gig for a band of this caliber, but I can honestly say I could not have asked for a more professional and dynamic group for a recent grand re-opening event in St. Louis. Downtime was able to transform the front of the store into a dance floor filled with energy and excitement. It’s definitely an unexpected sight in a setting such as this! Their creativity and charisma is second-to-none. Next time I manage an event in their vicinity, they have certainly convinced me to make them my first choice for entertainment.
Thanks again!
Christy Glemming
November 2007
Malone Advertising
Akron, OH
Jon,
I just wanted to take a moment and say thank you to all of the band members for making our daughters reception a great time. We have had many compliments, especially on the band! Thank you for your patience in dealing with all my little concerns along the way. I will certainly pass your name along to anyone looking for a GREAT band to play at a party or reception. And yes, I will keep you in mind when my other daughters decide to get married.
Thanks again,
Jayne Wooldridge
November 2007
Holiday Inn – St. Peters, MO
Downtime’s performance at this year’s Emmy Awards show was fun, energetic and added to the overall success of the night. Their music created a great atmosphere for the show and working with Downtime was an award-winning experience!
Anne-Marie Berger
Producer/Director
KETC Channel 9 (PBS)
Mid-America Emmy Awards
October 2007
We could not have been more pleased with Downtime. Being from out of town made wedding planning challenging but Jon Spindler was by far the most responsive vendor answering all of our questions and requests quickly. His efforts were matched by each of Downtime’s band members. Downtime did an excellent job MC-ing our event and they provided the ideal music throughout the evening… from cocktail hour through dancing. We were extremely impressed by their performance and professionalism and recommend them to all our friends.
Thanks again for doing such a great job. Best of luck with everything in the future.
Sonja Bareiss-Wingard & Chris Wingard
October 2007
Art Museum – Forest Park – St. Louis, MO
Jon,
Thank you so much for playing our wedding. You guys kept the dance floor packed all night and left them begging for more at the end! The whole band was awesome and you did such a great job learning our song. You also were so professional and easy with which to deal. I wish all my vendors had been as great at communicating as you were.
Thank you again for making the evening so memorable and quite simply – a great party. Please feel free to send any potential clients my way. I promise rave reviews!
Thanks,
Mary Pat Benninger Carl
October 2007
Forest Park Visitor’s Center – St. Louis, MO
Hi Jon,
I’ve been meaning to get to this earlier… but just wanted to write and say thanks so much for everything you and the band put together on Sept. 22 in Bloomington. Everything went perfect and I’ll never forget how you saved the day with iTunes and a little wi-fi!
The music was absolutely fantastic – you guys had the place rockin’. We got so many compliments on your presence and sound, so you have 300 or so new fans. The finale, despite my worries about the fireworks, was picture perfect. ‘At Last’ still rings in my ears, and every time it does I can see the pleasure in the crowds’ eyes and the love in my bride’s when the fireworks lit up the sky in concert with Downtime’s amazing voice.
Truly magnificent – memories for a lifetime. Thanks so much!
Ryan Brown
September 22, 07
Deer Park Manor – Bloomington, IN
Hey Jon,
Sarah and I just got back from Illinois on Saturday. We had a relaxing time on our honeymoon, and we had a very fun time at our wedding. I just wanted to say thank you for the great job your band did the day of our wedding. We were very impressed with the musicians that performed at both the ceremony and the reception. So many of our guests have commented on how good the band sounded. Once again, thanks again for everything, and please don’t hesitate to use us as a reference, we’d be happy to share our positive experience with future wedding couples
Marc and Sarah Pagnotta
Rend Lake Resort
July 2007
Downtime was an excellent choice for our wedding reception! They are very versatile and outstanding musicians, who have a lot of experience not only in music, but also in how to make a particular event flow. They are also very easy to work with. We definitely got our money’s worth and feel very lucky to have been able to get them for our reception!
Kimberly Hopkins
Embassy Suites – Little Rock, AR
May 2007
Dear, Jon, David, Mat, Chris, & Nicole,
Thank you all so much for playing at our wedding. We had a great time dancing and have received many enthusiastic comments from guests about you. You really helped to make our wedding a very special and memorable event!! We were both really touched by your professionalism & talent. Best wishes in your future work.
