The Band - Arrival and set up, sound check times and parking  The Band may arrive in seperate cars rather than a van.  As we have quite a lot of kit to move, the closer to the performance area we can park the better.  So it would be nice if you could allocate a few spaces for us.  Naturally we will need easy access to the function room.  Huge flights of stairs and very long corridors make loading in time increase to the point that your event schedule could be seriously affected.  If we cannot park within 50m of the room, to  unload our equipment or if we must carry equipment up more than one flight of stairs, please ask if the venue can provide trolleys and specialist lifting equipment as required.  Alternatively, please arrange with the venue that several strong male members of the venue staff are made available to help the band load in.  If lifts are to be used to move equipment, it will help if they are to be used exclusively by the band for the period required to finish loading in and out

Dependent upon how far it is between van and stage it will normally take us about an hour or slightly more to set up our kit.  A short period of sound check time (normally 10 -15 minutes) is required to mix instrument volume levels, fine tune equipment settings and get the show prepared, plus we will need additional time to get changed.  So we would normally plan to arrive at a venue 1 ½ to 2 hours before you need us to play.  When planning the arrival time of the band, take into account set up time required and ask your venue to offer feedback on how this might affect their plans. 

Changing & storage room  It is best if the venue has a room for the band to use.  All our kit comes in filghtcases which will ned to be put out of the way somewhere.  We also need somewhere to change.  Ideally the room should be well lit, private and secure with enough tables and seating for all the band and their sound crew. If possible, close access to private toilets and wash basin are preferred.   If the band is required to arrive early and wait more than 60 minutes before their performance, it is nice, not essential, but nice if the waiting room is comfortable

The bands food and drink ryder  Although not essential, it would be cool if we could have a basic food and drinks ryder, nothing extravagant, a couple of bottles of water, coffee or some soft drinks.  Preferably these should be left in the changing room or back stage.  When we are setting up and between sets we might not have time to queue for drinks.  If the band are required to be on site all day this would also include food of some sort.  If the drinks are behind the bar, you may need to mention to the bar staff that band drinks are on a ryder.

Finish times  You’ll need to discuss with your venue what time your event must finish at.  Most venues are only licensed for entertainment until 12 pm.  It is usual for a band to perform 1 - 2 encores but much beyond this could be breaking the terms of the venues entertainment licence.  

Summary  Once this initial consultation with your venue is complete, get a contact name and number to pass on to us so that we can speak with the venue direct once booking contracts are exchanged.  This will take a lot of pressure off of you on the day.  The process of booking us is really easy and your event will be all the more enjoyable for you, the venue and the band if the above advice is taken on board.

The Venue

Volume

Set up & Space

Power Supply

Check List