We have a few different costs for the band according to where the event is held, what is required from the band ie size of band, if  PA is required. If you fill in the on-line form 'making an enquiry' we will give you a quote. Alternatively, please ring Niall  9am - 8pm: 07976 877 358

Any extras, costs?

The band are south London based, so there are not usually any extra costs. When you have filled in the on-line enquiry form we will give you a quote. This quote will include any extra costs although may mention if accommodation is required when more than a 2.5 hour journey home.

The band are mainly south east London based so prices are quoted for travel from here.

The band are able to perform in various sizes. The 4 piece band is recommended for smaller events. The 5 piece band is for most parties, functions and weddings. The 6 piece band is suited to larger events and has a much fuller sound as the 6th person (sax or trumpet) also adds backing vocals and this creates a great frontline. This 6 piece band is represented on all the recordings on the 'Listen' section.

RSR prefer a large stage for any event, but are used to playing in extremely small spaces. This doesn't affect the performance, we just bring in much less PA equipment and 'bunch up'. If necessary, we can scale band down to a 4 piece. Any less wouldn't be danceable as it would not include the drummer.

The Band will play up to 2 x 1 hour sets. This can be shortened for larger corporate events when working alongside a DJ. Recommended start times for each set are approximately 9pm and 10.30pm.

RSR play a maximum of 2 x 1 hour sets. These sets have been carefully selected and 'gigged' over many years. The end of the band's performance culminates into a musical frenzy with audience participation, full-on instrumentals and hair raising vocal performances. This feels like a full work-out for the band calling upon over 20 years of experience per musician. Playing longer would detract from this. There are bands out there who play for longer, but quantity doesn't always mean quality.

The band can play a 45 minute diner jazz set throughout the meal if required followed by a 1hr and 15 minute set of party danceable material.

The band's sound engineer usually arrives 2 hours before guests arrive for reception drinks. This can be later if guests are seated in a different area to where band will perform. For corporate parties and weddings, the band strongly advise playing in the same room as the bar as this is where guests usually congregate. The sound engineer will be able to play any background cd music before the band play. ie dj isn't generally required.

Will the band make much noise whilst setting up and sound checking?

The band don't generally need to make any noise whilst setting up when using their own PA and sound engineer as we use a state of the art digital mixing desk (saving previous settings from another event) and in-ear monitoring.

If the night is ending at midnight, a DJ isn't generally needed. The band will play music (when set-up is complete) through a laptop or ipod when the band isn't playing through the PA at no extra charge (til midnight). This will include upbeat party tracks in the interval and at the end. However, a DJ can be arranged for an additional cost if required. The cost for a DJ comes with all PA and extra effect lighting.

The band play a number of songs that are appropriate for a first dance. If you have a specific song you would like, then please mention to us as there is a chance that we know it already, or it would be easy to learn. The band can't promise to learn any song as some pop songs need a few rehearsals before playing and may not stylistically be suited to the band's line-up. Alternatively, you can email an mp3 of the song prior to wedding and the band will play through laptop/ipod/cd.

Niall from the band teaches Lindy Hop which is 1940s partner swing-dancing. He may be able to help or suggest other teachers who live locally to you for a few lessons prior to the big day. Other styles include: Jive, Swing, Ballroom and Latin

RSR play a few public gigs such as The Pigalle on Picadilly and the 100 Club on Oxford Street along with occasional appearances at smaller London venues. You can watch the band in action at these and get an idea of the quality of music which will be mainly a mix of jazz, swing, Latin and funk. Please listen to the 'Live function' and 'pop, funk, soul' audio sections on the website to get an idea of what additional material (other than jazz) the band play at weddings and corporate events.

RSR are a professional band ie we make a living out of playing and recording music. We are totally committed to making every event exactly what the client wants...and more. Not only will the band guarantee a full dancefloor, we aim to deliver something special with regards to music choice, band's appearance, quality of musicianship, delivery of songs (we're not just a covers band), along with 'just being professional' on the night.

RSR are a professional band ie we make our living from music. There are many bands who play music part time or semi-professionally who may be able to quote a lesser price. Although these bands may be very good, they may not be able to pay attention to detail such as early arrival, a quality PA and sound engineer, lighting, recorded music between sets and at the end, adapt to set changes and time changes, have Public liability insurance, PAT tested equipment and generally be available to chat through anything most daytimes on the phone or answer emails. Although paying extra doesn't guarantee a great band, it is fair to say that 'you get what you pay for' in this industry.

