Tag Archives: bands

Tips when booking a band

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Booking a band for any event can be tricky. What type of music, what size of band, and what price should I pay? These are the most common questions a person asks themselves when they have been given the task of booking a band for a wedding, party or event. Yes these are important questions but there are a few small things to look out for when booking a band. Here are 5 things to look out for when booking a band-

1- Always sign a contract – More often than enough we hear the ever dreaded horror stories of bands. Whether it is the band hasn’t showed up at all, the band has double booked or the band has got a flat tyre and can’t make it to your event. Well this is why you need to sign a contract; if any of these unfortunate circumstances happen then at least you have the right to get your money back. So always ask for a contract and make sure that it covers you under all circumstances.

2- Reviews- These are the Holy Grail of bands and also for customers. You can look for testimonials on Facebook pages, the band’s own website and even on online forums. Also ask friends and family if they have heard of any good bands in the local area. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful sources so use it, it is free!

3- Price wisely – This is where you’re budget comes into play. Please stop everything you are doing and read this part as this is extremely important… You are not going to get a fully live 4 piece band for £200! At the end of the day, you get what you pay for. So be realistic with your budget. A live 6 piece band would cost you between £800 – £1200 so if this is the size you would like, and then expect to pay the higher bracket of money. If you find a 6 piece band and they are charging less than this then as the saying goes, it is too good to be true!

4- Past Clients – Bands styles can change in various events. Music that perfectly suits a wedding ceremony may not be so well suited to an awards ceremony. Make sure that the band you are after fits your event and music style perfectly. Therefore if you are a corporate event organiser ensure that your band have had vast experience playing at corporate gigs. Same goes for weddings, birthday parties, award ceremonies etc. So always research the band’s past clients and this will be able to give you an insight into the band’s history.

5- Local Bands v Further Afield Bands – This is a secret tip within the entertainment industry… if you have an event and need a band hire a band within a 30 mile radius. This means you are not paying extravagant amounts of money for extra travel and most entertainers will have the first 30 miles free. Some bands will even charge £2 a mile, after you already pay for your band I’m sure that £100 for travel alone will just not be worth it. So source out some great local bands that will play the exact music you like without the crazy travel costs!

The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Celebration

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The celebration of becoming ‘Bar Mitzvah’ (or ‘Bat Mitzvah’ for girls) is the traditional Jewish coming of age ceremony usually observed at 13 years of age for boys and 12 for girls. It is the initiation into adulthood and is looked upon now as the equivalent of Western Christianity’s celebration of confirmation.

Traditionally however, becoming Bar Mitzvah meant that for the first time you could participate in community prayers known as mitzvot (commandments and laws.) Jewish custom requires a quorum of 10 people for public prayer so the traditional ceremony requires the child to call the congregation together by singing a prayer and reading a section from the Torah.
Bands Who Perform Jewish Music
Many celebrations now end with a party for friends, family and community members. No party is complete without live music. If you’re looking to hire a band who can provide exceptional music for a wide age range of guests, maybe performing a mixture of Jewish / Klezmer-style music as well as other styles such as classical, pop or swing, Red Masque has a selection of high quality bands for you.

80’s themed ideas

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The eighties appear to be everywhere at the moment and we thought we’d help you out in looking to hire party entertainment for an 80s themed party by accumulating a few fab acts inspired by the decade that brought us Bananarama, The Bangles and Bros.

Retro Games

Let’s be honest, if you’ve arranged an eighties party and there’s no Pacman, Dig Dug or Galaxian, then someone’s going to have to apologise! Yes, some of those games may very well have been created in the 1970s but the 1980s are when they really took off. With our Joypad retro game hire, you’ll be able to play all your favourite 8-bit hits including Super Mario, Sonic, Tetris and more!

80’s Circus entertainment

Nothing quite says the 1980s like questionable facial hair and the rise of the shell suit, which dominated high streets for some bizarre reason. Did nobody have a mirror back then? Go for an eighties-inspired theme by hiring some circus entertainment at its very best.

Canapé Girls

There’s just something about the 1980s, isn’t there? When it comes to picking a party theme, it has the right mixture of questionable cool alongside the ridiculous and with that idea firmly in your mind. Why not hire some Canape girls. Available to present your guests with a variety of flavoursome foods, the Canape Girls will look right at home at your event with a flamboyance that wouldn’t look out of place in a Peter Greenaway film.

Speed Rubix Cuber

Alongside video games, the Rubik’s Cube is a classic image that embodies everything we remember about the eighties. Rigid corners and sides (see those 8-bit games we talked about earlier), incredibly dull colour schemes and a finale that’ll leave you amazed and overjoyed. Yes, speed cubers don’t just solve the blasted puzzle but do it so quickly that you’ll be desperate to learn the tricks of the trade! You get to mess it up and less than ten seconds later, you’ll get it back in perfect condition! How? We have no idea but it’s crazily impressive entertainment to have at your event!

