Meet the Talented Team Behind Ben Mallare Events & Entertainment

Ben Mallare

CEO

Ben Mallare founded Ben Mallare Events & Entertainment in 2014, starting as a small acoustic ensemble and growing it into one of the most sought-after live entertainment companies on the West Coast. Based in Los Angeles, BME now produces over 150 events annually—luxury weddings, corporate galas, and private celebrations—with a reach that extends across the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, and Europe. The company’s work has been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, Modern Luxury, and Over the Moon.

Ben is known for being relentlessly hands-on. He’s the person obsessing over the setlist at midnight, reworking transitions until the energy arc feels exactly right, and reading the room in real time to know when to push the tempo or pull back for a moment. For him, a packed dance floor isn’t the goal—it’s the baseline. The real work is in the details most guests never notice: the seamless flow between songs, the perfectly timed key change that lifts the room, the way a four-hour reception can feel like it flew by in forty minutes.

Originally from Annapolis, Maryland, Ben now lives in Long Beach with his three dogs: Jetty, Dax, and Huxley.

Toft Willingham

Technical Director

Toft Willingham has been the key force behind Ben Mallare’s high level audio-visual capabilities since 2018. In that time, he has helped facilitate events for clients including Microsoft, Google, 3M, and Kaiser Permanente. In the broader music industry, he has performed more than one thousand concerts across the nation and produced over thirty five albums. Toft resides in Los Angeles, CA with his wife Eleni, daughter Eleni, and son C.J.

Andy Robbins

Director of Operations

Andy leads day-to-day management for Ben Mallare Events & Entertainment, and he coordinates with venues, planners, and musicians to execute seamless events. He has performed professionally as a drummer since 1996 and holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from University of New Hampshire. Andy and his partner currently reside in Portland, Maine, where they love cooking, crosswords, fancy coffee, hiking, kitchen dancing, and ALL kinds of travel!

Luke Begley

Assistant Technical Director

Luke Begley joined Ben Mallare Events & Entertainment in 2020, and has helped streamline the company’s technical operations in the years since. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Recording Arts at the University of Colorado in 2015, and has worked as an audio engineers at dozens of venues primarily in the western United States. Luke currently lives in Los Angeles where he enjoys skiing, backpacking, and reading in his free time.

About Ben Mallare Events & Entertainment

Exceptional Live Wedding Music

Ben Mallare Events & Entertainment is a live wedding music entertainment company based in Los Angeles, California. We offer a highly celebrated service to couples throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. From large corporate events to intimate wedding occasions, we have the style and versatility to present a stunning performance every time. Genre specialties include top 40, Motown, Soul, Country, Hebrew, and Latin Music.

Live Entertainment Services Offered

With musical talent and event planning expertise, Ben Mallare Events & Entertainment offers a range of wedding services. Ceremony music, rocking dance parties, and two affordable live bands are all available to serenade you on your special day. Their ensembles are fully customizable and include male and female vocals, guitar, bass, keys, drums, and horns. We also offer Corporate Event Bands, Party Bands, Dance Bands, and Live Bands for Hire.

What's included in the price?

Continuous Recorded Music During Breaks
Four Special Song Requests
Lighting for the Stage and Dance Floor
MC
Reception Music
Sound/PA System
Travel Expenses

What performers can I choose from?

Alto Saxophone
Bass
Dancers
Drums
Female Vocals
Guitar
Keys
Latin Percussion
Male Vocals
Tenor Saxophone
Trombone
Trumpet

Top Rated, Award-Winning Live Entertainment

WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2024 badge awarded to Ben Mallare Events & Entertainment for exceptional live wedding bands and entertainment services. Ben Mallare Events & Entertainment is featured on Carats + Cake, showcasing their exceptional live wedding bands. The image highlights the logo of Carats + Cake, emphasizing the quality and reputation of the live music services provided for unforgettable wedding celebrations. With a focus on creating memorable moments, Ben Mallare's 20-piece wedding band brings a vibrant atmosphere that enhances any special day. Award-winning recognition for Ben Mallare Events & Entertainment, featured in The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame, highlighting excellence in live wedding bands and entertainment.

Contact Ben Mallare Events & Entertainment Today!

Let us help make your event an unforgettable experience for every one of your guests. Call us at (410) 980-8370, or email ben@benmallare.com. We would love to hear from you! You can also fill out our contact form.

