Lani Lei Band performing
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Big energy. Small footprint.

Charleston's boutique live band for weddings, corporate events, and every moment that matters.

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Pro Sound

Professional Sound & Lighting

30+

Years Combined Experience

Veteran

Owned & Operated

Listen

Hear the Difference.

We've been fortunate to perform on some incredible stages. Here's what we sound like on yours.

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Lani Lei Band performing

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This Land Is Your Land

Piano · Acoustic Guitar & Vocal · Woody Guthrie

Brown Eyed Girl

Acoustic · Van Morrison

Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)

Piano & Vocal · Looking Glass

Lani Lei Band performing

The Expertise Behind Lani Lei Band

National-Level Recognition. Boutique-Level Service.

The performers behind Lani Lei Band have appeared on national stages, televised broadcasts, military ceremonies, and major events across the country.

5,000+ Combined Events
Founder-Led You Book The Performers
Television PBS · ABC · Hallmark
NASCAR Aired on FOX
Disney DoD Warrior Games
American Idol National Spotlight
The USAF Band Military Musical Ambassadors
NFL/NBA High-Profile Events

The sound behind Lani Lei Band was built across more than 5,000 combined performances — from national broadcasts and major sporting events to military ceremonies, weddings, galas, and private celebrations.

Lani Lei Band performing
Our Signature Format

The Hybrid Approach

Curated live music, thoughtfully scaled to your celebration.

Most Popular

Hybrid Duo or Trio

Live vocals, keys, and synth with the polished sound of a full band.

Our signature format blends live musicianship with studio-quality production for a rich, full sound that feels bigger than the footprint. Sleek, versatile, and designed to fit beautifully in any space while keeping the dance floor packed all night.

  • Weddings and corporate receptions
  • Elegant venues and intimate stages
  • Scalable lineup, duo or trio
  • Seamless transitions, nonstop energy
  • Refined, modern performance style

Need something larger? Full live band configurations are available for galas, festivals, and large-scale events. Ask us about options.

Why boutique?

The Lani Lei Difference

"You Book Us. We Show Up."

Lani and Jonathan didn't build this band to hand it off to someone else. From the first conversation to the last song of the night, you're working directly with us — the founders, present for every note.

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Lani Lei Band performing at the National Medal of Honor Museum

A Legacy of Excellence

A few of the organizations
we've been proud to serve.

From nationally recognized organizations to elegant private events, Lani Lei Band is trusted to deliver when the moment matters most.

The Walt Disney Company
National Hockey League
Jacksonville Jaguars
United States Air Force
Concerned Veterans for America
National Medal of Honor Museum
Americans for Prosperity
Stand Together
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Carolinas Recreation

Carolinas Recreation & Park Conference
The American Legion

…and more

Logos and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used solely to identify past performances and collaborations.

The Artists Behind the Music

Derived from Service. Driven by Passion.

Founder & Lead Vocalist

Nalani "Lani"
Quintello

Vocalist · Songwriter · Creative Director

Lani's voice has been heard on national broadcasts, military stages, and major sporting events across the country. After gaining recognition as a contestant on American Idol Season 14, she stepped away from the spotlight to serve, joining The United States Air Force as a featured vocalist and musical ambassador. Her song "American Airman" surpassed seven million views and earned first place in the Air Force media competition. As founder of Lani Lei Band, this is her next chapter, built on everything she's earned.

  • National Anthem — 2024 NHL Stadium Series on ABC & ESPN
  • NFL halftime headliner — Jacksonville Jaguars & New England Patriots
  • "American Airman" — 7M+ views, 1st place Air Force media competition
  • Ambassador, Air Force Wounded Warrior Program
  • Berklee College of Music · The Citadel
Book National Anthem
Lani at Jacksonville Jaguars
Jonathan deployed with U.S. Air Force

Co-Founder & Musical Director

Jonathan McPherson

Pianist · Producer · Arranger

A former member of The United States Air Force Band, Jonathan McPherson is a musical director, producer, and pianist whose artistry is shaped by both a distinguished career and a proud lineage of service. He brings the discipline and precision forged through military service to every stage. As co-founder of Lani Lei Band, he oversees every element of musical direction, production, and technical execution so every performance lands exactly as it should.

  • U.S. Air Force Band — featured pianist, arranger & musical director
  • White House · Washington National Cathedral · Smithsonian
  • MLB · NASCAR · NFL — national broadcast on ESPN
  • Emmy Award–winning Red Tails documentary — film score
  • Berklee College of Music — Electronic Music Production & Sound Design
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What Clients Are Saying

Don't Take Our Word for It.

From first dances and ceremony processionals to packed dance floors at corporate galas — we show up prepared, professional, and fully invested in your event.

5-Star Rated
Founder-Led Every Event
Trusted Across the Southeast
★★★★★

"They made our wedding feel like a concert."

From the moment they started playing our processional to the last song of the night, Lani Lei Band had every single guest on their feet. They learned our must-have songs, communicated with us every step of the way, and brought an energy we never expected. Our guests are still talking about it.

Sarah & James Whitfield

Wedding Reception, Charleston, SC

★★★★★

"Her performance set the tone for the day."

Lani was a huge part of the success of one of my recent large events. Her performance set the tone for the day and brought an energy that truly resonated with everyone in attendance. Lani Lei Band is professional, talented, and a pleasure to work with.

William Huff

Director of Grassroots Operations, Florida
Concerned Veterans for America
America 250 Event, USS Orleck

★★★★★

"The most personal touch of our whole wedding."

What set Lani Lei Band apart was how much they actually cared. They got on a call with us months before the wedding, learned our story, and tailored the whole set around us. When they played our song during the first dance, my husband and I both cried. That's not something a DJ can give you.

