About Us

OpenRoad earned Gigmasters.com's
"Best of 2012 Award" their "Best of 2013 Award"
AND
their "Best of 2014 Award
!"


These awards were based on getting the highest 5 Stars out of 5 possible Stars rating from our Gigmasters’ Client Surveys in all five key areas:
Professionalism, Overall Talent, Handling Special Requests, How Strongly Clients Would Recommend Us to their Friends and Overall Satisfaction.


OpenRoad's reputation as a great dance band was established when nominated by KRON TV-4's Best of the Bay Show as one of 2009's "Best Bands in the Bay Area."

OpenRoad plays high-energy, instantly recognizable music that will pull you onto the dance floor. The Band tailors music performance for each Client’s guests or audience. From Motown to Modern, we're your "Road" to Classic Dance Hits! For Weddings, Birthday Parties or Special Events, we’re your band!


OpenRoad can also provide DJ style music for live music breaks, wedding ceremony, cocktail-social hour, dinner or special requests if needed and communicated in advance.

Our six-piece group showcases a female and two male lead vocalists with up to three part harmonies and encourage guests to interect with the band.
- We can work with you to create a script, provide a master of ceremonies for any introductions or work with your own designated speaker(s) for your program.


We provide highly experienced musicians on drums, bass, electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, percussion, blues harmonica, lead and harmony vocals to deliver music “just like the original” sounds.
- We provide our own professional sound system for indoor or outdoor venues for your event program and or background music.

The band name, OpenRoad, was chosen because we're “open” to play our Clients’ favorite songs to take their special event “wherever they want to go.”

Note: We reserve performance dates on a first-paid, deposit basis.
- We encourage you to secure your event date early, especially during the months of May - September, (Weddings) and November – December, (holiday parties).

Client Comments

Client Experiences - Confirmation testimonials to our “OpenRoad Promise”

Private Birthday Party, Concord Hilton Hotel, Concord, August, 2014
OpenRoad played at my husband's surprise birthday party. They were terrific. They played all the songs I had requested and went above and beyond my expectations. My guests were thrilled by their sound and my husband couldn't have been happier hearing all his favorite songs. I sent an e-mail to our board at Clayton suggesting they consider OpenRoad to play at our Concerts in the Park. I would love to hear them playing in our town. Thank you to all the members of OpenRoad for their hard work and professionalism in making my husband’s party GREAT!!
- Maggie  E, Concord, CA              5 out of 5 Star Client rating on gigmasters.com/rock/openroad

Private Anniversary Party, Discovery Bay, July, 2014
Open Road was a blast! They came in and rocked out for 3 hours. Everyone at the party had a real good time. Their music is fun, an amazing blend of different styles, all of which make you want to get up and dance. Hope to have them again sometime.
- Doug H, Discovery Bay, CA        5 out of 5 Star Client rating on gigmasters.com/rock/openroad

Corporate Fundraiser Crab Feed Dinner Dance, AT&T Employee Resource Groups, San Leandro, March, 2014
What an amazing experience OpenRoad created for this event! The combination of genres performed reflected the entire audience. The crowd was a combination of teens to grandparents and once the dance floor was cleared you found EVERYONE enjoying themselves. People were practicing their dance moves while the shy ones sang and got their groove on at the table. The crowd was on the dance floor the minute it was cleared for dancing. The timing of the songs with dinner and dancing was on point. I HIGHLY recommend OpenRoad to anyone looking to add character, class, talent and most importantly FUN to their event!
- Rebecca  S, San Ramon            5 out of 5 Star Client rating on gigmasters.com/rock/openroad

Wedding Reception, Castlewood Country Club, Pleasanton, May, 2013
Open Road did an amazing job at our wedding!! All of our guests were dancing the entire night, and even started chanting, "one more song," when our event was wrapping up. Ed and the other members of OpenRoad were gracious enough to continue playing. Ed was an absolute pleasure to work with and helped tremendously with the planning process. I highly recommend OpenRoad to anyone looking for a fantastic night with phenomenal live music!!
-Ashley  M, Pleasanton                  5 out of 5 Star Client rating on gigmasters.com/rock/openroad
 
Private Birthday Party, Napa Valley Reserve, St. Helena, December, 2013
Wonderful experience working with the band. We asked for many last minute customizations and the band went above and beyond to provide exactly what we wanted. Highly recommended. Thank you OpenRoad for delivering exactly what we wanted in such a short period of time!
-Sequoia F, Saint Helena               5 out of 5 Star Client rating on gigmasters.com/rock/openroad
 

Wedding Reception, Poppy Ridge Golf Course, Livermore, September,  2013
After hiring OpenRoad, I understand all the positive feedback, 5 star ratings and "Top Band in the East Bay" label. You will want OpenRoad at any event like you would want a pro athlete on your team. They simply know what they're doing. All their recommendations from the schedule, songs, crowd involvement were spot on. They absolutely nailed a surprise rap-hip-hop song, my favorite music. Everyone loved it! Couples that had DJs at their wedding told me they regretted it after hearing OpenRoad. I saw people dance who I never thought I'd see dancing! Thank you OpenRoad!
-Elisa A, Livermore                          5 out of 5 Star Client rating on gigmasters.com/rock/openroad
 
