Frequently Asked Questions
Here we give you the answers to some of the most common questions we receive. Here at Rossi Music we want you to know our process and how to hire the best musicians in Los Angeles for your upcoming events. If you don’t find the answers you are looking for here contact us now and we will be happy to help you right away.
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I’m interested in booking a band. How do I get started?
If you’re reading this, you’re off to a great start! On this website, you’ll find a ton of information about the fantastic bands we
represent, including videos, photos, music samples, song lists, recent client reviews, price ranges and more.
For availability and price quotes, or to discuss which of our bands might be the best fit for you, please complete our info request form or call our office at (818) 209-2620 to provide some basic information about your plans. One of our booking managers will respond quickly (generally within one business day) to discuss the details of your event, offer band recommendations and direct you to their demo materials on our site.
In addition, we can often put you in touch with client references who can answer your questions about their experiences working with our company and our many event bands. Our goal is to offer you great band recommendations, answer all of your questions, provide as much information and advice as you may want, and generally do our very best to make the band selection process both fun and
stress-free!
How far in advance should I book a band?
Weddings and special events planned on Saturdays during the spring and fall seasons often book one year or more in advance.
We usually start hearing from clients planning for the most popular Saturday dates well over a year in advance, and the general booking season for bands in the wedding and special event industry is usually eight to 15 months before a Saturday or holiday weekend
event date.
Events on days other than Saturdays typically do not book quite as far in advance.
We work with many clients who hire bands for events (even weddings) on a shorter timeline (two to six months in advance) and we usually have some great bands to recommend for any date, even last minute. As a general guideline, the most popular and in-demand bands often get booked early and fewer acts are available for events booked closer to the date.
So the further in advance you can hire a band, the more options you’ll have to consider. Get started early!
When will I need to pay a deposit for a booking an Artist?
We need to receive the booking deposit within 14 days of you signing the booking contract. In most cases, the deposit is 50% of the total cost of the hiring.
Why book your musicians through Rossi Music?
The professionals of Rossi Music are trusted by Los Angeles top venues and event planners to deliver the perfect selection of world-class ensembles, bands and solo performers for special events large and small.
From established solo artists to combos and ensembles, these artists’ diverse repertoires can accommodate any style and create the ideal performance for any occasion.
Whether you are looking for The Los Angeles Jazz Trio or Quartet, The Electric Angels String Quartet, a Solo Pianist, French Jazz Music, Flamenco Guitar Duo, a hot Latin Band, or a great Party Dance Cover Band—we specialize in making it happen. You deserve the best musicians that Los Angeles has to offer!
Why should I have live music at my event?
Think of the most memorable events you’ve ever attended—a beach wedding; Hollywood style with a solo ukulele or a string quartet, a bat mitzvah or wedding reception combo that got guests young and old out on the dance floor. Whatever the occasion—live music made the experience.
How much do bands cost?
We have a band for almost every budget, and we will help you find one that makes the most sense for you. Local jazz combos or acoustic bands may cost between $750 and $1500, while the region’s most popular and exclusive party bands may cost $10,000 or more.
On average, most great dance bands for weddings or special events are likely to cost between $2500 and $7500. You will find a general price range for each band on our site based on the location of your event. This range is intended to be a helpful guideline as you
gather information, rather than a price quote.
The actual price of a band for any specific event will depend on factors such as the size and popularity of the band, the season and date of the event, the location of the event and travel distance for the ensemble, and the equipment and logistical requirements of the performance.
Please contact us for specific price quotes.
Do you book musicians for wedding ceremonies too? Can my reception band also play either at my ceremony or cocktail hour?
Rossi Music primarily offers live music for festive occasions like wedding receptions and other parties that need a fun band to get people dancing, but yes, our musicians are studio level players with an amazing ability to play classical, jazz AND dance music. Some cover bands are younger and don’t have as much ability to be as versatile and just concentrate on the classic rock and current pop music.
We also offer ceremony and cocktail music packages like The Electric Angels String Quartet Package which allows the string quartet to bring acoustic instruments for the ceremony, and electric instruments with backing tracks, full sound system and DJ/Sound Engineer for the cocktail hour and if you needed a band for the reception we do have a variety of jazz bands or dance bands if you’re looking to have music throughout your wedding.
