Let’s assume you have decided to book a professional band for your upcoming corporate function or corporate event here in Greenville, Anderson, Simpsonville, Spartanburg or anywhere within a couple hours of Upstate SC.
Let’s even go as far as to assume you possess impeccable taste in music and have decided that the band you want to hire for your event is Hot As A Pepper! Thanks! We’re honored!
What’s the next step?
You want to insure the day of the event comes off flawless, or at the very least APPEARS to come off without a hitch, so planning as far ahead in advance is of the utmost importance.
Before contacting the band, you need to know some information in order for an accurate quote to be given.
- Date your corporate event will be held on
- When do we start, when do we stop, when can we setup?
- How long will you require music for (2 hours? 3 hours?)
- Venue where event will take place
- Type of event (Grand opening, customer appreciation, picnic, etc)
- Approximate attendance
- Will the event be held indoors or outdoors?
- Is there a stage, and if so, how large?
- If outdoors, is the stage covered?
- Is there at least 30 amps of power present?
- What is the dress requirements (Casual, formal, beach, etc)
- Will a PA system be provided at the venue?
- If there is a PA, is there an audio engineer running it?
- Are stage lights provided, if required, or will we need our own?
- Will an emcee (MC, M.C.) be required or provided?
Goodness gracious that’s a lot of information to provide! But rest assured, the more information you have, the easier it is for the band to determine if it is the right gig for us, if we are available and how much to charge.
If we have to provide a stage, sound system, stage lighting, and the personnel required, obviously, the cost is going to go up, but by how much comes down to just how large of a gig, as larger venues and larger crowds, require a more robust PA system.
Likewise, if formal-wear is required, we will have to take into account additional time to setup, then change into the proper clothing.
Communication is key to any great relationship, and it is no different when hiring a band. We want to get as much information as possible so that we do not overlook a thing.
Once we have a quote prepared, if it is acceptable to you, we will ask to meet for and go over a contract. The contract will protect you and us, and you should be sure to include any specifics in the notes of that contract. Since we are blocking off a date on our calendar for your event, we ask for a 25% deposit at that time. The balance is due at completion of the gig. Cash is always nice, however, checks are acceptable, as are credit cards.
Our contract covers the date and the hours of music you would like to be played, however, if you determine your function is going well and may run longer, we will be happy to extend our time for a reasonable overtime charge. We can talk during a break.
Tips are acceptable and customary if you feel the musicians lived up to your expectations! Many times we have received a tip of 20%, 30% or even more!
If your function features food, it is also nice to extend that to the performers and crew.
What if the band is not doing what you hoped for? What if they are too loud, or maybe they are playing music that is too heavy for the crowd.
We want this to be perfect for you, so at a convenient time during the performance (not during a song), communicate with the sound / lighting person regarding audio or slip a note, written in large letters onto the stage near the vocalist. As professionals, we generally read a crowd very well, however, you are IN that crowd, so let us know.
In the days leading up to the function, one of our band members will likely want to see the venue if they are not familiar with it. They will also wan to discuss the timing of any events taking place, such as a ribbon cutting, news media videoing, etc, so we can coordinate breaks.
That’s it, give us a call and get the ball rolling! 864-979-1224 or use the contact link from the menu above!