101Bands.com is the most complete vendor directory of live music bands, musical entertainers, rock bands and live party entertainment on the Internet.

The most important word of advice....don't be afraid to pay more than you budget. Most people do not budget enough for entertainment and cut corners. The entertainment is one of the most critical elements of a successful party. The entertainment keeps people happy and having a good time. Don't skimp. You'll be glad you hired the best.

Bands come in all styles, sizes and configurations. Determine the kinds of music you would like played at your party and the age of the guests attending.

Sometimes it's easier to select a band from an entertainment agency or party planner due to their experience with many different groups. They should be able to offer you a variety of bands or musical styles to select from and give you suggestions as to what will work best for your particular event. However you can probably cut a better deal with the band directly so don't be afraid to contact individual bands or musicians. You will also be able to stay in closer contact with the person who will actually be working at your party.

What is the attire of the event? Are guests wearing tuxedos, beach attire, suits and ties, formal gowns, or shorts and tank tops? The musical entertainment should reflect the theme and style of the event. The musicians should dress according to the theme.

Most bands play a little bit of everything. If your event is pretty generic and you're comfortable with a band that plays many different styles then it's a good idea to hire a group of established musicians who play together on a regular basis and who know many different kinds of music.

If you're planning a party that requires ethnic musical selections or novelty music you may not be able to expect this from a regular party band. You can always combine two bands and use the ethnic group part of the time and the variety band the rest of the time. Mixing a DJ and live band combination is also a great way to cover all the bases. Just choose the one person you want to act as the main liason or emcee. Work out a time line so both groups or entities know where they fit into the program.

Live music is always an excellent choice. Even if guests don't enjoy dancing they can enjoy watching the musicians play.

If you're worried about covering the newest and most current music you can request that the band bring CD's to play during any breaks or to enhance their performance. Most bands today provide break music or have CD's available should guests request something that's not in their repertoire.

A band leader can make or break your party because this is the person who keeps it all together. A good leader will watch the flow of your event and guide guests through the evening with smooth transitions between things like the first dance, toast, interactive dancing or other traditional activities.

Not all musicians make good leaders. Always interview the person in charge of the musical group, or the person who will act as your emcee. Build a rapport with this individual and explain to them your entire program. A true professional will give you a questionnaire to fill out or at least ask you a series of questions about the order of your event, people to introduce, activities, speeches, special requests, musical styles to play, etc.

Ask for a song list or repertoire list. Make your selections from this listing and return it to your musical group. Don't overselect, allow the band the flexibility of reading the crowd and selecting songs or medleys that they know will work well for your party. If the group is a specialty band or ensemble then you should just let them pick the kinds of music they'll play. You probably won't know the names of the songs anyway.

Be clear about the kinds of attire you would like to have your entertainers wear. Don't leave it up in the air and find out that the band showed up with jeans and t-shirts for a company dinner party.

Electricity is important for most musical groups. Usually there is never a problem when a band shows up to play at a hotel or banquet facility. The catering department selects the location for the musicians to play in and most times it is near an electrical outlet.

Unusual locations, warehouses, yachts, picnic grounds, vacant buildings, etc. can pose challenges for bands in regards to their electrical needs. To avoid any problems please make a sight inspection and actually check the electrical receptacles to make sure they all work. This evaluation should also include a representative from the musical group.

It's a good idea to rent a generator if you have any doubts about the integrity of the electrical available at your party sight. Just make sure you get a generator that is quiet, can handle the total number of amps required (plus a few more) and that you have a place to park it where it won't interfere with the party.

Classical musicians and acoustic groups have other problems that are commonly associated with venues. Carefully choose a group based on how loud the music needs to be and whether or not they can adapt to the location.

Direct sunlight is a problem for many instruments. If it's too hot outside the equipment can overheat and malfunction in the middle of your party. Guitars go out of tune and instruments don't sound as good due to the effects of the heat. Always provide shade for your musicians.

Don't water your lawn the day before the party and especially not the morning of your party. Microphone stands placed on wet grass can cause shocks to the musicians who sing and play instruments like guitars. If there's any chance of rain don't expect them to play outside and wait to get rained on. Water on a piano keyboard is the equivalent of spilling coffee on your computer keyboard.

If you get a generator always check with your musicians and get more than the total number of amps needed. Make sure they have clean and adequate power.

If you hire a group for two hours they may request a break in the middle. Bands that play for a full reception or party will need several breaks. Request some kind of taped or CD music during down times so the ambiance of the party remains. If you want continuous music then the band will need to make arrangements to adjust their price accordingly since breaks are a standard in the industry.

Watch videos, listen to demo tapes, inquire about the personnel of the group, ask questions and interview carefully. Taking notes is a great way to compare after you've interviewed a few different vendors.

Select professionals who sincerely care about your event and want to see it successful. If your emcee or musical contact person is jaded, insensitive and too busy to answer your questions then don't think twice, just move on.

Don't overshop. When selecting anything from carpet to music you can over do it and end up in a dazed haze of confusion. Start with the best choices in the higher price ranges then interview a few lower priced vendors. Compare and choose based on your needs and how they're being met.

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