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jokerswild

jokerswild

Chief Bottle Washer
Feb 11, 2007
18,776
1,288
Elkhart, IN
www.totalimpactdjs.com
Ok, I have a bride who wants a DJ to get the party started with intros, dinner music and then get the dancing going from 5-9 basically a 4 hour block. She has a friend who is in a local band who is going to play at the Ceremony then come to the reception and play from 9 on.... she is lookiing for a DJ that can coordinate with the band.

I can't think of anything other than coordinateing space for them to setup in while I'm still playing....

I know the venue and they usually setup entertainment to the back of the room playing to the length of the room... no problem I can setup off to the side and place my speakers facing the legth of the room and the band can then setup between my speakers without disturbing mine. Beyond setup issues what else would there be?

I did ask if she is wanting the DJ to stick around and play music between sets and that should be easy to coordinate a simple nod from the lead singer to tell me to start some song would be sufficient. Really seems like a no brainer to me.

Those that have worked with bands what do you think?
 
The last time I worked with a band, I had the floor packed more with dancers than the band. If they’re willing to pay you to play music between sets, go for it. Just check with the band to make sure you don't play any of tunes they are planning to play. She is only paying you for that 4 hour block, correct? Anything else is your overtime rate.
 
Sounds like a good deal, Rob. You're getting a 4 hour show in and the band will have the later hours.

I've done this a few times ~ sharing time with bands. The ticket is to coordinate with the band leader and the venue management beforehand to ensure that everything goes smoothly and there are no last-moment surprises.

Some things to look for:

Where will you both be set up? Since you and the band will be loaded in at the same time, you both need to know where you'll be in the hall. Work with the parties involved and come to a mutually satisfactory arrangement.

Load-out logistics when you're done. You don't want to disturb the band once their time starts. Try to set it up so's it's quick and easy to get outta there. Just something to consider.

No surprises. I can't stress this enough! Whether it's an upscale reception or a backyard pool party, no one wants surprises. Make sure that everyone ~ the client, the hall, the band and yourself are on the same page before the engagement date. Find out (and add it to your contract if it helps) exactly what will be expected of you. Will the band be providing their own sound? Or, will they show up with the expectation of piping into yours? If these things are written into your contract, you're covered.

If the client wants you to stick around and play between sets, make sure the bandleader knows about this as well. Some bands play recordings of their work during breaks.

Don't leave the coordination up to the client. She won't have time for that... and it's really not her responsibility anyhow. This show will be a lot easier and less stressful for everyone when it's all coordinated in advance. :)

Lastly, be prepared for SNAFUs on the part of the band. No disrespect toward bands intended, my friend... but I've seen a few of these "friend of the client" bands that were so doggoned disorganized and unprepared, it was like watching the Three Stooges. No extension cords, taking forever to get loaded in, you name it.

Thoughts?
 
I must say, my experience with a band was awful... the father of the bride was wanting the group to play, (they were sung in porchageez(I can spell?)) the dad was like telling us to cut the music so the band could play, but the band want even there.... The worst part was we were trying to get out of the venue and the band kept playing.... we had a huge light setup by the dance floor and all of the drunks were all over the place... just awful... I must say after that experience, I am really not willing to work with a band...
 
I've played in many bands, and also DJ'ed with many bands, and I think Fred laid it down pretty well :)


One thing I will add though:

You are in a room full of egos (yours included) -- don't step on anyone else's ego, and they will probably not step on yours...
 
It is helpful to know their playlist so you can 'bring them in' and 'follow them up' gracefully. We've worked with bands before and set up where we'll start a song, the band will join in and we'll fade the CD out/band in to introduce their first set. It also helps you determine what events you need to fit in, if you'll need to provide an inordinate number of slow songs or the like.

You may want to discuss cues/signals and get a playlist in writing. Find out if they can/will address formalities of the wedding or not. Find out who is in charge if someone [important] isn't happy with the way things are going....does the bride call the shots...MOB?....majority rules....or stick to the plan?.
 
Seriously, I only worked with a band once. The B&G were rabid fans of an Atlanta-based Sullivan-era Beatles Tribute band called The Return, and they hired me for everything except the main entertainment.

I played cocktail hour, did the intros, formal dances, and dinner music. Then I introduced the band. They played an hour set, and I took over for the cake & toast and bouquet & garter tosses. I played a couple of dance songs before the band came back out for their second set. As I was walking to the outside hall to get a drink of water, a girl stopped me and asked when I was going to play some "good music" again. I said I was through for the evening, and she remarked that the Beatles music was okay but she and her friends were there to dance, not watch a band!

The guys in the band were easygoing and a pleasure to work with. They patched me in to their PA, so all I had to bring in was my console and CDs. All in all, a very easy evening.
 
I do live sound often.

It would be waaay easier to patch a DJ into my rig, as most venues don't have enough power the way it is.

And when doing a split show, Please price yourself accordingly to stay till the end. Rolling cases through a packed dance floor is tacky as hell. and asking for someone to get hurt, or some drunk a reason to punch someone.

Also, great advice on checking with the band for a set-list. They get really mad when you play the song that they wanted to play!
 
So basically take the initiative... contact and even sit down with the band leader and make sure that I know what songs they will play, what order and when they'd be taking breaks if I'm to play durring them....

Seems pretty straight forward...

Quite frankly I'll probably still only quote my 4 hour rate even if I'm expected to play between sets... reason being is based on her email, and now this could be just her blowin smoke to get a cheap price, she has contacted a lot of DJs in the area and when I call I might get just her machine but leave a message.

