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Q: How much do you charge?
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A: Our standard gig package costs £1,000 and is suitable for venues up to 200 people. For larger events
that require us to hire additional equipment, or travel distances greater than 30-miles from Reading there may be an additional charge. Please contact us for more information.
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Q: Do you offer a discount for charities?
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A: Yes. For organisations registered with the
Charity Commission for England & Wales,
we apply a 33% discount. |
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Q: How long do you play for?
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A: Our standard gig package follows these approximate timings:
- 7.00pm - band arrives.
- 7.00pm to 8.30pm - equipment set up and soundcheck.
- 9.00pm to Midnight - band plays 2 x 1 hour sets.
- Midnight to 1.00am - equipment pack up.
- 1.00am - band leaves; guests complement the host for such a fantastic night.
If the venue needs to be vacated earlier
(for example at midnight),
then we will simply adjust our standard timings
to suit, typically with no additional
charge. |
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Q: What if we need you to set up several hours before the event?
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A: For events where we need to set-up earlier than
6pm, there will be a "waiting time" charge
of £100 for each additional hour. For
example, if you need us to arrive by 3pm
then the additional charge will be £300. |
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Q: Will the band be too loud?
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A: We take volume and sound quality
seriously and our dedicated sound engineer
can tailor our sound to meet the
requirements of your event. |
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Q: The venue has a sound limiter, can you
still play? |
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A: Sound limiters are devices which cut the
power to the band if the volume goes above a
pre-set level. They're sometimes found in
village halls, community venues and
occasionally in hotels. Sound limiters are usually set to around
96dB (which is a slightly louder than
standing next to a busy road) and since our band
can generate sound levels between
100dB and 115dB, we won't be able to play. Sometimes a venue will agree to
turn off the sound limiter for your
function. If they do, you MUST get this in
writing since you don't want to be arguing
with a duty manager who denies all knowledge
of this on the day. |
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Q: Are you experienced musicians?
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A: Yes we are. Collectively, we have almost 200 years of musical experience and have been playing since 1992.
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Q: Are the band members on this web site going to be the musicians we get?
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A: The band always performs with the same members. In the unlikely event that a band member is ill or unavailable, we have 'deputies' who have rehearsed and gigged with us previously.
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Q: Do you adjust your set list to suit the event?
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A: Yes, we have set lists for different types of events and can easily tailor these to your specific needs. |
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Q: What if I want a song that isn't on your list?
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A: If there is a special song you would like us to play we will do our best to accomodate your request, but we require at least 4 weeks notice. |
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Q: Do you use backing tracks?
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A: No. We are 100% live to ensure you get the excitement and energy only a live band can provide.
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Q: Do you have your own sound equipment?
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A: With our standard gig package we supply
our own 2kW P.A. system run by a dedicated sound engineer, which is perfect for indoor venues up to 200 people.
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Q: Can we use your sound equipment for announcements, speeches etc.?
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A: Yes of course. We don't use radio mics, so if you need to move around in 'roving reporter' style we can hire them at an additional cost.
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Q: Is it ok if we hire our own DJ?
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A: No problem, just make sure you let them know that you also have a live band. Most DJs will bring their own PA system and lighting, so you need to check there is enough space at your venue for the band and the DJ.
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Q: How long does it take you to set up and pack up?
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A: Typically we need 1½ hours to set up our equipment and wherever possible perform a 15-minute soundcheck to get the correct balance of instruments and voices. Similarly, at the end of the event we need 1 hour to pack up and vacate the venue.
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Q: How much space do you require?
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A:
We are a large band with 12 musicians plus our sound engineer and typically we will need a space approx 8m x 4m (25' x 13'). If you think the size or layout of the venue might be problematic then get in touch and we can help you work out a suitable configuration.
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Q: Can you play smaller venues with fewer
musicians?
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A: No. We have specifically developed our
set list and song arrangements to take full
advantage of the full band. |
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Q: What about power?
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A: There should be at least two power sockets
(either 13 amp domestic or 16 amp single
phase) within a reasonable
distance to the stage area, plus an
additional socket close to our mixing desk
if possible. We use
RCD electrical safety devices to protect
ourselves from electrical faults, and all
our equipment is fully
PAT tested. We reserve the right not to
play if we believe the electricity supply is
unsafe, but this has not happened yet in our
20 year history. |
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Q: Do you play outdoor or marquee gigs?
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A: Yes, weather permitting.
If the ground is likely to be damp or wet we require a hard, dry surface (solid wooden flooring or modular staging)
on which we can set up our equipment. Click
here to see an example. Most marquee
hire companies will be able to supply this
for a small additional charge. |
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Q: Do we have to feed the band?
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A: We would certainly appreciate the gesture, although it is by no means mandatory. We ask that you let us know so we may make our own make provisions, however we do ask that unlimited drinking water be made available.
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