Q. How much do you charge?

 

A. Yup...this is almost always the first question people ask. Surprisingly enough, it's not always an easy or straightforward question to answer.   Our price depends on a few factors:  

a) Which act you want to book.  

b) Where the venue is. (ie. how much travelling time is involved)  

c) What type of equipment we need to bring. Our PA system will cater for a medium sized room of up to around 100 people. If the venue is rather large, or there are many more people attending a function, we would need to hire added equipment.  

d) The job call time (amount of sets required, etc).  

e) What time we need to set up by. Sometimes we will charge accordingly if, for example, we need to make two trips to a venue because they need us to be set up early in the day, but come back to play that evening.  

The best thing to do is contact us and give us the details of your function and we can then give you a price based on those details.   However, be assured that we are probably cheaper than most bands performing today - and even cheaper than most DJs!

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Q. How long do you usually play for?

 

A. The standard for a duo, trio or small band is three times 45 minute sets (3 x 45 mins) This can, of course, be altered to suit the function. We will happily play a "quiet" set early in the evening if required.   Usually we will not play more than four sets, as it is too damaging to the vocal cords. Honestly! :-)   As each function / wedding is different we will usually adapt our sets to fit in with the smooth running of the evening.

 

 

Q. Can we use your microphone and PA system for speeches?

 

A. The short answer is "yes", but please notify us of this beforehand.  

** IMPORTANT INFORMATION about making speeches: we use Shure SM58 microphones for speeches. We do not provide radio / cordless microphones. You should hold the microphone directly to your lips when speaking. If you hold the microphone a foot or so away from you and we turn you up, you will experience that horrible, squealing "feedback" sound. This will also occur if you are standing directly in front of a speaker. Trust us - NO ONE wants that & it happens regularly when people do not use a microphone correctly. **  

It also may be worth enquiring to see if whether or not the function venue has an "in-house" speaker system. Most places do these days. The advantage of this is obvious - their speakers are set up THROUGH OUT the venue, and anyone making a speech will be easily heard. Our system naturally will have the speakers set up in one place; this means that it MAY be too loud at the front of the room, but not loud enough at the rear of the room.

 

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Q. Do we select the songs we want from the song-list? Do we put the songs in order?

 

A. In our experience it has usually been a mistake to let clients choose our setlist. (We could tell you stories that would make your head spin!) There is a great difference between "songs you like while sitting at home" and "songs that will work well for a function". We have been doing this professionally for quite a long time and it's part of our job to "read" the crowd and play music that's appropriate.  

Here's what we have found to work best - We will ask you to select 4-6 "must play" songs from our song-list; that is, those songs that you really want to dance to or feel very strongly about. We will also ask you to select 10 songs that you do NOT want us to play.   When you return this list to us, we will put together a rough setlist based on your selections. Based on the styles of music you have selected, we may also fill in some songs of a similar nature that are pretty much guaranteed crowd pleasers, (unless of course the selection is on the "don't play" list).

The setlist that we put together is a general guide only. The band is quite flexible as far as what is played and when. As the reception progresses, we will be taking requests from your guests, and if we can honour those requests we will (unless, once again, the request is on the "don't play" list).

We will also be "reading" the crowd, to see which songs are receiving the best response. It is this experience in reading a group that sets the band apart from a human jukebox playing the same songs in the same order all the time.  

"Frank Fettuccini & The Offswing" obviously do not take requests, as it's a "cabaret" type of performance - a "show" in itself. However, if a particular song is wanted for a certain company - for example; that song is used in the company's advertising, please contact us to discuss the possibility of doing a swing arrangement for you.

 

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Q. How can I check to see if you're available for my function?

 

A. Please contact us as soon as possible and we can let you know immediately. Most bookings are made around four months in advance, but this obviously varies.   On rare occasions we can manage to squeeze in two performance in a single day, so if we're booked on that date but the times are sufficiently far apart, give us a call and we can see if we can work something out. If your date is more than 5 months away and we have a club or restaurant performance booked for your date, it's possible we may be able to change the date of that performance. Please call and enquire.

 

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Q. Where can I come and hear you play?

 

A. We perform a few times a week, so this shouldn't be a problem. Please check our "Upcoming Gigs" page and see if your preferred act is performing somewhere near you. If not, then perhaps you can check to see whether a part of that act is performing (for example: come and see Alex doing a solo gig if you would like to book "Two's Company").  

Make sure you approach the act at the gig to discuss your entertainment needs. You may find that an act is playing a 'certain style' of music requested by that venue - please ask if this is the case, as we match every playlist to suit your individual needs.  

Certain acts will often only be performing at private functions (for example "The Offswing") and therefore it would be hard to "sneak" a future client into one of these performances.  

Please keep in mind that our acts consist of full-time, PROFESSIONAL musicians. Our "Audio" samples on each website page are often taken from live performances - that's EXACTLY how we sound! There's NO auto-tuning or editing of voices or instruments.

 

 

Q. How do some of your acts get such a big sound from only a Duo or Trio without a drummer?

 

A. We take full advantage of all the technology that is available to us today. We use professionally recorded backing tracks that sound almost identical to the original - we do NOT use MIDI sequencing technology that synthesizes the drums and other instruments as we think that it often sounds 'cheap'.  

While some people may characterize this as "Karaoke", this is the exact same technology that drives performances by Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, and most of the other pop stars on tour today.

This is also the reason why you can have a live band sound as full and as close to the original as we do, yet at a fraction of the cost of the 10 and 12 piece bands out there.  

