Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Answered
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Q What space does the Band need?
We need a little bit of space, plus mains power.
The generous stage to the right was very roomy we can get away with 4x3 meters.
Also please allow a little space for dancing, even when we play dinner Jazz sometimes the mood grabs people a couple of meters allows that and gives a little room for access for catering staff and stop someone being right under a speaker.
Please note we now have lovely Big Band style solid stands which look much smarter!
Q What are your power requirements?
We need a standard double mains socket.
Everything else we provide, cables speakers, Safety matting, lights to play by etc. Our Stage Lighting ( Not Shown ) and Glitter-balls are also low power & heat being LED based.
Q How loud and quiet can you play?
We have two main speakers, we don’t use floor monitors instead we have an expensive In Ear Monitoring System, which means we can hear each other very clearly, and thus can play below your chat level during the reception / dinner Jazz sections of your event.
However when you need it our PA can fill a large hall or even a small field with a quality even sound for dancing.
Q Is there a Microphone for Speeches?
A radio microphone will be provided for your use, however it will only work when the PA is setup.
If you have booked us to start after your speeches it might not be available.
Q How long does setup & pack up take?
We take about an hour to setup and another to pack up. The bulky equipment can be setup earlier in the day if required, most of the players will arrive about 30 minutes before playing starts.
Q Can I have special tunes?
We love favorites tell us before hand and we will see if we have yours in our library of 2500 tunes.
If we don’t and can’t get an arrangement we can play your tune on our CD player though the PA.
Q Is your equipment safe?
Our equipment is regularly PAT tested plus we have Public Liability Insurance.
We Install cable safety mats and attempt to assess risk and prevent accidents.
Q Do you need Breaks?
Playing & Singing is hard work, so we do need the occasional break, we plan on about 5 minutes per hour but we try and sneak them while other things are happening, like speeches, cutting cakes, raffles so you don’t notice.
If nothing is happening and must take a break we will play CD’s though the PA.
Q Do you need free food and drinks?
No, you don’t need to feed us or buy us drinks. We bring our own.
Q Do I need to supply chairs?
No, we don’t need chairs we sit on our flight cases.
Q Do you play outside?
We will play outside but we will need cover in case it rains. Happy to play on grass but we don’t get on with water.
If it had rained the cover would not have been enough to continue playing, fortunately it was a lovely May evening and we did not have to move inside.
Q How long can you play for?
We bring a lot of music with us approximately:
~ 3 hours of Cocktail/Reception Jazz,
~ 3 hours of Ballroom,
~ an hour of Dixie.
~ 11/2 hours of Jive, RnR, Vintage Pop Soul & Funk.
In practice we mix and blend the different types depending on what’s happening and what people dance to. A typical Reception/Dinner/Dance can be 3 to 4 hours, if you want music in the afternoon during e.g. Photo’s on the lawn the total might be 6 hours but we have played longer.
In addition our Pianist has about 3 hours worth of cocktail piano.
Q Can where you play change?
Yes, it’s common. We often play in some lovely gardens during the afternoon while guest chat, have photos taken and the odd glass etc. We then relocate indoors or into a large marquee for dancing.
Q Is there a minimum time you play?
We don’t take gigs of less than 2 hours duration.
Q Do I need to Book?
Yes, as soon has you know your dates, particularly in the summer Friday, Saturdays afternoon and evenings and Sundays lunch times ( Jazz Brunch ) for a morning after get together get taken quickly.
May 2008 we did not have a single Friday, Saturday or Sunday off.
We only play one gig a day, so once you have booked us adjustments to times can be delayed until your other plans have crystallized.
If you wish to get a quote try the Get Quote page or if you hate forms give me a call on 01747 851947 or just email me with your plans.
Most of the photographs of the band shown on this page were taken by Kate Jackson at a wedding at Chantmarle Manor which is a nice venue with beautiful gardens. She is both fun to work with and takes great photos visit her site for examples.
The evening picture was taken at an outside concert & picnic in the Rectory Gardens Frampton on the 23rd May 2008.