Read What Our Clients Have to Say About Us

  • Emily Palmer
    Emily Palmer
    04-01-2026
    WeddingWire

    We hired the Ben Mallare band for our wedding back in August and they are the #1 thing people rave about from our wedding! They are incredible musicians who had everyone dancing throughout the entire night! Friends of ours who never dance at weddings said they did not leave the dance floor all night. We have recommended them to everyone we know and a number of people who attended our wedding have requested their contact information to hire them -- they're THAT good. The best decision we made for our wedding was hiring this world-class band. We cannot recommend them more! Thank you Ben Mallare Band!

  • Julie Thrall
    Julie Thrall
    18-12-2025
    Google

    We hired the Ben Mallare band for our desert wedding last week and are still speechless. They had everyone dancing even before dinner and before our grand entrance… they nailed the song for our first dance and kept the energy flying high the entire night. All of our guests kept asking how we found such a talented band. The range of songs they can play (and play WELL) is extensive. We had very high expectations which were blown out of the water. Thank you Ben and team. Also, not only incredibly talented musicians but they were communicative and true professionals throughout the entire planning process. Booking was easy, and they easily adapted to our VERY last minute rain plan. We also had the string quartet for our ceremony and they absolutely nailed it

  • Ashley Bancroft
    Ashley Bancroft
    01-12-2025
    Google

    Ben Mallare and the band went above and beyond. We never left our dance floor at our wedding and we are still getting compliments from guests on how energetic and fun our band was - and how amazing they sound! We are so lucky they were our band which was our #1 priority when wedding planning. We couldn’t recommend a better band!

  • Julie
    Julie
    18-11-2025
    WeddingWire

    Blown away! We hired the Ben Mallare band for our desert wedding last week and are still speechless. They had everyone dancing even before dinner and before our grand entrance… they nailed the song for our first dance and kept the energy flying high the entire night. All of our guests kept asking how we found such a talented band. The range of songs they can play (and play WELL) is extensive. We had very high expectations which were blown out of the water. Thank you Ben and team. Also, not only incredibly talented musicians but they were communicative and true professionals throughout the entire planning process. Booking was easy, and they easily adapted to our VERY last minute rain plan. We also had the string quartet for our ceremony and they absolutely nailed it

  • Ashley R
    Ashley R
    13-11-2025
    The Knot

    Ben Mallare and the band went above and beyond. We never left our dance floor at our wedding and we are still getting compliments from guests on how energetic and fun our band was - and how amazing they sound! We are so lucky they were our band which was our #1 priority when wedding planning. We couldn’t recommend a better band!

  • Irwin Kornfeld
    Irwin Kornfeld
    03-11-2025
    Google

    Our daughter and now son-in law’s wedding at the Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara was one of those great events, and among the kudos were the reviews of the string quartet, the cocktail hour ensemble, and the ten featured pieces that played during dinner, all provided by Ben Mallare Events & Entertainment. A number of our guests work in the music business. We have a good idea of what it takes to provide the level of entertainment they delivered, and we know that what they did was special. The audio at the ceremony was everything we could have hoped for, clear yet soft on a rooftop? Amazing! The band indoors throughout the evening was also truly remarkable. The arrangements were spot on, the vocalists were excellent, and the group was cohesive. Hard to do, given the vagaries of scheduling, etc. Moreover, that the audio team did their jobs so expertly was really what carried the day.

  • Irwin
    Irwin
    18-10-2025
    WeddingWire

    One Night In Santa Barbara Our daughter and now son-in law’s wedding at the Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara was one of those great events, and among the kudos were the reviews of the string quartet, the cocktail hour ensemble, and the ten featured pieces that played during dinner, all provided by Ben Mallare Events & Entertainment. A number of our guests work in the music business. We have a good idea of what it takes to provide the level of entertainment they delivered, and we know that what they did was special. The audio at the ceremony was everything we could have hoped for, clear yet soft on a rooftop? Amazing! The band indoors throughout the evening was also truly remarkable. The arrangements were spot on, the vocalists were excellent, and the group was cohesive. Hard to do, given the vagaries of scheduling, etc. Moreover, that the audio team did their jobs so expertly was really what carried the day.

