Skip to main content
Weddings
This vendor is popular with couples. Start a conversation

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
illustration question

Any other questions?

Message vendor

Reviews of Big Ray & the Kool Kats

5.0 out of 5 rating
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2024 Winner
5.0 out of 5 rating
160 Reviews
100% recommend it
  • 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
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

Powered by AI

Big Ray and the Kool Kats are highly recommended for weddings, with reviewers praising their professionalism, talent, and ability to keep guests of all ages on the dance floor all night long. They were described as a fantastic addition to the event, offering a wide variety of music that pleased both older and younger attendees. The band's attention to detail, accommodating nature, and lively performances were consistently highlighted, making them a standout choice for a memorable and entertaining wedding experience.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Big Ray and the Kool Kats are highly recommended for weddings, with reviewers praising their professionalism, talent, and ability to keep guests of all ages on the dance floor all night long. They were described as a fantastic addition to the event, offering a wide variety of music that pleased both older and younger attendees. The band's attention to detail, accommodating nature, and lively performances were consistently highlighted, making them a standout choice for a memorable and entertaining wedding experience.

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.
Jane
Jane N. Sent on 05/05/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Big Ray and the Kool Kats are the best!

My family loves to party and they loved Big Ray and the Kool Kats! I received such positive comments all night long and for days after my daughter's wedding on April 20.
From the ceremony, where the combination of instruments made each song special, to the perfect music to accompany cocktails, to turning the reception into the fabulous party it was, Big Ray and the Kool Kats was perfection.
When I mentioned that your band had been booked for the wedding, a friend of mine who used to work events at a local country club exclaimed, "OK, that's it, that's all I need to know. It will be fabulous!" She was right!
All ages, 11 to over 70, were on the dance floor all night! One of my college friends commented, "This is my kind of music.'' The younger crowd was certainly loving every minute as well. You knew to add a bit of the new songs at just the right time.
Beyond that, Ray, you were a pleasure to work with. You offered your expertise and accepted suggestions and requests like the pro you are.
Thank you for your commitment to quality, attention to detail, and enthusiasm.
L
L. Hagspiel Sent on 04/14/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Exceeded our expectations!

Big Ray and the Kool Kats were incredible. They came highly recommended, so they were the very first vendors we booked after our venue. Ray was in contact with us for over a year and we had a few video calls in the last couple of months leading up to our wedding. They worked closely with our wedding planner and photographer on the timeline and were very professional and easy to work with. They did an amazing job and were able to accommodate all of our requests, including some songs for my German family members and a beautiful rendition of Nothing Else Matters for one of our ceremony songs. They also did really great with the AV- our wedding was moved outside and the sound quality was amazing. They even made sure that our officiant and groom had clip-on mics. Ray is a perfectionist and he did such a great job as an MC and made sure everything was running smoothly. The musicians and singers
were all incredible and had such great stage presence. They also did a great job of reading the audience and making sure they were playing the right songs and had the amount of energy to make sure everyone was on the dance floor and having a great time. Our guests were raving about what a great band they were. If you’re able to book Big Ray and the Kool Kats, you have to book them. They truly exceeded our expectations and made our wedding! Thank you Big Ray and the Kool Kats!
illustration message bubble

Are you interested?

Message vendor

Awards

160
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.

Map

Other vendors in Richmond for your wedding

Wedding Vendors