Tuesday 30 November 2010

For Your Wedding Or Party, Have You Considered Hiring A Live Band?

By Ben Shergar


As you plan your event, you've probably wondered what to do about music. Should you hire a live band? Would a D. J. Be a better choice? Or will you hook up your iPod to a sound system and playback your own custom party playlist? Whether you are planning a wedding, a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, a corporate event, a reunion, or some other event, your choice of music will set the tone. Choosing a band for your event can spell the difference between a good party and an amazing party.

One advantage of a live band is the band's ability to interact with the audience. A good event band can gauge the mood of the audience, making adjustments in their presentation and repertoire to keep those in attendance smiling and dancing to songs they are familiar with. The energy of a live band simply cannot be equaled by a D. J., who can only play the songs exactly as they were recorded, and no changes in presentation are possible.

During a typical 4 hour party, approximately 60 or 70 songs will be played; while a D. J. May have thousands of songs to choose from, in reality few of those songs will be played. A band typically knows many more songs than this, and many bands focus on specific types of events, and know many songs for that specific type of party.

Using an iPod to play music at a party faces the same downsides as music played back by a D. J. Additionally, leaving an iPod to playback music unattended can be problematic, due to problem of volume fluctuation, or wanting to change the order of songs or take requests. There may be no one available to handle managing the iPod, since organizers and participants at the event will have other tasks to perform, while guests are there to enjoy the festivities, not manage the music.

Another benefit to employing a live band is that the band's leader will often have experience acting as a host or emcee, adding a professional touch to the festivities. The band will also typically allow their sound equipment to be utilized for speeches and toasts. When the band breaks, they will provide prerecorded music.

When you choose a band to play at your party, try to arrange to hear them play live at a club, county fair, or other community event. Most bands work whenever possible; musicians love to play live, for the most part. Another option is to ask for DVDs or CDs of live performances the band has given in the past.

It is a better idea to ask for live recordings, since given modern studio technology, studio recordings by the same band may differ considerably from their live sound.

Remember to collaborate with the band on working out the playlist for you party well before the event. Hiring a live band will help make your event a memorable occasion!




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