 Wedding Reception, Sunnyvale Community Center, Sunnyvale, June, 2013
What an awesome band! Everyone at the wedding loved them! Vocals, timing, instrumental solos, all spot on. They really felt the crowd and got everyone dancing, even my parents who NEVER dance! Even though they are not a swing band, they picked out some great swing/waltz songs to perform for us on our request. My fiancé was initially nervous about letting them perform our first dance live since we were choreographing it, but they really nailed the timing and sounded great! I also requested a married couple’s dance with only a vague idea of how it should work, and they cleaned up my instructions and pulled it off perfectly.
- Clare K, Sunnyvale                       5 out of 5 Star Client rating on gigmasters.com/rock/openroad
 
Night Before Bay To Breakers Party, Hash House Harriers Running Club, San Francisco, May 2013
It was a pleasure to work with OpenRoad. Ed and the crew were professional, accommodating, and the show was a real crowd pleaser. Big props to taking care.
 -Pete R, San Francisco                  5 out of 5 Star Client rating on gigmasters.com/rock/openroad
 
Corporate Fundraiser Crab Feed Dinner Dance, AT&T Employee Resource Groups, San Leandro, March 2013
OpenRoad’s high-energy live music was the highlight of our 2013 corporate crab feed dinner dance scholarship fundraiser. With the dance floor full, guests danced next to their tables. Even our high school student volunteers danced with our guests. This was our first ever scholarship fundraiser co-hosted by three of our Employee Resource Groups. OpenRoad’s 38 friends of the band bought tickets to see them perform generating over $2,100. for our event. After reviewing our net proceeds our ERG's agreed to do this event again on 3-1-14. We booked OpenRoad a year in advance to help us promote next year’s event! I would highly recommend OpenRoad to help make any event a success!
-MaryLou O, San Leandro             5 out of 5 Star Client rating on gigmasters.com/rock/openroad

Wedding Reception, Paradise Ridge Winery, Santa Rosa, October, 2012
Wonderful job! We thoroughly enjoyed working with Ed Vargas and the rest of the band. Our guests danced the whole evening!
- Maria T., Santa Rosa                     
5 out of 5 Star Client rating on gigmasters.com/rock/openroad

Wedding Reception, Emeryville Marina, July 2012
OpenRoad is amazing, accommodating, exciting and the most flexible band ever!! On the day of my wedding I was the typical frazzled bride
until OpenRoad's professionalism kicked in. They helped the reception activites get back on track and got everyone on the dance floor through
the end of the night! Ed made sure that I was aware of any changes, delays in the schedule and took care of everything.
The female vocalist sang our first couple dance song that she learned as a special surprise from me to my husband. It brought happy tears
from everyone including my husband and me. We are so HAPPY we booked OpenRoad. Their service, style and mannerism will make
any bride & groom overjoyed with all the guests dancing! 
- Thu-Loan D, Emeryville                
5 out of 5 Star Client rating on gigmasters.com/rock/openroad

Corporate Client Appreciation Party, Solage Spa & Hotel, Calistoga, May 2012
Thank you OpenRoad for a fantastic evening! What a great band, everyone was rocking and just flat out enjoying themselves. We hired
OpenRoad for the final night of a customer appreciation meeting. While this group of customers has not had a band or dancing in past annual
meetings, it didn't take long before people were out on the dance floor having a great time! The band members were so easy to work with and 
wanted to make sure oiur needs were met. You won't be disappointed if you go with OpenRoad!
- Shari M. Napa                                 
5 out of 5 Star Client rating on gigmasters.com/rock/openroad

Night Before Bay To Breakers Party, Hash House Harriers Running Club, San Francisco, May 2012
OpenRoad was so much fun! They sang great dance songs and our crowd from ages 21 to 71 loved every minute of it.
They were so easy to work with and were extremely professional.
We'll definitely be using them again in the future!
- Josh E, San Francisco                  
5 out of 5 Star Client rating on gigmasters.com/rock/openroad

Gala Dinner Dance, American Montessori Society Conference, San Francisco Marriott Marquis Hotel, March 2012
Ed Vargas and the members of OpenRoad rock! They were so professional and accommodating with the ever-changing timeline I had.
They even went the extra mile and dressed to fit our theme of St. Patrick's Day including a few special touches from Party City.
OpenRoad had my guests on their feet beginning with the first song and begging for more at the last song.
I would highly recommend OpenRoad for your next event.
- Kristine Cooper, AMS, Director of Development
   5 out of 5 Star Client rating on gigmasters.com/rock/openroad

