People today attend so many events—awards nights, banquets, corporate functions, fundraisers—and they typically encounter the same old drinks, food, and music every time. Do you want to show your guests something different, fun, and memorable? One innovative way to make your party truly unique and downright unbeatable is to hire a big band jazz ensemble for entertainment. Big band jazz is vibrant music typically comprising saxophones, trumpets, trombones, vocals, and a rhythm section. This diverse sound can range from sweet and mellow to bold and raucous, making it perfect for any event.
Is Big Band Jazz Right for Your Event?
Around since the 1920s, big band jazz has broad appeal and incorporates jazz, ragtime, swing, and blues. Some famous names you may recognize are Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Glenn Miller, and Benny Goodman. For vocalists, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and Bobby Darin are just a few examples. Big band jazz ensembles became popular because they delivered such an intoxicating sound that got hands waving and toes tapping. Americans even invented new dances to go along with the music.
Big band jazz ensembles are available in a variety of styles, so they're suitable for all types of events—from high teas to formal dinners to dance parties. Many big band jazz groups can tailor their size and repertoire to your event. For example, a quartet with a vocalist can combine saxophone, piano, bass, and drums to play a range of tunes from breezy jazz to danceable swing and soul jazz. This could be perfect when you want background music early and upbeat music later in the event. A duo or a trio would be better suited for when you want to create a classy background atmosphere.
How to Find a Big Band Jazz Group
Here are some tips for hiring a big band jazz ensemble.
Search online and ask around. Online resources can be helpful in searching for a band, and many listings include customer reviews. (FYI: You'll often be directed to an agent representing the band, so see our tip below related to agents and bandleaders.) To complement your online search, ask family, friends, and coworkers for recommendations. Try querying your social circle on Facebook or other networking sites to find out if anyone knows an excellent big band jazz group. Also, your other event vendors may be able to offer suggestions.
Remember: You get what you pay for. The cost of live music depends on event date, duration, location, and size, as well as the band's experience, ensemble size, popularity, and equipment. Big band jazz ensembles cost anywhere from $500 to $6,000 and up. Since you've chosen to make music a focal point by hiring a big band jazz group, do your homework and spend enough to get a talented, professional band that will really impress your guests.
Talk to the band's front-person. Experts recommend that you coordinate performance details with the bandleader, rather than using the band's agent as the middleperson. So if you're talking to the agent, find out how you can meet the bandleader. A dynamic front-person is critical to your event's success; she reads the audience and guides the band in changing gears quickly to suit the mood. And she can be your charismatic master of ceremonies if required.
Watch a live performance. It's essential that you view a live performance or rehearsal. At least carefully review recent recorded performances. Look for fantastic music, excellent stage presence, and evidence that the band is engaging the audience. It should be a tight performance by skillful, dedicated musicians who have the strong chemistry that comes from playing together often. Check out the audience, too. Do you they look similar to the group you'll be hosting? Are they enjoying the music?
Think about what style suits your event. Big band jazz music can range from Motown to funk to traditional jazz. It can be thumping for a raging party or soft and quiet for a conservative cocktail hour. Consider your event's date, duration, guest list, and location to decide what will work best. Because big band jazz is so diverse, many groups will specialize in one sound but be well equipped to play several musical styles. In fact, some talented groups offer to switch gears mid-event to become a versatile party band, playing all your guests' favorites.
Hire professional, experienced musicians. You want a big band jazz group that has played many shows to satisfied audiences. Ask the band what kind of events they typically play, including what gigs they prefer. If you need the bandleader to emcee, inquire about his experience in that area. Last but not least, big band jazz ensembles should have excellent equipment, from speakers to drums to guitars, and the skills to set it all up. To be sure of their qualifications, ask for and check several references.
Demand a contingency plan. It's likely that you're booking your band well in advance, so you have to consider that problems may arise. The guitarist could have a family obligation or the vocalist could lose her voice. The group must have a plan for such situations and be able to assure you that they'll be up to speed by your event.
Enjoy the Show
Great job, hepcat! Your decision to hire a big band jazz group will undoubtedly make you a party-planning legend. Whether you chose a large ensemble to play high-energy jazz rock or a hip duo to play cool jazz classics, your event will give guests a welcome breath of fresh air from the usual party routine.
