By default, we wear Tuxedo’s and comparable female attire for most private events. HOWEVER, often clients find other, less formal wear is more appropriate. Be sure to TELL US if you wish for the band to wear something other than “Tuxedo attire”.
Expect us to arrive a minimum of TWO hours before the band start time. (One hour for set-up, One hour for contingencies). Earlier setups can be obtained per quote.
We typically set up in neat and venue-appropriate clothing, but not in our formal wear.
ANYTIME YOU WANT, upon your request to discuss generalities of your event, floor plan, timelines, introductions, songs, etc… For all of the “final details”, he prefers strongly to wait until sometime within a couple weeks of your function. If you haven’t spoken sooner – by default, please expect a call by the Monday or Tuesday of the week of your event.
PLEASE CHECK THAT YOUR ADDRESS & PHONE NUMBER(s) ARE CORRECT ON YOUR CONTRACT and/or Client forms. YOU CAN CONTACT JOHN PARKER ANYTIME via e-mail • IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, ESPECIALLY ABOUT THE TIMELINE OR REQUESTS …PLEASE DON’T WAIT !!!
Most times our standard service is one break, with a small second break if we need to get a drink or use rest room – and sometimes NO breaks if arranged or if overall event time is less.. Our main objective is always to keep the party going – so depending on the type of engagement & the place in time of the event of the break, the length of the break may be 15 minutes or may be only a couple of minutes. Eliminating any and/or all breaks – having the band play without breaks is always available at an extra charge if not already part of our contract. During any break the we will play pre-recorded music that we have available. If you want particular songs or playlist played during break, you can email them to us, bring an iPod – or even just ask us… We want to help you!
(songs not on our list)
Many people have no idea that quite often it can take 8+ hours of arrangement & chart writing plus 3 or more rehearsals to learn certain songs – some more orchestral arrangements can double & even QUADRUPLE that amount of time.
Some people request songs that are very popular & relevant – and in those cases we feel those songs deserve the highest consideration. Other times we get requests that we just know are not going to render an overall positive outcome; either because of the band’s performance and/or the guest’s response or reaction generally – and that sometimes despite a client’s considerable affection for a song.
In light of that – and that we perform for many functions, many times a week, requests for songs other than those appearing within our list or database can always be considered – but keeping the following in mind:
1. We generally can learn no more than a couple of special requests per function. Any request must be made a minimum of 90 days before your function for rehearsal scheduling – (you don’t want the band fumbling through your song – plus we travel frequently) Additional requests can potentially be considered, however generally with an extra arrangement / rehearsal charge – presuming, that is, we can schedule adequate rehearsal time to accommodate the request.
2. For practical reasons, the requested songs should be or have been considered “popular” or well known (not obscure). Preferably either a Standard or a Contemporary. If the song is so out of the mainstream that we will never will play the song before or after your event – then the ONE & ONLY time we might play it will be at your event… As you can imagine, certainly this is not as optimum as a song we know well & perform regularly.
3. If we cannot locate the song, we may need to ask you to email an mp3 – which we should receive a minimum of 90 days before your function for rehearsal scheduling.
4. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO DENY A REQUEST OR SUGGEST AN ALTERNATE SONG OR TO PLAY the ORIGINAL RECORDING OF YOUR SONG : This would be done if we could not do justice to the song, or if in any way performing the song would be problematic, or if the song is obscure, inappropriate, etc…. We can play a lot of different kinds of songs. But we are human, and as such cannot do everything. (though we try)
…We hope you understand that this is the only way to accommodate you as well as the many others who also have special considerations or requests. Thank you for your understanding.
4. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO DENY A REQUEST OR SUGGEST AN ALTERNATE:
This would be done if we could not do justice to the song, or if in any way performing the song would be problematic, or if the song is very obscure, inappropriate, etc….
…We hope you understand that this is the only way to accommodate you as well as others who have special considerations or requests. Thank you for your understanding.