About the band

- How long have Boogie Street been together?

Boogie Street was formed in January 2002. The band played its first gig in May 2002.

- How experienced are you?

If you added up the individual number of years, divided by seven, subtracted the number of hours used for setting up and taking down and then multiplied by the average age of the band members it would be confusing. Needless to say, between the seven of us, we’ve played everything from trad. jazz to theatre-pit work and everything in between, and have all played since we were knee-high to Prince.

- How many members are there in the band and what do they play?

If you consider the drummer as a whole person, seven. Between us we have a lead vocalist, a backing vocalist, two guitarists, a bassist, a drummer and a keyboardist.

- How many of you sing?

All of us, but excluding bath-time activities, four of us sing.

- Are the band members always the same?

Sometimes Gaz can be a bit melancholic and Sam occasionally overexcited, but excluding illness the band is the same seven, friendly faces.

- Do you really sound like your CD?

Only when you put it in a CD player and press play. I think we sound better than the demo CD.

- Do you cater for all age groups?

Refreshments are extra but we do play music for anyone who’ll listen (and for those who don’t).

Performance and presentation

- How long do you play?

How much do you want to pay us? An average gig will be 2 x 60 minute sets (each containing around 14 songs).

- What happens during your break(s)?

We cool down, visit the bar and generally complain about the weather. Front of house we will provide CD music through the PA, resulting in a disco-style-affair.

- What do you wear on stage?

Within reason, whatever you’d like us to wear. For a true 70’s disco feel gig the boys dress up in the prerequisites of big wigs, big flares and loud shirts while the girls will garb themselves in short skirts and glittery tops. For a ‘we like 70’s music but we’re not interested in dressing up’ gigs, we’ll probably dress up in big wigs, big flares and loud shirts. For the more formal date we can appear in anything from smart casual to dinner jackets.

- Do you use pre recorded backing tracks, MIDI files or sequencing?

No. Live music should be exactly that: live. There's little excuse for a live band to use backing tracks.

- What are MIDI files, what is sequencing?

Ignorance is bliss. Understanding four letter acronyms is always a slippery slope to inevitable geekdom. Sequencing is a prerequisite of ball room gowns.

- Do you have your own lighting?

Yes and quite a lot of it although how much of it we use depends on your preference.

- Can I request certain CD tracks to be played during your break(s)?

Request as much as you like. If you supply the CD we’ll put it on for you. If you let us know in advance we’ll do the same.

At the function

- How much space do you need for your equipment?

We can squeeze into 15ft x 10ft.

- What electrical power do you need?

Depending on the event, the lighting requires 2 x 13A sockets, the PA another 13A socket while the rest of the band require at least 4 x 13A sockets (not a four-way plugged into a socket please: 4 individual sockets).

- How much time do you need to set up your equipment?

90 minutes would be ideal, which would include a sound-check. We need clear access to the playing area for that time, although it is feasible for the roadies to tip-toe through wedding speeches with the PA balanced on their heads.

- Do you require changing facilities?

Yes please - somewhere that is secure so we can leave ‘stuff’ lying around and somewhere that doesn’t have a panoramic window with no curtains. The toilet is not an option for changing.

- Do we need to make arrangements for meals for you?

Some sort of refreshment would be good as we will be at the venue for a number of hours. Venue managers will usually be able to provide sandwiches, coffee etc as opposed to a full guest-price seven course meal.

Auditioning, booking and costs

- How can I check you're available?

Have a look at the homepage! The list is updated automatically so you can be sure that if a date is available on the website it is actually available.

- How far will you travel?

Generally within 1 hour of our base: Swindon, Wiltshire although we will consider travelling further afield although this does affect the overall cost.

- How far in advance should I book you?

The sooner the better! Some of our bookings have been 18 months ahead to guarantee the date. Basically, the closer you get to your date, the more likely that the band can’t make it (seven musicians to keep in step).

- Can you hold a date for me?

A booking can only be confirmed once the contract and deposit have been returned. While that process is going on, we will put a TBC on the website date. If the date you're after already has a TBC against it, contact us so we know that in the event of a cancellation we can contact you.

- Can I hear you play live?

Yes. We play pub gigs regularly and you are welcome to just turn up (and say hello of course) and listen. If it’s a more formal gig e.g. wedding, birthday etc then it is possible to arrange for you to come along and listen for a while (assuming that the event organizers have agreed).

- How much is the band going to cost me?

Tricky one…the fee for the band depends heavily on the start time, what time we need to be set up by, how far away it is, what time we finish, how long we play for etc. If you would like a personal quote then please click the ‘demo cd’ signpost.

- Are there any additional charges beyond the quoted price?

No.

- Frankly, your price is more than I had anticipated.?

Frank no longer works with the band as his quotes were too high. Keep in mind that ‘You get what you pay for’. Sure, you could hire the 4-piece rock band from the local 6^th form who will almost want to play for 2 hours to an audience for beer money, but there’s really no substitute for the experience, professionalism and general fab time you’ll get with Boogie Street. Remember: anyone can play and sing along to a CD, fewer people can play an instrument and fewer still play well.

- How do I make a booking?

Either drop us an email to boogiemaster or use the ‘demo cd’ link on the signpost. You can also call us on 01793 321049. Try to make sure your date is free before booking.

- What are your payment terms?

A 10% deposit is required to secure your booking which is paid by cheque when you return our contract. The balance can be paid in cash on the night or in advance by cheque which should be posted so as to arrive no less than seven days before the function date.