SO YOU WANT TO HIRE A COMBO?
We can play anything from early big band standards and show tunes (like "A - Train," "There Will Never Be Another You," and "Someday My Prince Will Come") to bop standards (like "Oleo," and “Joy Spring") to modern jazz tunes (like "Naima,” "Nardis," and Wayne Shorter songs). If your group would prefer to hear something different, we can put together a few rock/funk/fusion songs like "Birdland" or "Purple Haze." We can be background or foreground music. We will base our set around what you want to hear as far as our capabilities can take us. If you aren’t sure, we can give you a mix!
HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW:
ABOUT COST:
Basic ensemble: (piano, drums, bass, saxophone) $400
Add more horns at $100 per musician.
Generally this is for two sets, about 45 minutes each. Sometimes if your event
is much longer, more playing time can be negotiated with the musicians prior to
the performance.
Checks are made out to Roosevelt Jazz Boosters and sent to the treasurer of the
group. Half of the fee goes to the Roosevelt High School Jazz Program and half
goes directly to the musicians.
ABOUT YOUR SPACE:
The trio needs an area about 8x8 – these instruments are stationary. The horns
can move around, and tuck themselves in pretty easily, so an area 10x10 really
gives the group a comfortable space in which to perform.
We must have access to an outlet. The group travels with extension cords and
power strip but we want to be sure that your lights stay on and that none of
your guests trip on cords! The band brings its own instruments and sound
equipment: amplifiers for bass, keyboard and guitar. Horns usually do not need
to be mic-ed (SP!) but if a microphone is needed for announcements, the band can
run one out of the amps. Please let us know if you have a piano which you’d like
us to use instead of our keyboard.
IF THE BAND WILL BE PERFORMING OUTDOORS:
Same space and electrical requirements. The drums, piano and bass cannot sit directly on grass unless it is completely dry and the ground is hard. Otherwise some of the instruments (and high heels!) will sink into the ground. Plywood, or some sort of flooring should be put down. The bass cannot be played in direct sunlight. If night falls while the group is performing, some lighting will be necessary for them to read their charts.
PARKING AND UNLOADING:
Since there is a lot of equipment to move and set up – the closer the musicians can be to the stage when they are unloading, the easier and quicker it will be for them. (Then they can move their cars to wherever you want them to park during your event. It helps to know in advance whether there is a parking lot close by and what the fees are to park there.)
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Musicians need the name and phone number of someone who will be on-site during
the time the band is scheduled to arrive and set-up.
Finally, we will make every effort to find a group to perform at your event.
Given high school schedules and commitments though, we request at least a
month’s notice before your event.
Thank you for your interest in Roosevelt Jazz!