Lani Lei Band is the flagship live-performance experience of Lani Lei Productions, a boutique music and production company based in Charleston, South Carolina.
About Lani Lei Band
Our Approach
Lani Lei Band was founded with a simple belief: live music should elevate a moment, not complicate it.
We are a Charleston-based boutique band and production company specializing in thoughtfully curated live and recorded music experiences for weddings, corporate events, special observances, and milestone celebrations. Every performance is intentionally designed around the tone, scale, and flow of the event, with equal attention given to musicianship, production, and planning.
Rather than offering one-size-fits-all packages, we take a tailored approach to every event, ensuring the music feels natural, polished, and seamless from start to finish.
What “Boutique” Means to Us
For us, “boutique” isn’t about being small… it’s about being intentional.
We take on a limited number of events each year so that every performance receives the time, preparation, and attention it deserves. Musicians are carefully selected for professionalism, chemistry, and experience, and our production is designed to enhance the atmosphere without overpowering it.
The result is a musical experience that feels effortless, refined, and aligned with the vision of the event, never generic.
Trusted Experience
Our team brings over thirty years of combined professional experience performing at weddings, corporate gatherings, formal ceremonies, and events across the nation. We understand the importance of timelines, venue logistics, production coordination, and working seamlessly alongside planners and vendors.
From the first inquiry to the final note, our process is built on clear communication, thoughtful preparation, and a calm professional presence, allowing our clients to enjoy their event with confidence.
A Proven Standard
Our collective experience includes performing in high-profile environments, nationally recognized events, and formal
settings where professionalism, preparation, and execution matter at the highest level. That level of experience transcends into every thing we do, from how we plan and communicate to how we execute each performance, regardless of the size or scope of the event.
Our Values
Musicianship
Great live music starts with prepared, professional musicians who know how to read a room and serve the moment.
Production
Sound and lighting should support the experience, enhancing the atmosphere without distracting from it.
Respect for the Event
Every event is personal. We approach each one with care, flexibility, and respect for the people involved.
Leadership
Lani Lei Band is led by seasoned music and production professionals who bring a shared commitment to artistry, execution, and thoughtful event design.
CEO & Founder | Lead Vocalist
Nalani “Lani” Quintello is a vocalist, songwriter, and creative director whose work spans live performance, national broadcast, and service driven artistry. Raised in a military family and shaped by a multicultural upbringing, her approach to music is grounded in connection, storytelling, and purpose.
Lani began performing at a young age, discovering early on music’s power to uplift and heal. She later gained national recognition as a prominent contestant on American Idol Season 14 before stepping away to pursue a path that aligned more closely with purpose and meaning through music. At 19, she joined the United States Air Force, serving as a featured vocalist and musical ambassador at major national and diplomatic events throughout the United States and the Middle East.
Her career highlights include performing the National Anthem at the 2024 NHL Stadium Series broadcast on ABC and ESPN, headlining NFL halftime entertainment, and sharing the stage with artists such as Drake White, Sinbad, and Jessie James Decker. As a songwriter, she co-wrote the viral anthem “American Airman,” earning first place in an Air Force media competition and surpassing seven million online views. She also serves as an ambassador for the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program, using her voice to educate and encourage others through advocacy rooted in her own journey of resilience and recovery.
Lani holds degrees from Berklee College of Music and The Citadel. Her musical style blends modern country influences with a timeless pop-rock edge. As founder and creative lead of Lani Lei Band, she shapes the artistic vision and client experience, creating musical moments that feel elevated, intentional, and deeply human.
Nalani “Lani” Quintello
Co-Founder | Producer
Jonathan McPherson is a musical director, producer, and pianist known for creating polished, emotionally resonant performances that elevate meaningful moments. With a career shaped by decades of live performance and production experience, his work reflects musical excellence, refined taste, and a deep understanding of how sound, pacing, and atmosphere shape an event.
Jonathan has collaborated with artists such as Patti LaBelle, Jax, Charlie Pride, and Arturo Sandoval, including performing alongside BeBe Winans on an international tour. His musicianship has been heard on some of the nation’s most notable stages, directing music for distinguished audiences in Washington, DC, from the White House to the Washington National Cathedral. His work also includes performances at major sporting events across MLB, NASCAR, and the NFL, with appearances broadcast on ESPN. In addition to live performance, he has served as musical director for a Maryland Public Television tribute production and film-scored original music for the Emmy Award–winning Red Tails documentary series.
Jonathan studied piano at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette before attending Berklee College of Music on scholarship, where he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Music Production and Sound Design. His background bridges classical training, jazz, contemporary production, and real-world performance at the highest level.
As co-founder and producer of Lani Lei Band, Jonathan oversees musical direction, production standards, and technical execution. He shapes the sound, pacing, and cohesion of each performance with intention and care, ensuring every event feels seamless, meticulously crafted, and eloquently attuned to the moment.
Jonathan McPherson
Let’s Start the Conversation!
If you’re exploring live music for an upcoming event, we’d love to learn more about what you’re planning.