Frequently asked questions
Here are some questions commonly asked when booking the band; please contact us if you have any further questions.
Booking the band
Set-up and other requirements
The band's performance
Booking the band
What do I need to do to book the band?
Once we’ve been in contact and agreed a fee, we require a 20% deposit to secure the booking, along with a signed contract. The remaining balance is due 10 days before your event.
Can I see the band live before booking you?
Unfortunately, the vast majority of our events are private functions so it is often not possible to see the band perform live before booking us. However, any public events that we have coming up will be listed on our News page. Please be assured that our demo CD is a very good representation of how the band sounds live; in fact, many people have commented how much better we sound live!
How far do you travel?
We regularly travel up to 150 miles from London. We are also happy to travel further than this, though we may need to arrange overnight accommodation which would incur additional charges.
Are you insured?
Yes, the band holds a £5m Public Liability Insurance policy with Musicians Insurance Services, and all of our electrical equipment is regularly PAT tested. Please ask us if you need copies of these documents.
Why doesn't the function band come in lots of different line-ups?
Lots of function bands perform in a variety of different line ups - i.e. with 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 players - in order to be as flexible as possible to meet your budget. However, we think this is a disavantage - we always practice as a full band, and orchestrate our music for the full 9 players, so chopping and changing players from gig to gig would just compromise the quality of our performance. Instead, we offer our full 9-piece band at extremely competetive rates, so you know that you're getting a fantastic performance every time.
We do offer a 6-piece 'mini' Function Band, which is our 'budget' option. This ensemble of vocals, piano, bass, drums, keyboards and sax is able to play two sets of dancing music and is perfect if space or money are an issue.
Set-up and other requirements
How long do you need to set-up?
We need around 90 minutes to set up for the Function Band (the Jazz Band will take about 30 minutes to set up). We like to arrive two hours before we are due to start playing; this means we have time to set-up at a non-stressful pace, get changed and have a quick break before we start playing. It usually takes about 45 minutes to pack up when we've finished playing.
How much space do you need?
The function band needs about 18' x 8' performance space. However, we are used to squeezing into small spaces so we'll do our best wherever we are!
Can you play outside?
Yes, but only if we have adequate cover over us. This is to protect us - and more importantly our equipment - against both sun and rain, as both can get in the way of a good performance! You must also check that there is an adequate power supply close to the performance space.
How much electricity do you need?
The Function Band needs at least three separate 13 amp sockets. This does NOT mean a four-way extension lead taken out of a single socket, as it will not provide enough power for the lights and speakers. The Jazz Band only needs one socket close to the performance space.
How much equipment do you bring with you?
Not as much as many other bands, and it doesn't compromise the way the band looks. We have a compact yet powerful PA system, and use simple, compact lighting which makes the band look a lot nicer!
Can you arrive to set up earlier in the day?
Yes we can, but if you want us to arrive more than three hours before we are due to start playing we may have to charge you extra. We always aim to finish setting up before your guests arrive, and will be as flexible as possible to try and accommodate your needs.
Do I need to provide any equipment?
No – we bring all the necessary equipment; we just need somewhere to plug it in!
What do you require in the way of food and drink?
The only thing we insist is that the band are provided with soft drinks throughout the evening (we don't require alcoholic drinks). However, if you are able to provide us with a hot meal, especially for evening gigs, you will find that your band feel happier and more welcome and you'll get a far better performance as a result!
Is there anything else I need to provide?
We need at least three parking spaces, and a place to get changed in privacy before the performance (we'd rather it wasn't a bathroom unless absolutely necessary!)
The band's performance
How long do you play for?
We usually play three 45 minute sets of music, but are equally happy to play two sixty minute long sets or sometimes longer, depending what fits in best with your schedule.
Can I have the Jazz Band play during a drinks reception in the afternoon, and then have the Function Band in the evening?
Yes, we reguarly do this and find it works very well. It also works out much cheaper than booking two separate bands!
Can you play after midnight?
Generally speaking, all of our quotes are dependant on us finishing before midnight; if you want us to go on longer, there may be an additional charge. Please ask us for more information.
What happens between sets?
We bring along a laptop computer and use it to play recorded music along the same lines as the ones we perform. However, we are also happy to play your choice of music, if you make a compilation of songs/mp3 files on a CD and give it to us beforehand. We are also able to plug your laptop, mp3 player or iPod into our PA system so that you have complete control over the songs played between sets.
Can we use your microphone for the speeches?
Yes, this is no problem. However, please note that you will not be able to stand further forward than our speakers - otherwise you'll get lots of horrible feedback!
I'm having a disco afterwards - can you help?
Our top-quality PA system is fantastic for a 'disco' set after we've finished playing. There are some limitations with this, but generally speaking it's MUCH cheaper to use our equipment for your disco than hiring your own DJ. If you're interested please get in touch so we can discuss it further!
Do you ever use deputy players?
The Favela Jazz & Soul Band still perform with the same 9 members who formed the band in 2005. Occassionally it is necessary to use deputy players, but we always ensure that our deputies have the same performing experience as our regular musicians.
Can you learn our first dance?
Often we can, yes. It's best you talk to us as soon as possible to discuss this if it's something you would like us to do. You may also find a song you like in our repertoire, which is obviously ideal for us!
What about other requests?
When you book the band you are more than welcome to go through our repertoire and highlight songs you particularly do or do not want us to play. Sometimes it is possible to learn new songs, but it can be hard to fit this into the band's busy schedule and may incur additional charges. Let us know well in advance and we can discuss the options with you straight away!