BearFight: Chris Mathison
We first worked with BearFight when coordinating Catyn and Dave’s wedding at the Liberty Hotel in Boston this past June. Catyn and Dave are super cool so we knew the band would be good – and were they ever! They knew just how to read the guests and everyone was on the dance floor the entire night. What a party! We can’t wait to work with them again. Until then…here’s a bit more about lead singer Chris.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up on the mean streets of Wakefield, MA. Come for the lake, stay for the two dozen sub shops that claim their roast beef is famous.
How long have you been in business and how did you get started?
BearFight is entering our 8th year together as a band. We started out playing the bar and club scene in Boston, then gradually moved to weddings. Now we do about 25-30 weddings every year.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Being behind the scenes (and then center stage) for the biggest day of someone’s life is pretty incredible. We see all the ins and outs of the day that no one else knows about – from vendor mishaps and venue blunders (everyone freak out!!), to the really happy stuff, like a mom seeing her daughter as a bride for the first time. That kind of access is all at once hilarious, entertaining, exciting, and fun. The magic is making it all go smoothly once the stage lights are on.
Shannon Cronin Photography
How would you describe your style?
We’re a high-energy party band, for sure. If you want to dance to the Beatles, Lady Gaga, Zac Brown, the Killers, and Daft Punk all in one night, we’re your guys. And of course we’ll throw in a singalong or two at the end of the night. If peoples’ arms aren’t around each other for the encore, it’s probably not a BearFight wedding.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Give me a weekend off with some patio drinks and I’m one happy dude.
What’s your favorite quote?
“Hi will you play our wedding? We have a beach house you can stay at.” I do. I mean, yes.
What makes you unique in your field?
We are definitely the anti-wedding band. I always say, if you want a traditional Motown-Top 40 wedding band with horns and keyboards etc., we’re not your guys. But if you want a great rock band at your wedding – and we’re finding TONS of couples do – then let’s do it.
Shannon Cronin Photography
What is the best piece of advice you can give to a couple?
Pinterest is great, but make sure you make the wedding your own. The most memorable things for you and your guests will be the things that best show your own personality and creativity. Last year we did the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in our suits with the bride and groom who were still fully dressed in their gown and tux (Shout out to Matt & Sydney!). And just this weekend we had a couple make their big entrance on a tandem mountain bike. (Shout out to Ryan and Kim!) That’s the stuff people remember.
Visit www.bearfightlive.com to book this awesome band for your next event!
Cheers,
The Swank Team
