The No-Nonsense Guide to Hiring a Jazz Band in Los Angeles

When it comes to planning an event, the entertainment is one of the most important aspects. Hiring a jazz band ensures a fun, upbeat and timeless solution to the entertainment needs for nearly any event in Los Angeles. Jazz ensembles offer an exciting element, with their versatility ranging from dinner background music to the dance music at a wedding reception. This is what sets brass groups apart from traditional bands. 

Jazz music was born over a century ago, and there is a reason it has remained popular over the decades. With soulful and upbeat melodies, it is a versatile genre that appeals to many different demographics. When people think of jazz musicians, they think of trombones, trumpets, clarinets and other brass instruments. So not only do they have good music, they are entertaining to watch while you listen to them. Los Angeles jazz bands are especially an ideal attraction for Hollywood glam events where celebrities may just make an appearance.

Why choose a jazz band?

While a lot of people may think that jazz bands in Los Angeles target a certain demographic that may have enjoyed this music in their youth, that doesn’t mean this is strictly a type of music for that specific group. Jazz music can appeal to many different demographics and isn’t confined to the music that was played a hundred years ago. 

Jazz bands can play Jazz standard type music, but they can also add a jazzy twist to popular tunes, giving it a very unique style that is memorable for all different types of people who like different types of music. Jazz bands are very versatile and add a classy and classic element to any event.

In addition to being an impressive and memorable style of music, jazz bands are also fun to watch. Rather than seeing a DJ flip a switch to change a tune, jazz musicians are not only musicians, but also excellent performers. In addition to providing music at an event, they also add an element of entertainment. People who don’t feel like dancing can sit and watch the band.

What Types of Events are Best for a Jazz Band?

There is no shortage of events in Los Angeles that will pair well with jazz music. Whether a small intimate gathering or a huge blow out, the melodies of jazz standards help to make a perfect setting for any event. Jazz bands provide a truly versatile music that hasn’t gone out of style in a century, and doesn’t show signs of slowing in this century.

• Corporate Events: Booking a jazz band for your next company party, retirement or corporate event is the perfect solution for an eclectic group of employees. It is easy listening and can appeal to everyone from interns to the CEO.
• Birthday Celebrations: Hiring a jazz band for a milestone birthday is a great way to have a memorable event for the special birthday person. Having live music will make the birthday all the more special.
• Weddings: Jazz bands are a great solution for weddings, because they can play the music for both the ceremony and the reception. They can even play soft background music during dinner or cocktails.
• Fundraising Galas: No charity event is complete without music and a jazz band for hire is a great solution. Providing special entertainment for people who could be huge potential beneficiaries is a smart option and sets the scene for generous donations.
• Dances: It is a lot of fun to dance to jazz music, especially the big band style and swing band. Any dance, whether it is 1920s themed or just a regular old dance style, jazz music is a great solution to get people onto the dance floor and twirling their partners.

How to find the right jazz band for your event

With so many different options for live jazz bands, it can be hard to decide which one will be the best option for your special event. But this does not have to be difficult once you ask yourself a few key questions.

 

• What kind of songs do they play? You know best what the vibe of your event will be, so making sure the Jazz Band you hire plays music in the appropriate style is important. Do they strictly play their own originals? This may be fine for background music during a cocktail hour, but jazz standards, classics and pop music covers with jazz influences are more likely to get people dancing during a wedding or ball.
• What kind of events have they played at? Different types of bands may specialize in certain types of special events. A chill Jazz trio may be used to playing music in nightclubs while people sit and sip cocktails, while a big band style may be geared towards getting big crowds amped up for a celebration. Some bands may have experience in parade settings, while others may specialize in weddings.
• How are their ratings? Ratings are hugely important when it comes to deciding on the Jazz Band to play at your event. Reading reviews can help you decide if the ratings are appropriate for your event. This can also help you to answer questions about the events they are best suited for and types of music they play.
• Is it a large or small group? The size of a group can matter depending on your venue and the plans for the event. Smaller venues may simply need a smaller group to give everyone the space they need, while the added noise level of a large group can help to fill a bigger space.

Booking a jazz band ensemble

Once you have selected the band you want for your event, it is time to book them and finalize everything. At this point you should have already made sure they are available for the date and time of your event. Once that is taken care of, you can discuss the logistics of the event day such as set up, any special requirements, and setlist.

 

• Set up: Be sure to know ahead of time where the band will set up at your venue and the amount of time needed to set up. They may ask if there is a certain entrance they should use, if they should have a point of contact the day of the event, and other various pieces.
• Special Requirements: Some bands may ask that the venue have certain equipment provided, such as electrical hook ups or speakers that are already in place. Some bands may even ask for specific travel accommodations, meals to be included at the event, or a set amount of break time in which you will have to arrange for alternate music.
• Set List: The set list is when you can finally have a little fun with the whole booking process. Talking with your band about any special musical requests, covers you’d like them to play, or order of operations, such as cocktail hour music versus dinner music, and when dancing should begin.

