Booking Big Band Entertainment for an Important Gala

When looking for entertainment for an event, most people these days settle for a DJ or a live band who appeals to a modern and commercial audience. But what if you’re on the lookout for some classic musical stylings for an important gala? Perhaps there are important auction or fundraising efforts going on, and you have to dazzle the donors with some old school songs. Here are the best avenues for booking good old fashioned big band entertainment. 

1. Understand What You’re Looking For

If you’re reading this, then you already know that you’re on the lookout for a solidly entertaining and quality Big Band to entertain at your gala. Big Band music can bring elegance and a hint of nostalgia to formal events like this, harkening back to the 1950s and as far back as the 1920s. The style, however, has gone out of fashion, and the number of bands performing in the genre has sadly dwindled. However, there are plenty of acts that are hirable, so fear not!

2. Determine A Budget

Before delving into the official search, draw up a budget that specifically allocates a monetary amount to the hiring of live talent. This way, you are setting up financial parameters that will both narrow down your choices, and help you decide how far you are willing to search in terms of where the band is located, how big it is, etc. Since the event in question is a gala, the assumption would be that there would be a substantial amount of money reserved for entertainment as compared to a DIY rock show or small fundraiser, so you should have many options to choose from. 

3. Search, Search, Search

The search is on, but where do you look? Big Band music isn’t like rock or pop. You can’t just see a local show and run into this kind of music unless you live in New Orleans or a similar city. The best chance you have is on the internet, and luckily, there are new entertainment hiring apps that can facilitate the ease of hiring. Big Band acts like Michael Francis Sinatra are available for hire on specialguestapp.com, a brilliant new platform with a mission to make it easy for anyone in the USA to hire talented local entertainers for events of all kinds: weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, private parties, and more. 

4. Negotiations

While this step isn’t genre-specific, it’s still important to remember. Have a conversation, either by email or phone, with the talent you hire to iron out the details of the event, including financial expectations, technical requirements in the space, and anything else that may be involved. It’s essential that a written contract is drawn up. Relying on a vague verbal contract is not professional, and leaves talent bookers open to conflicts with hired talent. While it’s unusual, it’s best to be professional and secure the hiring in writing. That way everyone is happy, knows what to expect, and the gala has the greatest big band music experience in decades.