Charleston & the Lowcountry, SC
Lani Lei Band: Charleston's Boutique Live Band for Weddings & Corporate Events
Lani Lei Band is a founder-led live music act based in the Charleston, SC area, performing at weddings, corporate events, and community concerts throughout the Lowcountry. Built around lead vocalist Nalani "Lani" Quintello and musical director Jonathan McPherson, the group scales from a hybrid duo, backed by studio-quality production for a full-band sound, up to a full live band depending on the event.
Both military veterans and former members of The U.S. Air Force Premier Band in Washington, D.C., Lani and Jonathan bring a shared history of national broadcasts, global tours, and major sporting events to every performance.
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
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
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.
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.
The Hybrid Approach
Curated live music, thoughtfully scaled to your celebration.
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.
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.
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.
Logos and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used solely to identify past performances and collaborations.
Built on Stages Like These
Seen Live. Felt Forever.
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Ready When You Are
Let's Build Your Event's Soundtrack.
Reach out with your date and details, and we'll confirm availability and next steps.
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