Come share the experience only jazz bands provide for your corporate event or wedding reception!

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The No-Nonsense Guide to Hiring a Cover Band in Los Angeles

Any Los Angeles event can benefit from live music, and it is only better when it is a cover band. Cover bands are the best of both worlds when it comes to entertainment – familiar and popular tunes paired with the charm of a live performance. Because they focus less on creating their own tunes, and more on recreating versions of existing songs, cover bands play many popular and well known tunes, bringing a lively aspect to an otherwise ordinary Los Angeles, CA event.

 

Hiring a cover band is an easy and effective way to liven up any event, especially if you want to get people dancing and having an overall great time. Live bands are an excellent addition to any event. Any of the bands in Los Angeles will be a welcome addition to an event, but a cover band will be even more memorable.

What type of event is good for a cover band?

When it comes to events in the Los Angeles area, cover bands are a great solution for a lively celebration. While they may be appropriate in many scenarios, joyous occasions pair well with cover music. Cover bands add an element of fun and entertainment to many different kinds of upbeat events. They will have people humming along and tapping their toes to their favorite melodies.

 

• Weddings: Wedding receptions are by far one of the most popular events for a cover band. They make great wedding bands because the familiarity of the tunes they play gets the party started. They are sure to know exactly what classics to perform that will have the guests singing and dancing along with the music.

• Dances: No matter the type of dance, chances are a cover band will be able to provide music, from the hits of all time to themed music such as 80’s, country or island. Dance bands like to specialize in covers as a guaranteed way to have people moving and shaking to the hits. Even if it isn’t a themed event, cover bands will play well known tunes that people recognize.

• Corporate Events: It is highly probable that if you are hosting a corporate event, you will have a wide demographic of individuals from all walks of life in attendance. Cover bands for hire are a versatile solution to offer a variety of music for the event entertainment. Whether the music is for a trade show, a retirement celebration or a holiday party, providing music by way of cover band is a sure fire solution.
• Private Parties: From birthday parties to New Year’s Eve parties and everything in between, a cover band provides popular dance tunes to make any party a memorable and exciting event. Anyone can hire a DJ for a private event, but a cover band with live musicians will add an element of excitement to a party. Party bands are an obvious solution for music at a band.
• Live Entertainment: Bars and nightclubs are always looking for a new way to draw in clientele, and bands are a great way to do this. What is even better is a cover band, which will provide musical entertainment and favorite music hits. Crowds flock to hear cover bands perform and to dance the night away.

Why hire a cover band versus a traditional band?

There are reasons to hire a cover band versus hiring a traditional band. While both offer amazing entertainment and will undoubtedly awe your guests, a cover band adds the element of favorite tunes to the excitement of live music. Live music is always fun, but it’s even better when it isn’t the first time you’re hearing a song.

• People love dancing to cover music: If people know a song, chances are they are more likely to dance to it. Most people have favorite songs, and when they are played, they can’t help but get up and dance.
• Recognizable tunes are memorable: People will remember hearing a fun and interesting rendition of their favorite song. When they remember the band that played the song, they’ll also remember the event at which they heard it. They’ll also want to sing along!
• They put on a show: Cover bands make their success on hit renditions of popular music. They don’t need to spend as much time creating their own music so they can focus on their performances. Hands down, cover bands will put on an entertaining event.

How to find a Los Angeles cover band

Finding a cover band in Los Angeles can seem overwhelming when it comes to finding one and selecting one to perform at your special occasion, with a plethora of options available in the LA area. It sounds harder than it is especially with the help of online resources. When looking at different options online, there are several key points to observe.

• Ratings and Reviews: Online reviews and ratings by other event planners are one of the most valuable resources available. By seeing other people’s experiences, you’ll have a good idea of whether they will be a suitable match for your event. Ratings alone aren’t as much help as reviews, as a five star band that plays hip hop won’t be a good match for a roaring 20’s party, so it is key to read both.
• Style of Music: Different bands specialize in different types of music. You can narrow down the bands depending on the type of music you seek for your event, which will help to make your event perfect.
• Types of Events: Different bands specialize in not only different types of music, but different types of events. Some bands may thrive in a smaller setting, while other bands are bigger and more suited for a large crowd. Taking this into consideration is important to making sure your entertainment is suitable for the event.
• Requirements and Special Requests: Each unique band may have a certain set of criteria in order to play at a band. Knowing if you and your venue have the means for this ahead of time will help you to determine if a band is a suitable fit for your event. If you’ve already booked a venue, and a band requires a space that isn’t available, you’ll have to decide on a different band.

