live music for any event
The Kens are a premium, Auckland-based cover band specialising in weddings, corporate events and private functions. We offer a wide range of pricing and entertainment options to suit any setting, from acoustic duo through to full band with complete sound and lighting rig and a dedicated technician.
Whether you are in need of a featured performance, dance music or unobtrusive, background entertainment (or any combination of the above), The Kens is the right band for your event.
Book The Kens for your next function. You'll be stoked you did.
Weddings
Ceremony • Drinks / Canapés • Reception • First Dance
Having played at something approaching a hundred weddings, we understand how important they are, and how unique they can be. Maybe punctual timing and a tight run-sheet are crucial to you; or perhaps you'd rather let the day breathe and go with the flow. Whatever your priorities, we're the band you need us to be.
The Kens can provide music for the following:
Ceremony
Gentle, arranged renditions for procession and registry signing
Drinks / Canapés
Chilled acoustic sets that let guests chat and mingle
Reception / Dance
Lively, polished party sets that get everyone on the floor
First Dance
Available on request - please enquire when you make your booking
Corporate Events
Networking • Gala Dinners • Product Launches • Afterparties
We know the drill with corporate gigs: production schedules, tight turnarounds. With plenty of experience working alongside event coordinators and venues, we keep things smooth, professional, and stress-free, while bringing the energy and tone your event requires.
The Kens offer a range of services, including:
Acoustic Duo
Discrete, high-quality background music for networking and dinners
Full Band
Upbeat, tight sets that lift energy and get people moving
Private Functions
Birthdays • Anniversaries • Housewarmings • Garden Parties
From milestone birthdays to anniversaries and backyard parties, we've played them all; on decks, in lounges, gardens, barns, even a treehouse. Whatever the setting, we bring an easy-going, can-do attitude and can usually make it work, even in tight spaces.
For private functions, The Kens offer the following:
Acoustic Duo
Ideal for smaller spaces and tighter budgets; we provide a range of unobtrusive sound system optiosn and lighting (where required)
Full Band
Dynamic sets that bring the party to life and create a fun, engaging atmosphere; ideal for when you want a lively, memorable celebration
Sound & Lighting
We provide a range of sound and lighting options to suit the event and the space, including one or more dedicated technicians where budget allows.
our song list
We cover classic hits from the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, and 2000 onwards, with a focus on memorable, singable melodies, tasteful arrangements and tight vocal harmony.
Below is a list of covers we play regularly. It is not an exhaustive list. We understand that people have a range of tastes and ideals, and readily tailor our music to our clients' needs. Please let us know if you have any specific requirements.
listen to our music
The Kens play a wide variety of covers, from easy listening classics to top 40's hits. Check out our live video snippets.
Coming soon...
testimonials
You guys were great! Nailed the vibe and got lots of good feedback!
Brent & Lysette Kelly | Garden Party | 22/02/2025
Hey Luke! Just wanted to say a massive thank you for Saturday, you guys were awesome. I've had so many people comment on the great music. 🎶
Gavin & Claire | 50th Birthday Party | 15/02/2025
We have The Kens in regularly to play at our bar and we (and our customers) absolutely love them! It's a treat to get to listen to them; they're incredibly skillful and entertaining. Every time they play we get overwhelming positive feedback.
Could not recommend anyone better!
Tiraha (Manager), The Beer Spot Whangaparaoa | Resident Cover Band (2023 to present) | 08/12/2024
Hey guys, I just wanted to say thank you again for Saturday night! I've had loads of positive feedback about you guys! I absolutely loved your music!! 😊
Mandy Cunningham | 60th Birthday Party | 02/11/2024
The Kens were fantastic and had the dance floor full for most of the night. They were also a real pleasure to deal with. We would have no hesitation in recommending and using your services again.
Andrew Baird, Capricorn Society | Gala Dinner, Pullman Hotel (2023 & 2024) | 28/10/2023
THANK YOU... for Saturday’s performance - you aced it!! With practically no input from us, no pre-set playlist and only minimal specifics, you just made it work and read the audience perfectly!
We have had more comments about the music than any any other individual success of the evening so well done to you all.
Destination Orewa Beach | Beach 'n' Bites Longest Dinner (2020 & 2023) | 04/03/2023
We have used The Kens for several events now and have always been very happy with the group. They're great to work with, provide exactly the kind of music that works well for each event (and they're very adaptable to change on the fly) and they're professionally presented. We look forward to working with them in the future!
Philippa Grantham (Event Operations Manager), Conferenz & Brightstar Training | CFO Summit & Awards Gala Dinner (2018 & 2019) | 20/03/2019
Simply cannot thank you guys enough for the incredible music and entertainment last month at our wedding. Our expectations were pretty high but you absolutely surpassed all of these, a great effort by you all and we will remember this for ever.
