Choose the right type of band for your next event

When planning an event, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right band, based on the occasion, the venue, your budget and personal taste.

The type of band you choose will have a big impact on the atmosphere and overall success of your event. There is a huge choice of bands out there, from classic ensembles to rock groups, and it’s vital that you pick one that’s suited to the tone of your event.

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Bear in mind that no matter how good a band are, if they’re not a good match for the occasion and audience, their music won’t go down well.

But with so many options and variables available, deciding on a band may well prove to be a more daunting task than you had anticipated.

Fortunately, with a little research you can find the perfect band to make your next event a resounding success. And don’t forget, you can book a band right here on the Party Wizz website.

To help you choose from the many different types of band for your next event, we’ve compiled a list of eleven along with a brief resumé of their individual style and attributes.

1. Party Band

Party bands are all about getting the party started. They are a great option if you’re looking for high-energy music that will get everyone up on their feet dancing. While party bands cover many different genres, they aim to engage the audience, getting them singing and dancing throughout the event. This type of band is great for all occasions.

2. Cover Band

These bands play songs by other artists. If you’re looking for a band to play music that everyone knows and loves, a cover band is an excellent choice.

3. Tribute Band

A tribute band is a band that pays homage to a well-known band. If you are a big fan of a particular artist or band, this is a great way to enjoy their music at your event. As many of these bands also mimic the appearance of the group, they can be a brilliant choice for themed events.

4. Ceilidh Band

This type of band is great for a wedding reception or family gathering when you want something a little different that will get everyone up on their feet dancing. Ceilidh bands comprise a fiddle player, an accordion player and a caller to help everyone learn the dances, but can often include a guitar, drums and a keyboard or other instruments too. Traditionally, a ceilidh band play folk songs, but today, many of them blend old tunes with rock music to create a brilliant modern party sound.

5. Jazz band

A jazz band is the perfect choice if you want to lend an air of class and sophistication to your event. While jazz bands often play classic songs from the 1920s-1950s, there are also bands who play modern pop music in a vintage style. From weddings to corporate parties, jazz music has something to suit almost any event; you can hire a trio or quartet for smaller party, right through to a full twenty-piece band for a big corporate do.

6. Rock Band

No matter what type of event you’re planning, there’s sure to be a rock band to suit. Want to get your guests dancing? A classic rock band is the perfect choice. Playing all the hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s that everyone knows and loves, these bands are guaranteed to get the party off to a great start! If, however, you are looking for something heavier and more aggressive, a heavy metal band may be more your style.

7. Country and Western Band

Country and Western has its origins in the folk music of the American south and incorporates elements of folk, blues and rural music. Think classic Country and Western songs such as: Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’, Patsy Cline’s ‘Crazy’ and John Denver’s ‘Take me Home, Country Roads’. There are of course many types of Country and Western music and bands can play country pop, country rock, country dance and just about anything in between! Such a diverse genre will have something to appeal to everyone.

8. Motown, Soul, RnB Band

Blending rhythm and blues with pop music styles, Motown music is full of soul and sometimes a bit melancholic, but always fun! Plus, it’s timeless and can be enjoyed by all ages, making it a great choice for weddings. Classic examples to get your guests dancing include: “Endless Love’ (Lionel Richie and Diana Ross), ‘Stop! In the Name of Love’ (the Supremes) and ‘I Just Called to Say I Love You’ (Stevie Wonder).

9. Swing Band

Hiring a swing band will take you back to an era that oozed glamour and style.A form of jazz that originated in the late 1920s, leading to the swing era of the mid 1930s, Swing is characterised by simple tunes, clear melodies and a strong, lively, upbeat sound that will get everyone’s feet tapping. In short, it was made for dancing! Swing bands typically play music from the early 1920s through to the 1950s. Although they were originally big bands, it’s possible to hire modern swing bands who perform with as few as four or five players; not everyone has sufficient space for seventeen plus players!

10. Blues Band

While blues songs are often associated with heartbreak and melancholy, that’s far from the whole story. In fact, one of the main attractions of blues music is the surprisingly wide range of songs it includes. From Johnny Cash’s ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ and the Beatles’ ‘Day Tripper’ to Big Joe Turner’s ‘Shake Rattle and Roll’, a blues band has something for everyone, making it a great type of band for all sorts of occasions.

Acoustic Band

An acoustic band will strip sound down to its basic components and has a wide range of sounds. Acoustic groups can be anything from a duo to an eight-piece folk band and often include a vocalist. If you have a particular style in in mind, there are find acoustic bands who specialise in specific genres. These bands are extremely versatile and can provide soft romantic music for a wedding ceremony and then switch to more upbeat music for the evening reception. There are three major bonuses to hiring an acoustic band:

1. Their repertoire can be extensive.

2. They can play outside.

3. Their versatility makes them a cost-effective option.

We hope this blog post has been useful and that your next event, be it corporate or personal, is a resounding success. There’s a band out there that’s the perfect match for your event!