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frequently asked questions

Booking a function band for the first time can be quite an experience. We have compiled (below) a list of the most frequently asked questions but should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Why is entertainment important at a function?

What is the bands dress code and will a dressing room be required?

Will the band require refreshments?

How long do the band play for?

How much will the band cost?

Can I see the band before I book?

Is it essential to provide a stage and how much space do the band need?

What sort of power supply is required?

Are they always the same members, or do you use substitutes on a regular basis?

I really want a live band but I am concerned that the music will be too loud or too quiet.

Are the band happy to work alongside a DJ?

What other services can you provide?

Can the band perform a specially requested song not on the set list?

Does Tuxedo Groove use a contract?

Are Tuxedo Groove willing to make alternations to the contract?

What is the process for booking the band?

Do you require payment in full prior to the day of my event?

Is there a cancellation fee?

Is it possible for the band to perform outside of the contracted hours?

Do you accept credit cards?

How long do the band need to set-up their equipment?

Do Tuxedo Groove have adequate insurance cover?

If I am booking the band through an agency, will I be able to deal directly with the band?

How far will you travel to a function?

Are discounts available for regular / resident bookings?

Can you play one style of music all night?

We would like to make our own announcements. Would it be possible to use your PA?

Do you have any further tips or suggestions?

Why is entertainment important at a function?
Not a question we get asked too often but something worth thinking about... In general, most people remember the live entertainment more than any other aspect of a function. Live entertainment leaves the most indelible memory. Long after the memory of how the flowers looked has faded from your guests minds, long after they have forgotten about their favourite canope… your guests will remember what a fantastic time they had, dancing and celebrating to a great party band.

What is the bands dress code and will a dressing room be required?
Tuxedo Groove will always dress smartly and appropriately for every occasion, normally with suit or shirt and trousers for the guys and evening dress for Harri (Lead Vocalist). The band will require somewhere to change and keep a change of clothes. You will need to provide a warm, clean and lockable changing room. In some venues, it may be necessary for a client to make arrangements for the use of a hotel room if there is no suitable changing area available. The band should not be asked to change within toilet or kitchen areas.

If you are hosting a themed party, the band is more than willing to accommodate the theme by dressing appropriately.

Will the band require refreshments?
We do request that arrangements be made for a meal / light snack and drinks for the band. Most caterers will generally allow the band to join the buffet line after the guests have finished, or they may provide a vendor sandwich or other light fare.

How long do the band play for?
Our aim is to be as flexible as possible to ensure that your event is a success. Playing times, break periods etc. are always open to discussion at the time of booking.

How much will the band cost?
The costs can vary considerably depending on a number of factors; date, performance time, set-up time, location etc. Every event is unique and therefore we are more than happy to offer a quote without obligation.

Can I see the band before I book?
The vast majority of Tuxedo Groove’s work is at corporate and private events. However, there are a few select public appearances where the band can be seen in a relaxed environment and the band do regularly perform in a number of charity theatrical productions / musicals throughout the year. Please email to find out if there are any public functions in your area or for theatre productions, visit www.sotheatre.com.

Is it essential to provide a stage and how much space do the band need?
It is not essential to provide a stage for the band but it does allow for the band to be seen when the dance floor is full and therefore preferred.

Generally an area approximately 20ft deep by 24ft wide is needed. Additional floor space (approx 4ft square) on the front left and right hand corners should be allocated for speaker systems. Please try to ensure that your guest's tables are not situated directly in front of these speakers. Please note. We recommend that, when looking at hiring a venue you avoid those with sound limiting equipment. These are invariably set at very low levels or are driven by frequency waves rather than dynamic volume. If the limit is exceeded, such equipment can completely cut out the electricity supply to the band which can not only damage our equipment but generally spoil the flow of the evening's performance.

What sort of power supply is required?
It is essential that a safe, properly earthed and constant power supply is provided. Venues that regularly stage entertainment should already have the correct supply, but please check with them. Two separate 13 amp or 1x30 amp 240 volt mains supply is required. This should terminate on stage in 13 amp sockets. These supplies must be totally independent of each other (i.e. not drawn from 1 x 13 amp source via a mains extension). This supply should be for the sole use of the band and should never be shared with anything else

Are they always the same members, or do you use substitutes on a regular basis?
Tuxedo Groove always has the same line up. Alternative musicians are only usually employed in the event of an emergency. Any substitutes used to replace a band member are friends of the band and are always rehearsed before the engagement. Wherever practicable, Tuxedo Groove prefers not to accept an engagement if the normal line up cannot be offered. The band will always inform clients if a substitute is needed for their engagement.

I really want a live band but I am concerned that the music will be too loud or too quiet.
We have an excellent PA system suitable for most venues; we have played in small marquees holding 30 guests to large halls and function suites holding around 900 people. We have a sympathetic approach to the nature of the event and size of your venue and will judge the volume levels during our sound check, accounting for the acoustics of the room. One of the strong points of Tuxedo Groove is our ability to play the right music at the right level.

Are the band happy to work alongside a DJ?
Tuxedo Groove are more than happy to work alongside a DJ and would recommend this if budget allows. For a nominal additional charge, Tuxedo Groove will provide background music and do offer a full DJ service, which often works out considerably cheaper than hiring outside.