What does the band’s fee include?
We want our event 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 the event and break down afterward
- Travel and lodging expenses
The only other band costs that clients typically incur are for meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the event, any mandatory parking fees, tolls, and any other special requests noted in the band’s contract rider.
There is no sales tax involved in booking a band. Most of the time, food and water or soft drinks for the band will be the only additional cost a client is asked to cover. Each band has a rider (included as part of the contract) that outlines specific technical, hospitality and logistical requests.
Most of these can be provided by your venue, such as performance area, electrical needs, dressing room, and bathroom access, etc. Contract riders are specific to each band, so requests will vary.
Unusual setup requests or performance overtime periods will also incur reasonable additional fees for musician and crew time.
Do you accept Corporate or Charity bookings?
Yes, we do. We are a live music agency, event DJ agency, and regularly take corporate and charity bookings for live musical acts, DJs, celebrity speakers, and guest appearances. Our artists have performed and appeared at all types of events, including private parties, charity fundraisers, product launches, and more.
Like most entertainment booking agents, we are unable to show artists’ availability online. This is because their availability is not just dependent on their existing bookings but on the location of those bookings.
As a global entertainment booking agency many of our artists travel extensively, which means we need to consider travel and time zones when arranging bookings.
How many musicians are in the band, and available? How many vocalists? Are there different options as far as how many musicians/instruments we can hire?
The number of musicians in each band varies according to your budget and needs. Many bands are flexible and will hire the number of musicians required to meet your needs.
The same is true for the vocalists. Each band has a set number that they consider a minimum and then will add musicians and vocalists according to your needs. If you’re interviewing a DJ, you want to know if they work with a partner and if it’s a band, who exactly would be there on the day of.
Note: Hiring only a portion of an amazing band is a smart way to stick to a strict budget.
Can we come and listen to a wedding you’re performing at?
Seeing a band perform live will give you the best idea about what your wedding entertainment would actually sound and feel like.
While most musicians and the couples that hire them mutually agree in advance that the wedding is closed to prospective clients, some will have mini “concerts” for the public to attend and see whether they’re a good fit or not.
Are you available to play longer on our wedding day?
Hopefully, your wedding will all run according to plan, but what if things are 30 minutes behind schedule the band will play from the length asked. But if it’s over 30 min, the band are usually obligated to honor the musicians who were subcontracted for a specific time frame. Small schedule changes are not a problem and we do our best to work with any changes to your event schedule.
If you want the band to play longer than the contracted time you will receive an overtime waiver which allows you to sign off to pay the band.
What is covered in the booking contract?
The DJ, Electric Angels Los Angeles String Quartet or the Los Angeles Jazz Band booking contract is a simple document that sets out the terms of the booking.
It will include details of the performance or appearance, such as the venue, the date, the time, how long the artist will perform, and how many sets there will be. It will also include details of the expenses that you will be covering and the fee for the final booking.
Expenses will usually include travel expenses, but depending on the location of the event, they may also include accommodation and visa application fees, for example. The terms of payment will be clearly set out in the contract too.
Details of the food and drink that you agree to provide will also be included in what is known as the hospitality rider. This might include full meals, or the artists’ preferred snacks and beverages.
If you are booking The Electric Angels String Trio or DJs, there will usually be a technical rider in the contract too. This stipulates the technical equipment that you will need to provide. Finally, the contract will include the terms of cancellation. It sets out the costs
involved if you cancel the event, or if the artist is unable to perform for any reason.
Where is Rossi Music based?
Our home office is located in Burbank, California. But if your budget allows we can make our bands available for an event anywhere in the US.
Can I get a discount for booking more than one group?
Occasionally Rossi Music will offer a short time deal for a discount on Rossi Music Signature bands: Electric Angels String Quartet, Los Angeles Jazz Quartet, Roaring 20’s Great Gatsby Jazz Band.
All independent bands booked by Rossi Music set their own fees and book independently from one another.
What is the process of booking a musician, ensemble or band through Rossi Music?
We want to make the process of booking live music as easy as possible—while also making sure all of your questions are answered and that the musicians you book are the perfect fit for your occasion.
First and foremost, we listen to you. We want to know about your event, and to understand exactly how you imagine the role that the music will play.