Eighties tribute bands

There are lots of eighties party bands that we are happy to promote that can play music from a variety of decades, but if it’s the 1980s you’re after then it’s probably best to just ask for tunes from the era of Michael Jackson, WHAM! and Madonna. If you’re looking to hire a band from the 80’s, you can’t go wrong with our advertised bands.

Music to suit all era’s

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If you are a music lover and appreciate all music from all decades, then a tribute band could be just the thing you want to hire for your next event.

Red Masque have a lots of great tribute bands that have extensive experience in dealing with the particular era you are after for example:

60’s Bands

If you remember the swinging sixties where Rock n Roll bands caused a massive stir in that time, then you could have a tribute Beatles band, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd or the Everly Brothers. You could have a mix-up of all these sounds together to really make it authentic

70’s Bands.

With disco fever hitting everywhere and nowadays is a very popular era for dressing up, you will need a band to go with you themed night. With Motown making a big impact, you may want a tribute act to the Supremes and Marvyn Gaye. You can just have fun with this decade it’s all about flower power and sequins!!

80’s Bands and Tribute Acts

Who can forget the 80’s from Wham, Culture Club, Spandau Ballet or Madonna – we can all remember the bouffant hairdos and dodgy clothes, where music became all digitalized. If you want to have a themed party but not sure what it could be, then why not have an 80’s night. We are sure all your friends must have some old 80’s clothes tucked away somewhere?

Your party would not be complete without hiring a perfect 80’s Band or Tribute Act – all the old songs playing will take you back to your old school days.

90’s Bands and Tribute Acts

90’s music was a mixture of all genres, from girl band, boy bands and R&B was massive in this era. It was really a choice of if you loved Indie, Hip Hop, R&B or you were middle of the road and loved cheesy pop music. This era was where you were free to dress however you wanted.

If you remember, Blur or Oasis or ‘do the Bart man’ tune then maybe a 90’s band or Tribute act will be right up your street?
At Red Masque we can cater to you every event need. We believe we have the finest acts advertised within our website where you are able to browse and choose your preferred one. It’s very easy to book, you fill out a form located in our Red Masque website and it will go straight to the act of your choice. The act will then be in contact to arrange dates and any other requirements you may have.

Best-selling songs of the 2000s

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If you hire a party and function band for an event and they can play most of these then you should be certain of convincing a large crowd to the dancefloor.

1. Happy – Pharrell Williams

With 1,813,000 copies of Happy sold, you’d probably expect a function band to play this song from 2013.

2. Anything is Possible/Evergreen – Will Young

You might find it a little harder to find a function band that have this Will Young classic in their repertoire even though it sold 1,790,000 copies in 2002. That being said, if you’re looking for a band or a solo singer to play this hit then you can always request it, thereby making sure that your wedding or party is as special as it can possibly be.

3. Blurred Lines – Robin Thicke feat. T.I. and Pharrell Williams

To be involved on two of the top three best-selling songs of the 21st century must bring in a pretty packet and this one sold 1,630,000 copies. Alas, when it comes to this song, the writers were forced to shell out a lot of profits to Marvin Gaye’s estate. Even so, it’s a song that is sure to have people on their feet and dancing and we know of a good number of bands who can sing it.

4. Someone Like You – Adele

Is there a better song to sing when you’re thoroughly on course to drink the bar dry? We think not. Adele is a hugely popular star and this song in particular is requested by huge amounts of clients. Perhaps more popular with bands who specialise in ballads, we still think you’ll have no problem finding this in an act’s repertoire.

5. Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera

If you’ve ever wanted to dance and sing along to having the moves like a famous Rolling Stone, then this is the song for you. It’s probably our favourite on the subject. Maroon 5’s song is a proper dance floor filler. Interestingly, this is the only song on this list that never reached number 1 despite spending 64 weeks on the chart.

6. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars

Do you remember when this song was everywhere? You could barely escape it even after turning off the radio because your flatmate would be singing it through the walls.

7. Somebody That I Used to Know – Gotye feat. Kimbra

We haven’t heard it a lot recently but if you request it, we’re certain it’s probably etched in the recesses of the minds of any party function band.

8. Wake Me Up – Avicii

Swedish DJ Avicii may have retired but his music lives on in the form of this fab hit from 2013. Wake Me Up has to be slightly tweaked for function bands to play it – it is a song by a DJ after all – but it works brilliantly when played live and various corporate events and parties have been seen dancing to this throughout the last few years.