  • Irwin K.
    Irwin K.
    18-10-2025
    Yelp

    Our daughter and now son-in law's wedding at the Hotel Californian in Santa Barbara was one of those great events, and among the kudos were the reviews of the string quartet, the cocktail hour ensemble, and the ten featured pieces that played during dinner, all provided by Ben Mallare Events & Entertainment. A number of our guests work in the music business. We have a good idea of what it takes to provide the level of entertainment they delivered, and we know that what they did was special. The audio at the ceremony was everything we could have hoped for, clear yet soft on a rooftop? Amazing! The band indoors throughout the evening was also truly remarkable. The arrangements were spot on, the vocalists were excellent, and the group was cohesive. Hard to do, given the vagaries of scheduling, etc. Moreover, that the audio team did their jobs so expertly was really what carried the day.

  • Lisa C.
    Lisa C.
    28-09-2025
    Yelp

    BME were SO incredible for our wedding!! From the ceremony to the dance party, they absolutely crushed it. Guests were raving about them all night. If you are on the fence, pull the trigger. I promise you they are a very worthy investment!

  • Caroline H.
    Caroline H.
    04-09-2025
    WeddingWire

    Cannot say enough amazing things about Ben Mallare and the team. They were easy to work with throughout the planning process, and made me feel the setlist and flow was personal and customized. The performances blew me away, and my guests are still talking about it months later. We had a dreamy string trio for the ceremony and cocktail hour that made us feel like we were in a movie. Then the reception felt like a private concert. The musicians and vocalists were top notch, and played the perfect setlist to have guests on the dance floor all night. They truly were the piece that made our wedding special, and have been the most talked about part of our event.

  • Carly Mann
    Carly Mann
    03-09-2025
    Google

    We had the best experience working with the Ben Mallare Band. When I say they made the night, they really made the night spectacular. Ben's MCing was spot on, the songs they played were perfect, and they hit every single note! I had so many people tell me how fabulous the band was and ask for their contact information afterwards. If I could give them 100/10 stars I would :) If they're available your wedding weekend, hire them immediately!

  • Ben and his team put on the best set I could have ever asked for at my wedding! Not only were they so easy to work with leading up to the wedding, but they exceeded all of our expectations when it came to music. They were very accommodating with our special requests during ceremony and reception, and they even helped us pull off a special performance with my dad and I. They are a GREAT value, and it was some of the best money we spent during our wedding weekend. I could not recommend them enough!

  • Katie P
    Katie P
    09-08-2025
    The Knot

    Ben and his team put on the best set I could have ever asked for at my wedding! Not only were they so easy to work with leading up to the wedding, but they exceeded all of our expectations when it came to music. They were very accommodating with our special requests during ceremony and reception, and they even helped us pull off a special performance with my dad and I. They are a GREAT value, and it was some of the best money we spent during our wedding weekend. I could not recommend them enough!

  • Nick W.
    Nick W.
    17-06-2025
    Yelp

    We hired Ben Mallare for our wedding, and they truly exceeded every expectation. From our first conversation about music preferences to the very last song, they brought incredible energy, talent, and joy to the entire celebration. Guests were raving before we even made it into the reception--several asked how we found them and wanted their website on the spot. Their vocals were outstanding, the musicians were top-tier, and they read the crowd perfectly. The dance floor was packed all night--from our college friends to our grandparents. It honestly felt like the perfect mix of private concert, dance party, and unforgettable celebration. If anything, we just wish we had a bigger dance floor! If you're looking for a band to take your wedding to the next level and create lasting memories, book them. We feel so lucky they were part of our day. 10/10 experience.

  • Michael D
    Michael D
    13-06-2025
    The Knot

    Absolutely the best band. Elevated our wedding to another level. They gave both an amazing performance and were incredibly professional. Performed guitar for our ceremony and cocktail hour and then the band smashed it during the reception. There are no break between songs so the dancing doesn’t stop and no one was leaving the dance floor. Our wedding night wouldn’t have been the same without them and I could not recommend this band more.