We had such an awesome day and this was followed by a great honeymoon before our return to England. We're back to work and routine here now but constantly reminiscing of the amazing day we had.
Edward & Bridget Usher | Wedding | 30/03/2013
The Kens is a world class act that has to be seen. Their musical ability is amazing; their singing and wide range of material is superb.
All of our guests were blown away by the band and raved about them. We will definitely hire The Kens for our next function and strongly recommend them as the best act around!
Thanks again for bringing the music to our wedding!
Dan & Eva Cook | Wedding | 23/02/2013
The Kens performed at Reservoir Bar & Bistro for a period exceeding 12 months as our lead entertainment on Friday evenings.
We found them to be a group of exceptional musicians with a great range of talents. They were always willing to listen and take on board our requirements and met our expectations on every single occasion.
The group always interacted well with the audience and drew excellent crowds after establishing themselves as a feature on our weekly entertainment calendar.
We would not hesitate to recommend The Kens for any event, function, or bar residence and would be more than happy to add to this reference.
Reservoir Bar & Bistro | Resident Cover Band (2010 - 2011) | 23/12/2011
The Kens created an amazing atmosphere for our wedding ceremony and reception. We couldn't have asked for more. We loved the beautiful sound and presentation.
The band are friendly, easy to deal with and very flexible with our requests. We thoroughly enjoyed the music and so did our guests.
Lisa Wang & Chris Thorne | Wedding | 22/12/2011
We highly reccommend The Kens. This polished, pleasant and professional trio delivered superb, unobtrusive background music for the duration of our Clubhouse dinner. The atmosphere they created set the scene - we had a great night.
Silverdale Tennis Club | Private Function | 01/07/2010
I recently had The Kens play at my wedding during an informal cocktail style reception and I was extremely impressed!
I had heard Luke, Shane and Hayden play before but in a more upbeat environment. I was very happy with how entertaining yet un-intrusive they were as a wedding band to our large and diverse crowd.
I have had numerous comments on how fantastic they were, and how well they suited the relaxed setting we wanted to create for our reception.
They took the time to create a playlist of songs that would suit our range of guests and it was perfect. They display a great level of talent and the three of them together create amazing music. I would highly recommend them as a wedding band or for any occasion!
Kent & Kelly Fearon | Wedding | 28/03/2010
We had The Kens play at our wedding at Alberton House and it was a magical day. They accommodated our requests and played awesome music that totally suited the style of the wedding.
They are a really neat group of talented musicians and I would highly recommend them to play at events, especially weddings. They even learnt a song we requested that was special for us.
Spencer & Julie Roberts | Wedding | 30/11/2008
The Kens provided a fantastic musical lead-up to our wedding and kept all parties happy and relaxed before the bride walked up the aisle.
We found the music to be of good variety and would definitely use them again for other events.
Thanks again to the wedding band, with much appreciation...
Brett & Kelly Bramwell | Wedding | 28/02/2008
If you're looking for live music for your wedding or other special event, look no further.
We had The Kens play on our wedding day and people still remember and ask after the band.
The music was fantastic and knowing the members personally I know they will make it so for you. Worth every cent.
David & Carmen Mountain | Wedding | 12/02/2008
The Kens played at our wedding. It was super.
My wife wanted a particular song for the walk-in but we didn't really like the original artist's voice so we got the band to perform it as well as other songs during the ceremony and a set during the reception.
As expected, they did an amazing job in an important moment. They are reliable, professional and present well.
Joel & Naomi Young | Wedding | 15/11/2003
bookings
Our rates vary according to the specific requirements of the engagement. We consider a range of factors when providing a quote, including travel, logistics, length of time we are required on site, restrictions and/or difficulty of set up, etc.
Our corporate base rates for a standard 3 hour gig are as follows:
- Acoustic Duo: $1800.00
- Full Band: $3000.00
Note: These rates do not include travel and assume an immediate setup and packdown. Please be aware that this may not always be possible depending on how you intend to use your venue, when guests are scheduled to arrive, etc.
We routinely travel outside of the Auckland region. Please contact us with your event information for a quote. Prices are negotiable.
a cover band with experience and history
The Kens have been in the business of live entertainment since 2002. Our members have played in a wide range of Auckland cover bands and have held longstanding residencies at a number of venues, including:
- The Empire Tavern (Auckland CBD)
- The Merchant Pub Co. (formerly Reservoir Bar, Albany)
- Mainsail Bar & Bistro (formerly Fresco Family Restaurant and Bar, Gulf Harbour)
- The Beer Spot Whangaparaoa (current)
With a wealth of collective and individual experience, we understand live music and its role in creating and maintaining an atmosphere at your wedding, corporate function or private event.
We are based in Auckland, but are available for hire New Zealand wide and routinely travel outside of the Auckland region.