9. I Gotta Feeling – The Black Eyed Peas

Tonight’s gonna be a good night if you hire a function band who can play this classic from 2009. Considering just how big a hit Where is the Love? was, it might be somewhat surprising to find that this is the one that makes the top 10. Not every function band has it currently in their repertoire but like Somebody That I Used to Know, it’s fair to assume that they’ll be able to play it if asked.

10. Get Lucky feat. Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers

The drinks are on Pharrell! Three songs in the top ten?! A huge hit from 2013, Get Lucky has amassed 1,436,000 purchases and continues to be popular at events today. A perfect hit for the summer, we’re pretty confident that it’ll be played by at least one band at one of our events in the next week. If we’re wrong, we’d be very surprised!

What is a swing and jive band?

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The best UK jive and swing bands share three essential qualities: extensive repertoire of music, excellent musicianship and an infectious sense of fun!

Most swing and jive performers have a deep-rooted affection for the music they perform and it shows in every moment of their performance. Many have a signature style of performance too, whether it’s pared-back skiffle versions of classic tracks or retro-arrangements of contemporary pop anthems.

Nearly all swing and jive bands will have a distinctive look, incorporating vintage fashions, authentic period instruments and some of the coolest haircuts.

One of the key features of swing and jive bands is that their sound is immediate, energetic, almost raw, as opposed to the overproduced sound of carefully-tweaked pop album tracks. It’s this upfront, energetic sound that makes these kinds of bands so great for live events, as guests pick up on the band’s energy and your party suddenly gears up a notch or seven!

What music do swing and jive bands perform?

These bands draw their music from the rich legacy of tracks from the 1930s onwards, including authentic 1940s arrangements, 1950s classic rock n roll, 1960s crooner classics right up to contemporary tracks with a retro twist.

For Jive Bands think:

1940s – up-tempo Glenn Miller Band, Count Basie, The Andrews Sisters, Cab Calloway

1950s – Bill Haley, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis

1960s – Nina Simone, The Rat Pack, Aretha Franklin

Professional services every time

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There are reasons for engaging an entertainment directory. In the first place, you may not have time to make the right choice when hiring a band or a DJ. Red Masque events entertainment directory will have the perfect choice for you. We can link you up with the best bands in town. You are sure to find a reliable DJ that can handle your event.

It’s not an easy thing to organize an event no matter how small the size. The event may be a wedding reception, concert, corporate event, launch party, fundraising and the like. You need to entertain the guests if you really want to make them happy at the event. You can’t do it all alone. You need to engage the services of an entertainment directory such as Red Masque.

Often at times, some entertainment agencies offer band and DJ services. They do have artists who specialize in different areas of music. Such an agency can offer DJ and band services at affordable price. They also have MC’s that can make people happy at events. All you need is to get in touch with the right agency like Red Masque that can tailor make your special event.

You can be sure of proper accountability when you engage a reliable entertainment directory. Red Masque will give you accurate details online regarding the entertainment aspect of the event.

Professionalism is our game and trusted services when you engage with us. Your guests will be thoroughly satisfied with the acts you have chosen. You don’t need to suffer sleepless night once you have one of Red Masques acts at your event or party.

Indeed, there’s a lot to gain when you hire from a reputable entertainment directory. You don’t have to be in a hurry when searching for the very best. Now that you have found us we will guarantee that you will not book from anywhere else. Once you have chosen your entertainment you are able to contact direct. You are able to ask the officials some questions, and get it right first time.

Inspirational Red Masque

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What’s the one thing you remember about a great party, above all else? As a guest, you’re there to have a good time. And if it’s a good time you want your own guests to have, then you need to put a little thought into the party entertainment.

Gone are the days when you had to book a one-man DJ to play 70s floor-fillers all night. Now, you can find entertainment that keeps your diverse range of wedding guests happy, making the party start with a bang.

We at Red Masque entertainment have a limitless amount of options and inspiration. But what if you don’t have the time, will power or experience to trawl through the 17,500 female solo singers that Google throws up? Well, then it’s time to call in the professionals. And that’s where an entertainment directory can come in handy.

If you’re in the process of planning something big, using an entertainment directory uses only the best out there that are reputable and highly acclaimed

The best musicians aren’t necessarily the best hype men; the most amazing magician won’t necessarily be the best web designer – one of the changes in corporate entertainment since the internet has been the focus on promo material rather than word of mouth or reputation. That means the bands with the flashiest websites and the slickest videos often get more attention than their less media savvy counterparts. Consequently, there are plenty of hidden gems out there who, instead of improving their Search Engine Optimisation or video editing techniques, have focused on just being great performers.

We, like many entertainment directory’s, make it our business to know as much about our entertainment as possible. by reading up on new performers and much more. We know the best act for your event and 5 equally brilliant alternatives if the first choice isn’t available.

It just goes to show there’s only so far your own web searches will take you. If you want something a bit different, something to appeal to all the ages and tastes of your guests, something to get your party started as it means to go on, Red Masque is definitely a good way to avoid a headache. After all, it’s your party too.

