On this page you find a list of questions that clients often ask us when booking the band - If the answer isn't here then please give us a call, we would be delighted to help.
Q: How long does the band normally play for?A minimum performance time is about one and a half to two hours approximately, depending on the overall event time available. This is often broken down into two sets, however more and more clients are preferring one long cabaret-style set, which seems to be working really well as it keeps momentum building and people on the dance floor. Often the break in between sets is very short anyway and you tend to lose peole once we leave the stage area. Then you have to get them going all over again! but the most important thing is that it is your event so we will work with you to get the best performance balance, based on the time available and whether or not you have a DJ or want to make speeches etc. (We can provide a microphone for speeches free of charge!)
Q: What's involved with setting up the band?The band will require clear access to the function room to set up. This can take up to a couple of hours and will need to include about twenty minutes of sound checking. The sound check is where the band will first check signals from amps and instruments and then level each instrument. Finally the band will play a couple of songs just to get the balance right between each instrument and of course set the volume level for the room itself. It should be noted that like any live band with drums and brass the band will generate some volume. An audience's perception of volume changes through the night and because of this Joe Public tend to start a little quieter then build the volume up to get the live dynamics required to get people up and dancing. Please note however that we try to build background music before we play, otherwise, if the band fires up in a quite room, it will always seem loud! Remember Joe Public are not the type of band who can play quietly in the corner of the room while people chat, Joe Public are a 'full on' live experience with one aim - 'to get people to party'. Once the performance is complete the by now exhausted musicians will usually retire to their room until the event draws to its conclusion. The band may start to pack away some of the instruments and microphones etc so that they dont get damaged. We will not usually fully break down until the event finishes as we feel this is unprofessional (unfortunately many bands do do this!).
Q: Do you provide background music when you're not playing?We can provide background music via our P.A. Many clients often like to give us pre-recorded CD's or plug in pre-mixed MP3 players. This is great, particularily if there is some specific music that you would like to hear such as first dances at weddings etc. We can also supply (with notice) louder more disco orientated music to dance to later on as very often a DJ can be an unnecessary expense - especially as they will very often be only playing dance music for about an hour at a typical event. (It should be noted that our service is not a full DJ service and requests are not possible) For an extra fee we can arrange DJs for clients.
Q: What facilities will the band require?The band will need a room to use as a dressing and waiting room suitable for about eight people. The room should be safe in which to store personal belongings whilst performing and ideally should have access to toilets, washing facilities and a mirror. Due to the number of hours that the band will spend at, or travelling to and from your event, some provision of food, soft drinks, tea and coffee will be required - sandwiches etc. are ideal. Any food should ideally be arranged with the venue in advance so that we dont have to trouble you on the night and should be served at least an hour before the performance where possible. We are also grateful for the provision of water for on stage use as it gets very hot under those lights!
Q: Can we request that you play certain songs?Occasionally we are able to accomodate certain requests from our play lists and we will, if we know the song, try and play the odd audience request on the night. It is however unusual for a live band to deviate from its planned show as considerable work goes into the arranging and practicing of songs. It's not easy, nor always very professional, to attempt to busk through songs that not everyone in the band may know. Joe Public retain the right to choose the songs they perform at an event. They will make this choice based on their considerable experience of knowing what tends to work well for any given audience. The music Joe Public plays is obviously what makes them different from hiring any other band and this creates the band's performance personality. On some occasions Joe Public might be able to accommodate a specific song request if the band believe that it will add value to the overall show - i.e. it's suitable for the band's performance image and enough notice has been given to learn the song. The band will usually have to make a small extra charge as specific rehearsal time will have to be allocated.
Q: Who's responsibility is it to ensure that the venue is suitable? It is vitally important that the venue you intend to book know that you also planning to book a fully live band and that they are used to handling the implications of this such as access and the impact on other guests etc. Joe Public cannot take any responsibility for the suitability of a venue, although we will always endeavour to do our very best if we can to ensure that whatever the challenge, you have a successful night. The venue should provide suitable access to load heavy equipment safely. Particularily difficult or dangerous loads may lead to your contract being re-negotiated so please check this with the venue before you book.
Q: What if I require an early setup? The band will work hard to accomodate any request for an early set up (that is a set up time that requires the band to arrive any earlier than about 5.30pm) The band will usually put together an advance team to get the basic gear installed and set up (this may not include a sound check). The band will normally add a small fee to cover the cost of these extra man hours and transport - usually about £160.00.
Q: How far will the band travel?There are no limits really but long distances will obviously have a bearing on the fee charged. Where significant distances are involved and for safety reasons the band will usually arrange affordable overnight accomodation - again this will be discussed at the time of booking and factored into the fee charged. Please consider the impact of events being held on Fridays as traffic can often cause severe delays on major routes. The band will discuss any concerns with you regarding this at the time of booking.
Q: How much space will the band need to perform?The performance area/stage should be a minimum of approximately six or seven average walking paces wide by about five paces deep. An absolute minimum of four power points need to be available as close to the performing area as possible. The band will also require an area approximately 6’x4’ towards the back of the room for our sound mixer and engineer.
Q: Will I receive a contract when I book the band?Absolutely, you will receive a contract along with a copy of the terms and conditions that are displayed on this site. The contract will include all the details discussed at the point of booking. You should be confident that you are booking eight passionate and enthusiastic individuals who love playing together and who will work hard to ensure that you and your guests have a fabulous night. For more details about how to book Joe Public click the tab above.
Q: What will the band wear on stage?This depends on the type of event but typically the band will wear black suits or jackets, this may include evening dress for black tie events. The theme of dress is as you see on this website with elements of black, white, red and/or silver. Please remember though that Joe Public's performance is very lively and the band do get very hot so jackets dont tend to stay on for long!
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