THERE ARE THREE KINDS OF PROFESSIONAL PARTY BANDS:

TRADITIONAL WEDDING BANDS

These groups are usually in the classic “wedding band” image. The performers are often a bit “more seasoned”, or older musicians with young vocalists. These bands will often break up the show into multiple sets and breaks and may struggle to play a versatile repertoire authentically, but can sound great at one genre, like Funk or Rock.

CONCERT-STYLE BANDS

This is the most modern style of event band, usually younger highly-talented groups who deliver energetic, interactive performances focused on the impact of the entertainment on audience experience. These bands are usually very conscious of event flow and take very few/short breaks once the real show starts.

SPECIALTY BANDS

These can be specific themed bands, ethnic bands, etc. For example; AC/DC tribute band, Klezmer band, and more.

Based on our research and experience – these are standard entertainment costs in New England:

• $1-4k – DJs
• $4-8k – DJ/Band Combos or lower-level bands
• $8-15k – Quality Full-Time Bands
• $15-25k – Custom Bands
• $30-500k – National Touring Acts

However, all of these prices are generalizations — you never know what price a vendor will accept for your event. If you love a vendor, always try to negotiate and make it work.

GOOD SIGNS

• Promo videos from real LIVE shows
• Bands who anticipate turn-over and know what to do to stay consistently awesome
• Young energetic performers
• Party band who performs 100+ different shows each year – i.e. Weddings, Clubs, Colleges, Corporate Events, etc
• Contracted band members – committed and rehearsed
• A versatile band who can read the crowd and call a show on the spot to build a celebration

BAD SIGNS

• Over-produced, fake, studio-made promo videos – lip-synching, etc.
• Band leaders/agents who “guarantee” individual performers
• Mixed ages in same band – half older/half younger members
• “Wedding Bands”
• Roster Bands – assembling bands for each event based on who’s available, no set band member lineup.
• Bands who write setlists before the show – they often use the same sets for months at a time, and don’t customize a show to fit an audience.

DON’T LET PRICE SCARE YOU

Bands can be expensive, but don’t run away when you get a quote. Many bands appreciate performing for people who appreciate them. If you find a band (or any vendor) you absolutely love, never assume you can’t afford them. And even if they quote you a price that’s out of your budget, it’s always worth it to disclose your budget and see if there’s a way they can accommodate. You never know how much a band might want to book a specific date, venue, or event type: let them know what would work for you and you might be pleasantly surprised.

BEWARE OF FAKE PROMOS

When considering bands, watch out for groups with fancy videos that are a bit too clean. Some bands will hire a video studio to produce a flashy video, and though they usually sound great and even look like MTV music videos, they’re usually lip-synched and don’t authentically represent a live performance. These bands often don’t have very exciting live shows, so they try to cover it up with production value in their promos. Look for bands with LIVE performance videos that will show a real representation of their skills and performance styles, or better yet check out the band at a public show.