Should I Book a Live Band for My Restaurant?
Everything you need about hosting a live band in your restaurant
Looking to put on an exciting event that'll drive new customers to your business?
Why not consider booking a live band? While you may already play music at your restaurant, there's nothing quite like the experience of a live performance for your customers to enjoy. After many years of experience working closely with several restaurants, bars, cafes and more, we are here to advise you on some things you should consider when booking a live band!
Things to consider
Does your venue have the space?
Live bands will need a suitable and safe to setup and perform. We'd recommend roughly 1.5 meters square per person. Allow 2 square meters for a drummer. Remember, space is needed in front and to the sides of the band to accommodate their PA, speakers and lighting stands. If you don't have the space for a band show, you could always consider booking a solo act!
Minimum band stage size requirements
3 piece band: 3 x 3 meters
4 piece band: 4 meters wide by 3 meters deep
5 and 6 piece band: 5 meters wide by 3 meters deep
7 piece and bigger: 5/6 meters wide by 4 meters deep
Do you have in-house lighting and sound equipment?
If you're thinking about making live music a regular thing at your venue, it's never a bad idea to invest in a good P.A system and some lighting to make the show that extra bit special. This goes for lighting in particular as most professional live bands will carry their own P.A system with them, which would generally be sufficient for the size of a restaurant, cafe, etc.
How long will the band perform for?
Usually bands will perform for 60-90 minutes as a standard. 1 x 60 minute set or 2 x 45 minute sets are our most common performance formats for live bands as well as solo singers, duos etc.
It's important for restaurants in particular to plan the night out appropriately. If you book a 'lively' band, for example, you wouldn't want them to be performing whilst your customers are still eating their main course. Making sure your audience can properly interact with the show is very beneficial for a successful night, we'd recommend having the band perform when everyone has finished eating as this allows customers to sing and dance along, resulting in a more enjoyable night for everybody in attendance.
How much will a live band cost?
Prices of live bands always vary depending on several factors, such as the number of band members, sometimes travel cost involved but also more generally the band's popularity and how 'in demand' they are. Top of the range live bands including professional or semi-pro musicians will charge more than your average local band. The short of it is, higher demand = higher price!
As a rough guide, most good standard, professional 4-5 piece bands start around the £1000 mark. We would advise to look between that £1000 to £2000 mark for great quality where you wont be disappointed.
The benefits of hosting a live music night
Booking a live band for your restaurant can be extremely beneficial to your business. It's a fantastic way to attract new customers and not to mention the increase in your drink sales. In addition to that, hosting a live band at your restaurant will liven up the atmosphere which will no doubt motivate people to spread the word, encouraging new potential customers to swing by!