Featured Vendor Profile: Chris Grasso Music
21 Oct
As I got to know Chris Grasso of Chris Grasso Music LLC I realized immediately we had to showcase him on this site! As an out musician in DC with a five-star Wedding Wire rating, he performs all kinds of music and would be an awesome asset for any reception.
Please tell us a little bit about your business.
My business has really grown out of doing something I love, which is playing music. First, I’m a jazz pianist who performs regularly in the DC area, particularly with jazz singers. I lead bands every weekend at Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C. as well as other venues. The second part of my business is performing for private events, including weddings. Sometimes this is also jazz, but more often I play with a dance band that does all kinds of music, from Motown and oldies to disco, rock, pop and dance music. This is the band that I recommend for most people getting married.
How is your business “pro-gay”?
Since I’m out, anyone who contacts me should feel comfortable dealing with me and with the musicians I hire. In jazz, there are very few openly gay musicians, so nearly everyone I hire is straight, but not narrow, as they say. I’ve played for a lot of gay events with straight musicians – PFLAG, Log Cabin Republicans, a gay fraternity party, and of course gay weddings – and it’s never been an issue. I wouldn’t hire anyone if I thought it would be.
What do you wear when you’re doing what you do?
This really is a gay website, huh? :)
I wear a black suit. I didn’t inherit the gay fashion gene. It’s either a black suit, or something I bought at Target.
What do you love about what you do?
It’s hard to beat playing music for a living – you’re doing something you love, the people around you are having a great time, and you’re getting paid. And I don’t have to get up in the morning and go into an office – I definitely love that.
What do you love about working with gay couples?
The interesting thing about gay couples is that they are reinventing traditions. And because the right to marry is something we’re fighting for, no one takes anything for granted – they realize how important this is.
Do you have a favorite “moment” that happens while you’re doing your job?
The best moments are just seeing the couple you’ve been talking to and planning with for months actually out there on the dance floor, surrounded by friends and family. That’s great.
