| The right Swing Group can make or break your event | | | | end result can often be generic at best and |
| - here are some top tips to make selecting your | | | | inappropriate at worst. |
| entertainment easier. | | | | Always the best option is to arrange to see the Jazz |
| Music is a very important part of any event. It can help | | | | Group performing live at an open public event. There |
| to create the right atmosphere or mood and can be | | | | really is no substitute for seeing the group in action to |
| one of the most memorable parts (positive or | | | | get a feel for how they will fit in with your guests. |
| negative) that your guests take away from your | | | | OK. But what style will be best for me? |
| event. Selecting the right style of entertainment can | | | | There are as many different types of jazz groups and |
| however be a minefield of choices - styles, types of | | | | swing bands as there are ideas about what Jazz is. |
| groups, quality... | | | | The best starting point is to decide what function you |
| Here are a few thoughts on how to select the right | | | | would like your Jazz Group to perform. Often |
| Group for your wedding event that should make things | | | | easy-listening instrumental jazz can work really well |
| easier. | | | | during a meal or as your guests arrive. For this a trio |
| Why Jazz Swing? | | | | of piano, bass and drums will work great. Or you may |
| One of the challenges when selecting entertainment | | | | prefer to use saxophone bass and piano as an |
| for a wedding is finding something that will appeal to all | | | | alternative. The key is looking for a group that can play |
| of your guests. From children to Grand parents, your | | | | accessible familiar tunes in a 'friendly' way. Long jazz |
| guests will probably have a wide range of ages and | | | | solos and modern jazz tunes can be inappropriate and |
| musical tastes. Swing in its various forms can | | | | alienate your guests. |
| transcend ages and musical preferences and appeal | | | | For a featured Jazz Group as a main event at your |
| to most people. Particularly in it's most listener-friendly | | | | reception you will usually require a vocalist. The group |
| forms. For a wedding reception, instrumental jazz can | | | | playing behind the vocalist can range from two to |
| add a sense of class and sophistication, whilst classic | | | | twenty musicians or more depending on your budget |
| vocal jazz presented in an easy-listening way can | | | | and the size of your venue. Often though, a vocalist |
| appeal to a wide audience and provide opportunity for | | | | with piano, bass, drums and saxophone often works |
| dancing. It is for these reasons that Jazz has been and | | | | very well and is flexible enough to allow the group to |
| will continue to be a regular feature at wedding events | | | | play music that will appeal to many of your guests. |
| for decades. | | | | Again, always look for video and audio examples and |
| Where do I find the right Group for me? | | | | make sure the examples are of the artists actually |
| As always, it is best to get a recommendation from a | | | | performing at your event! |
| friend however these days the Internet is a great | | | | Contracts and booking |
| starting point. A few minutes with Google can yield | | | | Once you have found the perfect Jazz Group for you, |
| dozens of options for 'Jazz Groups' or 'Jazz bands for | | | | it is important for both yourselves and the artists to |
| wedding function' in your area. Try searching for "Jazz | | | | have an agreement in writing. Established artists should |
| Bands for Hire", "Swing bands for hire", "Wedding | | | | be able to send you a contract, however at the very |
| bands", "Wedding Music" or variations on these. | | | | least, make sure you have an agreement that covers |
| MySpace, YouTube and iTunes are also great places | | | | these points: |
| to look. Checking out bands performing in your area is | | | | *Date (sounds silly but sometimes not written down - |
| also a great way to discover a jazz group. A | | | | and with bad consequences!) |
| professional outfit should have a business card with | | | | *Venue |
| their web and contact details on so you can find out | | | | *Arrival time for artists and time they should be |
| more about them. You will also discover on the internet | | | | finished setting up. |
| that there are an abundance of agents who can | | | | *Performance times, length of sets, how many |
| suggest Jazz Groups in your area. | | | | *Can the artists provide recorded music during their |
| What to look for? | | | | breaks / is this required? |
| Ideally you should look for a Jazz Group that has | | | | *What equipment is provided by the artists? (sound |
| experience performing at weddings and so | | | | system, lighting) |
| understands what is required. An experienced group | | | | *Artists performance area requirements (stage size, |
| should have references from previous clients available | | | | power supply, dressing room, storage for cases etc, |
| for you to view. Also, look for video and audio | | | | meals and or drinks) |
| examples along with pictures. Be sure that the | | | | *What happens if the artist can't perform at your |
| performers in the video and audio are the ones that | | | | event? |
| will be performing for your special day and not just | | | | *Total fee including all extras. Also how and when this |
| 'examples of similar standard'. An established group | | | | will be paid. |
| should have their music on iTunes and videos on | | | | It is always imperative to have the whole agreement |
| YouTube. Also, look for online reviews and articles | | | | written down so both you and the artists know what |
| from previous clients. A lot of information from | | | | to expect. The last thing you want is a nasty surprise |
| different sources on the internet shows that the act is | | | | on your special day! |
| established. A song list online is also a good thing to | | | | Final thoughts... |
| look for and helps to give you an idea of what style | | | | Great entertainment can make or break an event, and |
| the Jazz Group play. | | | | be one of the things that people talk about for years |
| Be wary of some agents that assemble Jazz Groups | | | | to come. I hope these tips help in your selection |
| on an adhoc gig by gig basis, sometimes sold as | | | | process, and mostly that this helps you to enjoy finding |
| "tailored for your event". Naturally it is difficult to be | | | | and booking the perfect Jazz Group for your day. |
| sure of what you are getting in this situation and the | | | | |