QUESTIONS? WE HAVE ANSWERS.
Here are some questions we're often asked regarding entertainment. We hope you find these answers helpful. We are dedicated to providing you with the perfect entertainment and production solutions for your event, and also making this an enjoyable process for you. Give us a call and let’s talk entertainment!
Can I see the band perform live?
Many of our bands perform regularly at public venues, as well as private events. When choosing a band for a special event, it's a great idea to see bands performing live when it's possible. One point to consider is that the type of venue and show will determine aspects of a band’s performance. For example, a show geared for a nightclub audience show may be very different from a performance for a wedding. The variety of songs that are played, show pacing, the band attire, and possibly the band configuration are all potential variables. The most experienced bands for private events will customize their show and design the evening’s entertainment to create an exciting and engaging show for the specific event and audience demographic. Sometimes, we are able to make arrangements to view part of a performance at a private event, though we do ask for prior approval from the client.
How long are the band’s sets and breaks?
Hip Entertainment’s bands are happy to customize their set and break times depending on the needs and time line of your event. One typical schedule is planning a 15-minute breaks between 1 hour sets. Breaks can be scheduled to coincide with toasts or other events that may be happening. Some bands offer continuous live entertainment for two hours or longer without any breaks. It's a perfect solution for certain kinds of events and detailed prior planning ensures a seamless, happy event. The term "performance period" refers to the time the artists are actually performing. Arrival, load in, set up, and sound checks are planned to happen prior to the guest arrival time. Every event has its own specifics and we are pleased to custom tailor time lines with our clients.
Do you book DJs too?
YES! Hip Entertainment works will all kinds of entertainment and we have outstanding DJs. And bands with built in DJs - a killer choice for the best of both worlds.
What does load-in and load-out mean, and is it included in the fee?
“Load-in” refers to the band loading in its equipment. "Loud-out" refers to the band packing up and removing its equipment. Load in can take between 1-2 hours (depending on the band and production elements), and load-out usually takes about an hour for an average wedding or party. Large scale events sometimes require a full day of production installation. Often a full sound check is not necessary, again depending on the band and venue. In many situations, like weddings for example, the preference is often that the band loads in about 3 hours prior to the performance period and loads out immediately following the performance.
Does the band provide music during its breaks?
YES, all of our bands provide recorded music, which they play through their PA system during their breaks. Recorded music is a great option because it allows for custom selected songs that may differ in genre or era than the band you selected. The type of music played is always planned in advance with our clients.
What is "production", and will the band provide it?
"Production" refers to the necessary sound, lighting, staging, and power required for a particular event. Production costs vary, depending on the type of event, size of the venue and audience, band configuration, and our overall production goals. You may hear the term “production value”. This refers to the overall quality of the presentation utilizing sound, lighting, and other production elements. Working with an experienced team of entertainment specialists gives you the advantage of getting the “most bang for your buck.” Sometimes your venue may provide the stage and power, with the band bringing sound & lighting. We also provide staging of all types and sizes, so we will be happy to discuss your particular needs.
Sound
It is absolutely true that the sound quality of a PA system can literally make or break a live performance. A good band can sound GREAT with the right sound equipment and engineer behind the controls. However, a low quality sound system and inexperienced sound technician can also RUIN an evening of good music and make a great band sound disappointing. Experienced professionals understand the importance of using only the best sound equipment. Hip Entertainment takes great care in using the best, state of the art sound gear available today, along with a stellar production team. We match the appropriate sound gear to the size and characteristics of the venue. From small intimate winery weddings to large scale outdoor concerts – we guarantee a quality experience.
Lighting
People often underestimate the impact that lighting can have on creating the perfect atmosphere. Lighting is a powerful tool. It can absolutely transform an ordinary space into a very special environment. Lighting creates mood, sets tempo, directs focus. Imagine someone spending thousands of dollars on glorious floral arrangements, displayed in the perfect venue, only to have them in the dark all night – it happens! Up-lighting with color, pin-spotting table designs, gobos, color schemes – our experienced lighting designer will work with your vision and help you realize the perfect setting for your lovely event. Lighting is the unsung hero of ambiance.