RSR can play a lot of jazz and swing. A comprehensive list is available on this site under 'Listen, set lists'. There is also a sample 2 x 55 minute set list for a function, party. This is a mix of swing, pop, funk and soul and can be adapted to clients' needs ie more or less jazz. Please specify when making an enquiry.

Yes, the band will bring a state of the art Mackie or HK system along with 24 channel digital mixing desk and Seinheiser wireless in-ear monitoring. A quote from the band includes a system adequate for events up to 350 people on a dancefloor along with basic stage lighting (4 x par 56 lights). A larger PA can be arranged easily on request. Prices quoted include a sound engineer who will monitor sound levels, mix the front of house sound and generally take care of any sound and stage issues.

When you have filled in the booking form, please mention if and when a microphone for speeches will be required. There would only be extra charge for this if sound engineer was needed to be at venue earlier than required for setting up for band. (There would only be a nominal extra charge for requiring engineer early.)

1. A 3m x 5m stage area which needs to be level. This doesn't need to be a raised stage, although it helps to be seen better. Please ensure a marquee stage area is as level as possible so drums don't fall over. Andy gets upset when he is separated from his drums....
2. At least 1 x 13 amp socket.
3. The band usually request some refreshments which can be mineral water (sparkling and still). Food will be arranged beforehand.
4. A room to change, eat and generally 'hang out in' can be ideal for the band, if there is one available. Not a problem if not.

Generally no dinner needed unless a great distance has been travelled. The band know how costly it would be to feed 6 or 7 band members at a wedding, and therefore suggest 'per diems' for band members when there is an early afternoon arrival. These 'per diems' are an additional £15 per person to eat at a local pub/restaurant. As usually only the sound engineer arrives early to set up all the equipment, per diems often only amount to £15 in total. It is normal to ask if band can have the evening buffet along with guests as a snack.

Yes.

Yes, up to £1m

Yes. Certain venues request these such as The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum in connection with insurance. Giles Skiba of 'Skiba Audio' usually organises this on behalf of the band. There is a small charge for this, and a charge if he is required to attend a site meeting. Only very few UK venues require these, although it may be something that changes over the next few years.

RSR pride themselves on never canceling a performance. There has been a few occasions where the line-up has slightly changed due to a member of the band having to drop out due to commitments with touring bands or TV commitments. This is why there is adequate cover and backup listed under 'band members, see other artists we work with'. Likewise, if a singer is ill there are other very professional singers with whom we work either at gigs or in the studio. RSR have 2 singers on each gig, never has both been ill. Other non-singing musicians in RSR still perform when ill. ie we will never cancel due to illness. If the whole band were unable to perform at very short notice due to any reason, Niall has access to many other bands whom he has booked/acted as an agent since 1997. RSR also has a 'sister' band doing a similar thing called 'The Liberations'.

Some venues have had sound limiters fitted because of noise complaints from neighbours or hotel residents. It monitors noise level, and when noise has reached a peak (usually set at around 90db), the electricity to the stage is cut off for 10 seconds. This isn't ideal for any band as it interrupts the set whilst building momentum, but RSR are used to working with these. It helps immensely that RSR use in-ear monitoring which cuts down on-stage volume. In fact, the only thing you hear on stage are the acoustic drums and saxophone. Our sound engineer, Giles Skiba, is then able to adjust front of house levels to combat the sound limiter.

A definite yes. We can email live versions of us playing so anyone guesting with the band can prepare. This is always good fun.

1. Give Niall a call 07976 877 358 or send an email through the website 'making an enquiry'. We will give you a quote and check availability. We will provisionally hold date for you ie if anything else comes in for RSR, we will let you know.
2. Listen to band either from website, request a cd to be sent to you, or come to a gig.
3. When you are happy to confirm and a fee has been agreed, a ten minute phone conversation with Niall will outline all the details to put on a contract such as times, place and fee.
4. Niall will email a contract to you with the above agreed details and with a digital signature. This will outline terms of payment, usually collecting payment upon completion, and if a deposit is required.
5. Print, sign and return contract by post (if you are happy with details).
6. There are usually a few emails, phone conversations before event to do final checks.
7. Band turn up ready to make a party...a party!