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You want live music for your anniversary, wedding, or other special event. You actually have family members that can play music and want to do it for free. Should you let them? Here are a few things to consider. We have used resources from other web sites to compile this information on hiring a band and planning your event so that you can find all your answers here. |
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CLICK HERE for cost of The Great Imponderables. CLICK HERE to see what is entailed for a performance.
Why not let family members play live music for your special event? This can work. However, what if things don't go as expected. Could it possibly cause hard feelings or embarrassment? Professional musicians are used to performing at large venues and practice or perform on a regular basis. They also have emcee experience that helps to keep things moving smoothly. They can even add and play many of your favorite songs if you give them notice. They will even have everyone up and celebrating with you! Although it may be cheaper to hire a "garage band" or let some friends play, live music is not the place you want to skimp on a budget. Hire professional with experience. Top Why hire a live band instead of a DJ? While it may be less expensive to hire a DJ, live music adds to any occasion. It is something your guests will long remember. Live music means a live performance. How many of your friends have ever had their own private concert. That is what you get with live music. Plus, why do you want your guests to listen to music they already have a CD of at home. Professional performers add flavor to the old songs. No, they may not be EXACTLY like the originals, but great performers never adulterate the classics so they lose their flavor. Live musicians can also extend versions of a song that everyone is up and dancing to. You can't do that with a CD. Live musicians also add a level of excitement to any event. Top What about breaks for the bands? Typically, most bands will take about a 15 minute break every hour. This is common in the industry. After all, they do have to use the bathroom, etc. However, The Great Imponderables have been known to play straight through sets when guests are enjoying themselves and dancing. After all, this is YOUR party. We want to keep things moving. When the band does take a break, there is background music that is played. Breaks not only offer time for the band, but it allows guests a chance to mingle and talk with one another. Part of having a party is for everyone to be together and enjoy each others company (as well as the bands performance). Top Isn't hiring a live band expensive? What's expensive? Bands can range any where from $200/evening to over $10,000 for a 45 minute performance. While the 10k mark is definitely expensive I would use extreme caution in hiring a band to perform for 3-4 hours for only $200 - $800. Think about it: A professional band will take about 2 hours, well before any event, to set up equipment and run sound checks and EQ levels. They will need to finish at least one hour prior to your event start time. Now, factor in the time it takes them to load their equipment before traveling to your venue, then unloading to set up. Then, after their performance, they have to break all their equipment down, reload, and make their return trip home. Even a 3 hour event can take a professional band a full days work to ensure your event is a success. Next say you have at least 4 members and they perform for 4 hours. Now they have the cost of their equipment, travel expenses, suits, etc. What would you expect to be paid? Does a band that only gets $200 to $800 sound like a professional group to you? It won't cover the cost of their travel, let alone the cost of equipment. Sure, if they're just doing a weekend gig now and then for a little extra money on the side, this may be adequate. However, a professional band will have professional equipment, as well as the knowledge and expertise to make your event a success. You should easily expect to pay $1,500+ for any professional musicians . Yes, it may be more than a DJ, but look at what you're getting and how your guests are going to remember your event. If you're trying to put together a budget for live music contact The Great Imponderables and we can help you determine what you should allow for your wedding or special event. Top What questions should I consider for hiring a live band? Wow! That's a mouthful. Rather than take up this whole page to mention all that, let us redirect you to sine professional musicians in Canada that have all that in an easy "PRINTER FRIENDLY" format. You can simply "CLICK HERE" to be taken directly to that page. It will have hints for planning your event at the top of the page and a list of questions for hiring a band at the bottom. Top Don't wait. It is not uncommon for bands to be booked 8 months to a year or more in advance. Certain times of the year are more desired than you may have thought. Weekends are always high demand. Again, don't wait. Start making your plans immediately and contact your band. After you have made contact, get a contract as soon as possible to secure your date. A deposit may be required to secure your date. Top
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