Power
Sometimes overlooked or taken for granted, having reliable and accessible power is crucial to any type of entertainment event. It is important that the power circuits utilized by sound and lighting are NOT shared with other power needs, such as refrigerators, ceiling lights, kitchens, bouncy houses, etc. Venues such as hotels and country clubs usually have “dedicated” circuits for the bands, which means that they allocate 4-6 circuits to the band which are not shared by any other electrical devices. A “power drop” or “spider box” is an electrical box usually providing 6 dedicated circuits (20 amp each). Larger venues, such as hotels, sometimes charge a fee for proving the power drop. In remote locations or certain buildings with questionable power, we often bring a self-contained generator that provides reliable power and peace of mind. Power and all that goes with it is one of those things that is very hard to jerry rig a solution if it goes wrong. It really pays to build a solid power plan with trusted professionals.
Do we need to provide the band with meals?
Yes. Hip Entertainment’s bands all need hot meals and non-alcoholic beverages for performance times of four hours or more. Most venues and caterers are able to provide "band/crew meals" for the artists at a discounted rate. A food “buy out” may be negotiated in lieu of meals. If meals become an issue, lets talk about it. We find solutions for this kind of thing every day.
We've all heard some fancy "rider" tales about the requirements some performers have and that's not the case here. Here's the real deal: Your entertainer’s day began many hours prior to arrival with loading the equipment, travel time, unloading, setup, then performing late into the evening. They will be striking equipment and loading out long after your happy guests leave. From start to finish, it’s not uncommon for bands to put in a 10-12 hour day on an event. They definitely need to eat to keep going and it's not always possible or wise to have people leaving the site to eat. Guest parking, traffic etc… it's always better to have good food on site for your artists. Hip Entertainment enforces a “no alcohol” policy for our artists on all private events unless otherwise specified by the client.
Will the band perform particular song requests?
The band's repertoire, as listed on the website, provides a good indication of the style and extent of a band's full repertoire. Please check with us if there are particular songs you would like to hear that are not listed on a band's song list, and we can determine whether or not they know them. Most of our bands are happy to learn a new song or two for weddings or special occasions. Some of our bands have "built in" DJ's - a fantastic option for an "after party" for the late nighters.
Can we use the band's microphone for speeches etc?
YES. The band is very happy to share its mic with you for speeches and announcements. Depending on the band you've selected, the microphone may or may not be wireless. We also can provide additional PA systems for ceremonies and cocktail receptions, as well as special lavaliere microphones for wedding officiants.
How do I proceed with my booking?
Let's talk! If you've decided on a band - great! If you want to roll around some ideas - that is what we live for! Once we've discussed it and finalized your artist choice - we will email you a performance agreement. When your signed agreement and deposit have been received, we will return a fully executed copy of the agreement for your records. The show is then officially booked. Hurrah!
I’m not exactly sure what I’m looking for - can you still help me?
Absolutely! We enjoy working with clients who aren’t quite sure what they want. We will offer recommendations, options and opinions depending on what we think will work best for you. After an initial consultation to discuss your tastes, the type of event, budget, and your vision and goals, we’ll present our best suggestions so that you can make an informed decision.
The artists you see on our Hip Entertainment website are a few of our favorites who we represent exclusively. As part of the largest music agency in Northern California, we will utilize our extensive network of industry contacts and resources to offer the best talent available. We are happy to take the time and explore all viable options until you feel completely happy and confident in your choice. We're picky when it comes to music, and we will only submit artists that we are completely confident in recommending.
I’m interested in booking the band “ABC”. Do you work with them?
The short answer is,"probably". If they are a professional and reliable act, then chances are we know them well and work with them often. If a particular act has issues that impact their reliability, performance and professionalism - we are happy to help you find alternatives who we are confident will make your event successful.