Question 1

HOW MUCH SPACE DO YOU REQUIRE?

Accepted Answer

We typically need a performance area of 5x3 metres, but we are able to squeeze into a minimum area of 4x2 metres if space is limited.
 
We’ve performed in all manner of venuesfrom manor houses and hotels, to barns, marquees, ball rooms and stages so we’re wellversed in making the most of whatever space is available to us.

Question 2

WHAT ARE YOUR USUAL TIMINGS?

Accepted Answer

The bands performance times are important in making your evening flow properly, and we are totally flexible with this, although we prefer that our performance doesn't happen at the same time as the buffet or anything else you may have planned at your event.

We also recommend that our second set is timed so that we play for the last hour of the event, as the dynamic of the performance works really well in this format, and creates a finale effect at your party.

Typical timings are as follows:

Arrival 6pm to be set up and sound checked by 19:30.
Background/DJ music from 19:30 until 20:30.
Live set 1 from 20:30 until 21:30.
Background/DJ music from 21:30 until 22:45
Live set 2 from 22:45 until 23:45 with encores or DJ music until midnight.

*Setup will be completed a maximum of 2 1/2 hours before the band plays, if you require earlier please contact the band at least 4 week in advance to arrange. This may incur a further cost.

Question 3

CAN I CHOOSE THE BANDS SETLIST?

Accepted Answer

We are more than happy for you to pick some songs from our repertoire to be played, but we do prefer if we are left to decide the order in which they are played.

It is usually best if you let us know any songs you definitely DO or DON’T want rather than a hard and fast list that we feel obliged to not deviate from should the mood require it.

The band will create a setlist to ensure you and your guests have the best night, influenced by the music you like.

Question 4

HOW FAR WILL YOU TRAVEL?

Accepted Answer

We have the ability to travel UK wide.

Question 5

WILL THERE BE A CHANCE TO SEE YOU PLAY LIVE?

Accepted Answer

Due to the nature of our work, we don't often play public gigs. We try to offset this situation by making sure all of our promotional material is recorded live.

Question 6

WILL YOUR LEARN OUR FIRST DANCE?

Accepted Answer

We are happy to consider learning your special song. It largely depends on whether the particular song fits our playing style and sound.
 
It would be difficult for us to pull off a Frank Sinatra song, for example, due to our instrumentation.
 
At the time of booking us, please let us know if there’s a particular song you’d like us to consider learning so we have enough time to learn it well.

Question 7

HOW DO I BOOK YOU?

Accepted Answer

You can book us by using the contact address on our website or through our Facebook page.

Question 8

DO YOU DJ BETWEEN SETS?

Accepted Answer

We carry a laptop with over 5000 songs to all our gigs that we use specifically for DJ'ing, making sure that we keep the dance floor buzzing in between our live sets. We are happy to take requests for DJ songs.

Music playlists between sets comes as standard with every booking, and if you want a more bespoke DJ service, we offer a DJ package upgrade option where one of the band members will man the laptop all night to take requests and make basic announcements.

Question 9

CAN WE USE YOUR PA FOR SPEECHES?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to use our PA system for your speeches. You just need to make us aware before the day that you plan to do this.

Question 10

DO YOU PROVIDE LIGHTS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We use 8 LED par-cans on stands at either side of the stage area with a floor mounted foot controller which light the stage and dance-floor.

Question 11

HOW LONG DO YOU PLAY FOR?

Accepted Answer

We usually play two 45 minute sets. This can also be divided into three 30 minute sets if you prefer. Longer sets are available on request.

Question 12

HOW LONG DO YOU TAKE TO SET UP?

Accepted Answer

Assuming access to the venue is straight forward (i.e. ground floor room with no steps and vehicle access close to the venue), once all the equipment is loaded in we can normally be set up and sound checked in an hour and fifteen minutes.

Question 13

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE BAND SPLIT UP BEFORE THE EVENT?

Accepted Answer

Like many professional party bands, our work is our livelihood and so we take our commitments very seriously.

In the very unlikely event that the band had split up before your party, every effort would be made to find a suitable replacement band.

Question 14

CAN MY BROTHERS/FRIENDS/SISTERS DOG SING A SONG WITH YOU?

Accepted Answer

We love it when people get up to sing a song with us, but we do like to make sure that those singing or playing with us have some experience of being on stage. We’re happy to arrange this with you in advance.
 
However, past experience has taught us that welcoming impromptu guests onto the stage on the night itself, can often end in disaster so we’d rather steer clear of that situation!

Question 15

WHAT WILL THE BAND WEAR?

Accepted Answer

We usually dress formally for most parties (trousers, shirt and tie) unless informal attire is requested. In the past, we’ve also been asked to join in with an events theme, which we’re more than happy to do if you wish.

Question 16

DOES THE HALCYON BAND HAVE ANY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS?

Accepted Answer

We request a room to change in (not the toilets).

Question 17

HOW LOUD WILL THE BAND BE?

Accepted Answer

We always make sure that our volume levels are such that people at your event can still converse, but really feel as though they are at a gig when they're on the dance floor.

Being a guitar and synth based rock and pop function band, the nature of the music we play means that we can only turn down so far! If your chosen venue has a DB limiter, please discuss this with us at the time of your enquiry.

Question 18

HOW MANY SOCKETS DO YOU NEED?

Accepted Answer

We usually request 2 double 13 amp supplies near to the stage area. We use LED lighting which keeps our power consumption down but we prefer to run lights from one power source and audio equipment from another to reduce the risk of noise interference.

FAQ'S