Under the leadership of Dave Detwiler, Prelude has entertained over one thousand clients since the group was founded in 1978. Prelude consists of highly-skilled, professional musicians who, as present or former members of DC-based military bands, regularly provide first-class entertainment for White House parties and events. Today, Prelude is highly regarded as one of the best variety bands in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

For over 20 years, Prelude has specialized in tailoring musical entertainment for weddings, corporate events, private parties and embassies. Prelude is able to perform virtually all styles of music for any occasion. From tasty cocktail music andlight jazz, the band moves easily into 30s and 40s big band favorites and society two-beats.

Preludes repertoire extends to classic 50s through 70s rock, Motown sounds and Top-40 hits of the 80s and 90s, making us the band to entertain all audiences. Prelude features the extraordinary voice of Mercy Diez. Special arrangements written for Mercy have featured her locally, nationwide, and on several tours of Northern Europe in addition to special shows at the White House, Carnegie Hall and the US Capitol.

Dave Detwiler is a recently-retired solo trumpeter with The US Army Concert Band, and former lead trumpeter with The US Army Blues...a job he held for 26 years. He appears regularly with the National Symphony Orchestra, and has performed with The New York Philharmonic, Aretha Franklin, Al Jareau, the late Frank Sinatra, Natalie Cole, Harry Connick, Jr. and many others as a local Washingtonian. Joining him are bassist/vocalist and chief arranger for the group Mark Gruen, along with former White House guitarist Kent Ashcraft and drummer Ken McNair.

To listen, click below:
You Make Me Feel So Young
Wind Beneath My Wings
I've Got You Under My Skin