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About

On WeddingWire since 2015

Big Ray and the Kool Kats is a 12-piece wedding band located in Charlottesville, Virginia and regularly serves all couples throughout the country, such as Richmond, VA, Texas, Maryland, Tennessee, Washington D.C., and many more. Founded by longtime professional musician Ray Caddell, they have performed at countless wedding receptions since the group's inception over 25 years ago. Ray and his talented team of musicians strive to provide first-rate wedding entertainment services to each couple as they celebrate their special day.

Services Offered

The team at Big Ray and the Kool Kats offer a number of services for your upcoming milestone celebration. Ray begins the planning process with an in-depth consultation to discuss event style, size, and budget. From there, he and the team will carefully curate a personalized setlist that authentically reflects your personality and style. Big Ray and the Kool Kats musical range is extensive and they can play a wide range of genres, from Motown to classic rock. They also wholeheartedly welcome any personal requests you have. The group can provide professional dance floor lighting and a state-of-the-art sound system for your big day celebrations. Additional services include the use of microphones and a professional MC, along with musical accompaniment during breaks in reception speeches.

  • Woman-owned

Frequently asked questions

Which of the following are included in the price?

Ceremony Music
Cocktail Hour Music
Learning New Songs
Lighting
MC
Music During Breaks
Reception Music
Sound/PA System
Travel Expenses

Which of the following are included in the package?

Ceremony Music
Cocktail Hour Music
Learning New Songs
Lighting
MC
Music During Breaks
Reception Music
Sound/PA System
Travel Expenses

Are you an agency or a band?

Band

How many musicians are in your band(s)?

7+

What genres of music does (do) your band(s) play?

Big Band
Classic Rock
Country
Dance
Funk
Jazz
Latin
Motown
Orchestra
Pop
R&B / Soul
Rock
Swing

What music services do you provide?

Instrumentals
Ceremony Music
Cocktail Hour Music
Learning New Songs
MC
Reception Music
Music During Breaks
Vocals
Liability Insurance
Willing to Travel

What items are available?

Lighting
Microphones
Sound/PA System
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Any other questions?

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5.0 out of 5 rating
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2024 Winner
158 Reviews
  • Quality of service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    5 out of 5 rating
98% Recommended by couples
Herb
Herb H. Sent on 06/09/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Big Ray & The Kook Kats delivers above and beyond again and again!


This is the second time that Big Ray & the Kool Kats have played for one of our events and without exception they were top tier professionals from start to finish. We had a hiccup and had to postpone our son’s wedding for a year, but Big Ray was easy to work with and made the change happen. He had a 3-piece ensemble play during the wedding ceremony followed by another group playing at the pre cocktail party then the 11-piece band raised the roof for the reception. If we heard it once, we heard it a dozen times from our guests “That band was awesome!” The only minor problem we had to deal with was that too many guests stayed to the bitter end, and we had to get another bus to transport them back to the hotel. That pretty much says it all. We are already looking for another reason to host a party to bring Big Ray back to town.
J
Jessica L. Sent on 10/14/2023
5 out of 5 rating

The best wedding band around

Big Ray and the Kool Kats were incredible. They were professional and knowledgeable throughout the planning process and then provided the most amazing day of experience. Ray and his team arrived early to our venue to set up audio in three different locations and then expertly managed the different combinations of musicians through ceremony and cocktail hour to provide the perfect ambience. Then the full band was swinging during reception and the guests were on their feet dancing all night.
Each musician in the band was talented in their own right and obviously has perfected playing together across a wide variety of genres. Ray is the consummate band leader and a joy to have on any wedding day.
Stacy
Stacy B. Sent on 02/05/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Every Wedding Planner and Couples Dream

As a Wedding Planner, I get to work with some wonderful talent throughout the year. In September I got to work with one of best out there. There is nothing that this talented group can not do for their couples and the pros that work beside them. Communication was fantastic and as a planner, most times this can be a challenge. Transitions were seamless, sound quality perfection (outdoor reception), energy level from the whole band was perfect. That evening reception was frigid, but you would have never known that because they had everyone up on their feet, singing and dancing all night through. Big Ray & the Kool Katz have jumped to the top of my recommendation list. From a professional standpoint, they check every box that a couple SHOULD BE LOOKING for in a band for their special day.
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Awards

158
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2024 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2021 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2014 Winner

Real Weddings

Caitlin & Justin
28 photos · 10/03/2020
Deidre & Eric
53 photos · 06/01/2019

Professional Network & Endorsements

3 Endorsements
Donovan-Groves Events Donovan-Groves Events Wedding Planners

We love working with Big Ray & the Kool Kats! They are a great band, not just a great wedding bad! Easy to work with, flexible and keeps the guests dancing! We love working with Big Ray, as do our clients!

Blue Ridge Event Production Blue Ridge Event Production Wedding Decor & Lighting

We have worked more than a few times with Big Ray and his Kool Kats and crowd pleasing and entertaining are always the words heard after the event. It has always been a real pleasure to work with them. They are grade A professional and extremely easy to work with. If a live band is your entertainment choice, you can't loose with Big Ray & the Kool Kats.

Barb Wired Barb Wired Wedding Planners

If you want the best time EVER for your wedding or special event, you need this band! It is important to me as a wedding professional for all to work together as a team. Big Ray does it right and is a joy to work with.

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