Variety
Bands
General information follows these links (pricing, etc.)
FOR PACIFIC NW (SEATTLE) Variety / Wedding Bands:
CLICK: NORTHWEST VARIETY BAND LIST
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If you are looking for a VARIETY/WEDDING BAND OUTSIDE THE PACIFIC NW:
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How do I book a Variety or Wedding BAND?
Thanks for your interest in using Olympic Productions for booking musical entertainment for your next event. The following is some general information about the various variety/wedding bands OP books. (You will be tested on this materials at the end of the exam!)
What is a variety/wedding band?
A variety/wedding band is a band of highly qualifed full-time musicians that combine to create a tremendously versatile musical ensemble. Musicians in these bands are come from various backgrounds, and usually have music degrees. Jazz musicians make up a good part of these groups because a jazz musician can play rock n' roll but NOT necessarily vice-versa.
What kinds of music do variety/wedding bands play?
All of the listed bands play a HUGE variety of music that might include Jazz, Swing, Rock, R & B, Motown, Blues, Top 40, Oldies, Latin including: Calypso, Reggae, Brazilian Bossa Nova & Samba, Soca, Salsa, Tango, Merengue, etc....and other styles. Some folk music and modern new-age background music can also be featured. Some bands specialize in one or more of the above styles. This type of music is especially danceable and varies from slow to fast tempos. A band will generally start a reception with slower background, listening music (during a meal) and get more danceable as the event progresses.
How big is a variety/wedding band?
A classic variety/wedding band consists of at least 4 or more players featuring a variety of instruments including keyboards, guitar, bass, drums, sax, trumpet, flute, clarinet, drumset, percussion and vocals. Larger groups (4+) are better for dances, weddings, and up-tempo affairs. All of these sizes can be fine for festivals, and general events.
Modern more economical and easier to transport, smaller wedding bands can consist of 2 or 3 players using keyboards for chords, bass and percussion parts. A P.A. system or small amplifiers are needed for electronics. The big advantage, is that you do not need drums or bass, which saves on players and equipment moving. Some styles of music are easier to use electronics with (rock and pop-jazz can be a bit too complex, rhythmically). Smaller groups are appropriate for events that require simple background or "atmosphere", such as small parties and promotional events. Modern electronics have created very high quality instrumental sounds, that are nearly unmistakable for the real instruments, especially the bass (electric or upright).
What if I want both Jazz and Top-40 as well at my event?
We book a number of groups that do it all, from big-band to the latest artist. It is our experience, that most people are looking for classic "dance" music like rock and roll. If your really want the latest artists, you might consider using a DJ, but a real band is unmatched in excitement and personality. Bands can be dressed formally or informally from tuxedos to Hawaiian shirts! Weddings often are more successful, if the band can accomodate a variety of musical tastes. A combination of a specialty band (like jazz or latin) and a DJ for dancing later can also offer a complete evening of entertainment.
How long should I book a band?
Wedding receptions, and private parties generally last 3-4 hours. It is better to book a bit longer that less, especially if it's a dance! An extra hour can generally be added on for an additional reasonable fee (unless the group has to be somewhere else.) Ocassionally groups will be booked for 1 or 2 hours, but you may pay nearly the same as more time. Getting there, and setting up is a big part of the cost. Early set-up is sometimes charged ($50-150/hr), if a band needs to set up more than an hour ahead of their playing time. This is sometimes needed, if the band needs to load near where the wedding ceremony is taking place.
O.K. How much does a variety/wedding band cost?
The price range of a variety/wedding band can be anywhere between approximately $1000.00 (3-4pc)-5000.00(5-8pc) East Coast bands are usually more expensive. Price can depend on size of group, location of event (travel distance), loading ease, time of day, day of week, or even time of year. These bands are extremely in demand, and should be booked well ahead of time (2-12 months ahead). These groups are especially booked in the summer months for festivals, weddings and private parties. Smaller solos, duos and trios can sometimes cover a variety of music, but they usually require better musicians that can sound like more players! (Keyboards play bass, etc.)
Please keep in mind, that you are likely spending a lot more for catering based on per-person cost-see below.
General information from Wedding Surveys/Questionnaires:
Priority (in order) followed by % of budget of Wedding:
1) Dress/Attire 10%
2) Reception Site 15%
3) Catering 60% !!
4) Other costs: (flowers, etc.) 10%
5) Entertainment 5%* !!
* Nearly all brides say they would have spent more on entertainment. 81% of guests say the thing they remember most about a wedding is the entertainment.
When was the last time you remembered the FOOD at a wedding???
See St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazine, USA Today, National Bridal Service, etc.
Enough already, what do I do next?
Look over the materials about the bands that are featured. We can find out who's available. Remember, a band can get booked at anytime, so it is always better to confirm your music as soon as possible.
1) We can FAX (preferable), E-mail, or send more information. If you do not have a FAX machine, there is usually a KINKOS nearby that we can FAX to. We can play music over the phone, or send tapes (this is costly and more difficult because we have so many bands).
2) If a band is available, we can FAX or send a contract. You should FAX or send it back ASAP. A deposit should be sent as soon as possible to OP. The balance can be payable to the band, at the start of the event (it can get stressful trying to find the person with the check after the event has started).
3) You can get in touch with the band after signing a contract. We will give you contact numbers to get all parking and loading instructions worked out. After that, it's PARTY TIME! CALL OLYMPIC PRODUCTIONS AT: (206) 634-1142 FOR MORE INFO!
Contact us !
Tel: (206) 634-1142
Toll Free : (866) 634-1142
Email: Edrums@aol.comTO GO BACK TO THE HOME PAGE:
CLICK: I Want a Band.com
Olympic Records/ Productions
4501 Interlake Ave N #7,
Seattle, Washington, 98103
(c) 2001 Olympic Records. All rights reserved.