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FAQ

Thank you for your interest in Blu Note Entertainment. Below are some commonly asked questions regarding our corporate and wedding reception services. If you require any further information, please feel free to contact us directly.

Does Blu Note Entertainment provide a "Master of Ceremonies" (M.C., EmCee)?
Absolutely! Our bandleaders are accomplished public personalities with years of experience as Masters of Ceremonies at major events.  In addition to being exceptional performers, our M.C.’s are genuine, charming and quick-witted when communicating with audiences.  M.C. duties are included at no extra charge.

Can Blu Note Entertainment provide a small group of musicians for the "cocktail hour?"
Yes.  All of our musicians are extremely well versed and capable to fill this need with precision.  For the cocktail hour between your ceremony and the reception (or before a corporate reception), we can provide a jazz duo or trio that will set the tone for the rest of the event. This requires very little space when the cocktail hour is adjacent to or separate from the reception hall.

Once I decide I'd like Blu Note Entertainment at my event, how long can I wait before I book the band?
It is highly recommended to book the band as soon as possible. We consistently get multiple requests for the same date, thus making our schedule highly competitive.

Can I hold the band without a deposit?
Unfortunately we cannot restrict our booking by refusing to consider other potential clients for the same date. Upon request we may grant you "the first right of refusal," so as we receive additional requests for the same date, we will give you 24 hours to accept the contract and deposit before providing the other client the same opportunity.

How many tunes does the band play during the reception or event?
Typically, we play approximately 30-40 songs during a four-hour time period.

How many breaks does the band take during the reception?
Typically, the band will take three 10-15 minute breaks at inconspicuous times during a typical 4-hour event. This means that music sets are approximately 45-50 minutes in length. However, some events are planned with alternative break placements and lengths. Very frequently, dinner delays or other unforeseen circumstances result in our taking only 2 breaks, one of which is longer. We often end the event with a longer music set as it helps keep the party rolling.

What is continuous music?
Continuous music ensures that there will always be at least three to four musicians playing at all times. There is an extra charge for this option.

Will the band provide recorded music for the breaks?
Yes. The band has an extensive play-list of songs that will seamlessly fill the breaks. The play-list can range from soft jazz or wedding love songs to dance favorites that are consistent with our repertoire. You are also welcome to provide us with your own song choices.  There is no additional fee for this service.

What if I need to change the performance times on my contract?
Please let us know immediately so we can notify all of the musicians. To avoid any possible scheduling conflicts, we ask that no event start times be altered within the 2 weeks prior to your event. The request of clients to delay our start-time (ie. ceremony or photography runs late) does not alter our end-time without incurring overtime payment.

Can the band play over the time on the contract?
Your personally drafted contract will indicate the cost of overtime, per half hour, per musician. If you decide that you want the band to play beyond our scheduled time, just let us know by the last contracted set at the event. You will be asked to sign an overtime authorization and to pay the incurred cost immediately following the event.

How does Blu Note Entertainment participate in the planning of the timeline for our event?
We provide an in-depth questionnaire that will help you think about the selection and timing of events such as toasts, first dance, other special dances, cake-cutting, surprise announcements, or any additional event choreography necessary. This questionnaire also helps organize the names of individuals needing introductions throughout the reception and contact information of event planners. In the final 7-10 days leading up to your event, we integrate the timeline of information and special request you provide with our best repertoire of music. This is to ensure everyone is in agreement of how the event will function.  Changes can occur during the event itself where we can easily adapt to those changes.

Can I choose the songs we want played at the event?
You will receive an updated copy of our song list. We suggest you pick up to 10 songs you definitely want to hear or do not want played. Please allow us some creative freedom with regard to the performance. We will do our best to play your specific requests while continuously gauging the genre of music your guests are responding to.

Is tipping the band appropriate?
Tips are NOT expected but are certainly appreciated.

Can I give the band the final payment the day of my event?
We strongly recommend the balance be paid 7-10 business days in advance.  Special arrangements can be arranged upon request.

But what if the band doesn't show up?
This does not happen in an industry built on reputation.  In addition, the drafted contract between client and Blu Note Entertainment is mutually binding.

What will the band wear to my event?
Standard attire is contemporary, urban suit fashion. However we perform to enhance the atmosphere of the event and our attire can be adjusted to fit the program.

What are the band's power requirements?
If available we request two 20-amp dedicated circuits. We can operate with 15-amp dedicated circuits if need be. In special outdoor situations we can perform off one, large power generator.

How much room does the band need?
Our ideal stage size is 12'x20' to allow for freedom of movement for all singer's and performers.  However, we have played in spaces as small as 8'x16'.

Do I need to provide meals for the band?
This is not required, but always warmly received.

Does the band bring their own lighting or umbrellas for outdoor events?
Lighting and staging can be arranged upon request.  However, if the performers will be exposed to the outdoor elements it is necessary for the venue or client to provide adequate shade or heat, depending on the season.  Our performer’s instruments and equipment cost thousands of dollars and can be adversely affected by harsh weather.

What if I want the band to perform a song not on their list?
We would be happy to accommodate your request. We ask that you let us know song titles four weeks in advance to your event. Typically this requires us to purchase a recording of the song, sheet music and schedule a special rehearsal.  Thus potentially incurring an additional fee.