Merging Traffic is an important component of the Bay Area’s private and corporate event scene. Through continually high-quality performances and their warm and honest personalities, they have made many friends among peers and clients alike. Maureen and Richard, the heart of Merging Traffic, have been together since 1980. They used to play in nightclubs and built a large repertoire of songs during that time. Their versatility enables them to play almost any style of music, including popular tunes from the 50's to today. They are always happy to expand their song list with the newest requested hits. The list has gotten so long that it makes one wonder how they can remember them all! Even their repertoire of ethnic songs is the largest we’ve come across.

Maureen, lead singer, is very pretty and, despite her petite size, has a wonderful, strong alto voice. Richard plays the electronic keyboard that can generate various instrument voices, giving the band more depth. Whatever the age or musical preference, Merging Traffic can unify the party by getting everyone involved. The band’s drummer calls Richard a "party psychologist" because he reads the crowd so well. One of the ways they keep people dancing is by playing continuous music, mixing one song into the next. Usually there are three to eight performers; however, on request, the band can have as many as 12 professional musicians.

I attended one of the monthly private auditions that Merging Traffic holds for their potential clients. They feel the live demonstrations can showcase their talent better than a sample tape, and it enables them to get to know their customers face to face. With incredible rhythm and energy, Maureen sings her heart out, belting out songs like "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" and then slowing it down with numbers like "What a Wonderful World." At one audition, to honor requests, they had learned a Smash mouth song for a young, soon-to-be-married couple and New Orleans-style music for the reception of another couple. A well-known photographer in our guide had this to say about the band, "Being in the event biz, I always know it will be a great party when I hear Merging Traffic will be there."one of their recordings, or visit them and listen to their music on the internet.