Choosing the music for your event

One of the most exciting parts of booking a band is to plan the play list. The band may have preselected song lists, or they may have different themes or genres available for your event. If your event is a particular theme, this is the time to discuss it and choose the best songs. You may also be able to make special requests such as a school’s song for a graduation party, first dances at a wedding, and other fun music pertaining to your particular event.

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The No-Nonsense Guide to Hiring a Brass Band in San Francisco

Throwing a wedding, corporate event, Mardi Gras shindig, or any other type of party is serious business. Well, even though you may want some nonsense to go on during your party (is it really a fun time if nothing weird or wild happens?), you don’t need or want any nonsense during the planning phase. Even if you are a party planning pro, you may have never hired a brass band before. There is plenty of information floating about the internet on how to hire DJs, and maybe you even have experience in that aspect of planning, hiring a real live brass band? This is new (sounds mildly intimidating!). Therefore, we present to you this no-nonsense guide for hiring a brass band in San Francisco.

What are you looking for in a brass band?

Start with asking yourself the tough questions. Brass bands have a lot of range when it comes to style and type of music they can play. Some tend towards the traditional marching band/parade style, others provide light background music, some have the ability to play modern dance songs that really heat up a party, and then you have very versatile bands that can play in any of those styles. So then, what flavor do you want for your event? Are you looking for a band who does wedding marches or second line parades? Knowing what you want will help you focus and zero in on the bands that will work best for you.

Do your homework

School only prepared you for the homework you would have to do when looking to hire a killer San Francisco brass band, but we can promise you that this homework is way more fun (and there’s no surprise quiz afterwards). If you want to hire a brass band, you can’t just go and ask “Hey, are you guys any good at this?” and expect an unbiased answer. Instead, you need to go to (mainly) unbiased sources to find out. What sources my might you turn to?

1. The experts online. Not the sarcastic type of online “experts”, but the real deal. Check out bands that are featured or reviewed in blogs, online magazines, and well-respected websites like com and marthastewartweddings.com.

2. User reviews. Though sometimes online reviews may need to be taken with a grain of salt (watch out for the “Karens”), you’ll bet a good overall picture of how the bands performed from former clients. Check out sites that contain plenty of client reviews like Wedding Wire, The Knot, and Gig salad where you can search band by region, zeroing in on the bands that play in the San Francisco area.

3. Social media. This one might be a little more of a double edge sword (we hear it can be ground zero for many “Karens” to congregate) but it certainly has its value. You can find mostly honest reviews (look at the overall review picture, not just one or two), information about the band, event photos taken by clients, and possibly even some videos of events that allow you to hear the band play.

4. Go take a listen. You know who is going to give you the very best review tailored just to you? Your ears.  Watch and listen to videos on the band’s website and even better, if possible, go see them in action (ask the band when and where you can hear them live).

Talk to your venue

Even though it’s your event and your money (or maybe your company’s money), different venues may have different rules, requirements, or restrictions (like noise, size of band) that can affect your choice of a brass band. Talk to your venue and ask the right questions before swipe right on your band match—the band you want and the venue you’ve booked might not be as compatible as you envisioned.

Interview the band

Now that you’ve made it through the venue gauntlet (yay!), your journey takes you towards your next quest—interviewing the band. This may seem nerve-wracking but remember that you hold the power. You know the venue rules and restrictions, and even more, you know what you want. Its time sit back and let them impress you. Ok, maybe it’s not quite that relaxed, you’re going to need to ask them plenty of questions. If you’re brain is as gold-fishy as ours, you’re going to want to make a list. Some of the questions you might want to ask:

• Is the band familiar with your venue?
• How many members are in the band and which instruments do they play (the size and instruments can vary somewhat with brass bands)
• Do they have a signature style and what is it?
• What’s their overall vibe? (lowkey, high energy, both?)
• Ask to see their song profile. Are you able to choose the songs they play (if that’s what you want) or is it a set playlist?
• Talk about when during the event and how long you want them to play

Once you get the “fun” questions out of the way, but sure not to forget the more serious business of talking pricing, contracts, and band breaks/requirements (they are human afterall and need to rest, pee, and eat).

Brass bands can be super fun and exuberant, add class to an event, or give the event you planned that little something extra (you know you love being a little extra) that makes it stand out. They come with different styles, sounds, and flairs and might just be the best party planning decision you’ve ever made. So do your homework, know what you want, and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. Happy band hunting!

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The Questions to Ask Your San Diego Reception Venue Before You Hire a Wedding Band

It’s not too tough finding an amazing venue for your San Diego wedding; you can kick a stone in just about any direction and find something unique or fabulous or breathtaking. But whether you’ve found your perfect San Diego wedding reception venue on a rooftop overlooking the skyline, a trendy hut tucked into the corner of a raw industrial area, a rustic farm, a classy yacht club or an unassuming community center, there’s one thing you can’t do without—music.

