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Why should I choose live music for my party, reception or special event?
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If you want the energy, excitement and emotion that will make your party perfect, then live music is your only real choice.
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How can I find a band that will set just the right mood?
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Whether you want Top 40, rock, country, adult contemporary, big band, jazz, classical, ethnic music or a blend of styles, the "Musician's Association of Metropolitan Baltimore" has the right band for you. Contact us online or call us at 410-337-7277.
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How far in advance of the actual date should a band or solo performer be contacted?
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As soon as possible. Many bands and solo performers are booked as much as a year in advance of the actual performance date.
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How do I know if a band is available for the date in question?
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Simply call the leader of the group. He or she will be happy to tell you everything you need to know about the group's availability. For the leader's phone number, head over to the Leaders' List page or call us at 410-337-7277.
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What if I can't get my "first" choice band?
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With the pool of talented professional musicians within our Local, there really are no "second choices". If the band you want is already booked, we can recommend several suitable alternates.
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How much will the group or solo artist cost?
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The cost will vary from one group to another. The exact amount will depend on the size of the group, the length of the performance (usually 3 or 4 hours), the occasion and the group's popularity. Live music usually costs about the same as a DJ - and sometimes less - and makes every event special.
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Can I hear the group before signing a contract?
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Yes. By contacting the leader you'll be advised of where and when the group is performing. Some groups/soloists also have audio/video demonstration tapes of their performances. Or stop by any of the "Musician's" pages on this site for links to online audio clips.
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How can I be sure the musician/group won't "back out" at the last minute?
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All you have to do is sign an official American Federation of Musicians (AFM) contract, which will be furnished to you by the musician or the leader of the group. Both you and the musician/leader must sign the contract to make it binding.
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An AFM contract is your guarantee that you'll get the band you want at the date and time you want them. Once signed, the AFM group is obligated to honor the contract - and so is the purchaser.
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Won't a non-union band or a DJ give me a signed contract? |
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Not necessarily. Contracts are one of the professional musician's tools of the trade - just like his or her instruments and sound equipment.
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The AFM expects every one of its member bands to provide consumers with contracts as "peace of mind" insurance. There is no organization or trade association monitoring the activities of non-union bands or DJs.
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What if I sign a contract and then find that I have to cancel my party or event?
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A cancellation clause that allows the purchaser to cancel the engagement with sufficient advance notice (agreed upon by both you and the musician/band) may be added to any AFM contract. This way, you don't get "stuck" - and neither do the musicians.
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When should I think about hiring live music?
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Live music makes any event special - so think of live, union music whenever there's a party going on.
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