booking
frequently asked questions
The info here is pretty all-purpose, but should answer a lot of basic questions. I've got a stage plot for you if you got stuck doing sound reinforcement, and I've got some basics for you if you're getting married. By the way, if you're here looking for wedding music, you already have my respect, because you don't want to hire a wedding band, you want to book a real band!
- What are your rates?
I determine price by number and length of sets, location, weeknight/weekend, potential for CD/merch sales, and perks (e.g., meal, drinks, lodging); so it's more accurate to say I have a range, rather than a rate, from $300-3000+. One public 45-minute set across the street from my house here in Los Angeles with dinner and drinks might be $300 (or less, with a little finessing), while a private four-hour engagement in Arizona would be upwards of $3000.
The bottom line? I'd rather work than not, so I won't let a lower bid cost me a gig, but I always appreciate a client's consideration of how I have to determine price. Keep in mind the costs of travel, my gear, and my education. Sometimes just a little respect makes the money seem to go further! So butter me up some, tell your aunt not to request "In the Mood", and ask me for a quote.
- What do I need to provide?
Usually just a suitable space: A firm, flat, well-lit 14x10 area with electrical outlets. Carpet is nice, but just don't have us slipping off a grassy hillside, okay? You can shave a few dollars off the price if you provide the PA and soundman. If we use my PA and you want to play recorded music between sets, you'll need to bring your CD player or iPod and any cables needed to plug them into the PA.
- What do you provide?
I'm entirely self-contained! Musicians, instruments, MC/hosting, great music, and a complete Public Address system. If you're not sure if I've got enough power for your event, here are the stats of my PA:
| JBL EON15P-1 Powered Speaker System, 140W - 127dB@1m |
| EURORACK MX2004A 20-Channel 2 + 2-Bus Mixing Console |
- I've heard/seen that musicians are a pain in the ass. Are you?
No way! I take a lot of pride in what I do, but I'm working with you at your event. I won't make any demands beyond the terms you give your okay to in our performance agreement. Want to use a mic for announcements? No problem. Want a live karaoke machine? Problem. Remember, I don't keep a college frat band, but a seasoned group of experienced and professional jazz musicians. If they don't perform/act/dress at the highest pro standards, they don't work in my band.
- Do you do standards/requests/rock 'n' roll/The Chicken Dance?
Take a listen! Sound like rock music? No. Rap, country, klezmer? No, no, no. Well, maybe just a hint of country. Do let me know if there are some specific tunes you'd like to hear, maybe I know them or can learn them for your event, but what I do is original and obscure jazz, blues, swing and lounge. Sure, I'll do standards, I love standards. Instrumentals, vocals, whatever you want, you got it.
Alright, alright, if you just have to have the band do the chicken dance for your wedding, I'll work up an arrangement.
But you'll really have to ask nicely.
