Useful Info For a "Hassle Free" Event
1. Band set-up requirements
For the most part, the band has to have a stable floor that's strong
enough to support the combined weight of us and our equipment. It
also needs to be large enough to accomodate us without hazards.
2. Outdoor Events
First and foremost : We WILL NOT set up our equipment on the "bare ground" / sod / dirt!! It's not good for the equipment and it can also be a safety issue - especially for the drummer, who's seat can easily topple over if he's set up on uneven ground. Damp and/or wet ground can be a problem as well. If we are to perform oudoors, a minimum floor MUST be provided. The set-up area should be near a sufficient electrical source that won't be shared with other high voltage items such as heaters or high wattage lighting. Not only would this create excessive hum in the sound system, the risk of blowing a circuit increases by a substantial margin. Again, a minimum floor must be provided - unless there's a pre-existing provision such as a patio or strong deck.
* The band also needs to have some type of overhead covering when performing outside. Intense direct sun for extended periods takes it's toll on musicians and equipment. Amplifiers can literally shut down if they get too hot. We also will not set up our gear under trees without overhead coverage - the thought of tree sap falling on our expensive equipment, or roosting birds with a sense of humor is unsettling!! Again, overhead coverage should be provided.
* RAIN ......If there's a high probablility of it, we positively - will not - set up our gear outside without proper coverage and protection. Water and excessive moisture can ruin an instrument and electronic gear. And the water vs/electricity thing - as much as we love to play, we will not put our personal safety at risk.
* Winter / Cold Weather ..... For reasons too numerous to cover, we don't play outdoor engagements under these conditions.
3. Band Performance Itinerary
* For a typical four hour show, we play four 45 min. sets with three
15 minute breaks. Our set lists are made up to fit the venue and audience
make- up. We provide "break music" unless, the venue/client prefers to
provide their own. If clients request us to play past the pre-determined
time frame as per contract, we're always happy to accomodate the
them with one or two short songs. If requested to play beyond the "one or two" short songs, an additional minimum fee will apply (see FAQ page ).
* Requests .......... generally we
stick to a pre-set format in our shows. We will take requests IF
there's time to fit them in a set. We will not play requests with raunchy
lyrics at a family oriented venue / function. We also will not make blind
attempts at obscure songs that no one in the band has ever heard of.
If we've heard the requested song before, but never played it, we won't
attempt to "fake it" during a show as we feel that this is not professional.
4. Wedding Receptions
* Our goal is to help make your special event a fun experience for
you and your wedding guests. During the early part of the event,
we will play "laid back" material to allow time for visiting with family &
friends and dining. When people are ready to dance, we crank
things up a notch. If you have special announcements, have a
point person to work with us and let us know when to make them.
( they are welcome to do them if they prefer ). If you have a
specific itinerary for us to follow, just let us know.
* We are first and foremost an old school R&B/Funk band. That's our specialty. We do have a few Motown songs as well as smooth jazz in our repretoire. We also have a very small number of songs from other genre's in our line-up (see our song list). If a "special song" is requested for say, the father daughter dance - and it's not on our list, we will do our best to learn it for you provided that we have at least a months notice. This gives us time to secure sheet music and/or recording of the song ... as well as coordinate an additional rehearsal around band members busy schedules, family obligations and day jobs. When deciding upon a song that's not on our list, please understand that songs that are a far departure from our genre will be modified to fit our playing style. If you prefer the origional version of your song, we can load it up on a CD or MP3 file for you and play it through our system.
Our limit on "songs to learn" for any particular engagement is two. If you have a lengthy list of songs, we will learn ONLY two of them ... the rest we will put on a cd for you ( or you can provide the cd yourself if you wish ) and play them through our sound system.
