What else might we need to consider? (Outdoor events and
contingency plans for bad weather, Licences, Dress Code, Special Needs, Refreshments,
Volume Levels, References)
If the event is to be held outdoors: It is your responsibility to have contingency
plans for bad weather! While all attempts would of course be made to continue
with the dance, if it has to be abandoned due to weather conditions, the
full fee would still payable to the Band and Caller.
Licences: Due to changes in alcohol and public entertainments licensing during
2005, and ongoing changes still “in the pipeline” it is vital
that the organiser of the event, or booker of the band checks with the Venue
management that the venue has the necessary licences in place to allow the
event to go ahead. This is NOT the band’s responsibility. Any band
booked accepts the booking on the understanding that this has been checked,
and the Band cannot be held responsible, even in part, if this is not the
case.
Dress code: Make sure you and your guests wear appropriate footwear and clothing!
Hate to say it, but sensible, boring flattish shoes and reasonably loose
clothing are best for this lively sort of dancing – NOT stiletto heels
and tight clothes! Brides – it’s a good idea to consider making
sure that any long dress train can be “hooked up and tucked away” for
ease of leaping about the dance floor without tripping up or stepping on
that gorgeous dress!
Unless something specific is requested, band members tend to dress in a fairly
informal but smart/casual style – trousers or skirt and shirt or blouse
and shoes, rather than trainers! I always ask people making a booking whether
they have any preference for how the band dresses – i.e. casual, smart
casual, smart, any tartan for, say, Scottish themed events, or jeans, check
shirts and cowboy hats for American themed events etc.
Special needs: It’s useful for the Caller to know beforehand, for example,
if some people who will be dancing can’t speak much English, or maybe
have a disability, so the band and Caller can allow for that in the pace
of music and choice of dances and the way the Caller instructs the dancers.
Refreshments: Playing for several hours for a Ceilidh or Barn Dance is very
hungry and thirsty work, so any food and drink refreshments provided for
the band and Caller are ALWAYS greatly appreciated. It’s not obligatory,
but let’s say that it’s the “norm” to offer the band
some hospitality. It’s a known fact that musicians work better when
they are well fed and watered . . . !
Volume Levels: If you’re concerned about Granny Mabel, Uncle Arthur
and Aunty Joan being able to hear each other talking whilst they’re
watching the dancing, fear not! Most Ceilidh Bands play at a reasonable level
so that people can sit and chat and still hear each other. However, if you
feel that the Band is a little too loud or even a little too quiet, it is
perfectly OK to ask them to adjust the volume level a bit! They won’t
bite you!
References: I only offer bands whose music I “know” and whom
I trust to be reliable and professionally minded. A demo CD usually fully
serves the purpose of letting a booker know the band is suitable, but occasionally,
people will ask for a reference for a band from a previous “happy customer” and
I can usually provide this. Most bands will have received appreciative Thank
You letters or cards from past bookers which they are happy to share.
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