
Listen To Top Shelf ... Oldies & More
Q. What style of music do you play? View
The Band's Song List
A. Top Shelf Oldies plays a wide variety of the popular music from the
1950's - 60's and 70's. Just have a look at our
Song List! We also play some popular music from 1980's to today. Our
focus is to play recognizable music ... songs that were usually top ten
of the year back in their day.
Q. Do I need to pick ALL of the songs for you to play at my
Event?
A. The short answer is: No, you have enough to worry about! Our many years
of performing live allows us to call songs in a natural order and flow
that compliments the atmosphere and mood of people at large. We want to
be sure that the vast majority of people are having fun. We respond and
interact with you and your guests to make it a memorable enjoyable event.
We do however want you to be able to customize your event, so we typically
recommend you review our Song List and highlight
the songs you love, as well as scratch out any songs you absolutely do
not want played. We always do our best to please you and every guests
in attendance!
Q. How does the band dress during a performance?
A. We always seek to dress appropriately for the venue and we will be
sure to accommodate your preferences as required. Our attire varies from
very casual shorts and dress shirts for hot outdoor events to pressed
pants with sports jackets to country club social events to full formal
dress for weddings and formal occasions. If you would like us to dress
in something specific, please ask!
Q. Will the musicians that I see in your promotional
materials and pictures be the same musicians who will perform at my event?
A. The short answer is yes. Top Shelf Oldies is proud to be a “set group”
which means that the musicians that you see here and have heard live at
our performances, will be the same musicians that will be performing at
your event. In the event a member is sick or detained beyond their control
we will notify you of this circumstance and may substitute as required.
The founding musicians that perform in Top Shelf Oldies meet a certain
talent level and any replacement musicians will meet our quality standards
to insure your event is completed with the highest satisfaction level
we can muster on your behalf.
Q. How long do you typically play for?
A. Our minimum booking time is two (2) hours of performance, but a typical
job is 3 to 4 hours depending on the venue.
Q. How do you take breaks?
A. We generally take a 15 - 20 min break after 60 - 90 minutes of performance
time. If a meal is involved we usually play our dinner set until the entrees
have been served, or for a buffet we will play until the majority of the
guests have been served. We typically eat at this time too so that after
dinner the band can perform without interruption. Food and drinks are
part of our compensation when performing so we are always performing at
our best.
Q. What happens when the band takes a break do you provide music?
A. We provide music to be played during all breaks but if you prefer to
create your own break material we will set up your media device to play
through our system during the breaks. Be sure you bring the appropriate
player and cords for your preferred format to plug into a 1/4 inch PA
input. Either way there will NEVER be silence or dead air at your event.
Q. Do we have to provide a meal for the band?
A. Part of our compensation is that you provide a meal and drinks for
the band. It doesn’t have to be what the guests are receiving (Although
most clients do that). Most catering halls have a vendor meal for the
band. With travel, unloading equipment, early setup times and performance
time; and after the performance we must breakdown and exit loading, it’s
a very long day for us. So feeding us ensures you get a high level performance
from each of us.
Q. I'm concerned about the volume of the band. How can
we be sure that Top Shelf Oldies won't be too loud?
A. Low volume is what attracts people to our band and we get this compliment
often, especially during dinner and cocktail hours. We have state-of-the-art
equipment and years of live performance experience. This allow us to play
at low volumes and provide a rich clean sound at the same time, other
newer bands usually lack this sensitivity. We are EXPERTS at keeping the
volume just right. As we are playing, we are constantly looking around
the room to make sure your guests can easily have a conversation with
each other while also making sure the dance floor has a good feel and
enough volume to satisfy them too. We are extremely concerned with volume
and Top Shelf Oldies feels that everyone at your event should be enjoying
themselves whether they are on the dance floor or engaging in conversation.
See Our Client's Comments
Q. Some of our favorite music is not on your song list.
Will you learn songs for us?
A. Learning a new song is not like reading a poem it takes days of individual
preparation and multiple practice sessions to learn a song to the performance
level. Our personal skill levels and vocal ranges do put many songs out
of our reach to perform live. So requests are never something we can guarantee.
We are always open to your suggestions and many songs on our song-list
have come from requests. So if you will provide us with the name of the
song and the artist you'd like to suggest we'll do our best to accommodate
that under the conditions stated above.
