What type of band should I get?
This is the most important question of all. You will no doubt have your own musical preferences, but remember two things - firstly the band's music should also appeal to the majority of the guests, so consider the general age group, and secondly the band will be performing for two hours or more, so although you might be an avid fan of rock'n'roll or big band jazz it's unlikely that everyone will be pleased to hear the same style of music all night. And a touch of classical guitar or a string quartet might sound nice in the background during dinner, but it's unlikely to have your guests strutting their funky stuff on the dance floor later on!

There are two basic types of bands to choose from: a function band which performs a wide range of songs and styles or a theme or tribute band which sticks to one particular style. Function bands are a safe bet, although won't necessarily make your occasion stand out from the rest. And more specialised bands run the risk of only pleasing some of your guests. If you're looking for something funky with class (and definitely not 'cheesy') then check out FOXY, a first-rate duo that performs an eclectic range of material that includes contemporary chart songs, with a strong focus on up-tempo '70s and '80s tunes that are sure to get everyone on the dance floor.

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Where can I find a good quality band?
Relax - you already have! FOXY is a hi-tech duo with a full 'band' sound - find out more about this exciting act here.

In general there are two ways to find a good band - either by registering with an entertainments agency or by looking through an entertainers directory on the Internet (click on each to view examples).

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How can I tell what the band is like?
Once you have found a suitable band, check out their playlist, listen to their demo songs (or ask to receive a demo CD) and read testimonials from past clients (or even ask to speak to them). Some bands are happy for you to attend a live performance, although this may be difficult for private or ticket-only events. FOXY lists all public gigs in the dates page. Speaking to the band leader or manager and talking through your requirements will normally give you a good feel for how professional, reliable and helpful the band will be.

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Should I book through an entertainments agency?
A good entertainments agent will have the experience to recommend a suitable act for your event. Agencies generally fall into one of two categories - either those who simply find an act and secure the contract, then leave you to sort out the rest, or those who follow the booking through, take care of all preparations and (if required) attend the event in person to ensure everything goes smoothly. Depending on your needs, make sure your agency is right for you.

If you simply want a finding service there is no longer any need to use an agency and booking direct can save you at least 10-15% (a typical agency commission) as you can now find and assess many different types of entertainers on the Internet using an online entertainers' directory. However, if you have found a particular band using an agency you must make the booking through that agency. To find an agency or online directory check the out the entertainments agency and entertainment directories pages in the links section on this site.

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Do I need to book a DJ too?
Most bands, including FOXY, are happy to play CD music through their PA system during dinner or breaks in between sets. This means that it is not strictly necessary to hire a separate DJ. However, should you wish to book FOXY and a DJ as one package, we can provide a top quality DJ at a much cheaper rate than booking one separately, as both the duo and the DJ use a shared PA system.

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How much and when should I pay?
As with everything, you get what you pay for when you book live entertainment. The cost of a band also depends on the number of musicians, the size of your event (which determines the power of the PA system needed to provide amplification and the lighting rig) and the location of your venue.

A decent six-piece band will cost from around £1,200 whereas the FOXY duo with its wealth of experience in working with larger bands can provide you with a full 'band' sound at a third of the price. For a specific quote for your event please email us or call Debbie or Nick on 020 8408 0107 as each booking is costed individually.

A deposit of around 10% is normally payable to secure the booking and the rest is paid either just before or on the day of the booking.

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Will I get a contract?
Whether you book through an entertainments agency or direct you must insist on a written contract. It will give you piece of mind and will ensure no detail is overlooked. For the artiste it will stipulate fees payable should the event be cancelled or postponed. FOXY provides an industry standard written contract for all engagements.

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What music will the band perform?
Most good quality bands will play appropriate music to match the mood of the event, typically with slower songs at the start building up to up-tempo dance songs as the evening progresses. Function bands will perform a variety of styles to suit all ages, whereas theme or tribute bands will stick to one particular style. FOXY performs a wide range of material that includes contemporary chart material, with a strong focus on up-tempo 70's and 80's dance material - see the music page for more details.

Be sure to request your favourite tunes or first dance in advance, but leaving the rest to the band is normally a good idea as the musicians will have the experience to chose songs that will appeal to all your guests.

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How long will the band play for?
For a typical event most bands including FOXY will perform two to three sets totalling up to two and a half hours. If you don't have a DJ, make sure the band or the venue will provide background or dance music during the breaks in between sets. The timing and number of sets should be agreed in advance. You should also agree arrival time, set up time and finish times and all of this should be stipulated in the contract, although both client and artiste should remain flexible as exact schedules are almost impossible to keep - those speeches always go on longer than anticipated!

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What equipment will the band provide?
Most good quality bands will be completely self sufficient, providing an appropriately sized PA system and lighting rig for your venue - check out the equipment page to see what FOXY provide. Usually the band will be happy to allow you to use their microphones and PA system for speeches and announcements. Pre-recorded CD music can also be played through the same system. The specific equipment to be provided should be detailed in your contract and the band must have public liability insurance.

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What should I check with the venue?
Before looking for entertainers, check what your venue will permit, as some venues may not have a licence for live music or bands or may have noise restrictions in place. DJs and duos such as FOXY are more venue-friendly as a PEL (Public Entertainments Licence) is not currently required for two or less performers and the sound levels can be more easily regulated. However you should be aware this 'two in a bar rule' is to be replaced by the Licencing Billl - read more in our The Law page.

Also make sure there is an easily accessible power supply (ideally on a separate ring main) and sufficient space for the perfomers to set up with room for a dance floor. Staging is not strictly necessary, although with larger audiences it does make the band easier to see.

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What else do I need to provide?
When booking live entertainment, you need to allow sufficient time for the band to set up the equipment and do a sound check - the time required should be stated in the contract. DJs and duos such as FOXY are able to set up and sound check in less than an hour, although larger bands may need up to twice as long.

Finally it is in your best interests to make sure the entertainers are provided with adequate changing facilities and reasonable food and drink.

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