I've never booked a band before. What should I budget for a band?

Many bands have flexibility in terms of pricing, and that pricing flexes based on a variety of factors (unfortunately sometimes it's based on how much they think you're willing to pay). Makeshift uses a simple, "this much money for this much time" pricing structure, ensuring every one of our clients gets a great deal. It is common for our rate to be 40-50% less than comparable bands. You will find bands available anywhere between $500 and $5000, who offer different levels of service, and it's difficult to tell how good a band is by the price tag. Your goal should be to book the band who is the best fit for you at a price you can afford, so start by finding a band that fits your needs and see if their fee is something you are comfortable with. In our experience, it is hard to find a professional dance band that will book a larger event like a wedding or a party for less than $1500, but this is just a ballpark figure to be sure. It really depends on personnel, equipment, time, and a variety of other factors. Don't assume that because a band charges more, they are a better band or a better fit for your event.

What can I expect if I book Makeshift for my event?

You can expect a high-level experience at every step. We work personally with you to create a performance that is a perfect fit for your event. We will make it easy for you. Makeshift is flexible in setup, size, equipment, and repertoire. We will be crystal-clear on what our appearance will include, what it won't include, what you should expect to pay and what our setup requirements will be. We will make the process of booking a band as fun and easy as possible!

The easy 5-step process:

1. You tell us the simple details of your event.
2. We send you a price to perform at your event.
3. We meet in person (if geographically feasible) to go over every detail and sign a simple event contract.
4. We show up on your date, set up, and rock you and your guests.
5. You are showered with compliments for your great musical taste and you secretly pat yourself on the back for the great deal you got.
6. You tell all your friends about the awesome band you booked (okay, this one is optional).

Are you guys available for my date?

We don't put many private events on our public shows calendar, and many times we are able to move a date to accommodate your event if given enough notice. Head over to our quote page and tell us about your event, and we will get back to you quickly either with our availability or some other suggestions in case we can't play your date.

How do you guys sound live?

Awesome! Actually, coming to one of our shows is the best way to experience Makeshift, but our promo video is true to how we look and sound. We play clubs and bars frequently, and we'd love to meet you in person and discuss your event!

Why should I book Makeshift over another band?

Ultimately, you should book the band that is the best fit for you, and we hope it's us! A couple of the reasons clients choose us:

Makeshift offers wonderful musical variety without feeling like a typical cover band. Many cover bands use a rotating cast of musicians - you never know which musicians you will get for your event. This creates a stale, predictable, "corporate" sound, because the musicians don't get used to each other and just "play their part." Makeshift is always the same guys - we play together all the time and have developed a refined, unified sound that creates a difference you can feel.

We are a better value, plain and simple. It is shocking how much some event bands charge. We use innovative production techniques that allow us to perform an event for much less than our competition, while still producing an amazing, high-level experience for you and your guests. Another major factor is that we are a 6-piece band instead of the 10 or 12 that some bands use. Our goal is always quality over quantity.

Many cover bands play basic, "stripped-down" versions of songs. They change the songs to make them easier (change the key, simplify the arrangement, play with backing tracks, etc.) in an effort to pad their song list, cover every possible style, and make up for their musical weaknesses. This results in a flat, karaoke-like sound that may "get the job done," but is not a unique experience. Makeshift takes a different approach. We play arrangements that are true to the original songs, yet add a special sizzle that is more associated with an original band. Fans of the originals will love that we don't change essential parts of the songs they love, yet true music fans will enjoy the excitement that our original arrangements add. We are top-level musicians who will get your guests dancing, yet will entertain and excite those who just prefer to hang out and listen. Book Makeshift because you want a signature sound - a natural dance groove and authentic musicianship that lets you experience your favorite songs like it's the first time!

Click here to request a quote!