Q) How do I go about finding and hiring a band for my private party?
A) The following four steps have proven to be a highly effective and efficient way for our clients to find the band that will match their event:
     1) Review the information on this website - particularly the "Meet The Bands" tab
     2) Fill out the EVENT QUESTIONNAIRE on this website or call Encore/The Band Store at 913-642-BAND
     3) Set up a free, no obligation personal consultation to review in detail the groups that you would like to know more about
     4) Upon making a selection Encore/The Band Store will handle all of the administrative details

Q) What more specific information is available about the Bands?
A) At a personal consultation we will discuss and develop criteria regarding your event. We will review audios, videos, song lists and references about any band that is of interest to you and looks like it will match your expectations. To view one of our sample live videos, just click HERE.

Q) How much does a band cost for an event?
A) The range for the top-flight local groups is between $2500 - $3200, Special circumstances such as travel, playing time, special requests, difficult loading situations, day-of-the-week, etc. can also affect the price. There are second-tier groups which cost less and out-of-town bands that cost more.

Q) How long does a band usually play at a private event?
A) Most bands play for three hours. Some events are four hours and occassionally there are events that are more or less than this. Part of our service is the detailed scheduling of the entire event.

Q) Are there ever additional charges other than the agreed contract price?
A) No. ALL OUR PRICES ARE ALL-INCLUSIVE (performance, sound, lights, etc.) Not unless the parameters of the job changes and both the purchaser and the band agree to the change will there ever be a change in the price.

Q) Do I need to pay the band a gratuity?
A) This is never expected. The band will take it as a high compliment if they receive a tip.

Q) What happens if the band breaks up?
A) Most of the bands we will recommend are bands of long standing and are committed to playing well into the future. If a band does "retire," they will play out all of their contracted jobs. If the worst-case scenario happens and the band is prohibited from performing, we have the availability of all the other groups to assist in covering an event. In the past 18 years, this has only happened once, and it was with eight months' notice.

Q) When do I pay the band?
A) Usually, 50% of the contracted amount is due upon signing the contracts, and the other 50% is due on the date of the event. Many people like to pay the band in advance so they don't have to worry about it at the time of the event.

Q) What if I would like a special song played at my event?
A) Most bands will learn a special song if they feel they can do a good job on it. If the song isn't a good fit, they will recommend other alternatives. Usually, it is the purchaser's responsibility to supply a recording of the song by the original artist or the sheet music.

Q) What if I have an outdoor event and the weather does not cooperate?
A) That condition is solely the responsibility of the purchaser. We recommend that outdoor events have a contingency plan in advance - such as a tent or the ability to move it indoors. The band gets paid rain or shine.

Q) Does the band take a break?
A) Generally, all bands take a 10-15 minute break every hour. There can be exceptions to that that we address when we do the detailed scheduling of your event. Often times, there are special events during breaks such as toasts, recognitions, speeches, etc. If there is nothing scheduled during a break, the band will usually play pre-recorded background music until they resume playing. The break is the band's time to re-energize to bring the best possible performance to your event, and it's time for your dancing guests to re-energize as well.

Q) What if the purchaser wants to cancel the event or the band?
A) The contract that both the purchaser and the band sign is specific as to cancellation. The closer to the date that the cancellation occurs, the more severe the penalty. Cancellations are very rare, but it is important that the remedy for such an occurrence is agreed upon before hand.

Q) How do I engage the services of a band?
A) A contract is signed after selecting an appropriate band. Please see our HOW TO HIRE A BAND section for more information!

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