Lead singer, Jai has over 15 years experience as a DJ in both clubs and at private / corporate functions. Therefore, for a small additional fee DJ entertainment can be provided between sets to ensure that music continues throughout the evening. Mixed CD’s can also be played between breaks if required without additional expense.

What other services can you provide?
Our extensive experience in organising private / corporate functions means that we are more than willing to offer our services in whatever way we can; entertainment, catering, decorations, venue hire or just helpful advice. Please contact us for further information or visit www.beyondtheatre.com.

Can the band perform a specially requested song not on the set list?
We would be more than happy to consider rehearsing a new track or tracks for your function. Perhaps a first dance or just a special song that you would like performed during the evening? At least 4 weeks notice is desirable and although we do make every effort to accommodate such requests we could not always guarantee that your chosen song(s) will be performed.

Does Tuxedo Groove use a contract?
A contract is used for all functions which ensure that there are no miscommunications between the band and our clients. This serves to protect both parties as it gives you assurance of our commitment to perform and gives clarity on matters which affect you.

Are Tuxedo Groove willing to make alternations to the contract?
Tuxedo Groove is happy to discuss alterations to the contract in order to meet any special needs you may have. Clients are given us much notification as possible if the band is unable to accommodate such requirements.

What is the process for booking the band?
Booking Tuxedo Groove could not be simpler. Two identical copies of the contract are mailed / e-mailed to the client. The client will sign both copies and return them with the requested deposit. Upon receipt of the contract and said deposit, the date is officially confirmed. Both copies will be signed and one copy returned to the client with a Statement of Account acknowledging receipt of their deposit.

Do you require payment in full prior to the day of my event?
As soon as the deposit and contracts have been received, no further monies are due until the day of the function. The remaining balance is payable, in cash on the evening of the prior to performance or by prior negotiation, at a point during the evening convenient to the client. If you prefer to pay in advance so you have one less thing to worry about then this would of course be acceptable.

Is there a cancellation fee?
Cancellations are subject to cancellation fee which is payable in accordance with the following scale. Up to six weeks - deposit only, up to four weeks 60% of the total fee, up to two weeks 100% of the total fee. It is unlikely, in two weeks that another engagement will be found.

Is it possible for the band to perform outside of the contracted hours?
The band would be under no obligation to perform outside of the contracted hours but in most cases are happy to do so at the request of the client. In this circumstance an additional fee may be incurred which would be negotiable.

Do you accept credit cards?
We do not currently have the facility to accept any credit / debit cards. We can only accept cash or personal or corporate / business cheques. All cheques should be made payable to Stage One Theatre Company.

How long do the band need to set-up their equipment?
This depends very much on the venue, but in general it takes about 90 minutes to set up and sound check (If extensive lighting is requested that generally takes an additional 30 minutes). The band would typically arrive two hours prior to the contracted start time, to ensure that everything is ready to go before your guests arrive.

Do Tuxedo Groove have adequate insurance cover?
Tuxedo Groove has public liability insurance for up to £5,000,000. Many venues will not allow bands to perform without suitable public liability insurance.

If I am booking the band through an agency, will I be able to deal directly with the band?
If you are booking Tuxedo Groove through an agent you may with the agent’s approval contact us directly to discuss the finer details. However, out of courtesy and professional protocol, all matters relating to fees and contracts should be should be referred directly to the agent.

How far will you travel to a function?
There is no limit to how far we will travel but if it is more than 90 minutes from the group's Essex base there will be a travel surcharge and accommodation may be required. Tuxedo Groove are happy to consider overseas bookings.

Are discounts available for regular / resident bookings?
Discounts are arranged for clients repeatedly booking Tuxedo Groove. For further information please contact us.

Can you play one style of music all night?
Tuxedo Groove have an extensive repertoire and are therefore more than willing to play one style of music for the themed function. In additional to the usual party set, Tuxedo Groove also offer a variety of themed sets ranging from 'That Las Vegas Groove' - an unforgetable tribute to the Rat Pack and th music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jnr and many more to 'That Broadway Groove' - a tribute to the West End and Broadway musicals such as 'We Will Rock You', 'Grease', 'Footloose', 'Fame' and many more. Click here for further information.

We would like to make our own announcements. Would it be possible to use your PA?
With wireless microphones and crystal clear amplification, we can cater for announcements from any part of the room and ensure you are clearly heard. Our system would be at your disposal to make necessary announcements.

Do you have any further tips or suggestions?
Our goal is to help you have the most successful function possible. Having performed at so many events, we have found things that seem to work well to make a party more fun. Here's a few suggestions;

If possible, the band should be set up directly in front of the dance floor with no tables between the band and the dance floor. This gives us a good connection with the dancers and no one directly in front of the speakers. Try to seat the younger guests nearer to the band as they are not as sensitive to the volume of the music. We are always paying attention to the volume, but this helps.

We suggest doing your first dance right after you're introduced as this opens the dance floor to your guests and usually gets the party off to an earlier start.

Most importantly… ENJOY YOURSELF. You have undoubtedly spent a great deal of time and money to plan the perfect event. You've hired a number of professionals to handle the details for you so try and relax and enjoy the experience. The day is often over so quickly, so trust those your have hired and have fun. Our experience has taught us that if the host(s) are out on the dance floor then the guests will be too.