Frequently Asked Questions
May I speak directly with the talent?
Musicians and entertainers spend a great amount of their time rehearsing, practicing and recording new material. Although we wouldn't prevent an artist and client from direct contact, the artists generally prefer that we handle the business part and allow them to concentrate on their performance. If there is a need or a question that you would like the artist's direct input, we would do our best to make that happen.
Someone in our party sings, can they sing a few songs with the band?
While some bands contain a pianist and/or guitarist who can follow nearly anyone - others are not as able to "ad lib" in a way that would complement a guest singer. This is generally best handled by requesting to speak with the bandleader during an intermission, or arranging this prior to the event.
We know a member in the band; why shouldn't we call the band directly?
Since our main focus is on handling the details, contract and coordinating information between the talent and the client, it is generally much more effective and comfortable for all to use our services.
Can we control the volume of the music?
The band is instructed by our office to adhere to the requests of the client regarding volume. This is best handled by discussing with the bandleader in between songs.
Can the band perform the entire event without breaks?
Generally there is an additional charge, and this request must be made prior to signing the contract. Normally a band will have a 15 minute break between each set (for a 3 hour engagement there would be 2 breaks; for a 4 hour engagement there would be 3 breaks).
How many hours do performers/bands generally perform?
This is different for each event. It can be as short as one hour or as many as 4
Do we need to provide a dressing room or break area?
Not in most cases, but it is appreciated. If the band is doing a "show" with costume changes there will need to be a quick change area either behind or beside the stage. For national touring acts a dressing room will normally be required.
What does your fee include?
We negotiate an overall fee which includes the band's travel, set up, performance, and tear down. Our fee is included in the total, not added on. As some bands have specific needs and requirements, in each case this will be discussed prior to signing a contract.
If we're not finished at the end of the contracted performance time, will the band play an extra set?
This can either be discussed prior to the event, and a fixed price will be agreed upon, or if not arranged in advance it can be discussed with the bandleader on site. Please note, if the band begins unplugging equipment and breaking down, it may be very difficult to reconnect and continue. So if there is a desire for additional time, please approach the bandleader while still on stage.
In case of inclement weather, will the band reschedule?
For outside events a special "rain clause" will be added to the contract stipulating the guidelines for inclement weather. For indoor events, only on very rare occasions, will a band agree to reschedule - they usually will if an ice storm has the entire area locked down, or a situation where the power and other services needed to support the event are down prior to the band arriving and setting up.
If I hire a band for 4 hours, can I have them play two hours, then break for an hour while we have our program, and then play the remaining two hours?
Only if agreed to in advance. Normally the band's time starts with the first set and ends at the end of the four hours.
Musicians and entertainers spend a great amount of their time rehearsing, practicing and recording new material. Although we wouldn't prevent an artist and client from direct contact, the artists generally prefer that we handle the business part and allow them to concentrate on their performance. If there is a need or a question that you would like the artist's direct input, we would do our best to make that happen.
Someone in our party sings, can they sing a few songs with the band?
While some bands contain a pianist and/or guitarist who can follow nearly anyone - others are not as able to "ad lib" in a way that would complement a guest singer. This is generally best handled by requesting to speak with the bandleader during an intermission, or arranging this prior to the event.
We know a member in the band; why shouldn't we call the band directly?
Since our main focus is on handling the details, contract and coordinating information between the talent and the client, it is generally much more effective and comfortable for all to use our services.
Can we control the volume of the music?
The band is instructed by our office to adhere to the requests of the client regarding volume. This is best handled by discussing with the bandleader in between songs.
Can the band perform the entire event without breaks?
Generally there is an additional charge, and this request must be made prior to signing the contract. Normally a band will have a 15 minute break between each set (for a 3 hour engagement there would be 2 breaks; for a 4 hour engagement there would be 3 breaks).
How many hours do performers/bands generally perform?
This is different for each event. It can be as short as one hour or as many as 4
Do we need to provide a dressing room or break area?
Not in most cases, but it is appreciated. If the band is doing a "show" with costume changes there will need to be a quick change area either behind or beside the stage. For national touring acts a dressing room will normally be required.
What does your fee include?
We negotiate an overall fee which includes the band's travel, set up, performance, and tear down. Our fee is included in the total, not added on. As some bands have specific needs and requirements, in each case this will be discussed prior to signing a contract.
If we're not finished at the end of the contracted performance time, will the band play an extra set?
This can either be discussed prior to the event, and a fixed price will be agreed upon, or if not arranged in advance it can be discussed with the bandleader on site. Please note, if the band begins unplugging equipment and breaking down, it may be very difficult to reconnect and continue. So if there is a desire for additional time, please approach the bandleader while still on stage.
In case of inclement weather, will the band reschedule?
For outside events a special "rain clause" will be added to the contract stipulating the guidelines for inclement weather. For indoor events, only on very rare occasions, will a band agree to reschedule - they usually will if an ice storm has the entire area locked down, or a situation where the power and other services needed to support the event are down prior to the band arriving and setting up.
If I hire a band for 4 hours, can I have them play two hours, then break for an hour while we have our program, and then play the remaining two hours?
Only if agreed to in advance. Normally the band's time starts with the first set and ends at the end of the four hours.
