Frequently Asked Questions
Is the band available for my event date?
Most of
our shows are private bookings and at any given time we will have a number of
temporary holds on dates as we negotiate with clients. Consequently we cannot
publish a calendar of ‘open’ dates.
The best way to find out if we are available for your date is to email us at thecuriousthings@hotmail.co.uk.
We will then contact you to discuss.
How far will you travel?
The Curious Things are a midlands-based group and
most of our shows tend to be within a 30 mile radius of
I want to book you for my wedding. Do you offer live music for the
wedding ceremony itself?
No. We confine our playing at weddings to the
after-dinner reception and wedding ‘party’. The songs in our set are generally
not appropriate for the wedding service itself (unless you plan to have an
alternative ‘rock and roll’ wedding!).
Do you provide a DJ service for dinner hours and band
intermissions?
We do
not provide a traditional DJ service (where people can, on the night, request
specific songs to be played). However, our package does include provision of
music through the PA/Sound System during breaks and we can discuss and agree a
‘playlist’ with you. For example, you may want soft music during dinner and
upbeat dance music during band breaks. This ensures continuous music throughout
the evening.
When should I book the band?
Most of
our clients book the band at least 3 to 6 months prior to their events. We may
however have bookings up to a year ahead so leaving it to less than 3 months is
risky. If you think you may want to book
us as you should get in touch as far in advance as possible using the email
address thecuriousthings@hotmail.co.uk.
How long will you hold a date while deciding?
We
would normally hold a date for two weeks while you decide, as other clients may
wish to view the band for the same date at the next private rehearsal.
Is the band fully insured?
Yes.
The band has general liability coverage and equipment insurance in the event of
damage/theft. We are not responsible however for insurance coverage of your
event. That is your responsibility.
How do I book The Curious Things for my event?
Email
us at thecuriousthing@htomail.co.uk. We will need to know:
-
your proposed event date, together with a
description (is it a party, wedding…?)
-
your name/company name
-
a contact phone number and e-mail address
-
details of the proposed venue (is it a hotel,
function room, marquee…?)
-
what time you would like us to perform
-
how you
heard about the band (web, word of mouth…?)
If
necessary we will contact you to clarify any points, or answer questions you
may have submitted. We will then send you a confirmation.
To
secure the booking, you need to return a signed copy of the confirmation with a
deposit of £100. We will contact you
after we receive the information and deposit back, so you can then be sure the
event is marked in our band diary.
The ages of our guests will vary considerably. Can your band play
all types of music?
All of
the members of The Curious Things are experienced musicians and are capable of
playing a range of music. However, the music we play is based on a contemporary
rock/pop category and we assume that this is what you want when you book the
band. If you want a jazz trio we are not the band for you! It is very important
that you check our set list (available at http://www.thecuriousthings.co.uk/set_list.htm).
The last thing we want is for you to be dissatisfied after the event, through
not being aware of the type of music we play.
Will the band learn a special song for me?
We are more than happy to try and include a special
song into our set at no extra charge. However, we would normally need at least
8 weeks notice and you will need to supply us with an MP3 or CD of the original
(or if appropriate sheet music).
How many songs do you perform at a typical show?
A typical evening’s show would revolve around two
separate 1 hour sets (i.e. two hours of live music). We would normally take a
20 to 30min break between sets, depending on your function, and the timetable you
have planned for the event. Depending on
the length of individual songs this represents between 30 to 35 songs.
Do you play ethnic or world music?
No, but
we can provide ethnic and/or world music during the breaks via the sound system
if this is what you want.
How many members are there in The Curious Things?
The band comprises:
- Emma Cole – Lead Vocal
- Andrew Higgins – Guitar/Vocal
Is it always the same line-up or do you use different musicians and
singers?
The
Curious Things do not normally use additional musicians, or rotate the line-up.
There may be occasions (for example when we undertake a booking at very short
notice) where a ‘dep’ is employed, if one of the band
members is unavailable, but we would always discuss this with you. We like to
think that part of the reason we are successful is because we are
truly a band, rather than a collective of musicians getting together just for
the purposes of a gig. Yes it is good to get paid, but we came together to play
live music and to an audience. The fact that we play together regularly
as a unit is reflected in the quality and ‘tightness’ of our performance and
the live experience we offer.
But what happens if a member is sick?
We can’t legislate for mother nature and every
eventuality, but we have never yet had to cancel a booking or gig because of
illness or one of the band members being sick.
Were we unable to play your event for reasons associated with the band
and that are within our control, you would of course not be charged and would
receive your deposit back.
What do the band members wear?
Unless
you give specific instructions we will use our discretion to dress in a way
that is considered appropriate for the event.
When do you arrive to set up your equipment?
We will need access to the venue at least 1 to1.5
hours before the event is due to commence, so that we can set up the sound
system and soundcheck. For example, if your event was scheduled to
start at
How much room and power does the band require?
We will need access to 6 standard power sockets,
though we carry extension leads so as long as there are at least two power
outlets within 20m of where we have to perform that will be sufficient.
The
band requests a stage area of 4m x 5m, if possible. We realise though
that in some venues this is not possible, so if the area is smaller, don't
worry, we will make things fit. To create the atmosphere and interaction
between the band and dancing guests (if you want people to dance) the dance
floor should be directly in front of the band. Otherwise, if the bar and/or
function table is in another room, it directs guests away from the dance floor.
Do you mind if a guest sits in to perform with the band?
It is not normal but if you want someone to sing
a song from our repertoire, or perform with the band, we are happy to do this as
long as advance notice is given. We might ask that person to attend a
rehearsal with the band prior to the event, so that /she (as well as your
guests) can get the most from the experience. Due to the high level of
preparation that is done for each event, we cannot accommodate last minute requests. That is, we cannot have
somebody coming up on the day of the event and expecting to sing, or sit in as
a guest musician.
Will the band perform at a volume that is comfortable for me and
for my guests?
Music
should complement your party, not compete with it, so it is important to us
that the guests at your event be comfortable with the volume of the music. If,
during the event, you ever think we are either too loud or too soft, just let
us know and we will be happy to adjust our volume.
Can I use your sound system to make announcements and introduce the
wedding party?
Yes.
Our microphones are available for you or your guests to use for this purpose,
although again we would like advance notice that you plan to make use of this
option.
Travel and Subsistence Fees
If your
event is over 30 miles from
Either
-
van hire and hire company mileage costs (we will
provide proof of invoice).
OR
-
If
band members travel by car:
|
Mileage/distance
(per vehicle) |
80ppm 40ppm 20ppm |
30-100miles 101-200miles 251+miles |
- Where
the group is required to stay overnight the cost of reasonable accommodation will
be borne by the hirer. (NB. We would confirm the accommodation cost
beforehand).
The
Curious Things FAQ – October 2007