After a full day of meetings and conference activities, an evening dinner gives attendees an opportunity to enjoy a different side of a corporate gathering. For a recent event at The Hall at 2nd in Chattanooga, Tennessee, I provided harp music throughout dinner, with a contemporary pop playlist that offered something very different from traditional classical background music.
The event had a black-and-white dress code for all attendees, giving the evening a coordinated, formal appearance. The harp complemented that setting visually, while the music featured familiar songs from some of today’s most popular recording artists.
Dinner Harp Music at The Hall at 2nd
The Hall at 2nd is a private event venue connected with 2nd American Restaurant in Chattanooga. Its spacious dining room, large windows, contemporary design, and outdoor courtyard provided several distinct spaces for the evening. I began with cocktail hour as guests arrived, with the harp positioned between the main dining area and courtyard so the music could accompany guests in both spaces before everyone gathered inside for dinner.
My role was to provide background music throughout the evening, creating a welcoming atmosphere while everyone enjoyed drinks, dinner, and conversation.
A concert harp has a distinctive visual presence, and its sound works beautifully for instrumental arrangements of contemporary music. Guests can recognize songs they already know from current artists and popular playlists, even when those songs are presented in a completely different musical setting.
Contemporary Pop Music for a Corporate Dinner
The evening’s repertoire focused heavily on current popular music, with selections by Adele, Hozier, Benson Boone, Lana Del Rey, and Alex Warren.
These artists represent a wide range of contemporary pop styles, from Adele’s powerful ballads and Hozier’s soulful songwriting to the more recent hits of Benson Boone and Alex Warren. Arranged for solo harp, their music provides recognizable melodies while maintaining the instrumental character appropriate for a dinner event.
One advantage of playing for corporate events is the freedom to explore songs that might not ordinarily appear on a wedding playlist.
For example, songs such as Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire” and Miley Cyrus’s “Flowers” work beautifully as harp arrangements. Their lyrics may make them less common choices for weddings – although couples are always welcome to request them! For a corporate event, the romantic context of a song is generally less relevant, opening up even more possibilities for the playlist.
At a corporate dinner, the repertoire can focus on musical variety, recognizable melodies, and the interests of the guests. My pop, jazz, and rock harp repertoire includes music from many decades, ranging from familiar classics to contemporary chart favorites.
A Special Request from Ghostbusters
One of the most memorable selections of the evening came from a guest who requested the theme from Ghostbusters.
The 1984 film’s theme song is instantly recognizable, but it is certainly not a piece most people expect to hear played on a concert harp!
That is part of what I enjoy about having such a broad repertoire. The harp can move from a contemporary ballad to a movie theme, rock song, or television favorite while retaining its own distinctive sound.
The Ghostbusters request also demonstrated that guests were listening closely enough to recognize the variety of music throughout the evening. Even at events where music serves primarily as background, a familiar melody can provide an enjoyable moment of recognition.
Harp Music for Chattanooga Conferences & Corporate Events
Corporate events offer many opportunities to incorporate live instrumental music beyond a formal dinner.
I provide harp music for conference receptions, networking events, awards dinners, executive gatherings, client appreciation events, holiday parties, product launches, and other professional occasions.
Music can be tailored to the event’s atmosphere, whether the preference is for contemporary pop, jazz standards, classical selections, film music, or a combination of styles. For organizations bringing together attendees from different generations and backgrounds, a varied instrumental playlist can offer familiar music across a broad range of tastes.
The harp also contributes to the visual presentation of an event. Whether the setting is a formal ballroom, contemporary restaurant, historic property, or urban venue, the instrument itself becomes part of the experience guests encounter.
Book a Chattanooga Harpist for Your Corporate Event
I provide harp music for corporate dinners, conferences, receptions, weddings, and private celebrations throughout Chattanooga and Hamilton County, as well as the surrounding East Tennessee and North Georgia regions.
Explore my harp music for Chattanooga weddings and events to learn more about the occasions and venues I serve throughout the area.
If you are planning a corporate dinner or wedding in Chattanooga, contact me to check availability and request a personalized quote. I would love to help create a musical program that complements your event, reflects your guests’ interests, and includes a few unexpected favorites along the way!