Plan ahead for your New Year party

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A Roast of the Past Year​

Everybody loves a good laugh! Instead of roasting the guest of honour, hire a Comedian to roast the past year. In this day and age, pop culture is inescapable, so your guests will be roaring with laughter as they look back at the year they’re leaving behind.

​From the year’s most famous celebrities to the moments that will go down in the history books, looking back (and making fun of) the year you’re leaving behind is a great way to commemorate the year and prepare for the next! You and your guests will laugh your way into the new year!

Red Carpet Party ​

​With a long red carpet, some velvet rope, a photographer, and your closest friends dressed to the nines—it’s amazing how a space can turn into a black tie affair! Get ready to ring in the New Year in style—and don’t forget the bubbly!

​For all of us who have practiced our Oscar’s acceptance speech into a shampoo bottle, here’s a chance to make it feel real. You and your guests can arrive in style in a limousine, walk down the red carpet and have photos taken by the “press and paparazzi,” and party like rock stars straight into the new year.

Casino Party​

​They say that the house always wins, so why not bring the casino to your house?

​Renting Casino is easy at Red Masque! Invite your best friends, hire a Barman to keep the drinks flowing, and test your luck for the new year! With slot machines, Blackjack, Roulette and everything in between, your guests will never forget the New Year’s Eve when Vegas came to them!

Disco Party ​

​With a 70’s Disco theme, your party will be “Staying’ Alive” with funk and retro dance steps! Put on an afro wig and your tallest pair of platforms, and you’ll be grooving’ all night to some Disco hits.

​Folks in the 70’s really knew how to party. It’s time to bring back the dance fever! Hire a DJ for some classic Disco hits and hang up a disco ball for the full effect. Break out those old lava lamps, some glow bracelets, and if you’re feeling brave, strap on those old roller skates! A Makeup Artist can match your glitter jumpsuit, and a professional Hair Stylist can really pull your look together with some Farrah Fawcett feathering. Now, let’s boogie!

Cirque du New Year​

​What better way to say goodbye to one year and hello to another than throwing your very own Cirque du Soleil—New Year’s Eve style! A circus-themed party is a feast for the eyes, perfect for corporate event entertainment and is sure to leave your guests raving about their start to the new year!

​From Aerialists to Fire Performers to Stilt Walkers and everything in between, you will find exactly what you need on Red Masque entertainment directory to make your Cirque party a hit.

Times Square Party ​

​So, you couldn’t make it to actual Times Square to watch the ball drop. That’s okay! We can bring the feel of New York City to you.

​Recreating the ball drop isn’t the easiest thing to do. But, here’s the next best thing… make a homemade confetti drop to line the ceiling. This can be a net, drop cloth, or other large cloth with ropes attached to release the confetti when the time is right! Invite all of your friends; it won’t feel like Times Square unless your party is packed. Party all night with your favourite 2016 tunes by hiring a DJ or Cover Band to perform. When the clock strikes midnight, have your noisemakers ready and pull the ropes to release the confetti! For a true Times Square experience, have your loved ones write down their wishes for the New Year on pieces of confetti and create a Wishing Wall!

Private party organising made easy

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One of the simplest and easiest types of party to organise is a venue or marquee with a live band. Nothing gets guests excited like a live music performance as it’s far more interesting & engaging than a DJ or background music. You’ll need to choose a band to suit to the occasion, your guests and the type of atmosphere you’re looking for.

Popular types of party band include tribute bands, rock and pop function bands, or for an older audience try Swing and Jive or Rock n’ Roll.

Any private hire venue with a cool bar and space to dance would be suitable, but bear in mind parking and accommodation for those guests traveling beyond a taxi ride. For something a bit different try the Hard Day’s Night Hotel in Liverpool, complete with a live Beatles Tribute band.

Parties based around a live party band, especially a lively band, are likely to be quite loud so consider how many elderly guests you might have. Venues with sound limiters can be a real pain so before you hand over any money, make sure the venue you choose doesn’t have a limiter fitted (or if it does, that the threshold is set higher than 95dB). Also, make sure there is a dance floor and if at all possible, try to avoid venues where the bar is in a different room to the dancing as this can split guests and leave you with a less party atmosphere.

Good quality function bands will provide all of the equipment you’ll need, so all you need to do is ensure they have enough space and some light refreshments. Expect to pay upwards of £1000/£1400 for a really good 4-5-piece band.

For most private parties a really early arrival is not necessary so if you ask the band to arrive around 6pm they should be set up, sound checked & ready for guests to arrive by 7.30pm – 8pm. Most function bands will play 2 x 60 minute performances, and we suggest the first to start no earlier than 9pm so guests have time to get a drink and have a chat before the music starts.