THE BASICS

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM YOUR COMPETITORS?

Here at Downbeat, we pride ourselves on providing an experience you’ll always remember, not just a one and done performance. Each band is comprised of world-class singers who perform three-part harmonies while dancing with guests out in the middle of the dance floor, and musicians who play continuous music to keep energy going.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK YOU FOR MY WEDDING/EVENT?

We typically start receiving inquiries and booking our artists 12 months out from a wedding or event, but we are always happy to receive inquiries closer to an event date. We are first come, first serve so once you’re ready to book, don’t wait on booking the band you are hoping for.

HOW LONG ARE YOUR SHOWS?

For wedding receptions, our most common timeline is about 4 hours. We are able and willing to perform for longer or shorter times. It really depends on you and the timeline you envision. We’ve had shows as short as 60 minutes, and as long as 8 hours with our band and DJ covering different portions of the night.

IS YOUR SHOW APPROPRIATE FOR EVERYONE?

Yes. We do many shows that are family friendly but that is entirely up to you. We will discuss content with you and follow your lead on what would work best for you and your guests. We typically censor music so everyone can enjoy.

How do your performers dress?

Our gentlemen wear a black suit, white shirt, and black bow tie while the ladies wear a black dress with appropriate dress shoes. We always wear this unless otherwise requested or the event has a specific theme for dress.

CAN WE request SPECIFIC PERFORMERS FOR OUR SHOW?

Our bands are based around the talent that performs in our groups. The members in our bands don’t change from show to show but as with any person, our talent can from time to time become ill or have emergencies that would render them unable to perform. But after months of planning an amazing night, the show must go on! Our talent pool is very large and we are able to bring in musicians who have worked with us if needed. We care about every single event we do, so if you trust us, we’ll always deliver the best results for a great night.

ARE ALL THE PERFORMERS AS GOOD AS THE ONEs I SAW ON THE VIDEOs?

We are a brand, in the exact same way that Blue Man Group is a brand. Every player that works at Downbeat has been trained to our specific format, which includes our interactive show, MC, and DJ. All our performers play music full time and have at least 5 years experience. We are extremely selective about the talent that represents our brand. To answer directly, yes, they are really as good as their videos!

WHERE DO YOU TRAVEL?

Anywhere you need amazing entertainment! Downbeat has bands with a West and East coast home base. For places that are not within driving distance, we hire a local production company to provide our backline and sound needs while flying in our talent. 

THE MUSIC

CAN YOU HELP ME CHOOSE THE MUSIC FOR MY PROCESSIONAL, RECESSIONAL, FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE, ETC.?

Curating playlists and selecting special songs is what we do best! As your wedding music professionals, we’re here to help you every step of the way with music choices and song selections. We also actively update our Downbeat Spotify playlists for our top picks when it comes to cocktail hour music, parent dance songs, party favorites and more.

WHAT GENRES CAN YOU COVER/HOW EXTENSIVE IS YOUR SONG LIST?

Each of our bands has a song list with hundreds of songs and genres ranging from Top 40 Pop and Dance/EDM hits to Motown and Oldies - something for everyone! Each of our bands and artists has a song list you can check out by visiting their specific artist page.

CAN WE REQUEST SONGS THAT AREN’T ON YOUR SONG LIST?

Yes! In addition to hand-selecting songs from our extensive song list, we learn up to four (4) songs for each event. Whether it’s a special first dance or simply a favorite song of yours that you want to hear, our musicians and band members will learn it!

CAN WE MAKE ‘DO-NOT-PLAY’ SONG REQUESTS?

Absolutely! Our musicians and event professionals have a great deal of experience in what makes a party - and what kills one. But if you have specific songs, artists or genres you’d like us to stay away from we are happy to hear from you and make sure you’re happy with your event’s music.

DO YOur bands TAKE BREAKS? HOW MANY AND WHEN?

The bands take breaks according to what works best for the flow of each specific event. Our set lengths vary and can run between 30-60 minutes, with 15-20 minute breaks in between. If the event calls for longer sets with less breaks, we are happy discuss that ahead of time.

WHAT MUSIC WILL BE PROVIDED DURING THE band BREAKS?

All our live band packages all come with a DJ who provides continuous music during the band set breaks so the party doesn't stop.

DOES EVERY BAND HAVE AN EMCEE?

Yes! Every band has a lead singer that also acts as the event’s emcee, working directly with the coordinator on the day-of to handle all of the announcements throughout the event and ensure the timeline runs as planned, keeping the crowd excited and engaged.

THE LOGISTICS

Are you Insured?

Absolutely! If your venue requires it, we can provide them with a certificate naming them as additional insured.

DO YOU REQUIRE A STAGING PLATFORM?

For groups of over 50-75, it’s generally advisable but not required. Most medium to large venues either have platforms available or have preferred vendors who can bring in a stage at your request. Preferred stage size is dependent upon the size group, but generally 12x16 for our 7 piece groups or 12x24 work for our larger groups.

DO YOU REQUIRE A GREEN ROOM?

A private space for the band members to relax and re-energize between sets is appreciated. We typically work directly with the planner or venue contact to ensure there is a space for our band to eat and break.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED TO SETUP and Tear Down?

It primarily depends on the difficulty of the load in route and how complex our set up is. Normally we like to arrive 2-3 hours before the start time of band’s contracted time. We always coordinate our arrival time directly with the event coordinator or planner. As soon as the event is over, we take care of our full tear down and load out ourselves.

WHERE SHOULD WE SITUATE the band IN THE ROOM?

We usually prefer to be in front of the dance floor near the bar! We love to keep the party going and it helps a lot to strategically place us in a location where people want to mingle, dance, and enjoy their night!

AT WHAT POINT in the night do your contracted hours start?

Our service times start as soon as cocktail hour finishes. As your guests head into the reception, our band will be playing some music to warm up the atmosphere and start off the evening. It won’t be full party mode but it will be fun, light music to get your guests excited. You have a band, so we encourage you to use them to set the mood. During dinner, our bands perform music perfect for background setting. Think ballads or easy listening songs you love but you may not want to dance to. Something everyone would enjoy as they eat, drink, and converse with each other. After dinner, we go into party mode and create an atmosphere for a memorable night - and a packed dance floor!