If you are very clear on what you’re looking for, we can move right to the selection process. We can also offer suggestions as to how certain options might make a great event even better. We will discuss the type of occasion, how many people will be
attending, the location, and the style of music you seek. Then we can talk about price range, and how we can help you get the best quality musicianship within your budget.
Or you may just see a musical group or act on our website videos—and decide that that’s the just the right musical act for your event!
I saw a great 8 piece band available on your website. Do I have to hire all 8 musicians?
Not necessarily. Many bands can work in different configurations.
Each event is designed in a custom fashion. For example, for a wedding, you might hire a solo violinist or small group like the electric angels string trio, or just a normal string trio to play at the ceremony, a jazz trio or jazz quartet at dinner, and then a band for the reception.
In this case, the smaller groups might be members of the larger band who can play the earlier components of the event and be joined later by their bandmates later on.
Contact us to discuss possible options.
Does a band provide all their instruments and sound equipment?
Bands provide instruments and sound equipment at almost all weddings and special events.
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.
For out of town events, the event coordinator usually will handle booking a local sound company to provide sound and any other equipment that cannot be transported.
How long can I expect the band to play?
Wedding and special events bands typically charge one fee for up to a 4-hour “block” of the event time (ex. 7 pm – 11 pm), which includes the band’s performance sets and any breaks.
Most dance and party bands do not charge on a per-hour basis, the way soloists or smaller musical acts sometimes do.
All wedding and special event party bands that bring their own sound equipment can DJ a pre-set playlist on these breaks via iPod or mp3 player that either the band or you can provide. Bands will always attempt to schedule any break around a “natural break” in the event schedule, such as dinner service, speeches or toasts, cake cutting, etc.
In most cases, the actual time spent on stage can vary from 3 hours to 3 1/4 hours depending on the schedule and flow of a 4-hr timeline, with typical sets averaging from 45 to 75 mins each (usually 3-4 sets), and breaks averaging 15-25 mins each (2-3 breaks). Every band will always try to adjust their performance set and break schedule to fit the flow of your event.
Some bands also offer a three-hour continuous music (no breaks) booking option, and most bands can offer overtime options beyond four hours for an additional fee.
How do I make international payments to confirm bookings?
We accept bank transfers as well as payments via credit card, PayPal, Western Union, and MoneyGram. We will send you payment details with the final booking contract.
What happens if the artist is unable to perform?
If the artist is unable to reach the venue or to perform due to an ‘Act of God’ you are still liable for the full fee.
If the artist is unable to perform for sickness or other causes we will replace the artist with an equal or greater talent. If an artist themselves cancels the booking, we will refund any monies paid to Rossi Music in full.
What will the band wear at my wedding?
If you want a black tie event for the assorted jazz bands, and for the string trios or string quartet, they will be in dressed as you desire. But your chosen band should let you know ahead of time.
Most bands have a variety of outfits to match different kinds of weddings.
What do you see as your role at the wedding?
There are many different roles a good band leader can play at a wedding, from background music to party-starter. Give some thought to what kind of role you want the band leader to play, and make sure your chosen band or DJ/Emcee fits it.
Do you take bookings for events outside the US?
Yes, we manage bookings globally.
Our artists have performed in more than 100 countries. We organize all the logistics for international bookings, including travel, accommodation, and visas.
Can you help me book DJ’s in the US?
Yes, we can.
If you are looking to book a DJ in the US for a club night, private party or a corporate event, speak to us. We manage bookings for renowned international DJs, respected UK radio DJs, and up-and-coming acts across a wide spectrum of mainstream and
underground genres.
Let us know your preference, whether disco, pop, hip hop, house, electronica, acid jazz or urban. We have DJs in over 30 genres of music and can recommend a suitable DJ for almost any event. If you are unsure of who to book, speak to one of our bookings agents. They will be happy to advise you on DJs who will suit your requirements and be available for your London event.
Contact us to book a DJ in Los Angeles now.
I’m ready to book a band. What happens now?
When you are ready to book your band, we will request the information from you that we need to prepare a contract, and send you the contract documents by email.
We ask that you sign and return the contract documents along with a deposit, generally within one week unless other arrangements are necessary. In most cases, band bookings require a 50% advance deposit, but that may vary at times depending on the nature of the event and how far in advance it is booked.
