Ten vital questions you should ask before even considering booking a band or musicians (from anywhere, not just a "Mad Hatter Band")
- Are they available on the day you need them and can they travel to the venue you are booking?
- Do they play the sort of music you are looking for?
Some bands make unrealistic claims about their capabilities, check them out!
- Are they professional musicians?
Professional bands charge a "reasonable rate" and are highly unlikely to abandon you if a better paid gig comes along (beware of offers that look extremely cheap).
Amateur bands often rely heavily on rehearsals and are likely to cancel if a band member becomes unavailable at short notice.
Professional performances tend to be much "slicker" without large gaps between numbers.
- Do their written quotations include travel expenses?
Some bands issue quotes that leave this part of the fee open. You may have a nasty surprise if the cost of travel isn't specified in your contract.
- Do they have public liability insurance?
Some venues will refuse access to bands without a valid public liability insurance certificate.
Some venues refuse access if a band does not have a health and safety statement available.
- Do they always use written contracts?
It's the only way to avoid arguments if something goes wrong.
Be wary of any band that won't issue a written contract and insists on being paid in cash.
- Is their electrical equipment properly tested and certified safe?
Many venues refuse to allow untested equipment that is more than a year old to be connected to the mains supply!
Increasing numbers of venues have sound limiting equipment so your band should be prepared to connect to this.
- How long is their standard performance?
How long are their break periods?
- What is their dress code?
Some bands can look very scruffy indeed!
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