If this is your first time hiring an event band you probably have questions. Or your mind may be a complete blank. We get it. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions.
We are regulary hired to play corporate events and functions, life events – weddings, birthdays, anniversaries – and at Casinos and Resorts throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. We are also in demand for annual town/city celebrations, seasonal festivals, fairs and rodeos.
Our masterlist covers most genres. Top40 Contemporary. Pop and Dance Throwbacks. Motown, Funk and Soul. Oldies, Classic Rock and Country.
It varies. The factors involved in determining our costs are: the number of musicians; the location (town/city); the specifics of the venue; the number of people expected; band production/AV needs; and travel/accomodations (if applicable).
The number of people attending, and the venue/setting, correlate to the band production/AV needed to ensure a great sounding event. A golf/country club event room. A hotel ballroom. An outdoor, tented celebration. A stage set in an open field. Each calls for different amounts of band production/AV.
Production/AV are the audio/visual (A/V) elements required for a smooth, great sounding and exciting show. Our band production/AV includes: state-of-the-art QSC Line Array speakers, subwoofers, digital mixers and controllers; premium microphones, stands and cables; and effects and lighting. All of this is scaled to the size of the event, and venue. Available space has a direct impact here. We cover this in more detail in this blog post.
Quite often, venues supply in-house PA systems designed for low volume, background music, or announcements and speeches. These systems are not suitable for an event band performance. More equipment is inevitably required for live music entertainment. This is why we use the term ‘band production/AV’ above.
Larger venues usually have more appropriate in-house systems, or maintain professional relationships with production companies. The venue contracts the company to handle all event staging, production/AV, etc. We have worked with many of these companies.
If a production company is staging your event, we will work with their lead-hand to ensure all band production/AV needs are covered. Likewise if you have a wedding planner or event coordinator.
In our experience, 3 x 45 min sets, or 2 x 75 min sets, offer a favourable flow of entertainment over an afternoon/evening. However set times and length can be tailored to suit your event timetable.
To work out your event set times, we suggest working backwards from the time you want us to finish playing. We also suggest keeping the breaks to no more than 30 minutes. Although we do provide music via playlists during breaks, the momentum of the party will be lost if breaks are too long.
We are open to client input. Songs you would love to hear. Songs you do not want to hear. Or a musical vibe you are looking for. All are good for us to know. However we never run set lists or stick to a specific song order in a dance/party context. We play those events by ear. Reading the temperature of the room, the energy of the crowd, responding to those dynamics, and adapting songs on the fly.
To give us an idea of your taste, we ask that you put together a playlist (or share a Spotify playlist). As if you were Djing the party. We’ll mix your ideas with our experience to create the appropriate atmosphere.
Note: For formal events, we can play specific songs to fit a timetable.
For a full band booking, a 3-hour window is optimal for load-in, set up, and soundcheck. However we can, and have, rushed through it in 2 hours.
In an event involving a sit down dinner, set up needs to happen well in advance of guest arrival. Once we have a date and location, we will arrange the specifics with you and your venue.
Note: Once the band is set up and sound checked, the gear cannot be moved.
Yes. However, we do require a covered, hard, flat, and dry performance area. Preferably off-ground. The performance area must be clear of any obstacles. Temporary stages/risers must have a load bearing capacity of at least 2500lbs (SUL >125lbs per sqft and DLL >15%).
If not contained within a larger event tent, the performance area needs to be covered by a secured tent/canopy; minimum 8′ height clearance. This provides shade on hot, sunny days, and protection in the event of precipitation. The latter is a show stopper for an uncovered stage.
We currently have inquiries and bookings into the Fall of 2025. However, depending on our availability, we can be booked with less than a week’s notice. We recommend contacting us as soon as you have a date in mind.
Note: Dates are officially confirmed upon receipt of your signed contract and deposit.
Yes! We are based in Winnipeg, but open to playing anywhere. We regularly play at events throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario.
We do charge extra for travel beyond our local area. You will need to cover that, plus accomodation for all band members if an overnight stay is required.
This list isn’t meant to be exhaustive. By all means contact us with other band or event related questions.
