Frequently Asked Questions

Our event site says that amplified music is prohibited. What does that mean to us? In most cases what that means is that the venue does not permit loud music. Since jazz is primarily an acoustic music, we do fine in such cases, despite the fact that we use some amplification. In some cases, however, the site's request may be based on a local ordinance that forbids any electric amplification. If this is the case we have several ensemble options that are able to perform completely acoustic and meet your event sites requirements.

How do you decide what songs you'll play? Our musicians have a vast repertoire of songs that they draw from throughout the performance. They include songs from many different styles and era’s of jazz, from standards and ballads from the Great American Songbook to more contemporary music. We will vary our choices depending on your requests and what we feel is appropriate for your event, guests and the changing needs of your event. We have years of experience with this so we're sure you will be more than satisfied with our song selection.

Do you take requests? We're happy to take requests on the spot if we know them. If you have specific requests that you would like performed during the event we ask that you please let us know ahead of time so we can make arrangements to learn the material if necessary.

What do we need to do to secure you for our event? Do you take a deposit? We ask for a deposit of one half of the total amount in order to secure a date. You can send that as a check along with a signed copy of the clients’ acceptance agreement that is included in contract, or pay by credit card.

When do you expect the final payment? We ask for the balance to be paid by check on the day of the event, upon completion of our services, unless other arrangements have been made.

Will you have a microphone for us to use? If we are performing with a vocalist, we will have a microphone and sound system that will be available for your use. If you have selected an instrumental group and need a sound system with a microphone we can, for a fee, make arrangements to meet your needs.

What if our event goes longer than we expect? If you are unsure about how long the event will go you have two options available. First, you can book us for a longer period of time to be safe, and second, you can request that we be available for overtime. In that case, we'll ask you toward the end of our previously agreed upon end time whether you would like us to play overtime. The first option will be less expensive than having us play overtime, but whatever is most convenient for you is what is important.

Do you take breaks? How frequently? Yes, we generally take a break every 45 minutes to an hour, for approximately fifteen minutes.

Can we coordinate your sets and breaks with our speech’s, toasts etc..? Certainly, we can work around your schedule and needs.

Are you able to provide recorded background music during your breaks? We are able to provide background music during our breaks. We bring either CD’s or an MP3 player with music of a similar style and sound to the group you’ve selected.

When will you arrive to set up? We will arrive approximately one hour prior to the agreed upon start time. This will give us plenty of time set up our equipment and be ready to start on time.

We'd like you to be all set up several hours before the event. Will that be a problem? We are happy to set up set up several hours before our agreed upon start time. However, we will have to charge a fee for doing so.

Do you play music for wedding ceremonies? What sort of music? Yes, we play ceremony music ranging from the traditional to the obscure. We can make arrangements to accommodate your special requests. We often begin playing 20 or 30 minutes before the actual ceremony, to make the guests feel comfortable as they arrive and are seated. This can also be good if unforeseen delays occur, as your guests will have entertainment. For processional music (while the bridal party walks down the isle), we can play the standard "Here Comes The Bride" as well as many other traditional and contemporary pieces. For recessional music (after the ceremony, for the bride & groom to walk away to), we can play the traditional Wedding March by Felix Mendelssohn, as well as other traditional and contemporary pieces.

Do you have any songs to recommend for a first dance and/or a father/daughter dance? Yes, we are happy to recommend songs for the first dance and/or the father daughter dance. We have many choices that have been selected in the past by our clients and we are happy to provide you with a list of them.