Rachel & Daniel Okafor

Wedding Ceremony & Reception, Hilton Head Island, SC

Every great event has a soundtrack. Let's build yours.

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Built on Stages Like These

Seen Live. Felt Forever.

Jacksonville Jaguars

NFL

Jacksonville Jaguars

National Medal of Honor Museum

Live Performance

National Medal of Honor Museum

Stingrays Anthem

National Anthem

SC Stingrays

Rehoboth

Live

Public Concert

Yankee Stadium

MLB

Yankee Stadium

Television PBS Broadcast

Television

PBS Broadcast

The White House

Live Performance

The White House

American Idol Season 14

Television

American Idol

Live Performance Overseas

Live Performance

Overseas Tour

Jacksonville Jaguars

NFL

Jacksonville Jaguars

The White House

Live Performance

The White House

American Idol Season 14

Television

American Idol

Stingrays Anthem

National Anthem

SC Stingrays

Yankee Stadium

MLB

Yankee Stadium

Live Performance Overseas

Live Performance

Overseas Tour

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Good to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

Our founder, Lani, is a U.S. Air Force veteran, American Idol Season 14 alumna, and the songwriter behind "American Airman," a song that's been adopted as the unofficial anthem of the U.S. Air Force. As a founder-led band with years of experience performing together, that background shapes both our musicianship and the way we connect with an audience. We've toured around the globe together and performed at the highest levels, including The White House and packed stadiums, and we bring that same dedication to every event, no matter the size. We take it personally.

Weddings

Yes. We can accompany your ceremony live (piano or piano/vocal for the duo, or a fuller arrangement if you've booked a larger ensemble), or simply provide speakers and mics if you'd rather use recorded music.
Every ceremony package includes managed music playback for the prelude, processional, unity moment, and recessional, plus on-site coordination with your planner and/or officiant. We also provide up to two wireless lapel microphones and up to two wireless handheld microphones at no extra charge, so officiants, readers, and toasts come through clearly, without unnecessary cords or mic stands showing up in your photos.
Yes. We can accompany your cocktail hour live (piano or piano/vocal for the duo, or a fuller arrangement if you've booked a larger ensemble), or simply provide speakers and mics if you'd rather use recorded music.
We have an extensive song list to choose from for first dances and special moments, and we're happy to talk through options that fit your event. If there's a specific song you have your heart set on, reach out and we'll let you know what we can do.
Yes. We build your set list together, drawing from our extensive song catalog, and we're happy to prioritize the songs and genres that matter most to you.
Our set spans multiple genres and eras, from classic favorites to modern hits, so we can shape the night to fit your crowd and the mood you're going for.
Yes. We can provide lower-volume background music during dinner so guests can still hear each other, then bring the energy back up once dinner wraps.
Yes, at no extra charge. Our reception MC and announcement services include professional MC-ing for key moments like the first dance, cake cutting, and sparkler exit, plus coordinated grand entrance announcements and recognition announcements for special guests, all upon request.
Our standard wedding reception package includes up to 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of performance time, with the flexibility to extend if your event runs longer.
Yes, at no extra charge. Band lighting and basic uplighting are included in our standard wedding reception package, part of the boutique, premium standard we bring to every event.
Absolutely. Our job is to bring joy to all people through music at weddings and celebrations.

Corporate & Other Events

Yes. As veterans of The U.S. Air Force Band, performing the National Anthem for military, corporate, and community events is something we take real pride in. It's one of the most requested parts of what we do, and we can perform it a capella (vocals only) or with piano accompaniment, whichever fits your event.
Corporate events, non-profit events, private parties, military and veteran ceremonies, and community concerts. Our sound and set list adapt to fit the tone of your event.

Booking & Logistics

Lani Lei Band is a scalable live music act, built around a core duo (Lani on vocals and Jonathan on keys/piano), with the option to expand for larger events. This lets us bring big energy in a small footprint to intimate settings, while still scaling up when your event calls for more.
Every quote is customized based on event size, performance length, and travel. Reach out with your event date and details for a personalized estimate.
We're based in Charleston, SC, and regularly perform throughout the Charleston and Lowcountry area. For events further out, just ask; we're happy to discuss travel.
During our short breaks, we keep curated background music playing through our sound system so there's never a dead moment on the dance floor.
Yes. Between our live sets and the background music we play during breaks, the music never really stops.
We're happy to discuss extending our time if your event runs long, depending on availability. We adhere to all local noise ordinance policies, so any extension is subject to what's permitted at your venue. Just let us know as early as possible so we can plan for it.
It's very customizable. For most weddings and intimate events, our core duo (vocals and keys/piano) is a perfect fit. We can also scale up to a trio, or a full band for larger events or a fuller sound, whatever suits your event best.
Yes, we bring our own professional sound system sized to your venue and guest count.
We ask for your full event itinerary at least 14 days before your event, with final timings and song selections confirmed no later than 7 days out.
Lani is your main point of contact on the day of your event, making sure everything runs smoothly from load-in to load-out.
We ask for venue access at least 3 hours before showtime, dedicated and stable electrical circuits sized to our ensemble, and a private space with restroom access where performers can prep and take breaks. For events running longer than 3 hours, we also ask that a meal be provided for each performing musician and crew member.
Yes, we perform outdoors regularly, weather permitting. The performance area needs to be flat, dry, and structurally sound (not grass, gravel, dirt, or sand), with covered power access. Since we provide our own PA equipment, the performance area itself must be covered in case of rain; this isn't optional.
You can reach out through our contact page or email info@lanileiproductions.com. We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak wedding season dates.