YES!
Heck yeah the band needs to take breaks! Let go of the idea that there has to be live music playing at all times during a party. Band members need breaks because as a singer once said to me “we’re not machines” – seriously we’re people working very hard keeping the dance floor packed and it’s very physically demanding work. Imagine running a marathon and singing or playing an instrument for 4 hours straight! It’s not at all possible and no bands do this. Pre-recorded music for a short break time will not tank any event. Your guests need breaks from dancing too! Also, it’s exciting when the band comes back on stage! This is a natural element for any live music experience.
Is there silence on the breaks?
No silence! We play a mix of music via our iPod or Spotify that is relevant to the break time…dinner breaks call for softer music so guests can enjoy their meal and conversations. For the final break, it’s 2-3 high energy songs to keep the party vibes alive.
How does The Storytellers Band handle breaks?
Parties are fluid and nothing happens exactly to the minute, so having a sequence to follow is essential but not written in stone including exact break times. For us, the first break is usually 1 to 1.5 hours into the party which is a dinner break for all vendors and happens when guests enjoy the main course. The second break is a 10 minute breather before the final hour of the party.
How many breaks do you need?
The Storytellers Band usually takes 2 breaks during a 4 hour party (dinner & dance)…one dinner break, and one 10 minute breather before the final hour. Keep in mind that for most bands, the max time on stage for any one set is 75-90 minutes. On stage time is defined by just that, being on stage.
Is this negotiable?
No, it’s not. We have to be allowed to break throughout the party, it’s not only humane, but labor laws and union rules mandate this. Some agencies/bands offer ‘continuous music’ which I’ll address in a separate post. Simply put, continuous music a sales tool used by agencies, and not an effective way to keep guests engaged.