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Q. How much do you charge? |
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We offer a bespoke and highly personalised service
to our clients as every function or event is unique. Our prices are
therefore dependent on
your individual requirements e.g. size of band, technical spec,
duration of event, performance timings, travel costs etc.
Our customers rate our service as "exceptional
value for money". We pride ourselves on our experience, expertise and
professionalism which is reflected in a very competitive and
affordable price for
the quality and standard of service we provide.
We also offer customers
a choice of band size options for unique flexibility in pricing, and if you can
take advantage of our
Early Bird or Midweek Special Offers
you can get a great discount and even better value for money! For
an accurate quotation for your event please complete our online
enquiry
form or
contact us
to discuss your event and requirements. |
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Q. How long do
you play for? |
| We perform up to 2 hours
of live party music, typically performing either 1 hour
cabaret set, 2 x 45
minutes, 2 x 1 hour or 3 x 40 minute sets dependant upon your
requirements.
We can also provide up to a further 2 hours of live acoustic
music during champagne receptions and dining, either as a solo
female cocktail pianist or jazz duo (piano & sax.) |
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Q. What happens
when the band isn't playing? |
| To keep the party
atmosphere alive we provide fantastic
'Disco Mix' music on CD during our breaks, and background music during food completely free of
charge.
We are also able to provide a recommended professional Disco & DJ
to complement the band & extend your evening, or you can provide us
with your own CD mixes which we would be happy to play through our
system during our breaks.
Please let us know in advance if you are bringing your own music
to ensure your event runs smoothly.
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Q. Can I come
and see you at one of your gigs? |
| As you will see from our
giglist,
most
of our bookings are for private and corporate clients, and it would
be unprofessional to invite potential customers to attend these private celebrations.
However we understand how difficult it is to decide which band to
book which is why we have provided live videos, studio recorded &
live audio clips, up to date customer testimonials, previous client
list, photographs and biography which should hopefully give you a
very good idea of what Pop of Ages can provide for you. |
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Q. What do you
need from us or the venue? |
| Essentials;
Minimum
2 x 13 amp power supplies (separate, not a double socket), for
marquees we draw 3kw.
Safe access to a flat performance area
minimum 6mtrs(w) by 3mtrs(d).
A private changing room (please
note a toilet cubicle is NOT a suitable changing room)
A parking space and a venue contact
with whom we can liaise on the day (event or banqueting manager
etc.)
Drinking water is of course a necessity so please ensure this
is always available, especially in marquees.
No-one can perform at their best if they are tired and hungry. Soft drinks
and some hot food would be very much appreciated as our 'working
day' is often very long and physically tiring. Many bookings
require us to leave our house at lunchtime, so something substantial to eat would be very
welcome and will keep our energy levels up.
Use of Sound Limiters;
!Based on past experience please note we
are unsuitable to perform at venues that have
restrictive
sound limitation devices installed.
Some sound limiters are set at a workable level and
we can perform within reasonable limitations, but a band does not
produce the same constant volume level or controlled decibel output
as a disco.
Sound limiter devices cut off the power supply if
the level is exceeded, causing damage to our equipment and
interrupting the music at your event. Something as simple as adding
a third harmony can increase our volume output above some limiters'
levels, and even an acoustic trumpet on it's own can be louder than the level
some venues set their sound limiter devices.!
It is imperative that you check with the venue to
see if such a device exists, and that the venue can provide
information regarding the decibel level to which it is set before
engaging Pop of Ages for your event. We are not a 'loud band'
by any means, but would prefer to avoid any unnecessary
interruptions to your music entertainment so please check with your
venue first. |
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Q. How do I make a booking? |
| We make it as easy as
possible!
Check to see if we are available by visiting our
giglist page,
then take a moment to
complete our simple enquiry form for an initial quote, or
contact us via phone or email for a
friendly no obligation chat.
Confirmed bookings are secured and detailed via a written Booking
Contract & Deposit of only £100 to be returned within 7 days of
issue.
Final balances are due 14 days in advance of your event. Payment
is accepted by cheque or BACS transfer and full details will be
found on your contract. It's as simple as that! |
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Q. What is the
best sized band for me? |
| We offer line ups from a
3-6 piece band, allowing clients a unique choice of musical style,
instrumentation plus suitability for size of room, performance space
available and number of guests.
All our line ups include male & female vocals, guitar and
keyboards and you can choose between adding live drums and / or
live brass. All Pop of Ages line- ups play the same songs but some
are better with live brass.
Please visit our
biography page for specific details
of the line-up options available, or give us a ring to discuss your
options. |
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Q. How long does
it take you to set up? |
| Please allow a minimum of
90
minutes (an hour and a half) from when the band gain clear access to the
performance area to when we can start the live
music sets. At weddings we will normally set up after your wedding
breakfast and speeches, at corporate and military events we will
always be set up before guests arrive. Once we can gain access to the performance area we will
normally require
60 minutes to set up and sound check - lifts, stairs,
awkward access will increase our set up time. We'll put on some
background music to set the mood.
We will then require another 30 minutes to get clean, apply
make-up (female member only!) get changed into our smart stage clothes and be
fully physically and mentally prepared for a lively and dynamic
stage performance!
Example, agreed 7pm arrival, direct and instant access to
performance area with changing room organised = we'll be ready to
perform at 8.30pm.
Delayed example; agreed arrival 7pm but events over-run until
7.45, venue strike room and clear tables from performance area,
access gained at 8.15pm = we'll be ready to perform at 9.45pm.
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Q. Can you play our
'first dance'? |
| We have
found that most
couples prefer their special song in its original format which we
can of course play for you on CD. You are more than welcome
to choose any of the slow ballads and love songs from our set list
for your first dance if you would prefer it played live by the band.
We introduce new songs to our set on a regular
basis, but during busy performance seasons we unfortunately do not
have time to program, learn and rehearse one-off special requests. |
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Q. How much
performance space do you need? |
| This is dependant upon the
band size and line-up engaged.
A level area of 3 metres deep x 6 metres wide is ideal for all
our different sized line ups.
We can set up in smaller areas and odd corners if required - and
we often have to!
We can adapt our set-up & line-up to fit the area
if necessary so please
contact us
for advice or to discuss the performance space available at your
chosen venue.
It is important to ensure there is enough room for the line-up
and technical spec you require - e.g. a drum kit will require quite a bit more room
than a sax player, space will be needed for speakers and lights on
stands, and our singers won't be able to put on a fun,
dynamic and entertaining stage performances if they can't move! |
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