Take care,
John & Ann Smolen-Hetzel
Peoria, IL
(September 2006)
Jon, Now that I have the time…
You guys were phenomenal. People are still asking who played at our wedding so that they can book you for their future events. The only complaint was that you ended too soon! The band was so accommodating, especially for a home wedding reception. Wes, my husband, loved playing the drums with you, and many people look at that as the highlight of the night. So thank you for letting him do that.
The dance floor was always packed and I have you to thank for that. We were so concerned that our guests have a good time and you definitely provided that. Please feel free to use us as references for anyone who asks. Hopefully my sister will also marry soon and we can hear you again!
Wesley and Jennifer Riesmeyer
Greenville, IL
(September 2006)
Jon,
I wanted to thank you for the fabulous music selections for our 10th Anniversary Party. I know the music really helped add to the atmosphere of the night.
Thanks,
Lindsay
St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles
(June 2006)
Moulin – St. Louis, MO
Hi Jon,
I just wanted to write and say thank you for the music you provided at Our wedding. You guys were great, and everyone was really enjoying the music and having a great time! Thanks for answering all my questions along the way. Erik and I loved your rendition of the Gavin DeGraw song for our first dance. If you ever need references, feel free to use us. Thanks again! Have a great summer.
Take care,
Margo and Erik (May 2006)
Hilton Frontenac
Downtime has great musicianship and talent, and they were also extremely professional. I was very impressed with their prompt responses to all my questions throughout the planning of my event, and their willingness to learn and perform a song outside of their normal repertoire on such short notice. With so many items to put together for any event, it was a great relief to know that I didn’t have to worry about the band once I booked them. The music was solid, they were punctual and well-prepared. I felt at ease and the event was a success!
Rob Bertman (May 2006)
Westwood Country Club – St. Louis, MO
Jon,
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
Sorry I didn’t get to say goodbye to all of you, but I just want you to know you made that night so incredible. All we received since is compliments about how good the band was, how fun it was, and even one girl that wants to book you for her wedding. You were extremely professional, great fun, and truly everyone had a wonderful time because you were there.I told Rachel that we need to celebrate something else soon so that we can have you guys come play again… Give my best to the rest of the guys, next time I’m down near Edwardsville I’ll check and see if you are playing and see you there!
Luke and Rachel (June 2005)
Peoria, IL
We chose Downtime for our wedding reception from among a long list of St. Louis area bands because of their versatility and professionalism. From our first contact with the band, they displayed a willingness to accommodate our needs, which included traveling nearly 150 miles to play in a smaller venue with unique acoustics. Phone calls and emails were promptly returned and the band’s contract was straightforward and reasonable.
From the moment that Downtime opened the reception with an outstanding rendition of Van Morrison’s, “These Are Days”, we, along with our guests, were mesmerized by the band’s enthusiasm and energy. We literally spent the rest of the evening on the dance floor, dancing to songs from the band’s extensive repertoire.
In the days following our wedding, we received many notes from our guests thanking us for sharing such a special celebration with them, and their thoughts frequently reference the top-quality entertainment that Downtime provided. Downtime made our wedding reception a truly memorable occasion.
With our sincerest gratitude,
James & Holly Whitaker
(April 2005) Quincy, Illinois
Downtime played at the World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour show and did a great job. They set just the right mood for this family oriented event playing songs that excited the attendees and exhibitors. Many of the exhibitors commented to me on how great the band sounded.
As a busy show manager, I was ecstatic with the results and with the fact that the band was able to function with a minimum of assistance from my staff and me. They just wanted to know where to set up and then they did an excellent job on entertaining the public. This was not an easy task in such a huge venue as America’s Center with over 10,000 people attending. I would highly recommend this band.
Dave Swanson Chairman World’s Greatest Hobby on Tour
(January 2005) America’s Center – St. Louis, MO
Friends and relatives were excited to attend our wedding reception because we had hired Downtime to play live music instead of the usual DJ service. Excitement turned to overwhelming joy when the band began performing their specialized play list of songs for all ages. The members of the band were energetic and fun-loving people willing to accommodate any need or Special request. Their rendition of “Come Away with Me” by Norah Jones was phenomenal and will always hold a special place in our hearts as our wedding song.
As a newly married couple there are certain things that stand out about that night and the music performed by Downtime is at the top of the list.
Sincerely,
Jason and Maria Connoyer
(June 2004) – Quincy, IL
You all were great to work with and the guests loved your music!
Melanie Cambridge – Quality Inn & Suites
Hannibal, MO (New Year’s Eve 2004, 2005 & 2006)