Question 1

Do you learn new songs?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our bands will be glad to learn one song for you at no additional charge. The song should fit the band’s style and instrumentation (i.e. don’t ask your Motown band to learn Dueling Banjos). Every request is subject to approval by the band, and any additional requests need to be discussed with the bandleader.

Question 2

What is the best way to specify song list requests?

Accepted Answer

Our bands are experts at choosing the right songs! You don’t need to put together a full playlist. Once we connect you with your band, you will have the opportunity to provide them with requests from their existing song list, as well as any songs that you do NOT want to hear. This will give them all the direction they need, and they’ll do their best to accommodate your preferences.

Question 3

Do you provide music for wedding ceremonies or cocktail receptions?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no. We represent many bands and some do have separate sound systems to accommodate ceremonies and/or cocktail receptions. These sound systems and mic setups are usually much smaller than their traditional reception sound system. Just let us know if you're interested and we'd be happy to let you know which bands can or can't accommodate this request!

Question 4

Are you fully insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes! All of our bands can provide general liability insurance upon request in the amount of $1million occurrence/$2million aggregate.

Question 5

How will the band handle health and safety concerns in light of the pandemic conditions?

Accepted Answer

Sam Hill Entertainment and our bands are committed to supporting healthy practices to ensure the safety of all guests, musicians and vendors at each event during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information about how our bands support this effort as well as what safety measures we recommend and request from our clients at each event, please visit our website FAQ for a link to the document.

Question 6

What is your policy for rescheduling or canceling a booking due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Accepted Answer

You may reschedule the band you have booked to a mutually agreeable date. If your band is not available on the date of your rescheduled event, we can help you book a different band. And if you must cancel your booking, we will discount the settlement amount specified in our standard cancellation policy in light of the pandemic conditions. Please contact us for more details.

Question 7

Can the band MC my event?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Your band can play as large or as small a role as MC as you’d like. Just be sure to give them a detailed itinerary well in advance, including clear instructions on what to say and what times they need to make announcements.

Question 8

Does the band bring a stage? If not, do I need to provide one?

Accepted Answer

Bands do not provide staging, but they are recommended. If an elevated stage is not practical, the band asks for a dedicated performance space. Most dance bands request a performance area at least 20’ wide x 12’ deep. Larger bands (8 pieces or more) often request an area of 24’ x 16’ or larger. Smaller jazz combos or acoustic groups can fit into a smaller area, often 16’ x 12’ or less.

Question 9

Why should I hire a band through Sam Hill Entertainment?

Accepted Answer

We offer a wide variety of fun and experienced bands that are dependable and can wow guests. Our booking managers have years of experience and we take pride in being responsive, listening to your needs, and helping you find the best band for your event. We are performance and service focused. We'll make booking a band the easiest part of your wedding!

Question 10

Does a band provide all their instruments and sound equipment?

Accepted Answer

Bands provide instruments and sound equipment. This equipment typically provides an appropriate level of sound for up to several hundred guests, and is included in the price of the band. For larger events requiring more substantial sound reinforcement, a band can either sub-contract a larger sound production team for an additional fee or work with a sound production vendor that you provide.

Question 11

Does the band provide lighting? If so, what kind?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Most wedding bands provide a basic lighting system that includes one or more light stands that illuminate the band’s performance area. Some bands may be able to adjust the size and scope of the lighting they bring depending on the size of the event, crowd, or venue. Please note that many smaller bands, such as acoustic, bluegrass or jazz groups typically do not provide lighting.

Question 12

How long can I expect the band to play?

Accepted Answer

Wedding bands typically charge one fee for up to a 4-hour "block" of event time (ex. 7pm - 11pm). Some bands offer a three hour continuous music (no breaks) booking option, and most bands can offer overtime options beyond four hours for an additional fee.

Question 13

What does the band’s fee include?

Accepted Answer

We want our band bookings to be as all-inclusive as possible. Typically, a band fee includes the following: --up to four hours of contracted time from start to finish including performance sets and breaks. --all instruments and sound/lighting equipment --equipment set-up prior to event and breakdown afterward --travel and lodging expenses

Question 14

Is there a sales tax for booking a band?

Accepted Answer

There is no sales tax involved in booking a band.

Question 15

How early do you come to set up?

Accepted Answer

Anywhere between one and three hours prior to when the band is requested to hit their first note. The specific needs of your band will determine the time they need access to your venue. Larger bands will ask for more time, whereas small groups don't have as much equipment and won't need as much time.

Question 16

Can your bands do "room flips?"

Accepted Answer

Our bands have worked with “room flip” scenarios before and will accommodate your plans as much as possible. We are happy to discuss the details with you!

Question 17

Will the band be too loud for my venue?

Accepted Answer

Our bands have played in just about every space imaginable—small, large, old, new, inside, outside—and have a wealth of experience getting the sound volume just right. They will make any necessary adjustments to suit your venue and will respond to any requests for volume adjustments from you or your venue.

Question 18

My event is at a private residence. Are 20-amp circuits typically found in a private home?

Accepted Answer

Standard house outlets are often 20-amp circuits. They're more common in newer construction, but may be found in older homes as well. They're generally in the kitchen, bath, laundry, garage and exterior of the house—areas that tend to support more appliances and equipment.

Question 19

What do you wear?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the atmosphere of your event. Male performers typically wear suits or slacks and a collared shirt, and female performers have a wide range of formal and evening wear to choose from. Tuxes may be available upon request. You can discuss this with your band before your event.

Sam Hill Entertainment

Reception pricing

About Sam Hill Entertainment