FAQs - PRIVATE EVENTS

What makes Radio Gatsby unique?
Radio Gatsby brings a distinctive blend of vintage and modern themes to its music and its look!  We are just as passionate about vintage jazz dating back to the 1920s as we are about popular music of the 2000s - 2020s! Drawing on decades of great music, Radio Gatsby can deliver everything from an elegant jazz performance to a vibrant dance party.

 

How large is the band?

Radio Gatsby offers everything from an elegant cocktail Jazz Trio to a powerful, 10-Piece Dance Band. For most events (with 75-200 guests), we recommend hiring our Core, 6 or 7-Piece Band since this is all you need to assure a complete sound and great dance party. If budget permits, you can consider upgrading to Radio Gatsby’s 8,9, or 10-Piece Band which provides additional musical textures and an even more impressive ‘on-stage’ look. 

 

What is the musician line-up in Radio Gatsby?

Radio Gatsby’s core 6 & 7-Piece Bands consist of: Piano/Keyboards - Upright & Electric Basses - Drums & Percussions - Saxophone & Clarinet - Trumpet - Female Vocalist - Male Vocalist.   Our expanded 8, 9, 10 Piece Bands incorporate Electric Guitar - 3rd Horn Player (Trombone or Alto Saxophone) - 2nd Female Lead Vocalist

 

Who are the musicians in Radio Gatsby?

The band is comprised of versatile and multi-faceted, top Bay Area musicians, most of whom play multiple instruments and provide lead & back-up vocals during our performances. Having multi-instrumentalists and multiple lead singers - both female and male - enables Radio Gatsby to draw upon a wide range of musical genres and provide an exciting, multi-textured & multi-timbral sound.

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How do Radio Gatsby musicians dress?

Musicians in Radio Gatsby typically dress in appropriate formal vintage wear to match our style of music and the elegant setting. The men of our band wear vests and ties. Our female lead singer wears an appropriate vintage cocktail dress. We can also adapt our look to match specific event themes (e.g.- 1920s Speakeasy, Gatsby, Old Hollywood, Casino Royale, etc.)

 

Can Radio Gatsby provide music Cocktail Receptions, Dinners, & Awards Ceremonies?

YES! Radio Gatsby is  a Full Service Band, which means that we can provide live or recorded music for every aspect of your event.  Here are the suggested musical configurations for most celebrations:

 Cocktail Reception: Jazz Quintet (outdoor settings); Jazz Trio, Quartet, or Quintet (indoor settings)
 Dinner Reception:  6 or 7- Piece Band 

 Awards Ceremonies:  6 or 7- Piece Band 

 Dance Party:  Radio Gatsby's Core 6 or 7-Piece Band, or  Expanded 8, 9-Piece Band if budget permits

 

Does Radio Gatsby provide MC Services? 
YES! Count on us to provide any or all MC requirements for your event. Here are the most commonly requested MC services:

    - Introduce toast and speech makers

    - Invite guests to be seated, or to make their way to various locations for Cocktails, Dinner, & Dancing

    - Make important service announcements (e.g. logistical information for guests, etc.)

 

Does Radio Gatsby provide wireless microphones and sound? 

YES - Radio Gatsby can provide wireless microphones and full sound services for speeches, toasts, award ceremonies, and auctions. 

 

Can Radio Gatsby provide uplighting?

YES - Radio Gatsby offers professional uplighting service for private events. We provide this service at about 40%-60% of the price relative to typical lighting vendors as we can absorb a large portion of the labor and delivery costs into our regular band logistics. Let us know if you need decorative uplighting for your event, and we will provide you with a quote. 

 

Does Radio Gatsby get involved with planning & coordination? 

YES - Our goal is to be in regular communication with you during the planning stages of your event, as well as during the event. Feel free to put us in direct contact with your Event Planner to coordinate logistics and to ensure a steady flow to your celebration. You and your Planner will find us responsive, flexible, and easy to work with.  

 

When Does Radio Gatsby arrive to setup and soundcheck? 

We typically arrive to your venue 2 -2.5 hours prior to your guests’ arrival. This gives us more than enough time to set up and test our sound equipment and instruments in the various performance locations.  By the time your guests arrive, everything will be in place and the music will be playing!

 

Does Radio Gatsby customize its performance for my event? 

YES - During the planning stages of your event we will invite you to participate in the preparation of our musical playlist for your Dinner, Awards Ceremony, or Dance Party. Special requests are welcome!

 

How much does it cost to book Radio Gatsby?

Typically, the cost for hiring ANY professional band for your event will fall in the range $3500-$7000.  Radio Gatsby’s pricing is consistent with industry standards and will depend on several variables:  The size of the band;  the duration of your celebration; the number of performance settings; and the venue location & distance from the San Francisco Bay Area where we are based.

 

Does Radio Gatsby travel out of town & out of state?

YES, Radio Gatsby regularly receives invitations to perform outside of the San Francisco Bay Area. We would be delighted to consider performing at your event if your budget will permit for our travel and possible hotel costs.

 

What is the next step to book Radio Gatsby for my event?

The first step in the process is to contact us and set up a no-obligation consultation. Once we have gathered a few important details, we will provide you with a proposal, our recommended approach, and pricing options for Radio Gatsby’s performance at your event.