The use this technology also allows us to perform at much quieter volumes than most other bands in smaller rooms, and yet with far more energy than would be possible. For example, a drum produces one tone when hit softly, and another, more energised tone when hit harder (i.e. "louder").

With a live drummer the volume needed to achieve this level of energy may well be more than the room (and your guests) are comfortable with.

 

 

Q. I really want a live band, but my parents are concerned that it will be too loud. Can you play quietly enough so that people can still hear to talk without having to shout?

 

A. Absolutely. One of the strong points of our duos and trios is our ability to play quietly, particularly in the early stages of the reception, or in smaller rooms where people also want to be able to talk. We make it a point to start the reception at an extremely low volume. We'd much prefer that you ask to have things turned UP rather than DOWN.

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Q. Do you provide music that can be played between your sets?

 

A. Yes, definitely. We always provide music that is tailored to suit a particular function or venue. Examples being; jazz, medium pop, pub rock, dance, upbeat pop, café or 'groove', etc... At a private function or wedding we will alter the playlist throughout the night - mellow or background to begin with and becoming more 'danceable' as the evening progresses.   You are also welcome to provide an iPod or MP3 player of your own if you wish certain songs or specific styles of music. Please let us know BEFOREHAND if you require a CD player.

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Q. I really like a certain song that's not on your song-list.  Would you be willing to learn this song for us?

 

A. In certain cases we are more than happy to do this - for a "Bridal Waltz" for example. Depending on the act, this is obviously based on whether we can obtain a backing track of the song. If you would like an acoustic version of the song, that is usually not a problem (whenever possible).  

"Frank Fettuccini & The Offswing" obviously do not take requests, as it's a "cabaret" type of performance - a "show" in itself.   If, for any reason, we cannot play your song ourselves, we are happy to play the original version of it through our system. Sometimes couples actually prefer this - as they've been practicing their Bridal Dance at home to the original.

 

 

Q. How do you dress for a performance?

 

A. Typically, for a formal event such as wedding or corporate party the band will wear suits or dress shirts with slacks. We will usually ask what the dress code is for your function / venue and dress appropriately.

 

 

Q. Can you "hold" a date for me?

 

A. Typically we "hold" a date for two weeks without a deposit. If, within that time, we get another offer and have not heard from you we will contact you to give you the first option on that date. If we have not heard back from you after the two-week period, we will assume that the booking is not going ahead.

 

 

Q. Do your acts require a contract?

 

A. Yes, we use a contract for all performances.  This ensures that there are no miscommunications between the band and our clients.  It is for the protection of all parties concerned. 

 

 

Q. What is the process for booking the band?

 

A. The process goes like this:  

a) Two identical copies of the contract are mailed to the client.  

b) The client signs both copies and returns them with the deposit (typically $100).  

c) Upon receipt of the contract and deposit, the date is officially confirmed.  

d) The bandleader then signs both copies and returns one copy to the client for their records, with a Tax Invoice acknowledging receipt of their deposit.

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Q. Do we have to arrange to feed the band?

 

A. For weddings and private functions we do request that arrangements be made for a light meal for the band (as sometime we will be at the venue for anywhere up to eight hours). 

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Q. Do you require Payment in Full prior to the day of my event?

 

A. No.  Once we receive your deposit, no further monies are due until the day of the function.  Whether we are paid before the beginning of the event, during, or while we're packing up, that's entirely up to you.  If you PREFER to pay in advance so you have one less thing to worry about, that's fine, of course! 

 

 

Q. Do you accept credit cards?

 

A. At the present time we do not accept any credit cards.  We accept cash, personal or corporate / business cheques, and money orders.  However, we can also accept Internet Bank transfers or PayPal, where you can make payments by credit card.

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Q. Do you require a stage? How long does it take you to set up?

 

A. The simple answer for this question is “No”; we do not require a stage.  For corporate functions or other performances where the band is a significant focus of attention a stage does help direct that focus, particularly in larger rooms.  However, for weddings and other private parties, it is the newlywed couple or guest of honour that is the real focus, so a stage is definitely not necessary.  

For "Frank Fettuccini & The Offswing" a stage is advantageous (but not vital), as it's a cabaret / comedy show.   Much depends on the facility we will be performing in of course, but for the smaller acts it takes about one hour to get the PA system set up and ready to go. 

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Q. Can you also provide services as an MC?

 

A. Absolutely, although an additional charge will be added to the overall fee. Please discuss your needs with us beforehand.

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Q. What information do you need from me in advance of the function / reception?

 

A. Since every wedding / function is different, we don't need the same information from everybody.  However, as a general rule, here are some of the pieces of information we look for:  

For a wedding; The venue should provide you with a "Run Sheet" - a copy of this is always handy for the band. What time do guests arrive, what time is meal served, cake cut, etc.   Will the entire wedding party be introduced?  If so, we need the list of names in advance.  We're pretty good with this, but phonetic pronunciations for some of the more difficult names are appreciated.  We'll go over this list with you before the event to ensure names are pronounced properly.  

When is the first dance, right after introductions or after the meal?  What song?  

When are the speeches? How many people?  

Is there a Bouquet Toss? Garter Toss? Farewell Circle?  

Are there any special rules or requirements for the band imposed by the facility?  Examples might be carpets for hardwood floors, access to loading docks, security access to the venue, early or last minute load-in due to room availability, specific set up and pack up times, specific volume requirements, etc.