Olivera Music

The Olivera Trio was honored to play for President Obama on February 4^th, 2010.  The event was an elegant reception and dinner held at the National Museum for Women in the Arts.  180 guests were welcomed with cocktails and delectable hors d’oeuvres served by Avalon Caterers.  Our musicians added the perfect atmosphere to the gathering, including the lively sounds of Gershwin, Porter, Arlen, Ellington, and Presidential favorites, Stevie Wonder and Miles Davis.

An hour into the event, the President arrived.  He greeted a small group of guests separately in a secluded area of the museum.  He then proceeded to a photo op area adjoining the reception.  This photo op area was cordoned off by 10 ft. high pipe and drape.  The buzz in the room was clearly felt when the President arrived.  The sudden increase in Secret Service agents indicated his presence.  All the guests made their way through this area and were greeted by President Obama.

The Olivera Trio was thrilled to be invited through the receiving line to meet the President.  As the last guests cued up, we concluded a song and were escorted to the photo op area.  Slipping behind the pipe and drape you suddenly feel like a little kid again.  The President of the United States is in front of you, and shortly you will shake hands with the most powerful person in the world.  He is 6 feet tall, handsome, gracious and charming.  What a thrill to meet President Obama!

After greeting the President, then posing for photos, everyone proceeded down the elegant staircase to dinner.  After the first course, Governor Tim Kaine proceeded to the podium to introduce the President.  President Obama’s speech was eloquent with touches of humor, yet with strong conviction on his vision for moving the country forward.  This was truly an incredibly gifted speaker, matched in my personal experience, only by Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton and Colin Powell.  It was a special evening the Olivera Trio will never forget.

What an honor it was to be selected to provide two bands for the Inaugural festivities for Robert F. McDonnell, Virginia’s 71st Governor, this past weekend!  Kevin Olivera served as a Production Coordinator for the Major Donor Dinner and the Inaugural Ball.

INVITATION rocked the house for 700 VIP guests at the historic Jefferson Hotel.  This Friday night event was a great prelude to the swearing in on Saturday.

After Mr. McDonnell was sworn in as Virginia’s 71st Governor, it was time to celebrate at the Inaugural Ball.  4,000 ecstatic guests packed the Greater Richmond Convention Center. AMARETTO had the crowd dancing as soon as they entered the ballroom.  Playing opposite AMARETTO was AMERICA, a perennial favorite of the new governor.  A splashy reveal of the new governor, a rock-n-roll concert, all bookended by great dance music.  Virginia knows how to throw a party!

Hargrove did a fabulous job of producing both events.  Their stage set and decor all mirrored what has been done so successfully for the last three Presidential Inaugurations.  Special thanks to Showcall for their state-of-the-art sound and light production.  It was a night to remember!