Searching for a band - advice

shawl Posted: Jul 04, 2003 12:03 PM

Searching for a band - advice

We are starting to look for a band, but bumping into a real problem in terms of seeing bands live. We're unable to make weekday/night showcases on LI because we both live and work in Manhattan and we often work late. We don't want to book a band based just on a DVD/CD. Did anyone else run into this problem? If so, how did you deal with it? Even if you didn't have this problem, any advice would be appreciated!

Rob-luvs-me Posted: Jul 04, 2003 12:19 PM

Re: Searching for a band - advice

I had a problem with my FH is in MI in school and we contacted a TON of bands to try to get tapes and showcase info so he could see them while he was home - I ended hearing our band with my parents (Times Square Orchestra) and LOVED them - they showcase at 9 pm which was easier since my father doesn't get home from the city until 8-830 anyway - I would recommend getting tapes (videos are better) from any that you can - then if you love the tape go hear them live - i found most bands were MUCH better live than the tapes were.

swags1016 Posted: Jul 04, 2003 01:23 PM

Re: Searching for a band - advice

What about on a Friday night? I know that our band plays in a bar once a month on a Friday night.

My FH works nights so we also found out when Full House was playing at the town of Babylon Beach Blast (Sunday day) and went there. Our band does a thing in a park once a year in Smithtown we went there both years of our engagement. I would rather see them out personally then in a show case. I would like to see how they get a crowd up.

Good luck!!!

Jess2 Posted: Jul 04, 2003 04:45 PM

Re: Searching for a band - advice

We actually booked a band based on the DVD. Some places won't even do that, they only let you listen to a CD! We took them because they were highly recommended by a family friend, and we were blown away by the DVD. If you can't see a live band at all, I guess you would have to choose a band that you can see through a DVD but that was recommended by someone you trust. Good luck!

HearzBellz Posted: Jul 04, 2003 05:48 PM

Re: Searching for a band - advice

I say call some vendors & see how accomodating they are. They may be a bit more understanding if you tell them your situation.

Also, sometimes just talking to them can help you decide...If they know their stuff you will be able to know this by asking questions when you speak with them on the phone.

susu04 Posted: Jul 05, 2003 08:15 AM

Re: Searching for a band - advice

we booked our band because they were recommended by 3 different people. They also play in upscale facilities, which means clients are paying lots of money for their reception so they look for a band of that caliber. We also saw a
video of the band and that clinched it for us. We are using Midnight Magic Orchestra.

babybride Posted: Jul 05, 2003 10:33 AM

Re: Searching for a band - advice

I started out by requesting cd's from the bands I thought I would like. Then, I also watched video clips on the internet. But, that honestly doesn't do bands justice. FI and I also work in the city. I was searching around Christmas time so alot of bands let us come to corporate holiday parties they were playing at in the city. But for others, I did leave work slightly early and go hear them with my mom. I videotaped a few so FI could see and once I narrowed it down to three I really liked he came and listened to them. Also, a few had offices in Manhattan in addition to Long Island. Good Luck!