The Blame go out of their way to accommodate the needs of the client, or whoever is booking the band. The band provides services above and beyond simply playing songs, they also: -

• Provide recorded music on CD while on breaks so the music never stops. The music can be CDs that either the client or the band can provide.
• Take requests from their repertoire prior to the reception, and will accommodate as many requests as they can during the performance.
  
• Provide a state-of-the-art professional sound system to ensure clear sound at an acceptable volume.
  
• Work with client and wedding coordinator to ensure a good flow to the reception and will help to solve any problems that may arise to make the reception a complete success.
  
• Always present them selves professionally.

Q. How do I book the band?

A. Check with Brave Music Agency that the band is available on your date. If they are, then booking contracts will be drawn up for you and the band. Details required to complete the booking forms are these: -

• Event date
  
• Venue address
  
• Address for booking forms
  
• Telephone numbers for venue and person booking band
  
• Time you want band to perform, and which package you require (2 x 45 minutes/3 x 45 minutes with dj etc)
  
• Contact name and number for the day

Forms will be completed by the agent, posted to you and you will sign and return them along with a deposit cheque. Then the booking is signed and sealed all you have to do is look forward to a great band playing for you and your guests!

Q. Will I be able to see The Blame play 'live' before I book them?

A. Brave Music Agency sets up showcase gigs in the spring so clients can see the band, but once the wedding season kicks in you would need to go to someone else's wedding if you are to view the band. Not unreasonably, most bridal couples aren't too keen on strangers dropping in on their celebrations, so this isn't always easy to arrange. Also, most bands have relatively few engagements between January and the end of April (the time of year that most bookings are made), and since Brave Music Agency does not take provisional bookings, by the time a client gets to see the band, they may well no longer be available, although we always keep you informed if there are other enquiries coming in for your date.

Q. How much stage space does The Blame require?

A. The Blame will require a stage area approx 5 meters wide x 4 meters deep. They will have PA speakers positioned either side and in front of them, with lighting equipment stands either side or over the top of the performance area.

Q. What power supply do the band need?

A. Check that the venue has at least 3-4 standard plug sockets in very close proximity to the bands performance area. The Blame will bring extension leads and multi-plug adapters as required. Sockets need to be on separate boards. This supply should not be shared with any one else or over overloading may occur.

Q. What if the reception is in a marquee?

A. If you're holding an event in a Marquee, arrange with the Marquee hire company that sufficiently powerful generator be provided, or that a dedicated outdoor electricity supply with at least 2 plug sockets is made available exclusively to the band, or two separate indoor ones. This supply should not be shared with any one else or over overloading may occur.

Q. How disruptive is set-up and when does it occur?

A. The band usually set - up an hour before performance, and set-up is not disruptive at all, the band are very discreet and surprisingly quiet when setting up the equipment. It's possible that The Blame may be required to arrive and set up before guests arrive, or after a sit down meal during the period in which the venue re-set tables and re-arrange the room. The preferred arrival time for most evening functions is around 6.30pm - 7.30pm. Check with your venue which times will be most convenient to them. Every venue has their own preferred method. It may not be possible for a band to sound check earlier in the day if other rooms close by are in use by other venue guests, even if this is your preferred schedule. The Blame/Brave Music Agency charges an additional fee to arrive and set up prior to a meal. 'Waiting' fees are charged at £40.00 hour for every hour before the standard set-up times. Sound check time is required by The Blame to mix instrument volume levels, fine tune equipment settings and get the show prepared.

Q. Do I need to be mindful of issues regarding access?

A. Yes! Check in advance that the band has easy access to the function room. Huge flights of stairs and very long corridors make loading in time increase to the point that your event schedule could be seriously affected. If the band cannot park and unload their equipment within 50 yards of the room, or if they must carry equipment up more than one flight of stairs, please ask the venue to provide trolleys and specialist lifting equipment as required. Alternatively, please arrange with the venue that several strong male members of the venue staff are made available to help the band load in. If lifts are to be used to move equipment, please have the venue arrange that they are to be used exclusively by the band for the period required to finish loading in and out. Some busy venues can have lift systems, which take 20 minutes or more to return, pushing the band way off schedule for setting up.

Q. Do the band need a dressing room?

A. If possible, yes please. You can usually arrange with the venue that the band has a room to change in. This should be well lit, private and secure with enough tables and seating for the entire band. If possible, close access to private toilets and washbasin are preferred.

If the band is required to arrive early and wait more than 60 minutes before their performance, it is essential that their waiting room is comfortable. Comfortable seating should be available with access to food and refreshments. The Blame will be bringing a twin cd deck if they are djing so electricity supplies will be required in their room.
The band should be shown their room upon arrival and should have sole access to the room from arrival until the time when they depart.

Q. Should I provide a 'Rider' (drinks and refreshments)?

A. If possible. If you can provide a basic food and drinks rider, which you should arrange with the venue to be left in their room, that's great, otherwise the band will tag on the end of your buffet queue. If the band's rider includes hot food, you should arrange with the venue that this be served to the band either in the venue restaurant or else in their changing room. It is important that soft drinks and water are provided in advance to the bands changing room and not left for the band to fetch from the bar. It is important that arrangements be made with bar staff so that should additional soft drinks or bottled water be required, the band don't have to queue up for them, or explain to the bar staff that their drinks are on a rider. An average band rider will include: soft drinks as required, mineral water as required, tea and coffee as required, one hot meal (if band has had to set up early and miss a mealtime) per band member and crew (if possible).