General Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Our standard live performance is 2 x 60 minute sets with a break in-between; we can play 3 shorter sets with two breaks but find this does not ‘flow’ quite as well. Our playing times can be tailored to suit the schedule of your event.
We need approximately 2 1/2 hours for full set up, including sound check, assuming clear and easy access to the room and stage area. Please be aware that in order to achieve the optimum sound balance, given that we are a large band we will need to play at performance volume during the sound check, which could last up to half an hour. Wherever possible we would rather not sound check in front of your guests.
Please also allow us 20 minutes to get changed into our stage clothes.
The larger the stage the better. An area of around 8m by 4m is what we would prefer. It must be level, firm and dry. We also need an area at least 2 metre square for our mixing desk and sound engineer, ideally towards the far end of the room.
Yes. Our fee includes a professional sound system with sound engineer and hi-tech lighting for the stage and dance floor.
Once the booking has been confirmed we will send out a written agreement which sets out specific details of our requirements. In the meantime, here is some outline information about what we will need.
We will need at least four 13 amp sockets (separate sockets, not a 4 way extension) at the stage end and one within reach of the sound engineer’s position.
We would appreciate some refreshments to keep us at our best.
We need clear access to the performance area and availability of parking as close as possible. If there are stairs to climb or a long way to carry equipment, please advise us at the time of booking.
We will require a secure room to change in and store instrument cases and personal belongings. We are sorry but we do not find toilets and kitchens acceptable for this purpose.
See our contact page to send an enquiry. In the first instance we will check availability and put a quote together based on the exact details of your event
e.g. location, arrival and finishing times, length and times of performance. We will provisionally hold a date for 14 days from enquiry, however it can only be secured by payment of a deposit.
Bookings will be confirmed on receipt of a 25% deposit (non-returnable in the event of cancellation) and a completed, signed Hire Agreement. The balance should be paid in cash on the night, before the band performs.
In the event of a cancellation more than 4 weeks in advance of the gig, we ask for 50% of the agreed band fee. Where notice is between 2 and 1 weeks, the band ask for 75% of the agreed band fee. At less than 1 weeks notice, the full agreed band fee will be due as we will have dedicated all our resources to appearing at your event.
If you want us to learn a certain song especially for your event we will do what we can to accommodate your request. To cover the cost of buying music or arranging the piece for the band there will be an additional charge of £100 per song.
We do not have a set limit to the distance we travel for bookings, however the travelling time and distance will be a factor in calculating the fee.
We are able to play pre-recorded music through our PA system, before and in-between our sets. Most people find that this is sufficient. If we are playing pre-recorded music, it will be turned off fifteen minutes after our live performance ends.
If you are looking for a cheap band, we are probably not for you. We have twelve musicians, a sound engineer, lots of expensive equipment and we create a sound rarely matched in the South West.
We are competitively priced within the market for bands of our calibre, and we believe that value for money is important. Our aim is to provide you and your guests with a fantastic night’s entertainment.
We are often asked if we can put out a smaller version of the band – unfortunately this is not possible. We work hard to perfect our arrangements and performance and altering the line-up would only be to the detriment of your event.
Various things can affect the cost of hiring a band including the size and location of the venue, the length of time you want us to play and the equipment we will need to bring. Please contact us now and we will be happy to give you a quotation.
As well as the main ‘DT8’ band, we can also help you with other aspects of your entertainment requirements, whether you want to add a jazz ensemble in the afternoon or background music for your meal. Please enquire via our contact us page.
If your question is not here, please contact us and we will get back to you.