Category Archives: Artistrings

Chicago Wedding Band & String Quartet Win WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards (14th & 15th Year)


WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards for 2025 + 2026

That makes 14 + 15 years receiving this award — and it never stops meaning the world to us.

To our couples — thank you for trusting us and for your incredibly kind words.

To our musicians, vocalists, and crew — you already know… this is you.

All our love to all of you ️

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We’re incredibly honored to share that both Sarlas Music — Chicago’s home for high-energy wedding bands, jazz ensembles, and live event music — and Artistrings — a modern string ensemble collective — have once again been recognized with the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards, for the 14th + 15th year.

What makes this recognition so meaningful is where it comes from.

The Couples’ Choice Awards are based entirely on reviews from the people who matter most — our clients. The couples, families, and event hosts who trusted us with their live wedding music in Chicago and took the time to share their experience afterward.

Every packed dance floor. Every ceremony moment. Every transition that felt just right.

That’s what these awards represent.

Over the past 25+ years, we’ve had the privilege of performing at more than 2,000 weddings and events across Chicago and the Midwest — from elegant ceremonies with our string quartet in Chicago to high-energy receptions with our full Chicago wedding band.

And through all of it, our focus has stayed the same:
Create something personal. Keep it real. Deliver it live.

No backing tracks. No shortcuts. No second takes.

Just musicians who care deeply about getting it right — for you, your guests, and the energy of the entire day.

To everyone who has trusted us, supported us, and shared kind words along the way — thank you. This recognition belongs to you as much as it does to us.


If you’re planning a wedding or event and looking for live wedding music in Chicago — whether a Chicago wedding band or Chicago string quartet — we’d love to be part of it.

Chicago Corporate Entertainment | Solo Cellist for Corporate Receptions & DMC Events


Solo cello. No backing tracks. Just groove. 
Cellist Matthew Agnew — A Sky Full of Stars/Coldplay

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Looking for something unexpected in Chicago corporate entertainment?

This solo cello take on “A Sky Full of Stars” starts with a lush arco intro — then flips the script. Matthew drops the bow and moves into a driving pizzicato groove, building a live, improvised texture that feels fresh, modern, and completely engaging.

Perfect for corporate receptions, networking events, and DMC entertainment, this style of Chicago entertainment brings energy without overpowering the room — a standout alternative to traditional background music.

If you’re planning a corporate event and want something distinctive, flexible, and fully live, solo cello is a powerful choice.

Pop String Quartet Chicago | Bridgerton Quartet “Wrecking Ball”


Pop string quartet goes Wrecking Ball 

chicagostringquartet popstringquartet popstrings stringquartet chicagoentertainmentPop string quartet goes Wrecking Ball

Sometimes the most magical moments don’t happen under chandeliers or in grand ballrooms—they happen right at home. ✨ As a Chicago pop string quartet and go-to choice for Chicago corporate entertainment and luxury events, we love reimagining modern songs through a Bridgerton-inspired lens.

This week, our Artistrings Pop Quartet—the leading pop string quartet in Chicago—recorded a fresh, Bridgerton-inspired version of “Wrecking Ball” from our home, and we can’t stop replaying it.

If you’ve watched Bridgerton, you already know the power of modern songs reimagined through classical strings. This style has made Bridgerton quartet Chicago searches skyrocket among couples, planners, and corporate hosts looking for something timeless yet unexpected. There’s something about hearing a familiar pop melody transformed into soaring violins and rich harmonies that makes it feel brand new—and quietly emotional all over again.

“Wrecking Ball” has become a fan-favorite in the Bridgerton-style music world for a reason. It’s dramatic, romantic, and full of tension—perfect for string arrangements that let every note linger just a little longer.

No stage lights. No audience. Just four musicians, a few microphones, and a song that deserves to be felt, not just heard.

Whether you’re planning a wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, or booking Chicago corporate entertainment, this is your sign to lean into music that feels both timeless and unexpected—perfect for clients searching for a Chicago string quartet with a modern edge.

Because sometimes, the softest performances leave the loudest impression.

Acoustic Vibes Meet Iconic Views at Gibson’s Italia | Chicago Corporate Entertainment


Just kidding — it’s freezing, but this clip still feels like summer. ️ This view alone is worth the reservation 🥰

 Venue: @gibsonsitalia 
chicagoentertainment livemusicchicago chicagocorporateevents chicagomusicians acousticvibesJust kidding — it’s freezing, but this clip still feels like summer. This view alone is worth the reservation 🥰

There’s something about live music by the river that instantly elevates a moment — especially when it’s paired with one of Chicago’s most stunning dining backdrops. This reel captures our singing guitar player Ryan bringing laid-back acoustic vibes to Gibson’s Italia — blending warm, summery sound with the sleek, modern energy of the Chicago Riverwalk.

For planners looking to upgrade their next event, moments like this showcase why Chicago corporate entertainment is all about atmosphere. A solo acoustic performer creates an inviting, upscale feel that’s perfect for client dinners, networking events, and brand celebrations without overpowering conversation.As a go-to destination for Chicago corporate events, Gibson’s Italia offers the perfect mix of skyline views and refined cuisine. When we add live music energy to that mix, we have the best of both worlds — proving that sometimes, the most memorable experiences come from the simplest setup: a guitar, a voice, and a city that knows how to set the scene.

REMINISCING IN THE SKY: STELLAR CHICAGO VOCALIST/GUITARIST SETS THE TONE AT AMPAK’S CORPORATE EVENT AT GIBSON’S ITALIA


Upscale corporate meet & greet with the sleekest city views 🏙️
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Chicago Corporate events don’t have to feel corporate.

At AMPAK’s recent meet & greet on the rooftop of Gibsons Italia, everything came together: a warm summer night, skyline views straight out of a postcard, and the kind of music that makes people slow down, sip their cocktails, and feel something.

At the center of it all? Our stellar vocalist Ryan—guitar in hand, loop pedal at his feet, and a voice that absolutely everyone noticed.


A Voice Meant for Skyline Nights

Ryan has a way of transforming a room without overwhelming it. His vibe? Effortless. His sound? Smooth, soulful, and just the right amount of nostalgia. With every song, he built something beautiful—live guitar loops layered into a rich backdrop, topped with vocals that floated through the air like they belonged there.

And when he launched into Reminiscing by Little River Band?
Let’s just say… the whole rooftop paused to listen.

Why Ryan’s the Perfect Fit for Chicago Corporate Cocktail Receptions

Whether it’s a brand activation, networking mixer, or elevated welcome party, cocktail receptions are all about atmosphere—and Ryan nails it every single time.

His style blends acoustic finesse with contemporary cool. He reads the room in real time, creates textures with live looping, and keeps the energy dialed into exactly what the moment needs. People don’t just hear the music—they remember it.


Thank You, AMPAK

It was a pleasure partnering with AMPAK to help create a stylish, memorable experience for their clients and colleagues. When the music feels like part of the conversation—not just background noise—it elevates everything.


Planning a rooftop cocktail reception or sleek corporate event?
Ryan’s your guy. Smooth sound, polished presence, and a voice your guests will be talking about long after the last drink is poured.

📩 Let’s connect and bring the perfect vibe to your next event.