When you book a wedding band, you are not just hiring a group of musicians — you are entrusting the most important celebration of your life to real people with real passion, extraordinary talent, and years of dedication to their craft. At Great Family Artists, the musicians are the heart of everything the company does.

Founded in 2017 by Jordan Linit and Jonathan Huvard, Great Family Artists has grown from a single ensemble into a multi-market entertainment company with a roster of world-class musicians performing across New York City, Denver, and destination events nationwide. With 157 five-star reviews on WeddingWire and multiple Couples Choice Awards, GFA’s success is built on one simple foundation: hire the best musicians, treat them like family, and let their talent speak for itself.

The Founders: Jordan Linit and Jonathan Huvard

Every great band starts with a vision, and Great Family Artists began with two musicians who saw an opportunity to do wedding entertainment differently. Jordan Linit and Jonathan Huvard founded GFA in 2017 with the belief that couples deserved more than a cookie-cutter wedding band experience. They wanted to create an entertainment company that combined touring-level musical talent with deeply personalized service and professional production quality.

Both founders bring extensive performance backgrounds to the company. Their experience spans concert stages, recording studios, and hundreds of live events. They built GFA on the principle that every wedding deserves the same energy, professionalism, and musical excellence as a sold-out concert — just with a more intimate, personal touch.

What makes Jordan and Jonathan’s leadership unique is their hands-on approach. They remain actively involved in the creative direction of every ensemble, personally curate the musician roster, and oversee the entertainment design process for GFA’s clients.

The Ensembles: A Roster of Extraordinary Talent

Great Family Reunion — The Flagship Colorado Band

Great Family Reunion is GFA’s flagship ensemble, based in Colorado and specializing in high-energy performances at mountain weddings, resort events, and luxury celebrations across the state. The ensemble features a dynamic rhythm section, powerful vocalists, and the option to add GFA’s signature horn section for larger celebrations. Great Family Reunion has performed at Colorado’s most prestigious venues, from The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs to luxury mountain lodges in Aspen, Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and Telluride.

The Family Band NYC

The Family Band NYC represents GFA’s presence in the world’s most competitive entertainment market. Performing at iconic Manhattan venues like The Plaza Hotel, Gotham Hall, Tribeca Rooftop, 620 Loft and Garden, The Glasshouse, and Cipriani, this ensemble brings a level of sophistication and energy that matches the city’s demanding standards. The Family Band NYC’s musicians include conservatory-trained instrumentalists, Broadway-caliber vocalists, and session players who have recorded with major-label artists.

Great Family Brass

Great Family Brass features trumpet, trombone, and saxophone players who bring an electrifying energy that transforms any performance. The horn section can be added to either the Colorado or NYC ensemble for larger celebrations, creating a wall of sound that gets even the most reluctant dancers onto the floor.

Por La Paz — Latin Music Excellence

Por La Paz is GFA’s Latin music ensemble, specializing in salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia, reggaeton, and Latin jazz. For couples who want to incorporate Latin rhythms into their celebration, Por La Paz delivers authentic, high-energy performances that honor these rich musical traditions.

What Makes a GFA Musician Different

Rigorous Audition and Selection Process

Not every talented musician is right for wedding entertainment. GFA’s audition process evaluates not just technical skill but also stage presence, versatility, professionalism, and the ability to connect with diverse audiences. Musicians must demonstrate fluency across multiple genres — a drummer who can only play rock or a vocalist who only knows jazz standards will not make the cut, regardless of how talented they are in their specialty.

Professional Background and Training

GFA’s musician roster includes conservatory graduates, touring professionals, recording session players, and performers with Broadway and major concert experience. Many have studied at institutions like Berklee College of Music, The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, and the University of Colorado’s College of Music. GFA equally values real-world performance experience — the ability to read a room, adjust energy levels on the fly, and create genuine emotional connections with an audience.

The Family Culture

The word “Family” in Great Family Artists is not just a brand name — it reflects the genuine culture that Jordan and Jonathan have built within the company. GFA’s musicians describe the working environment as collaborative, supportive, and creatively fulfilling. Musicians who enjoy working together perform better together, and the chemistry and trust translate directly into tighter performances.

The Production Team Behind the Music

Great musicians need great support. GFA’s audio engineers ensure crystal-clear sound tailored to each venue’s unique acoustics. Lighting designers create atmospheric environments that complement the music. Stage managers coordinate load-in logistics and timeline management. GFA’s all-in-one production model means that musicians and production team work as an integrated unit — a level of coordination only possible when everyone works together consistently.

What Couples Say About GFA’s Musicians

With 157 five-star reviews on WeddingWire, GFA’s musicians have earned an extraordinary track record. Reviews consistently highlight the musicians’ energy and enthusiasm, their ability to keep the dance floor packed all night, the quality of custom musical arrangements, and the professionalism of the entire team from first consultation to last song.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I meet the musicians before my wedding?

GFA offers consultations and showcase opportunities where you can experience the musicians firsthand. During the planning process, you will work directly with GFA’s team to discuss your vision and preferences.

How many musicians are in a typical GFA ensemble?

GFA offers flexible configurations ranging from 5-piece bands for intimate celebrations to 14-piece ensembles with full horn sections for grand events. The most popular configuration is an 8-10 piece band with vocals, rhythm section, and horns.

Do GFA musicians play all genres or specialize?

GFA musicians are selected specifically for their multi-genre versatility. Every musician can perform across pop, rock, Motown, funk, soul, R&B, jazz, hip-hop, Latin, country, and more.

Are the musicians the same at every GFA event?

GFA maintains a consistent core roster for each ensemble, ensuring the chemistry and quality you see at showcases is what you get at your wedding.

Can GFA musicians learn a specific song for my wedding?

Absolutely. GFA regularly learns and arranges new songs for couples’ first dances, processionals, and special moments. Custom arrangements are included in their planning process at no additional charge.

What happens if a musician gets sick before my wedding?

GFA maintains backup musicians for every instrument and vocal position. In the rare event of illness, a qualified replacement of equal caliber steps in seamlessly.

Final Thoughts

Behind every unforgettable GFA performance is a team of extraordinary musicians who have dedicated their lives to their craft. When you book Great Family Artists, you are not just booking a band — you are inviting a family of passionate professionals into your celebration. Schedule your free consultation today and meet the musicians who will make your wedding unforgettable.