How do I book the Sugar Hill Jazz Band?
How much does the band cost?
What's included in a quote?
Can I see the band playing live?
What if the band is already booked?
Can the band play outside?
Can I ask for a bigger or smaller band?
Will the band provide all it's own equipment?
How long does the band take to set up?
Will the band provide background music for their breaks?
What if I have to cancel my event?
How much space does the band need?
Is there anything extra the band will require on the day?
What will the band wear at my event?

How do I book the Sugar Hill Jazz Band?

We always have something in the region of 30 confirmed bookings at any time (and often up to two years ahead) - so the earlier you book the better. If you're planning a summer wedding or a Christmas party for example, then you will want to organise things well in advance to avoid disappointment.

To make an enquiry about the band simply contact us and we will get back to you either by email or phone within 48 hours. Alternatively you can phone Lynden or Andrea on 0777 485 9096 or 0208 446 3991. Once we've had a chance to speak with you we can then post you a comprehensive quote, brochure and our demo CD.

We are happy to hold your date as a provisional booking for up to four weeks. This ensures that if anyone else should enquire about our availability for your date we will always give you first refusal.

Once you decide that you would like to book the band we will email or post you a contract to sign and return to us. We will also ask for a non-refundable deposit of £250 + VAT. Final payment of the balance of the fee can be paid either by cheque or bank transfer one week in advance of your date or in cash on the day.

How much does the band cost?

The nature of each event and the individual needs of each client are always different so it's best to speak with you first in order to provide you with an accurate quote. Once we've done so, we will base our quote upon a variety of factors:

The date of your event - There is especially high demand for dates through the summer, over Bank Holiday weekends and at Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations and some of these dates may incur a higher fee. If you are planning an event more than 18 months in advance then we will need to factor that in as our fees go up slightly each year.

Where your event is being held - We travel widely throughout the UK including Devon, Cornwall, Scotland, the Channel Islands, Wales and the Isle of Wight. We simply factor in the additional expense of travel, accommodation, equipment hire (if necessary) and any other costs.

Any additional services you may want us to provide - We usually provide up to three 1 hour sets of music from approximately 8pm to midnight. We are also very happy to quote you with additional services such as elegant background jazz through your drinks reception and wedding meal or romantic live music individually tailored for your wedding ceremony.

What's included in a quote?

A quote from us is all-inclusive and will cover all of the following:

All the live music for your event (up to three one-hour sets)

All the recorded background music that we supply for the short breaks between sets

All the travel time and any costs incurred getting to and from your event (petrol, vehicle costs and other travel expenses eg accommodation if required)

All our sound equipment, speakers, amps, mics etc all with PAT test certificates

Time required for setting up and breaking down on the day

Public Liability insurance as covered by our Musicians Union membership

As many phone conversations, emails or in-person meetings (if practical) as it takes to get the details for your event exactly right.

Liaison with your venue/wedding coordinator prior to the day (please note this doesn’t include site visits)

VAT will be added to the quote at the rate of 17.5%

Can I see the band playing live?

Yes, you can - and we highly recommend it as we want you to be one hundred percent assured of the quality service we will provide for your day. We hold regular showcase evenings for our clients in Whetstone, North London. Simply give us a call and we'll let you know when we are playing next.

What if the band is already booked or some musicians become unavailable to attend?

As one of London's most sought-after swing bands, we are now regularly asked to take more than one booking on the same day. In this situation we call on our pool of talented female vocalists and instrumentalists. All are highly experienced jazz graduates and full-time professional musicians who are thoroughly familiar with the Sugar Hill Jazz band set. So although the personnel of the band is different the quality and nature of the act (the line-up of instruments, set-list etc) remains the same.

In the event of any unforeseen circumstance such as an accident or sudden illness of any member of the band then these same musicians are also on standby to cover for the band members.

Can the band play outside?

Yes, playing outside is no problem. All we need is some level ground to set up on, protection from the weather (sun/rain/wind) in the event of a gazebo, awning or similar and access to one domestic power point.

Can I ask for a bigger or smaller band?

We normally appear as a quintet (comprising vocals, sax, keyboard, double-bass and drums) however we are happy to accommodate requests for anything from a duo or trio to a larger band, in any combination of instruments and with or without vocals. Just let us know what you're after and we'll create the perfect line-up for you.

Will the band provide all its own equipment?

Yes, we have our own high quality PA system complete with all mics (including radio mics), stands, speakers, mixer, amps, leads, extension leads, lights, CD and MP3 player. All our electrical equipment has current PAT tests certificates (a requirement of most venues.) Our only technical requirement on the day is access to at least one domestic power point within 12 metres approx of our playing location.

How long does the band take to set up?

Although we will arrive at your venue at least one and half hours before our start time, it in fact only takes us about twenty minutes to set up and be ready to play. We can easily set up in the short break/turn-around period between the end of a sit-down meal and the start of the evening reception - so playing in the same room where you have been eating is no problem.

Will the band provide background music for their breaks?

Yes, we are happy to care of all the background music during our breaks as we have a library of over 1000 tunes on MP3 to choose from. Alternatively you can provide us with a CD or iPod of your favourite tunes and we will play that for you through our sound system.

What if I have to cancel my event?

In the unfortunate event that you have to cancel your booking we will charge a cancellation fee which will be a percentage of the balance owed depending on the notice given.

How much space does the band need?

We have played in hundreds of venues both large and small - from ballrooms, boats, barns and marquees to gazebos, bars, courtyards and front rooms. As a minimum requirement we ask for a flat playing surface approx 4 metres wide by 2 metres deep. If we are playing during a sit-down meal then we also recommend allowing at least 1.5 metres between the band's playing area and the nearest table.

Is there anything extra the band will require on the day?

Our contract with you always includes a request for a hot meal and non-alcoholic drinks for the band members on the night. This is especially appreciated when we have travelled a long distance for your event and may be out for much of the day and into the early hours of the morning.

If possible we also request a room in which to change, store our equipment and rest in between sets. We appreciate that this is not always possible but are grateful when it is.

Parking close to the venue and/or a suitable area to offload our equipment is very helpful. We can liaise directly with your venue if you prefer.

What will the band wear at my event?

As a general rule (and unless requested to do otherwise) our male band members will dress in DJ's and our female singer in elegant evening-wear. If you have any other preferences we are happy to oblige.