Once you decide on your date and location it is wise to proceed with plans for entertainment. We work on a first come first serve system and give each client a Union contract. Although a verbal contract is considered binding in Minnesota we send each client a Union contract . This specifies the date/time/location. It assures you that you are taken care of and gives you a written record of our agreement. Every month we encounter situations where certain musicians are already booked on dates clients are requesting.
What's in the contract is basically it. There is no sales tax. We do not charge extra for musicians to wear tuxedos.
There may be additional cost to have a band set up early. ( hours before performance) If the distance of your event is outside the Twin Cites there is a modest traveling /time charge. If the entertainer is asked to play longer than time specified in the contract there is overtime compensation. This is specified in the American Federation Union contract you receive
Yes .Usually one third down for bands and half for solo artists. This is specified in the American Federation Union contract you receive. If you are a company and cutting two checks is a problem, let us know and we will work it out.
There may be several reasons. Second or even third weddings tend to have lower D rates to begin with & the couples are generally "less young" more experienced and more prone to hire a live band. Musically educated people, individuals who play themselves, or have family members that play trend to shy from DJ's. I am sure there are other factors i.e. demographics/age/income/etc. Regardless we choose not to book DJ's . We could make a lot of money doing it . It is an issue of ethics & taste. DJ's are putting live musicians out of work with our own product. We do realize the music biz changes and we are fine working with a DJ if you want to use both. The main thing is to hire what you need . Back to Top
We think it does. Here's why. It probably won't cost you anymore to contract full time musicians as opposed to a part-timer who only performs once or twice a month. It really makes a difference when one of your guest request a song. Musicians who are immersed in their craft day in and day out will be able to accommodate that. Look at it this way, in your life you will hire musicians fewer times than you will hire a Doctor /Surgeon/or Airline Pilot. Now your not going to go to a part time doctor or hire a part time surgeon. You want professional performers who are experienced to read your audience and make your event a success. I know there are fine part time musicians and perhaps some good part time doctors, but my money is still on the full time professional !
We use professional players and use American Federation Union contracts . The same organization that represents The Minnesota Orchestra, Prince, Santana, Bonnie Rait, Sinatra, The Ambassadors Of Swing, etc. These contracts protect you as a consumer.
It's not necessary but if you are really moved by the music and want to it is of course appreciated. About 80 % of the accounts we have tip. The same applies for dinner. If the musicians are on site for more than 5 hours we request a dinner for them. Four hours or less were ok.
We don't worry about it and don't want you to either. We just want you to enjoy the music. That's what we are there for.
This is not uncommon. Almost every month someone needs to change or fine tune the time of their party. In some cases people decide to add more musicians to an event. We are happy to move times around providing we won't be late for a possible later event. If additional musicians are available we are happy to augment the band. We try to be flexible to make your event a success.