Raves From Our Clients...
"The Peter Hennes Orchestra is an extraordinary band. They played at my wedding and blew everyone away. Their music is so seductively great they got everyone dancing from the very get go. And at midnight the crowd was chanting "One more hour, one more hour!" An overwhelming number of guests said it was the best wedding band they've ever seen. I think they're simply one of the best BANDS I've ever seen. Furthermore, Peter is a class act. As much talent as he brings to the table, he knows exactly how to put the focus on you and your guests during speeches and other such wedding traditions. He provides a most graceful segue for these moments, and then effortlessly brings the party back to a high octane celebration. Hire the Peter Hennes Orchestra and do not look back!" - Andrew Gersh (Wedding at the Adler Planetarium)
"We selected Peter Hennes after interviewing and listening to sample music from four different wedding bands in the Chicago area. The Peter Hennes Orchestra was clearly the best choice going in, and we were blown away by their performance on the night of the wedding. The group contributed mightily to our entire party: from classical music during the ceremony, to soft jazz during cocktails, to rock 'n' roll during the reception - including MC-ing the prayers and toasts - to our overtime which went until 1:30 a.m. - an InterContinental Hotel record. Entering the Grand Ballroom after our cocktail party, with Peter's band rockin', was an experience we'll never forget. The energy, the excitement, the electricity you felt entering the ballroom - you knew right away you were part of a phenomenal celebration. But PHO not only turned out to be a super wedding band, Peter also added incredible value during the planning process. We spoke with Peter several times during the planning of our daughter's wedding. He always made himself available, and his manner was always low key and friendly, no matter how direct the subject matter being discussed. Providing valuable guidance and consultation, he'd calmly explain to me why our ideas for the wedding and reception were usually wrong, citing from his depth of experience what might work better. Yet he was entirely cooperative. As further testimony, a wedding consultant who didn't even attend the wedding heard about our raucous party. She made several calls to track down Peter as the band who performed for us. We highly recommend Peter Hennes Productions for your wedding or special party. And by the way, if he's going to be there and you've got a spare invitation or two, we wouldn't mind attending." - Chas Rosenberg (Wedding at Hotel Intercontinental)
"I've been meaning to write you anyway, but was reminded again when I got a call from one of your clients to talk about the band. I gave you a glowing, raving review as you all so deserve, and went on and on and on about not only my sister's wedding night, but ALL of the nights I've seen you guys. I told her about how I've seen most all wedding orchestras in Chicago with my job as a videographer, and that I MADE my sister book you, knowing it was the best. Then she ran down the list of others she was considering as well, and with every one I was able to tell her what was good or bad... but how in every case there was just no comparison. She said she wanted a packed dance floor, and I was able to tell her honestly that I have never seen you guys without one. There is really something SO magnetic and enthusiastic about you guys EVERY time, and my sister's wedding was no exception. In fact, almost a month later, I'm still getting guests from the wedding telling me how fantastic the band was. I just knew the family would go nuts over you all! I think you're now the go-to band for the O'Brien family (watch out, there are 21 cousins, the youngest being 10. Are you booked up yet for 2023?) Anyway, again, you guys were PHENOMENAL!!! Thank you for making it such an unbelievable night!" - Sally O'Brien (Wedding at Union League Club)
"Words cannot even begin to express how AMAZING we thought the Peter Hennes Orchestra was at our wedding on August 7th. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. Feedback has been extraordinary—the first comment out of every single person's mouth is…"Your band was unbelievable." The fact that the venue was a little hot that evening didn't stop anyone from dancing—the floor was packed the entire evening with young and old….it was your music that got everyone in the right mindset to party through the heat and have a great time. I loved how your singers came out on the dance floor and allowed our guests to sing – even your singers dance moves were coordinated. PHO completely blew us away! Peter, if there is anything I can ever do to help support PHO, please let Keith, me or our parents know. Our reception would not have been a smashing hit without your group. Thanks again from the bottom of my heart." - Peggy Baxter
"Our three hundred sixty-five person wedding was incredible. The flowers were lavishly arranged, the tables were stunningly set, the chairs were elegantly wrapped, and the cake was beautifully displayed. But the real success of the party rested in the hands and voices of the Peter Hennes Orchestra, who truly made the evening a success. Their high quality performance, outstanding talent, and soulful voices filled the room with energy and liveliness. Everyone was on the dance floor. The band's eclectic repertoire was perfect for our wide range of guests, from their Rock 'n' Roll to their Sinatra swing to their sultry blues. Both of us still receive compliments on "our wedding band" and our wedding was eight months ago! Through their luminous vocals, exceptional instrumentation, and outstanding liveliness, the Peter Hennes Orchestra captured our hearts that evening, and for that we are truly grateful. We wouldn't have changed a thing." - Deborah & Sam Pines (Wedding at Monona Terrace, Madison, WI)