Now when I did call I quoted her my 4 hour rate and no mention of if I was willing to stay just simply asked if that was what she might be looking for and that the quote may have to be adjusted accordingly... but at this point I'd be willing to take it at my 4 hour rate knowing that I may have to stick around anyway even if not playing.

As mentioned above about loading out...

I do know the venue intimately since I use to work for the hotel it's attached to.

It is basically one big room with those temp folding walls.... venders load in from a back door that leads to the banquet service hallway and into the room...

If they setup like I think they will they will have a portable dance floor at the back and expect the entertainment to point thier sound to the front lengthwise. Not the best setup but there is plenty of sound absorbing walls and it's carpeted so I'm not to worried about echo or feedback...

I figure I'd setup to the side and place my speakers where the band will setup with enough space between them for them to setup between them. I believe the band will come in later and probably setup while I'm playing but I don't have that detail yet... heck I don't have the gig yet... we'll see.
 
That's cool. If ya get the show, you'll be prepared. :)

A phone convo with the band leader should be sufficient, I would think. He or she is in the same boat as it were. You're working for the same client.
 
Precisionpower said:
I do live sound often.

It would be waaay easier to patch a DJ into my rig, as most venues don't have enough power the way it is.
!
Click to expand...

Ding ding ding ding. Right on the head. You have to check how many electrical circuits they have available for you and the band. You don't want them unplugging you and you don't want to trip the circuit breakers. The band would have to be there early to setup and see what will work for both of you.
 
Ok so originally I quoted for up to 4 hours with lights at $794.00 that's $695.00 for DJ service and $99.00 for lights.... just got this in an email so it looks like I'm definately still in the game so to speak...

Client with a Band said:
Lets see, okay we haven't planned everything with Ramada yet. We're
doing that after the 1st of the year. But yes we are using the entire
banquet room. SWC bascially uses all types of music except rap, we
hate it anyway. I'm not sure about the bands breaks. They said they
may be able to play their own music/CD's during breaks but I haven't
gotten quite that far yet. We're still getting prices and figuring
everything out because we are working with a budget. What are your
thoughts as far as price and time frame if I were to have you for the
first 3 hours and then in between band sets??
Click to expand...

...and my reply

JokersWild said:
All of my packages with the exception of my hourly package include up to 6 hours of service whether playing music or not. There is an advantage to haveing a DJ play between sets rather than the band playing CDs... One is when the band gets ready to start a set I can start playing the song they are going to start with and fade out to the live band.... and easily segway from the last song of a set into an appropriate dance tune. This makes the musical entertainment whether live band or DJ seamless. I would work directly with the band to get a confirmed playlist including what songs they will play so that I don't duplicate music on my end of the performance.

Option 1: Wedding Bronze Package - Includes: Up to 6 hours of DJ services (whether playing music, making annoucements or waiting for the band to finish a set), professional sound system, music, complete online planning, online client and guest music request system, and music between the band's sets. (overtime is based on our hourly rate of $200.00 and billed in half hour increments) Price: $695.00

Option 2: Same as Option 1 except instead of using my speaker system I could plug directly into the bands console and run my sound through theirs. Price: $595.00

Option 3: Wedding Basic Hourly - Includes: Up to 3 hours at our hourly rate of $200.00 (using my system) or $150.00 (using their sound system) No Music Between Sets, As a FREE upgrade we will include the online planning, client and guest music request system, full emcee duties. (overtime is based on our hourly rate of $200.00 or $150.00 depending on which option you choose and billed in half hour increments) Price: $600.00 (using my system) or $450.00

Add-On: Basic Lighting Package: $99.00

Would you like to set up a time we can meet? Let me know which option and or add-on that interests you and we can go from there.
Click to expand...

I think my quote is reasonable considering I may be there for the durration of the show either playing in between sets or sitting with a thumb up my arse.
 
jokerswild said:
... I think my quote is reasonable considering I may be there for the duration of the show either playing in between sets or sitting with a thumb up my arse.
Click to expand...

That's OK. It's chair time and you'll be paid to sit on your arse. Playtex is notorious for this.

If anyone has ever wondered why we load a bar-height director's chair, this is the reason. I'll park my old arse in that chair when I'm not needed. I love it when the mic is passed around during the toast. Yack all ya want. I'll kick back. We're still gettin' paid. :D

That's what I loved about the bachelor auction shows. The MC took over and managed the auctions. Wolfie sat back in his director's chair and took a break. :)
 
I've done a few weddings where the bride wanted a piano player or a mariachi band to play during dinner. I thought it was fun. In my opinion you will do well for yourself to work with the band, and make sure to give them a really good introduction when you "pass the baton." This way the transition is smooth and you give the band "the floor" so to speak, so they can take over seamlessly with the music and directing the guests' attention.
 
Client with a Band? said:
Yes, my computer had an issue, I had to reset it to factory settings
and lost some of my saved info, so needless to say I am starting from
scratch. I am still searching for my perfect DJ for the wedding
reception. If it's not to much trouble maybe you can send me the info
again. I may have to forget about the band I'm not sure yet. I've gone
a little crazy with our budget. SO we may need DJ services for the
entire reception.
Thanks,
Click to expand...

So I resent the previous quote that included music durring band breaks, see my previous post. And then I read the rest of the message and quoted her full service for 6 hours... I offered her a break on the all inclusive because I know she isn't looking for karaoke..... so the quote goes some thing like this.

Bronze package with free upgrade to Full Emcee plus unlimited one-on-one consultations $695
Light Package $99

I don't want to make this topic about price so I was hesitant on posting them.... this is more or less a start to finish tale of booking a bride... or not.
 
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