Here are some questions commonly asked when booking the band; if you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us.
Booking the band
Set-up and other requirements
The band's performance
Down for the Count formed seven years ago and our line-up has hardly changed since. Performing together on hundreds of occassions over the years has meant that we are extremely well rehearsed, and have developed a fantastic and unique sound that really sets us apart from other function bands.
We are extremely flexible, and can transform from a piano/cello duo for your wedding ceremony, to a background jazz band playing over dinner, right up to a fantastic 9-piece function band for dancing all night long.
We also use top quality PA and lighting equipment to make sure each performance looks and sounds slick and professional.
We pride ourselves on our personal service. Many clients comment on how easy we are to contact, and how approachable we are when discussing and planning your event. We treat every event separately, whether large or small, to make sure that you get the perfect music for YOUR special occassion.
Once we’ve been in contact and agreed a fee, we require a 20% deposit to secure the booking, along with a signed contract. The remaining balance is due 10 days before your event. Click here to find out more about booking the band.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of our events are private functions so it is often not possible to see the band perform live before booking us. However, we try to do a public performance at least once every couple of months, and any performances that we have coming up will be listed on our Live dates page. Please be assured that our demo CD and video recordings are a very good representation of how the band sounds live; in fact, many people have commented how much better we sound live!
We prefer not to advertise our prices on the website, because they can vary so much depending on the location and, to a certain extent, the time of year. However, we respond to all booking enquiries very quickly – always within 24 hours, and often a lot quicker than that. Please be assured that compared to similar function bands, our prices are extremely competitive – and we will never quote more for a performance just because we think a client can afford it.
We regularly travel up to 150 miles from London. We are also happy to travel further than this, though we may need to arrange overnight accommodation which would incur additional charges.
Yes, the band holds a £5m Public Liability Insurance policy with Musicians Insurance Services, and all of our electrical equipment is regularly PAT tested. Please ask us if you need copies of these documents.
Lots of function bands perform in a variety of different line ups - i.e. with 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 players - in order to be as flexible as possible to meet your budget. However, we think this is a disavantage - we always practice as a full band, and orchestrate our music for the full 9 players, so chopping and changing players from gig to gig would just compromise the quality of our performance. Instead, we offer our full 9-piece band at extremely competetive rates, so you know that you're getting a fantastic performance every time.
We do offer a 7-piece 'mini' Function Band, which is our 'budget' option. This ensemble of vocals, piano, bass, drums, keyboards and sax is able to play two sets of dancing music and is perfect if your budget won't stretch to the full 9-piece band.
We need around 90 minutes to set up for the Function Band, which includes time for the band to sound check (the Jazz Band will take about 45 minutes to set up and soundcheck). We like to arrive two hours before we are due to start playing; this means we have time to set-up at a non-stressful pace, get changed and have a quick break before we start playing. It usually takes about 45 minutes to pack up when we've finished playing.
The function band needs about 18' x 8' performance space. However, we are used to squeezing into small spaces so we'll do our best wherever we are!
Please click here to see our terms & conditions.
Yes, but only if we have adequate cover over us. This is to protect us - and more importantly our equipment - against both sun and rain, as both can get in the way of a good performance! You must also check that there is an adequate power supply close to the performance space.
The Function Band needs at least three separate 13 amp sockets. This does NOT mean a four-way extension lead taken out of a single socket, as it will not provide enough power for the lights and speakers. The Jazz Band only needs one socket close to the performance space.
Not as much as many other bands, and it doesn't compromise the way the band looks. We have a compact yet powerful PA system, and use simple, compact lighting which makes the band look a lot nicer!
Yes we can, but if you want us to arrive more than three hours before we are due to start playing we may have to charge you extra. We always aim to finish setting up before your guests arrive, and will be as flexible as possible to try and accommodate your needs.
No – we bring all the necessary equipment; we just need somewhere to plug it in!
As performing for evening events means a long working day (with the band often not getting home until the early hours of the morning), we do appreciate being provided with food - please let us know at the time of booking if this is not possible. We require soft drinks at all events.
We need at least three parking spaces, and a place to get changed in privacy before the performance (we'd rather it wasn't a bathroom unless absolutely necessary!)
We usually play either two 60 minute sets or three 45 minute sets of music, depending what fits in best with your schedule. Longer performances may be available on request; please discuss this in advance.
Yes, we reguarly do this and find it works very well. It also works out much cheaper than booking two separate bands!
Generally speaking, all of our quotes are dependant on us finishing before midnight; if you want us to go on longer, there may be an additional charge. Please ask us for more information.
We bring along a laptop computer and use it to play recorded music similar to the syle of music we perform. However, we are also happy to play your choice of music, if you make a compilation of songs/mp3 files on a CD and send it to us beforehand. We are also able to plug your laptop, mp3 player or iPod into our PA system so that you have complete control over the songs played between sets.
Yes, this is no problem. However, please note that you will not be able to stand further forward than our speakers - otherwise you'll get lots of horrible feedback!
Our top-quality PA system is fantastic for a 'disco' set after we've finished playing. There are some limitations with this, but generally speaking it's MUCH cheaper to use our equipment for your disco than hiring your own DJ.
Often we can, yes. It's best you talk to us as soon as possible to discuss this if it's something you would like us to do. You may like some of the suggestions here, or you might find a song you like in our repertoire.
When you book the band you are more than welcome to go through our repertoire and highlight songs you particularly do or do not want us to play. Sometimes it is possible to learn new songs, but it can be hard to fit this into the band's busy schedule and may incur additional charges. Let us know well in advance and we can discuss the options with you straight away!
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Website design and photography
©2012 Down for the Count
Website design by Mike Paul-Smith
Photography courtesy of Etch Photography
Additional photography courtesy of
Linda Hermans and CaptureIt