Since you’re here, we’d like to congratulate you on your very wise decision…to choose a wedding band for your big day. You may have had a nice long list of very thoughtful questions that you want to ask your band and that’s so smart! But there’s something even more important to do before you go ahead and pull the trigger to hire that band. You need a solid list of questions that you should be asking the wedding venue. Don’t worry if you hadn’t thought about it, we caught you just in time. Here’s what you need to be asking.

1. Are you allowed to have a live band at the venue?

That might seem like an obvious question, but most of us would probably assume that we could have whatever type of music we want seeing as it’s our day. Your wedding venue might have other ideas about that (and not really care what you think you can do on your day). It’s not only important to find out if you can have a live band, but what types of bands they permit (acoustic only, string quartets, full on 25-piece brass band, etc.)

2. Does the venue have an approved list of vendors?

Sure, they’ll allow live music, but there could be a catch—they’ll only allow live bands from their approved list. Ask if they have any limitations or guidelines and even if they don’t, they’ve probably hosted a boatload of events and can recommend a killer band that’s just the right flavor for your event.

3. Are there any noise ordinances to consider?

The venue allows bands and you can have your 2^nd cousin Jerry’s death metal band play your wedding song for all they care, but does the city, town, or neighborhood care?  They just might. Noise ordinances may exist, especially if the venue is in or near a residential neighborhood. Find out if the music has to be stopped at a certain time (or if the volume can be lowered if possible, with a live band). The last thing you need your wedding to turn into is Wedding Crashers: The San Diego PD edition.

4. Does the venue have sound limiters?

Whether it’s due to city ordinances or their own preferences, sound limiters are becoming the hot new rage at venues allowing for music. These nifty little nuggets of technology detect the decibels being put out by the music (live or recorded, doesn’t matter). If the music is played louder than the set level for a few seconds, its sound out, power gone, party vibes killed.

5. Does the venue have any other sound or noise limitations

As if the other ordinances and limiters weren’t a big enough buzz kill, some venues limit the use of certain instruments like bass guitars and traditional live drum sets. Ask about any limitations as it may affect the band you choose.

6. What is the layout of the venue?

If you picture your wedding being small and intimate, will the band fit into that frame? A live band is a great idea until space issues have them playing 5 feet from guests just trying to enjoy their dang salads. Even larger venues may have space issues due to layout, so it’s always a good idea to ask the venue if live bands have played there before and where have they set up. Ask for pictures of other weddings if possible, in order to get a good idea of what a band might look like in that space and what size is optimal for the location.

7. Does the band need to bring sound equipment or does the venue provide it?

It’s easy to just assume that since a live band is simply playing their instruments that no further sound equipment would need to be involved or that they would just automatically bring their own. If you’ve learned anything in life, it’s that you shouldn’t roll the dice and chance that everyone is on the same page with that stuff, or you may end up with neither the venue or the band having the equipment necessary on the day that it counts.

Ask the venue about their sound system and if they have speakers, microphones, extension cords or other audio equipment a band might need. If they’ve ever had a band play their before, they should be pretty familiar with what a band might need, even if you aren’t (after all, you only ever needed to know what your 8^th grade Guitar Hero “band” needed in order to play loudly over the tv and annoy your family or friend’s family).

8. Does the venue have electrical outlets for the sound equipment?

Huh. This might seem like an odd question, especially if you have a traditional venue booked (which by the way, may have limited or non-existent number of outlets in the location you need them to be in). But if you are taking a non-traditional route like say a farm field or a beach setting, there’s unlikely to be power generating pumpkins or cooperative electric eels to plug into. Even if the band needs very little in the way of electrical outlets, it’s good to be armed beforehand with the knowledge of what the venue has available.

9. When can the band set up?

Being amazing at playing live music takes time to set up. Ask the venue how much time they allow the band so when you discuss it with them later, everyone knows what to expect.

10. Does the venue provide any food, drinks, or “green room” space for the band?

Even the best bands are only human and are subject to crazy human needs like having to eat, drink, and rest. Talk to the venue about accommodating the band member’s basic necessities like dinner or even bottled water to quench their thirst. And although it’s not a requirement for must bands, it’s nice to know whether the venue can provide them a place to take a breather in between sets or events (like the time between the ceremony and cocktail hour).

Any wedding band worth their salt is going to know what they need, and they are going to ask you questions about your venue. Being equipped with all the facts ahead of time will make your interview run all the smoother, and you’ll both know if the band is right for your event.  And above all, you of course want to know that the venue has everything your band needs to help you party without a care in the world.

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