Q Branch Archive for posts tagged ‘experienced band’
Wedding and Party Band
Doctor Chocolate perform songs from all eras and genres so there is always something for everyone in our sets. Doctor Chocolate perform for two x one hour sets and provide recorded music via ipod for the times when the live band are not performing. Doctor Chocolate are experienced at events of all times, functions, parties, weddings, festivals, corporate events, fundraisers and proms to name a few.
Doctor Chocolate only ever perform as a 9-piece band and always fully live. Ideally we would need space of 12’x15′ to perform in but this is a very rare occurrence and we can fit into smaller spaces as needed – we just don’t fling our elbows out with the dance moves as much!
As an experienced and reliable band we have the knowledge of performing at different events for different age groups and know exactly what is required of us at events and how to get every crowd involved in the evening. As an experienced and professional band people are often surprised at how affordable we are. We are hugely competitive for a band of our size – sometimes a lot less than a 5/6 piece band would charge you! However, we are not “cheap”. We always say you get what you pay for – if you pay peanuts… well, you know the rest!
Book a reliable, experienced and excellent band for your event – book Doctor Chocolate for a vibrant, full and explosive performance that will leave the competition standing….! Visit our main website or like our Facebook page to keep updated on the latest news and events. Contact us for a quote or more information
Wedding Band Reliability
Doctor Chocolate are an awesome 9-piece live wedding, party and function band based in the South West Region of England.
We are one of THE most reliable bands on the circuit and, having performed at thousands of weddings and events all over the UK and abroad over the past 25 years, we are delighted to say that we have never once let a client down.
Sadly, we have received calls from couples, charities and events where the band they have booked have either; put their fees up at the last minute, cancelled the gig altogether or just not bothered to turn up on the night! This is disgraceful behaviour but it can happen with bands who haven’t been on the circuit for long, are inexperienced and/or are unreliable. Sometimes we’ve been available to step in and cover the event – hurrrahhhh – but if not, managed to find another band or DJ for the event so that they have some entertainment for guests attending. Whatever the problem we will always try to help.
In over 25 years we’ve ALWAYS arrived at a function on time and we’ve never let any event down. EVER!
- We’ve had the van break down on the motorway whilst on the way to London for a charity fundraising event, found another van to hire, unload and reload and STILL get to the venue on time.
- Been door-deep in snow with the van stuck in the middle of nowhere – but we found a tractor to tow the van to the venue and still managed to be at the venue and set up in time.
- Had our bass player lose his finger in a door whilst setting up AT the venue, and our talented Front Man picking up the bass and doubling up on the night.
So no matter what’s been thrown our way – Doctor Chocolate have ensured that our one and only priority; to make YOUR event the BEST event and ensure everyone has an amazing time – is always carried out!
So don’t take the chance with any other band! This may be the only time you have to book a live band and you want it to be the best night possible! Book Doctor Chocolate for your event and be guaranteed a full-on party that will have all your guests talking about your event for months after – and for all the right reasons!
Wedding Venues
Doctor Chocolate have been performing for 25 years. We are an experienced and entertaining live band and have performed at thousands of weddings, charity event, parties, school proms, college university balls, military events and celebrations over the years.
This means that we’ve played at some amazing venues all over the UK and the South West as well as internationally! From private houses, hotels, country houses, village halls and military establishments – you name it – we’ve probably played in something similar previously.
This experience gives us a real insight in what makes a good reception venue.
Having worked with private clients, corporate agents, agencies, wedding coordinators, Events Managers and venues the length and breadth of the country we also know what the client wants and what the venues expect and we work really hard to make sure everyone is happy!
Here are a few things to consider when you are looking at venues
ACCESS
How easy is the venue to access? Doctor Chocolate have arrived at venues and been able to park right outside the room we are due to perform in. This is lovely and speeds up the set up of all the equipment but it’s not always quite so easy! Other venues are not quite so easy and we’ve had to climb 3-4 flights of stairs, navigate narrow corridors or wade through 8″ of mud to set up in a marquee. This could delay the allocated time for setting up all the equipment and may mean a later start than planned in the evening. Thankfully with 10 people in Doctor Chocolate (9 band members and 1 sound engineer) we can set up super fast but please do consider the access for entertainment when you are looking at venues and advise the band if there are any difficulties.
WEDDING RECEPTION
Another point to consider when booking a live band is the amount of time they need to set up. Doctor Chocolate have this down to a fine art but we do have an awful lot of equipment so always recommend a minimum of 90 minutes in case of any problems at the venue. Our PA is top of the range and there are 9 of us in the band plus a sound engineer, lighting and instruments, so a fair bit of space is needed. If you are having your wedding breakfast/wedding reception in the same room as the band you may want to consider a couple of options: is there enough space for the band to set up and seat all your guests? Do you want the band to set up earlier in the daytime before anyone arrives? Can the band set up after the wedding breakfast/reception allowing your guests to move out of the room and allow the venue and the band time to crack on with the entertainment? Is there another room or outdoor space for your guests to move into whilst the set up is carried out? Any problems then please just ask – we’ve lots of experience and can help you with the schedule for the day/evening.
