by Donna Buckheit
Music makes everything better- especially live events. There’s nothing like the energy from a classic rock band to liven up the party, or a soulful acoustic performance to enhance those heartfelt moments. But, what if you can’t decide on the band, DJ, or type of music for your special day? What's an appropriate budget size? How do you predict which choice will set the mood and make memories? Searching for the right music to play at your event can be a tricky task, which is why we’ve outlined the ultimate guide to booking event music.
Budget
First things first is: know your budget. Unless you already have a number of musical connections on speed dial, you’re going to have to pay up. Calculate what your budget is for the whole event and determine how much of that can be allocated towards music. This will allow you to make an informed choice when selecting the right band. All prices will vary depending on services, location, and the demand of the artist, but a DJ for a wedding reception or similar event typically goes for around $2,500. An acoustic band in the Hudson Valley might charge anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 per event. Note that solo artists can be a lucrative choice for those trying to save money, since they often charge less due to having less people to pay. If you have the time, listen to a few local bands and musicians. Visualize them playing at your event and imagine what they will bring to the atmosphere; then choose the one that resonates with you the most.
Choosing an Artist
Should you book a band, DJ, or solo artist? It really depends on the vibe you want to create at your event. It also depends on the individual artist and their repertoire. For somebody looking to host a lively function in the city, a DJ might be best. However, for most events, including weddings, parties, reunions, anniversaries, baby showers, and corporate events having live music is really going to help create a sense of human connectivity and social togetherness. There is nothing better to bring people together than the beauty of live music right before your eyes.
Type of Music
This is a big one. A lot of this might come down to personal preference and your vision. Whether you want your band to provide the funky grooves for guests to dance, or the emotional acoustics to make them relax, you’ll want to listen to the band and research them prior to booking. Ideally, the performer would be able to play a wide range of musical styles to help bring different energies at the right moments. A seasoned musician can ease everyone in during cocktail hour, and then bring them up once they’re a few drinks in and ready to party. A good event performer is not only someone who can play beauteous music across various genres, but who reads the room around them, and responds to it energetically with their music and can also take requests.
Booking an Acoustic Band in the Hudson Valley
Using sites like gigsalad to book highly rated performers can save you a lot of hassle and direct you to musicians who put on the best show possible. Ryan Townsend is an acoustic band in the Hudson Valley you can book with confidence. His catalog of music spans the decades to include Rock, Pop, Soul, Alternative, Country & Blues. Old school favorites to contemporary Top 40. His performances are fun, memorable and can connect with audiences of all ages. Booking Ryan for an event is like having a live jukebox! Call (845)-358-1236 to book Ryan for your event today.