Q. How much will it COST to have Top Shelf Oldies play at my
event?
A. We are available for private parties and functions and our Standard*
booking price starts at $600.00 for 2 hours performance time plus food and
drinks. We charge $200.00 for each additional hour of performance time
booked in advance. We charge $100.00 per half-hour for impromptu over-times,
subject to band members availability and personal schedules we can never
guarantee impromptu over-time.Booking the band requires an initial deposit equal to 1/4 the of the
total booking price. Minimum $200.00 this is non-refundable to secure
the event date.
Book The Band ................ $600.00
*Standard prices do not include special functions and prime booking dates such as holiday celebrations around Christmas season - New Year's - St. Patrick's Day etc. Pricing may increase to meet market demand for these special dates. Please call to discuss and confirm pricing and availability. Lower price options for off season bookings. All the same fun with Less playing time and fewer musicians. Call Will Ravellette to discuss (239) 810-6180 Cell
Q. Is it possible to see the band perform live?
A. Yes. As a matter of fact we would love for you to come see us live!
Top Shelf Oldies performs at local venues where you and everyone else involved in the decision process can enjoy us live.
Call for an update on dates and times of our live performances.
Call Will Ravellette (239) 810-6180 Cell
Q. What time does the band arrive prior to the event?
A. Our typical arrival time is 60 - 90 minutes before the band's scheduled
start time. We require a minimum of 30 minutes to set-up. If your event
requires that the band set up at specific times, please inform us as soon
as possible. As professionals we like to be prepared to avoid last minute
surprises and stresses whenever possible.
Q. Do I need to meet with the Band members before booking
an event?
A. Your event planning can easily be done over the telephone and via e-mail,
fax and even snail-mail if necessary. But if you're more comfortable meeting
in person that would be wonderful too! We suggest that you notify us before
hand and visit us at a live event so we can discuss things in detail then.
On rare occasion we may request to see the venue to scope out the size
and acoustics of the room in cases of a larger-scale event.
Q. Will you perform MC services for our event?
A. While usually MC services are not handled by the band we will gladly
accommodate all your MC requirements, with the exception of a public prayer.
If MC services are excessive requiring a commitment of time in preparation
there may be additional fees required to accommodate preparation and additional
work-time ($20 - $50 extra). Please communicate this requirement when
booking the band.
Q. We want to book Top Shelf Oldies! What happens next?
A. First call to confirm dates and pricing and we'll prepare a booking
packet for you. We will then send it to you spelling out the detailed
terms and conditions on securing your event. You need to sign our agreement
and return it ASAP. A deposit (non-refundable) of 1/3 rd of the price
is required along with the signed agreement to secure your date. The remaining
balances are due prior to the start of our performance at your event.
Q. Can you hold a date open for me?
A. We do not put a "hold" on specific dates without a contract and deposit.
The band's policy for bookings is that the first person to sign and return
our agreement along with the required deposit gets the date. We will notify
you if there are serious inquiries for your date request giving you right
of first refusal.
Q. Anything else we should know or any suggestions about
hiring you?
SEATING ARRANGEMENTS
Although volume is never an issue with Top Shelf Oldies, please consider
the preferences of your guests when it comes to seating arrangements.
We find that that older guests may not enjoy being seated right next to
the band. It is best to seat the people who are most likely to dance and
party closer to the band. If at all possible, the ideal setup at the event
is to set-up the band across the dance floor opposite your guests.
PARTY ATMOSPHERE
The tone of your event and it's overall success falls on you and your
closest friends as hosts. If you're all dancing and having fun, your guests
will follow along and have fun too. While it's appropriate to spend some
time greeting your guests and managing affairs, don't forget to get out
there and enjoy your own party!
Q. Are gratuities necessary?
A. We place a TIP Jar close to the band for Gratuities, unless you advise
otherwise. Tipping is not a necessity but is always greatly appreciated.
Q. Would you mind if a family member or friend played
a song with the band?
A. We always enjoy having people sit in with us as it makes it an exciting
event for all. All we ask is that they respect our instruments and equipment,
as well as the other guests in attendance, and perform in a manner accordingly.
Q. Got another question not answered here?
A. Email or call us with any other questions or concerns we're eager to help.
Call Will Ravellette (239) 810-6180 Cell
email will.ravellette@aol.com