About
The Newfangled Jesters are an enthusiastic and energetic three-piece band headed up by the dynamic duo of Reuben and Sam.
Modelled on bands like Mumford and Sons and the Lumineers, The Newfangled Jesters have a pop-folk sound, using a myriad of folk instruments in combination with a few high tech toys to give each song a unique “newfangled” feel. To complete the ensemble, there are beards, waistcoats and double basses. What more could you ask for?
Available throughout the year, this band is perfect for any event where you want your guests to get up and dance! With over one hundred happy couples and dozens of satisfied organisations, “The Jesters” guarantee an exciting night’s entertainment with fun and surprises along the way.
Meet the Band
Reviews
Our Act
Setlist
This is not a definitive list as we are always looking to add new songs to our repertoire. If you don’t see a song you think we should play, let us know on our facebook page.
As part of our fee, we offer the opportunity for one song to be chosen outside of the setlist. This is ideal for first dances and other special songs that you don’t want to miss out on. Because we take a song and play it in our own style, you’ll receive a rehearsal recording of your first dance music so that you can hear what your song will sound like.
We offer two main set structures for performances
2x60min
3x40min
The Nights – Avicii
Pompeii – Bastille
Happy – Pharrell Williams
Hey Ya – Outcast
Hey Soul Sister – Train
Riptide – Vance Joy
Little Talks – Of Monsters and Men
I Saw Her Standing There – The Beatles
Hound Dog – Elvis Presley
Marry You – Bruno Mars
Rude – Magic
Firework – Katy Perry
Hey Brother – Avicii
Ho Hey – The Lumineers
Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader
Wake Me Up – Avicii
I Will Wait – Mumford & Sons
Little Lion Man – Mumford & Sons
Shape of You – Ed Sheeran
Starship/Call Me Al – Nicki Minaj, Paul Simon
Counting Stars- One Republic
Lay All Your Love On Me – ABBA
Viva La Vida – Coldplay
We Are Family – Sister Sledge
Hold My Hand – Jess Glynne
All The Small Things – Blink 182
Hot’n Cold/500 Miles – Katy Perry, The Proclaimers
Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
I’m A Believer – The Monkees
Something a Little Different
Prepare for a night of fun, excitement and surprises. Where you might expect a band to stay put, our set contains moments where the Jesters get amongst you and your guests on the dance floor. A truly unique experience and a fantastic photo opportunity!
Unmanned DJ
Do you want to keep the party going beyond our sets? We include the option of an unmanned DJ service with every booking. We use the Spotify music streaming service with a range of different playlists to suit any mood. We are also happy to accept playlists constructed by clients should they wish to make their own.
Meet the Band
“The Newfangled Jesters” is a three-piece band led by Reuben and Sam who attend every booking. They are accompanied by one of several double bassists who become the third band member for the event bringing their own little something to each gig!
Sam James
JesterSam is, first and foremost, the ginger one in the band (coming from the north we attribute this to Viking heritage.) Beyond that, his roles in the Jesters include squeezing, strumming and stomping like a maniac. He is also our head of COMS, talking with clients to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch. A technically minded individual, Sam produces our demos and recordings.
Reuben Penny
JesterReuben “is built for comfort rather than speed” which makes his speedy strumming and drumming that bit more impressive onstage. Fittingly, he is the designated driver, clocking thousands of miles across the UK ensuring that the band and the equipment get to each gig in one piece. When he is not gigging with the Jesters he is making videos or taking photos with other musicians in Birmingham. (As a little easter egg - Sam is in or has helped in most if not all of the videos).
Alexia Barbera
Double BassistAlexia is the third Italian bassist to pass through the Jesters’ ranks. Her main duty is to bring amusing tales and intriguing European snacks for long journeys (and she does not disappoint!). Aside from providing low-frequency modulations in the band, Alexia teaches, tours and spends a lot of time working in the darkness of theatres and concert halls around the country.
Arturo Perez
Double BassistFrom the warm, tropical lands of South America comes the Latin addition to the Jesters bassists, Arturo. After three years of teaching, salsa gigs and performing around Venezuela, he now resides in the UK where he explores classical music at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Arturo brings a little South American spice to the Jesters.
Lauren Bennett
Double BassistOut of all of our bassists, Lauren comes from one of the most beautiful areas of the world, Wednesbury. A true product of the Black Country, she comes across as a classy, elegant and well versed lady of the land despite wearing big black boots and headphones pumping punk rock at full volume. Lauren is a multifaceted musician, singing, strumming, bassing and teaching. Being a teacher, you don’t want to get on the wrong side of her...
Photos
Reviews
Contact & FAQ
How Much Do You Charge?
As every wedding or party is different we cannot give a set standard fee, but get in touch with us and we can give you a bespoke price dependant on your location, timings and sometimes even the day of the week.
Do You Have The Necessary Insurances?
Yes. We always have Public Liability Insurance and all of our equipment is PAT test yearly.
Can You Work With A Sound Limiter?
Yes absolutely. We are very experienced at working at venues that have sound limiters and are happy to speak with your venue about any requirements.
Can You Provide Music When Not Performing?
Yes absolutely. We are happy to provide a complimentary recorded music DJ service when not performing. Or alternatively you can provide a playlist on an Ipod or other device and we can put that on for you.
How Long Do You Play For?
Our standard set is 2 X 1hr or 3 X 40 minutes, however this can be amended and extended if required.
How Far Will You Travel?
Although we are based around Birmingham, we are happy to travel all over the UK and Europe. Costs will of course vary depending on distance.
How Long Does It Take You To Set Up?
We usually like up to 2 hours to get set and sound checked. However if time is tight then it can be done in around 1 hour.
Previous Clients Include