"Oh, my gosh! We are still having wedding withdrawal and want to do it again. (Good thing I have two more daughters!) You guys are amazing. The next day I was feeling somewhat guilty that I did not spend enough time standing around talking to people, and then in thinking about it, I realized that no one was really standing around. Everyone was dancing...and dancing...and dancing. We had such a good time. Your vocalists were not only excellent, they were so fun and even got on the dance floor and sang with the guests, and they loved it. And what really tickled me was that the music was so energetic, everyone was dancing with everyone. First you would be with your partner, and then you would find yourself with someone else and having a ball. So anyone who came solo felt free to dance too. From our youngest dancers (age 6) to our oldest (age 90), the word was the music made the evening. The kids are now on their honeymoon with memories of the perfect wedding. Thanks for your part in that, Peter." - Patricia Kilgore (Wedding at Wyndham Hotel)
"It's hard to thank you enough for your outstanding performance the night of our wedding. Our guests continue to remind us that it was, by far, the most fun they've ever had at a wedding reception, and we agree. We were grateful to have a leader to smoothly guide us through the beginning of the hectic night, with introductions and toasts. And no one will ever forget how perfectly the band pulled off our wedding song, as well as the Elvis number with the father of the bride. Once the dance floor filled up, it was never empty, just what we wanted. Every song, from just about every different genre, sounded like it came from a CD. We've never seen our family and friends dance like that before, even our wedding photographer was caught tapping his toes as he took shots! Thank you for helping make our wedding reception the most festive, magical night of our lives." - Sarah and Sam Sorenson
"Again I find myself without words to express how you and the band were at Jenna's wedding Saturday night. The entire night was a magical affair for our entire family. The tone set by you and your band from the moment we walked in until the "Last Dance" set the entire night. It's hard to believe two weddings in fourteen months, but I would not mind more if they turned out like both Jenna's and Carrie's. You created the mood and tone for the special evening, and for that our thanks seem not enough. Please thank everyone for their music, feeling, and caring. We look forward to seeing you soon." - Bob Messer (Weddings at Standard Club and Hotel Intercontinental)
"Peter, All I can say is "Wow." Seriously … "wow." Jim and I were floored with your performance last night. Your execution, delivery, professionalism, and talent made for a truly seamless night. We were honored to have you and your EXTREMELY talented group of individuals share in our celebration. If it wasn't for you and your group, our celebration would have been incomplete. Aside from comments from our guests along the lines of "Best Wedding Band Ever," "Where did you find them?", "They are incredible!", etc., etc., my mother said to me today, "Do you know who I really liked meeting yesterday?" And I said, "No, who?" And she said, "Peter Hennes. He was so nice!" You and your group were everything I dreamed of and more. Thank you for everything, and we hope that you and your group are as proud of yourselves as we are to have had you with us last night." - Mindy Kedvesh (Wedding at Galleria Marchetti)
"Peter, Rich and I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the Talented Peter Hennes Orchestra. Wow, you guys knocked everyone's socks off ( you definitely knocked our feet off )! We had such a great time dancing. The energy provided by you and the band was amazing! Rich and I said when we were planning this that if everyone was on the dance floor then it would be a perfect "party". Well, you couldn't get one more person on that floor. Everyone we talked to after the evening commented on the great music. The selection of the band was our hardest choice when planning our wedding and we are so happy we chose you and your talented group. Many thanks for a memorable reception!" - Patty Mulvihill (Wedding at University Club of Chicago)
"Dear Peter, My husband and I want to thank you and the orchestra for an absolutely amazing performance at our wedding. When I initially began my search for a wedding orchestra, I was overwhelmed at how many choices I had in the city of Chicago. However, after coming across your site, it was clear my search was over. Having viewed over forty wedding orchestra websites, only your orchestra impressed me in all areas of musicianship. My belief that the Peter Hennes Orchestra was the wedding orchestra I wanted for my wedding was confirmed when I saw the dynamic performances of each member of your orchestra in your video. Those dynamic performances were replicated the night of our wedding. The interaction of the performers with the guests, the perfect harmonies of the brass, the melodic rhythms of the guitar, the perfect timing of the drums kept our guests moving the entire evening. Not only did my guests rave about the performance of the entire orchestra, but also complimented how each performer was individually talented, not just a select few that led the pack. You truly have chosen an outstanding group of individuals to collaborate with. The energy your group displayed in combination with their sheer talent made our reception unforgettable. Although we did not film our wedding, the memory of your performance will never be lost. Thank you again for an incredible evening!" - Jen and Ryan Cassidy (Eaglewood Resort wedding)
Read more raves from our clients on our blog!
Contact Us Today To Start Planning Your Perfect Event!
For pricing, or to learn more about what we can do for your wedding or corporate event, call 847.756.2050, email, or fill out our contact form. We provide musicians for Chicago weddings, corporate parties, charity galas, and special events and also serve other areas of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.