BAR
Parties work best if the bar is located in the same room as the entertainment. Although the band can still be heard, down the corridor and around the corner, down a flight of stairs etc, having everything in the same room or as near as possible makes for a better atmosphere! Don’t worry though – Doctor Chocolate are an interactive band and with most of the band members on wire-free microphones we will go and get guests and bring them back through to the dance floor if they spend too long at the bar! It’s not a problem for our band but can limit other bands who may not quite as flexible, confident or experienced as well as their being restricted to the stage space.
NOISE LIMITERS
Many venues have had a change of use to allow music and have had to install a sound limiter. Sometimes the sound limit set is really low so only suitable for acoustic performers (no speakers). We have, and we will continue to work at venues with a sound limiter installed but we would need to know the decibel level prior to confirming the event. Sometimes the noise limiter set at a venue is enough for us to be able to perform and still loud enough to create a great atmosphere for you. Our sound engineer keeps a close eye on the limit levels to make sure we don’t go over. Just check the decibel level allowed at the venue before you ring for a quote and we can advise you if it is within the limits we can work in. Sadly if we turn up on the night and a limiter is in place, if the band was not informed in advance, then we maybe unable to play. Find out more on our Frequently Asked Questions page on the website.
EVENING FOOD
If you are planning on feeding your guests in the evening then please do think about the timings and where they could fit well. Doctor Chocolate perform for two x one hour sets and we find guests are more likely to party a little later in the evening, especially when attending weddings as it gives guests time to catch up and have a natter with relatives and friends that they may not have seen for a while. A lot of venues insist on serving an evening buffet at 9:30pm – which is the ideal time for the band to get everyone going. If possible a better time to serve food is before the band start so at about 8:45pm or in the bands break at about 10:30pm. Doctor Chocolate would suggest sets starting at 9:30pm until 10:30pm and the buffet served at this time – bacon butties often go down really well at this time of the evening and keep the energy levels of your guests going – with our second set would start again at 11:00pm and finishing at midnight.
ROOM FOR THE BAND
The band need a bit of space to set up the equipment although Doctor Chocolate have squeezed into some really small spaces in the past. Ideally a 12′ x 15′ space is needed – with or without a stage – we’re not that fussy! Also, please consider where the band will go once everything has been set up – normally we require a room somewhere to get changed, leave our belongings whilst we are performing, and somewhere to sit before we go on and during the break. It doesn’t have to be fancy – a simple meeting room or a spare reception room would be great. With many marquee weddings a private room isn’t always available so we’ve had to change into stage outfits in the back of the van or mobile toilets – it’s not ideal – but we always adapt!
For more information on Doctor Chocolate please visit our website.
We’ve also got 25 videos that were recorded LIVE at a charity event in Weston. The videos are 100% live and give you the opportunity to see/hear the band before you book us if we haven’t got a public event where you can come along and heckle.
Follow us on Facebook to keep updated with our shenanigans and hear our latest news!
Contact us for a quote or more information on the band. We’d love to hear from you.
Wedding, Party, Corporate and Function Band
Who are Doctor Chocolate?
Doctor Chocolate are a 9-piece live party band based in the Bristol area. We are a group of seasoned, highly professional musicians who are guaranteed to make your event one to remember – and for all the right reasons!
We specialise in weddings, parties and corporate events but are also available for birthday parties, private events, charity fundraisers, proms, university balls, clubs, hotels and holiday parks. If you are planning an event – then contact us for a quote! You won’t be disappointed as we are one of the hardest working, professional and fun bands in the South West.
Although we are based in and around the South West region we are always ready to travel anywhere within the UK or internationally. We can make sure your event comes alive and the dance-floor is packed all night long with our carefully selected floor fillers!
Doctor Chocolate is male and female fronted, we are a 9-piece band comprising of: Female vocalist, Male vocalist, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Drums, Keys, Bass, Guitar and we come with our own sound engineer.
Doctor Chocolate are fully self contained with our own PA system and lighting so you don’t need to worry about sourcing this separately. We also provide recorded music during the time the band is not performing – and can offer a DJ too if you want one!
Our one priority is to ensure your party is amazing and that everyone has a great evening and we have lots of testimonials from satisfied customers with most of our bookings coming via recommendation.
Get in contact with Doctor Chocolate to find out more. Visit our website or Follow us on Facebook