4 Questions to Ask When Booking a Performer
You know your event date and you’ve booked the perfect venue. You know you want to wow your guests with live entertainment, and maybe you even have a few leads on performers or bands that could be a good fit. How do you make sure you’re choosing the right option? Here’s four questions you can ask (and the answers you’re looking for!) to book with confidence.
Question #1: Do you have any videos or a reel I can watch?
A professional band will likely have multiple clips with clear audio and video to give you a taste of their sound and performance style. Pay attention to their presence, attire, and whether the energy matches what you're hoping to create at your event. Quality recordings also indicate they take their craft seriously and understand that visual presentation matters just as much as sound.
Question #2: Can you send me a sample setlist?
Compare the sample setlist with the video recordings you have been sent. Look for consistency between the videos and the song choices. A well-curated setlist should tell a story and flow naturally from one song to the next, building energy at the right moments and knowing when to bring it down.
Be wary of song lists that are hundreds of songs long, or claims that the band can "play anything." Bands are human beings, not jukeboxes, and your ideal entertainment most likely has a specific style, sound, aesthetic and vibe that they have honed — rather than trying to do, be, and play everything. A focused repertoire of 40-80 well-rehearsed songs will serve you much better than a band that claims to know hundreds of songs mediocrely.Question #3:
Question #3: What does your typical setup require in terms of space and power?
Understanding the band's technical requirements upfront can save you from last-minute surprises and additional costs. A professional performer should be able to tell you exactly how much stage space they need, how many power outlets are required, and whether they need any special accommodations like elevated platforms or specific lighting.
This is also where you can gauge their flexibility and problem-solving skills. Do they have backup plans if your venue has limitations? Can they adapt their setup for smaller or unconventional spaces? Their response will tell you whether they're experienced event professionals or just musicians who happen to play gigs.
Question #4: Do you carry liability insurance and what's included in your contract?
This might not be the most exciting question, but it's crucial for protecting both you and your event. Professional entertainers should carry general liability insurance and be able to provide proof of coverage. Their contract should clearly outline what's included in their fee, cancellation policies, overtime rates, and what happens if weather or other circumstances affect the event.
Look for performers who present clean, professional contracts and communicate clearly about business matters. This attention to detail in their paperwork often reflects how they'll handle your actual event—with professionalism and preparedness.
Making Your Final Decision
Remember, you're not just hiring musicians—you're hiring partners who will help create the atmosphere and memories your guests will talk about long after the event ends. The right performer will not only sound great but will also be reliable, professional, and genuinely invested in making your event a success.
Take the time to ask these questions and trust your instincts. The manager, band or performer who gives you clear, confident answers while making you feel heard and understood is likely the one who will deliver the unforgettable experience you're looking for.
Ready to book with confidence? Moonlighting brings together professional musicianship, modern equipment, and the kind of event experience that comes from asking all the right questions—and having all the right answers. Contact us to discuss how we can make your next event truly memorable.