  • John
    John
    05-01-2025
    WeddingWire

    The Ben Mallare Band completely exceeded our expectations and made our wedding the epic dance party we dreamed of. From the moment they started playing, the dance floor was absolutely packed and stayed that way all night long. Their energy was infectious and their talent level was incredible - they nailed every song they played, from current hits to classics, and had everyone from our college friends to our parents dancing non-stop. We loved that they listened to our genre suggestions and they crafted a perfect playlist that appealed to guests of all ages. Their ability to read the room and keep the party going was phenomenal. They even learned the Philadelphia Eagles fight song for us! If having an epic dance party is your priority for your wedding (like it was for ours), booking the Ben Mallare Band is an absolute must. They're not just great musicians - they're incredible entertainers who will make your wedding unforgettable!

  • Jillian B.
    Jillian B.
    14-10-2024
    Yelp

    The Ben Mallare Band was the absolute best wedding band we could have asked for. It was important to us to have a band that would get the crowd going and keep the energy up all night and they truly exceeded our expectations - no one left the dance floor all night. They are extremely talented, professional and easy to work with - they worked with us on all of our special requests and were super responsive throughout the planning process. We had an absolute blast with them and could not recommend them more!

  • Andie S
    Andie S
    06-08-2024
    The Knot

    This was the absolute best wedding band ever! They are extremely talented and the energy and vibe had all of our wedding guests dancing the entire night! They also worked with my dad so he was able to perform a surprise song and they backed him up. They were very responsive during the planning process and so kind and easy to work with! 10/10 recommend hiring them for your wedding!!

  • shelby l
    shelby l
    08-06-2024
    The Knot

    posting my personal email to the owner because it gives you all the insight you need. almost a month since our wedding and people are still texting me about the band. other families are inquiring about using them for their own events in the future. absolutely INCREDIBLE band. not a single person was sitting at the wedding. old. young and everything in between. they were worth every penny. don’t skip on a live band and don’t skip on ben mallare!!!! “I am still decompressing from the wedding but I just needed to send you and email because Mike and I can not stop talking about the band and neither can the guests. Chance, singers (wish i remembered the other incredible singers names - my adrenaline was peaking haha), band members are INCREDIBLY talented professionals… Andy we were BLOWN away. The Hurricane song was OUT OF THIS WORLD. I have to attach the video for you my friend took. Mike and I have watched it 500 times today (real number). It is a memory we will never ever forget. I was originally told by my planner I had to choose between “Hurricane” and “Heavy Metal” song because it was too many special love song requests. I’m not sure if that was a mix up or if it was a surprise but they played it and i was SHOCKED. This was my only surprise during the ceremony / reception (every wedding detail I planned). That song is very special to my family and I. I am a triplet and my dad used to blast that in the house and teach us three how to head bang at just four years old 🤣 twenty seven years later and we still got it. I was the last one of the three to get married so having that moment with my siblings was top three highlights of the day. We have had every single person that attended RAVE about the band. Everyone said they felt like they were at a concert. Multiple times throughout the night I looked around and nearly every single person was on the dance floor, old and young. It was just perfect. “

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They were perfect, literally perfect. Through all our questions, requests, demands, inquiries, concerns, rescheduling, on and on and on, they were nothing but gracious, professional, prompt and courteous. Then they showed up and rocked the hell out of absolutely everyone. My wife and I, and every single one of our guests, give them the highest praise possible. And the cherry on top, they let me get on stage and jam with them. We had Ben and his band, which we clearly highly recommend dishing out the extra money for and locking in. Perfect.
Groom testimonial Nick G. (Los Angeles, CA)
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The number one priority my bride and I wanted for our wedding was for a night full of dancing--not people begrudgingly on their feet, but truly having the best time on the dance floor. Ben Mallare absolutely delivered that for us. Since getting back from our honeymoon, the first thing people say to us is "that band you had was the best wedding band we've ever seen". If you are reading this review, don't waste another minute--book Ben Mallare--you'll be so glad you did. PS--they even learned a house/electronic song for us by request--they can truly do it all
Groom headshot Mark S. (San Francisco, CA)
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The entire wedding, we were (and still are) so proud to share the Ben Mallare name and are thrilled we could share our day with them. We could go on and on about how much fun the dance floor was, how engaging the band was with guests, how great the music was, etc., but you should take all of that as an absolute given. Ben Mallare’s band brings together truly talented, hard working and fun musicians. We knew music was going to be a very important part of our wedding weekend and we wanted the absolute best of the best, and we have only the highest recommendation for everything Ben Mallare.
Groom headshot Arnie F. (Banff, AB)
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