How Long Do You Play For at weddings etc…?.
The booking includes 3 hours of music within a 4 hour 'call time'.
Generally bands will play one hour sets, or maybe even 1:15, however we have found the perfect flow in doing two longer sets of 1.5 hours each, with a 30 min break in between. We find that doing longer sets like this with just one break is perfect, as it doesn't break up the dance floor too much - and the break is perfect time for a natural breather where people can grab a drink and hit the bathroom without missing their favorite song, and also makes the perfect time for a late night snack, and for things like the bouquet toss to happen.
For the die hard dancers, we will keep dance music rocking via iPod while we are on our break. If you're good at math, you may have noticed that two sets of 1.5 hours plus a 30 min break doesn't quite equal the 4 hour call time. The reason we made the call time (which just means the time the musicians need to be on site) is to accommodate for the fact that most events tend to run a tad behind schedule so this way, there is no need to worry about overtime or the sets getting cut short - we have a half hour buffer built in already.
Of course we are always as flexible if possible and can break the sets up however you like or as is needed to accommodate.
Can I pick the songs you play?
In general we like to strike a balance between being a musical dictator and taking your desires into account.
On the one hand, we have been doing this for years and have a good handle on what works and what doesn't, and on the other this is your event and we want you to enjoy every minute of it. So what we do is ask you to come up with a list of songs you would play if you were the DJ for the party and from there we can get a pretty good idea of your tastes and wants.
We'll mix that with our experience and come up with a well balanced set that will rock the party. We also tend to play it by ear at an event, see what people are loving and will adapt on the fly to keep the dance floor busy. In regards to wedding ceremonies - you can pick whatever songs you want for the First Dance, Farther/Daughter Dance etc... and we will arrange them for you.
Will you learn something that isn't on your current song list?
Yes, of Course!.
You can pick a song to have as your first dance. If there are other songs that you want that aren't on the list, it doesn't hurt to add them to your request list because we are always adding new material and it's often driven by client requests.
So ask away and we'll certainly consider everything we're given. We require your special song choices by 1 month out from the event to ensure we have time to arrange them.
What size band should we get?
The Alan James Project is a full production 2 piece band and this is always our recommendation as it is a full, rich sounding combo, keeping budget in mind.
With that said, we can absolutely deliver some major rocking with our 4/6 piece version of the band. Up-sizing of course would greatly alter the budget or space required at the event.
No matter what size you need to work with, we know you and your guests will have fun regardless.
How much space do you need?
We like to aim for a minimum of 12 feet wide by 8 feet deep stage or risers.
More is always welcome so we can spread out a bit, but we've been known to squeeze into less at times, so let us know what kind of space is available to you and we'll let you know if we can make it work.
Do you need a stage?
A stage is always welcome.
If your venue has a stage or staging available to you we are happy to rock on it. You can also rent one and have it brought in, but if not, we are just as happy on the floor. With a stage it's nice that the non-dancing onlookers can have a better view of the band. Without one, it's nice for us to be right on the same level as the party people but must be cautious of dancers tripping over us. We're happy either way, as long as you're happy.
When do you set up/how long does it take?
It takes about 2.5 hours for us to load in, set up and do a sound check. We like to have a 3 hour window for this, and we want to be done well in advance of guest arrival at the venue.
Generally we like to come in at around noon, but of course event and access timing is different for every event. We'll work this out with you and the venue in advance. Note: Once the band is set up and sound checked, the equipment cannot be moved.
What is production?
Production is the term for sound gear and lighting.
Our production package includes all the sound gear we need: main speakers, mixer, monitors, mics, cables, mic stands. And sound tech for larger band.
We also include basic lights for the stage/band in our production package.
What happens between sets?
We will keep the tunes pumping when we take a break and when we finish, via iPad through our sound system.
We provide the iPad and playlist so you don't need to worry about a thing. This is also a good time for a light snack to be served or any remaining events like the bouquet and garter toss, just as a suggestion.
Can we use your microphone for our speeches, What about background music during dinner?
Yes, you bet you can!
There are two things we can do. One is that we can show someone (wedding coordinator, groomsman, whomever you are trusting on the day) how to turn on the mic, and how to fade up and down the background music. I will be happy to do this and leave you/them to it.
Or I can stay through the dinner and speeches portion and manage everything, ensuring music is faded in and out during / after speeches, and that the mic is working/loud enough, etc. We will also provide an iPad with background music playlist. This will be reflected in the fee.
Do we need to provide dinner for the band?
This depends on your booking arrangement.
If you need us there through cocktails and dinner to run the mic and background music, then we will need dinner provided.
We are always grateful for some beverages, especially water!!.
Should we get a DJ in addition to the band?
Some clients do like to have a combination of band and DJ(we have an arrangement with a DJ), but it's not totally necessary and usually in the case that its a long event and the DJ takes over once the band is done for the night.
The Alan James Project is totally capable of playing their live show with a good verity/mix of tunes, we have you covered there. If you want to have a DJ as well, we can arrange that for you no problem.
What are your power requirements?
Your venue may have asked you how much juice/power the band needs. Back in the old days, bands used to suck a lot of power, but The Alan James Project uses a digital mixing console and LED lighting to light our stage which draws very little power. We can get away with as little as 2 x 15 amp circuits at a minimum. In other words, 2 regular wall plugs are fine.