The bandleader will sign the contract as well, and we will send you a completed copy for your records. Once we have received your signed contract documents and deposit, you can rest easy, knowing that you’ve officially booked your band.
Does Rossi Music work with DJs?
Rossi Music does represent DJs. We specialize in booking bands and live musicians.
Would we need to rent any instruments (a piano, for example) or equipment (extra speakers or a stage)?
Find out exactly what equipment they bring, and what you need to rent (or borrow from the venue). You’ll also want to know if you’ll have to hide equipment if it’s particularly unsightly (with draping, for instance).
You want your wedding to be a beautiful event, not look like an electronics store.
I want to hire a DJ for a party, Can you Help me with that?
Yes, we can help you to hire a DJ for a party. We are an event DJ agency and we take bookings for commercial, corporate and charity events as well as for private events.
To book one of our DJs for parties, call us, email us or fill in a booking inquiry form. In your initial booking inquiry, please tell us as
much as you can about the party you have planned, including the size of the venue, the location, and your preferred dates.
If you are unsure of who to book, we will be happy to advise you on DJs who will suit your requirements and be available for the event. Just tell us a little more about your preferred music genre. We are also a celebrity DJ agency, and our roster includes personalities from the worlds of live music, fashion, radio and TV who are all skilled DJs.
If you email us or use our online inquiry form, one of our music agents in London will contact you as soon as possible. We usually respond within an hour or two, and will definitely be in contact within 24 hours. If the DJ you want is available for your dates, we will set them out in a short contract.
The booking is confirmed once we receive a signed copy of the contract and a booking deposit. The deposit for booking a DJ is usually 50% of the total fee. It is payable within 2 weeks of the contract being signed. We can often confirm a booking and finalize the contract on the same day that you make the inquiry.
Why should I hire a band through Rossi Music?
We offer a wide variety of fun, unique, and experienced bands that have a proven record of dependability and the ability to delight guests at any sort of special event.
Our booking managers have years of experience helping our clients pick the perfect band, and we take pride in being responsive, listening to your needs, asking important questions, and helping you find the best musical match for your event. And after you’ve booked your band, we stay in touch with you to help facilitate communication and organization of details as your event approaches.
Is this the band that will play at my wedding?
Being a musician is a hard way to make a living. A lot of band members belong to multiple bands and a lot of bands have multiple guitar players, saxophone players, etc.
There’s nothing wrong with this, but if you really like one or two band members, you should know whether or not they’re the ones who will be at your wedding. You can request them to be written into the contract for your security.
Does the band provide lighting? If so, what kind?
Most wedding and special event bands provide a basic lighting system which includes one or more light stands and generally illuminates the band’s performance area. It is not intended as decor lighting for the whole event space, such as uplighting for walls or tented areas or spotlighting on tables or dance floor areas.
A band’s light stand(s) typically include several white or colored lights (LED or par cans). 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.
If you plan to work with a lighting company and would prefer for them to handle all lighting decor, including the band’s performance area, the band can forego their lights.
Please note that many smaller bands, such as acoustic, bluegrass or jazz groups typically do not provide lighting.
Have you ever played at our venue? Are there any problems or equipment needs we should know about?
An experienced band should know what sort of electrical and space needs they have. If they’ve played at your venue they can give you a heads-up about issues like the loading dock being non-existent or the electricity being inadequate.
If they haven’t played your venue they should be able to tell you what they need. Issues like this can add up to unexpected costs later on.
Can you play the songs that are important to us (such as a traditional Jewish hora tune or a favorite pop hit)?
The cover band, jazz band or DJ should be able to play, learn or download any tune you’d like. If a band says “yes,” but they’ll need to learn and/or arrange it, ask them if they’ll charge for that.
Rossi Music Wedding Bands are all versatile and can do Jewish Horas and are agreeable to doing up to 2 special requested songs for free.
Do you know our reception space and its acoustic, power and amplification requirements? If not, will you check it out beforehand?
Your musicians may need an extension cord, backup generator or other supplies, and it’s important to know this beforehand.
If they don’t want to check out your venue, cross them off your list, but most of the time the band will be taking care of their own equipment for your event.
Rossi Music Bands always contact any venue that they haven’t performed prior to the event and checks all the logistics of the venue to make sure they have the required space and power requirements.