please help...what should i ask when looking for a band?

I have no idea what the process of picking a band is like, can anyone help?

Other than prices and packages, what else should i ask about or look for in a band?

Also, is it common for bands to give you a cd with samples of their music, and how 'accurate' are those cds?

Thanks!
Anna

If you can you should try to see the band live. I think it makes such a difference hearing them in person. We actually booked a band we heard at a friend's wedding so we heard them live all night

if there are any songs you MUST have played, ask if they know them.
ask if they are willing to learn songs they do not already have on their play lists

ask how they handle requests from guests

ask how they decide when to take their breaks, and if they have an option to have music playing while they are on them.

not all bands have demo cds.
demo cds are usually their 'best' performances recorded in a studio and edited. while they are usually close, most bands do not sound the same live as they do recorded. it doesn't mean they'll sound worse in person, but there's a chance they will sound different.

ask what their most common songs played are. this will give you an idea of their comfort zone as well as what they are used to playing.

ask them what kind of music THEY like. you'd be surprised how much this can help

thanks for the advice!

but, of course, I welcome more advice!