TOP 5 TIPS FOR BOOKING MUSICIANS!

1. What kind of style of music are you looking for? Match the music to the mood…

Match the music to the mood. Do you want background music, up front entertainment, live music, disco, or a combination? Why not consider some live background jazz music during the earlier part of your event, such as your reception or meal, as well as having entertainment later on? This can really add ambience and class to your event at an early stage, and also enables you to cater for a wider range of guests who may prefer this to the disco that may be on later!

Light jazz and swing is also extremely popular, not only with Ella Fitzgerald and Cole Porter fans, but also for those listening to Robbie Williams, Michael BublÈ, Jamie Cullum and even Rod Stewart, who has had great success with his great Americian standards songbook albums! More up-tempo jazz and swing works well for dancing, too. Alternatively, many jazz bands also provide a range of other styles of music, which can work well for the latter part of the evening. Discuss the ambience you want to create with the group leader to ensure they can provide the right atmosphere for your event.

2. How many musicians do I need?

The size of the event is the key to this question. A duo with discreet amplification can happily entertain a group of up to 60-70 people. A trio can cope with up to 100 people. As the party size increases, so does the size of the venue. You need more happening on stage to catch the attention and get the party going. A four or five-piece band with a small PA system is generally required if the party is 100 or more.

3. How will the performance be organised?

A standard performance schedule is probably around 2 x 1-hour sets within a 3-hour period, with up to a one hour set up time beforehand, but you could have 3 x 45 minute sets in a four-hour period. Longer playing times can be arranged, just talk to your bandleader.

The band can usually play CDs on their PA system half an hour before the first set and in the breaks between sets when the band is offstage to give you professional quality background music

4. Know your budget

Have a budget in mind, but be prepared to pay for quality, experienced professionals to ensure that your event is a success. Factors affecting price include duration, date, number of musicians, travel expenses and set up time. If the original price quoted exceeds your budget, don’t be afraid to discuss your budgetary constraints. You may be able to explore alternatives such as utilising fewer musicians, shorter playing time or streamlining set-up time to reduce cost. For professional musicians expect to pay £180-£250 for a solo performance, £280-£400 for a duo, £380-£625 for a trio. A four-piece band starts at approximately £490-£800, and a five-piece £590-£900.

5. Contract

For peace of mind, book a reputable professional band that issues a Contract for you to sign and return, setting out when the band will arrive, when the performance will take place and the agreed fee. A signed agreement between you and the entertainer is binding and will serve as a valuable reminder of each party’s responsibilities.