Particularly popular during the 1970s, steel bands can be suitable for many different events, especially weddings. Commonly asked to play after the ceremony, either as photos are taken or whilst guests enjoy a meal or drinks, while they share stories of the happy couple.
What do they play?
Steel bands have a varied repertoire of hits from the past 50 years of popular music, and can cover anything from Caribbean music to modern chart hits.
Steel bands tend to play a mixture of instrumental calypso, latin, reggae, pop and rock n roll music and often come as either duos, trios or quartets.
Bands are available either to perform background music or provide a beat for your guests to move to.
By hiring a steel band, it’s likely that all your guests will be indulged in the party dancing in a conga line in no time at al! Last Minute Musicians steel band Solid Steel perform contemporary hits, such as Daft Punk’s Get Lucky…
Things to think about before booking
Space and atmosphere
Steel bands can come in various forms and line ups, some being as small as just two people. For larger events such as carnivals, festivals, stadiums and theatres, a steel pan orchestra can be hired, with up to 50 musicians coming together to create a vibrant carnival party atmosphere.
This is perfect for relaxed events, but perhaps not appropriate for black tie levels of formality.
It’s always worth over budgeting space for your band or musician, as they are likely to require more room than you might imagine.
Perfect for outdoor events, like many acoustic based performers, steel band duos require relatively little space and are usually easy for musicians to set up and take down.
Steel band performers will, of course, have to move under cover should the weather turn from sunshine into rain!
Read the reviews
If you’re struggling to decide between several acts, then the reviews and testimonials of former clients can help tip the balance one way or another.
They offer snapshots of former client’s experiences in booking the band and can provide reassurance that you’ll receive good service.
Things to ask about during the booking process
Requests
As with most live musicians, you can ask your steel band to learn certain songs if they are not already in their repertoire.
You can also ask for them not to play certain songs by providing them with a ‘do not play’ black list. Steel bands will give helpful advice for couples who aren’t sure where or what they want their steel band to perform.
If you are stuck for requests, like your first dance, you can always consult with your contact in the band.
They can bring their own experience of what works and what doesn’t to the table and advise you of some pieces to think about.
Requirements
When booking any form of live entertainment, the musicians will inform the client of what they need to provide.
Most clients will be asked to provide a suitable space for parking and loading in/out equipment.
Before booking a steel band, or any other live performer, it is advised that you ensure they have public liability insurance.
This protects both the musician and the audience in the unlikely event of an accident.
With especially large steel bands, it’s a good idea to find or provide a space for them to use when not performing.
Providing food for your act is also worth considering, especially if they are there for a long time.
Have you hired a steel band? Perhaps you play in one? Let us know any advice in the comments below!
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