Frequently Asked Questions
Can we see the band perform live?
You may be able to catch one of our solo musicians or acoustic duos performing around the city at public venues, however most professional bands do not as their sole market is to perform at weddings, corporate events and other private functions.
We have tried to make the selection process as easy as possible for you by providing band profiles with video footage that showcase what they do and how they sound. All of the musicians we work with are industry professionals and perform to a high standard.
How long does the band play for?
This varies based on how long the band is booked for. Most bands perform up to 4 x 40 minute sets over a 4-5 hour event.
What is included with a booking?
When booking a full cover band, acoustic duo or any band with a singer the standard inclusions will be:
-PA system
-Background music provided during the breaks
-Use of a microphone for speeches
If booking an instrumental Jazz band they may not have the equipment to provide microphones or background music, however most venues are able to provide a microphone for speeches and in-house audio for background music while the band is on break.
Audio & Visual Packages
Our cover bands all use high quality PA systems suitable for small to medium sized venues with approximately 150-200 people in attendance; this is included with all bookings.
If you are hosting a larger event with several hundred guests or more in large venues we can assist in offering a variety of Audio & Visual packages at competitive rates managed by trusted professional suppliers we have worked with throughout the years.
At the time of enquiry or making a booking we can provide more information and quotes based on what you are seeking.
What happens once we book a band?
In the lead up to your event we contact you to request the program for the night to organise the bands performance times and to organise any other details that require attention. We’re also happy to assist at any time offering suggestions and advice about your event as we’re extremely experienced in the planning of pretty much any event you can think of.
For wedding receptions & ceremonies we’ll be in touch at least 8 weeks prior to the date to begin preparations with our booking worksheet for you to complete, this will cover most of the information we need for a well-prepared band for a night to run smoothly and to put on a great night of music!
Will the band learn a song for us?
If you’re booking a band for your reception most are happy to learn a song that is not on their current song list. All song requests must be finalised 4 weeks before the booking date.
Requests are most common for wedding ceremony performances. For first dances, we strongly recommend using the original recording rather than having the band perform live. This way you will dance to the song you know and love. The band will be up on stage to open up the dancefloor directly after the first dance.
Do we need to provide meals?
For bookings 3 hours and over a main meal and beverages are to be provided to the performers. This is an industry standard practice as for most wedding receptions or large business events the band members can be on-site for 7-8 hours.
Will the band MC for us?
We strongly recommend using a family member as MC, having a familiar face adds a more personal touch to the evening.
However if you do not wish to go down that road many of our bands do offer a Basic MC service for a small additional fee. This service covers the announcements throughout the night such as the bridal party entrance, speeches & cake cutting.
When does the band arrive to set up?
Generally 30 – 60 minutes before the contracted start time of the event and in some cases up to 90 minutes. The band will be set up before the contracted start time. An approximate load-in time for the band is detailed on every fee proposal.
If a band needs to arrive earlier than the above times to set up, additional fees may be required.
Payment.
All bookings require a 30% deposit with the remainder of the balance due 28 days prior to the booking date. All bookings being made within 28 days require the full balance for confirmation.
Payments can be made via online bank transfer or paid securely by credit card through Square. All credit card payments will incur a 2.2% surcharge.
Once a payment is received we issue a Booking Confirmation Document which includes the booking details, amount paid and balance owing.
Cancellations.
When booking through Blue Avenue Entertainment a non-refundable deposit is made to secure the booking. Any cancellation within 28 days of the event will incur 100% of the fee.
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