Wedding Reception, Pt. Marina Vista, Alameda, July 2011
You were great! - kept the party going and were so accommodating. Your schedule was timed and I loved the organization!
We appreciated you learning over 5 songs for us! We got nothing but compliments on the band.
I cannot thank you enough for the professionalism and talent when OpenRoad performed for our wedding, you truly made it memorable.
- Marissa and Alvin Vu, Wedding Couple                  5 out of 5 Star Client rating on gigmasters.com/rock/openroad

Wedding Reception, Olympic Club, Lakeside Clubhouse, San Francisco, CA, October, 2010
“OpenRoad was absolutely fantastic! They kept the crowd entertained and up and dancing all night long.
They were completely accommodating with all our requests and were totally professional with our special choreographed opening introduction.
I've received nothing but compliments on their performance and they made the party.
Our thanks for being the consummate professionals that ensured our reception was the complete success that it was!
– Arlene McCarthy, Mother of the Bride                       5 out of 5 Star Client rating on gigmasters.com/rock/openroad

Outdoor Wedding Reception, First Presbyterian Church Berkeley, August, 2010
Thank you SO MUCH for playing at our wedding.
You guys were classy, talented, and super fun! We got many, many comments from guests telling me that they thought so, too.
- Chris and Lindsey Smallwood, Wedding Couple  5 out of 5 Star Client rating on gigmasters.com/rock/openroad

Private Birthday Party, Paradise Ridge Winery, Santa Rosa, June 2010
OpenRoad is an excellent dance band, very professional during the planning process. (Ed is incredibly organized & detail-oriented)
They had everybody up and dancing throughout the evening. All the guests had a great time - they were a big hit!
- Debra O.                                           5 out of 5 Star Client rating on gigmasters.com/rock/openroad

Wedding Reception, Stinson Beach Community Center, Stinson Beach , July, 2009
I just wanted to say THANK YOU! You guys just blew my socks off!
OpenRoad was awesome and you worked easily with our modified (and constantly changing) timeline throughout the evening.
You guys were great to work with and I appreciate the fun time you orchestrated!
Nobody wanted the music to stop! I had one friend say “Tell the band to keep playing; I will pay for their extra time, just ask them to keep playing!!”
I wish we could have had you guys play longer but with the amplified music deadline, we had to end the night.
By the way, I adored my father/daughter dance to Tim McGraw –it was so good!
Thank you for keeping the party moving! Everyone truly enjoyed it, and it all went by so fast. With much gratitude,
- Aleah and Brian B., Bride and Groom                    5 out of 5 Star Client rating on gigmasters.com/rock/openroad

Wedding Reception, Golden Gate Ballroom, Fort Mason, San Francisco, March, 2009
OpenRoad & Ed Vargas are absolutely amazing. The band was fantastic, so fun.
I was incredibly impressed and so were all my guests. I couldn't have found a better band.
Ed was professional - eager to please to make sure everything went smooth. Thank you, OpenRoad.
- Lisa B., Bride                                  5 out of 5 Star Client rating on gigmasters.com/rock/openroad

Annual Fundraiser, Contra Costa Assoc. Realtors, Walnut Creek, February, 2009
"Thank you for your performance at our Crab Feed Fundraiser. You were absolutely wonderful and everyone had a great time.
We look forward to having you play again next year."
- Joel M., Director Member & Knowledge Services, CCAR

St. Michael’s Annual Dinner Dance Fundraiser, Livermore, January, 2009
We booked OpenRoad at our previous events, (capacity 300). Our organization & guests truly enjoy their performance.
This year we changed venues to the Livermore Community Center, (capacity ~580).
We received numerous comments on the event’s success.
The songs they played were “outstanding, great, and truly enjoyable”.
- Steven W. Crab Feed Dinner/Dance Chair, 2009

Hot Summer Nights Concert, Laguna Hall Amphitheater, Elk Grove, August, 2008
“OpenRoad was great! Very professional, easy to work with; from booking to Showtime.
The male vocalist was awesome! The artistic quality was spot on!
Concert-goers danced all evening. I’d recommend them to people who want to have a fun time dancing to favorite tunes.
Thanks OpenRoad!”
- Nicole L., Hot Summer Nights Event Planner

Wedding Reception, Palm Event Center, Pleasanton, July, 2008
There were certain songs we really wanted that weren't on the band song lists.
Ed agreed OpenRoad would learn 10 new songs, just for our wedding! (Most bands we contacted- willing to learn 2)
We're really glad we went with live music vs. D.J.
All our friends & family raved about the band, saying their high energy kept the dance floor full through the night.
The night flew by and everyone was disappointed when it was over.
- Kristen, Bride                                  5 out of 5 Star Client rating on gigmasters.com/rock/openroad

It was great working with OpenRoad.
We’re happy to refer you to our Clients, as we know they will be well taken care of.
We look forward to working with you again in the future.
- Monique Bogni, JWIC, Director of Events, Palm Event Center, Pleasanton