The Low Riders are available in 4 forms:
5 piece- vocals, guitar, drums, bass, keyboards.
7 piece- vocals, guitar, drums, bass, keyboards, trumpet, saxophone.
8 piece- vocals, guitar, drums, bass, keyboards, trumpet, saxophone, trombone (with female lead and backing vocals)
9 piece- as above, with percussion.
Deputies:
Due to illness, or clashing schedules, we can't guarantee that all the musicians that play on the night are those featured on the website though it's more than likely. If the vocalist can't make the gig- we will inform you well before the night that we are intending to use a deputy, otherwise we guarantee that other deputies will be rehearsed and players of the highest calibre.
Equipment:
We provide all the sound equipment for medium and small venues (venues up to 250 people). Front of house sound comes from a pair of Mackie SRM450 speakers with the optional addition of a pair of Mackie 1501 subs if extra bass is required (extra cost). The whole rig is some of the clearest-sounding and most popular PA gear on the market.
We do not have lighting, so this would have to be organised separate to the band (through the marquee company most probably). Though we are more than happy to help set it up at sound check.
Performance requirements:
We can perform with or without staging, indoors or outdoors. If we are to perform on a stage, this is a guide to the minimum stage area we would require:
5 Piece Band: 16ft by 12ft
7/8 Piece Band: 20ft by 12ft
Playing Times:
It is normal for the band to perform a total of 2 hours of live music finishing by midnight, either as 2 sets of 1 hour with a break or 3 shorter sets with 2 breaks. It is possible to increase playing / finishing times slightly but this would involve an extra charge. We are happy to leave a suitable playlist playing through our PA system during the break and whilst we pack up after the band's performance.
DJ:
The Low Riders can provide a professional DJ (there are 2 in the band) with professional equipment. He will play after the performance but not during the interval, and the type of music tends to be funk, soul, old-school hip-hop and forgotten classics. However, clients are encouraged to make requests for the type of music they are after. There is an extra charge for this and it will depend on how long you want him for. Please enquire further.
Prices:
We aim to keep our prices competitive, although factors such as travel distance (from London) and arrival / finish times will affect our fees. Please enquire further for a full quote. NB 12 midnight is usually latest finish time for the band. If you want us to play later, we will ask for an extra charge. Likewise if you have booked us to finish at 12, understand that the set is likely to be cut short if the gig starts late.
Contracts & Booking:
Bookings are confirmed by receipt of a 50% deposit and a signed Musicians Union Band Hire Agreement stating full details of the event. Remaining payment is normally required two weeks before the gig (by bank transfer or cheque) or as cash, paid at the start of the gig. Musician’s Union booking agreements comply with up to date industry standards.
Setting Up / Sound-Checking:
It is essential that we have sufficient time to set up and sound-check, and depending on the size of the band this can take up to 1 hour. It is highly recommended that the PA and lighting would be set up and sound-checked before the arrival of guests. Please note that there will be an extra charge if you require the band at the venue before 3pm that day.
FAQs
Do we need to provide the band with food?
Yes food and water is required. Either as provided to the guests, or as £10 payment per head for a meal outside of the venue. There should also be somewhere comfortable for the band to change, eat and relax prior to the performance.
Does there need to be carparking?
Yes- this should be made available, preferably near the entrance of the gig for ease of unloading equipment. Any parking costs incurred would need to be reimbursed in cash in addition to the band's fee.
Can we request songs?
Our clients are welcome to make as many requests as they wish (in advance) from our current set list, and we will endeavour to accommodate as many of these as possible. We accept first dance requests regardless of whether or not the song you would like is on our set list already, but we require at least 4 weeks to learn it.
Can we see the band before we book?
Most of our gigs are private gigs so this can be problematic. However we are quite often doing public shows in London so please do enquire and we will let you know of any suitable performances.
What happens if we cancel?
In the event of cancellation (by you, the hirer), the 50% deposit would be non-refundable.
Can the band cancel?
No. The contract which would be signed by us as well as you is a legally-binding document that guarantees that we will provide what you have booked. If a musician is taken ill, or pulls out for another reason such as a family emergency, we will hire a suitable replacement so that the performance can go ahead unaffected. Any additional costs for this would be covered by us.
Do we need to provide accommodation for the band?
If the venue is further than 2 hours from London by car and is finishing beyond 11.30pm, we may well require accommodation in a B&B or Hotel. This can be discussed on enquiry.