Hire a Jazz Quartet for Weddings & Events
The United Strings Jazz Quartet is a live four-piece jazz band — violin, guitar, bass, and drums — that pairs the warmth of strings with the swing and sophistication of a classic jazz combo. Based in the Washington, DC area and performing nationwide, the quartet brings timeless, atmospheric jazz to weddings, corporate galas, cocktail hours, and private events. From the silky cool of Miles Davis to the sunlit warmth of Bossa Nova, it's elegant background music and a captivating featured performance in one ensemble.
Strings-Driven Jazz for the Most Discerning Events
What sets this ensemble apart is range. The Jazz Quartet moves seamlessly between classic swing, smooth jazz, and Bossa Nova — soft and intimate during dinner, lively and swinging as the room fills. The strings-forward instrumentation gives the music a distinctive elegance you simply can't get from a piano trio or horn combo, and when the moment calls for more, the group expands to a six-piece jazz band with the addition of saxophone and piano. Looking for a different sound? Explore all of our live music ensembles!
See the Jazz Quartet Perform Live
The best way to understand the Jazz Quartet is to watch them. Recent performances include a rooftop gala at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, DC, a wedding at The Ritz-Carlton in Baltimore, the annual AstraZeneca headquarters holiday celebration (as the full six-piece jazz sextet), and a private World Cup 2026 Final watch party for Tillo. Across every setting, the quartet reads the room and delivers a polished, professional performance — from first note to last call.
Perfect for Weddings, Galas, Cocktail Hours & More
The Jazz Quartet brings timeless sophistication to any setting, intimate or grand. It's the natural choice for cocktail hours and corporate receptions, wedding ceremonies and receptions with a soulful edge, black-tie fundraisers and galas, hotel and restaurant residencies, and private milestone dinners. Whether you need refined ambiance that never competes with conversation or a featured set that gets guests talking, the quartet tailors its energy to the moment. Planning a wedding? See how live jazz fits every part of your day on our weddings page.
Jazz Quartet FAQs
200+ Jazz Standards, Bossa Nova & Modern Pop Covers
The quartet's repertoire spans more than 200 songs across every jazz era: Great American Songbook and swing standards, Bossa Nova and Latin jazz, smooth and contemporary jazz, romantic wedding ballads, and jazz-styled arrangements of today's biggest pop hits. Song requests are always welcome — send your must-plays, a first dance, or even a song in another language, and we'll arrange it for the ensemble and build a custom setlist tailored to your event and your guests.
1What is the United Strings Jazz Quartet?
What kind of music does the Jazz Quartet play?
Can we request specific songs or a custom setlist?
The United Strings Jazz Quartet is a four-piece live jazz ensemble — violin, guitar, bass, and drums — that blends the warmth of strings with the swing and sophistication of a classic jazz combo. Based in the Washington, DC area and performing nationwide, the quartet brings a refined, atmospheric sound to weddings, corporate galas, cocktail hours, and private events.
The quartet performs more than 200 songs spanning every era of jazz: classic swing and Great American Songbook standards, Bossa Nova and Latin jazz, smooth and contemporary jazz, and jazz-styled arrangements of today's pop hits. They read the room and shift effortlessly from soft, intimate dinner music to lively, swinging cocktail-hour energy.
Absolutely. Custom setlists are part of every booking. Whether it's a first dance, a favorite standard, a processional, or a song in another language, send us your must-plays in advance and we'll arrange them for the quartet and build a set tailored to your event and guests.
What types of events is the Jazz Quartet best suited for?
Can we add saxophone and piano for a fuller band?
The Jazz Quartet is a natural fit for cocktail hours, corporate galas and receptions, wedding ceremonies and receptions, hotel and restaurant residencies, fundraisers, and private dinners. It works beautifully as elegant background music and equally captivates as a featured performance.
Yes. The core quartet can expand to a six-piece jazz band with the addition of saxophone and piano, giving you a bigger, richer sound for larger rooms, galas, and dancing. Let us know the vibe you're after and we'll recommend the right configuration for your event.
Is the Jazz Quartet amplified, and can you adjust the volume?
The quartet provides discreet, high-quality sound reinforcement calibrated to your venue — rich and warm without ever overpowering conversation. Volume and energy are adjusted throughout the event, from soft during dinner to livelier during cocktails, so the music always fits the moment.
How much space and power does the quartet need on-site?
Does the Jazz Quartet travel for events?
The quartet performs comfortably in most event spaces and typically needs an area of roughly 10 by 10 feet along with access to standard power outlets nearby. For the six-piece configuration or larger venues, a bit more space is ideal — we'll confirm the exact setup requirements with you ahead of your event.
Yes. While the quartet is based in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia area, United Strings performs nationwide. Travel arrangements for events outside the immediate region are simple to coordinate and can be included in your custom quote.
How do we check availability and book the Jazz Quartet?
Just send an inquiry through the form on this page with your event date, location, and details. We'll respond within 24 hours with availability and a personalized quote. Once you're ready to confirm, a signed agreement and deposit secure your date.