BYU NewsNet - ‘Tallest’ band loves to entertain

By SPENCER FLANAGAN

When searching for that special something to make a wedding day even more memorable, consider hiring the world’s tallest wedding band to play at the reception.

The Gatsbys, consisting of Grant Olsen and brothers Cedric and Micah Anderson, are all taller than 6 feet 4 inches, winning the title of the world’s tallest wedding band. Well, that’s what they say anyway.

“I don’t think there has ever been a census done on it,” said Cedric Anderson. “But I don’t think I’ve ever heard of or seen any wedding band taller than us.”

Each member of the band played in several different bands before joining to form The Gatsbys. However, they all agree this has been their favorite project so far.

“It’s been the funnest thing we’ve done musically, at least for me personally,” Micah Anderson said. “I’ve done multiple bands and different styles and this is the funnest, most rewarding thing I’ve done so far ... I’d like to do it as long as I can.”

The Gatsbys formed and began playing weddings about two years ago. Olsen was playing a show with touring indie band Bishop Allen, and a wedding planner happened to be at the show. A particular band she had scheduled to play at a wedding dropped out last minute. The wedding planner reached Olsen through MySpace and asked if he would play at the wedding.

“[Grant] called Micah and me and asked if we would come and play this wedding with him, totally last minute,” Cedric Anderson said. “We had just put all these songs together and went and played it and decided to take it from there.”

The band plays weddings mostly in and around the Salt Lake area, but also travels when necessary.

The Gatsbys play acoustic background and dance music plus popular cover songs. The band’s most popular song recently has been a cover of M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes.” The Gatsbys also take requests for special songs the couple would like played at their wedding.

“Our niche is playing acoustic versions of pop music, 80s and 90s modern pop,” Olsen said. “It’s an outlet for us to play some of our favorite songs ever.”

The band recently opened for Bishop Allen at Velour in March. Although they said they enjoy playing shows around the local music scene, the members of the band all agree that playing weddings is much more rewarding.

“I love seeing whole families happy,” Olsen said. “Our music is going to be enjoyable for the parents and the grandparents. We try to reach out and really help out and become part of the wedding day. We’ve forged friendships with every couple we’ve played for and we keep an e-mail contact.”

Besides the satisfaction of making a couple’s special day even better, the band also just enjoys getting together and playing music.

“We all just love playing music,” Micah Anderson said. “And this is our excuse for the three of us getting together and playing [music].”