FAQ’s
How much space do you need?
We generally need an are about 3 metres x 5 metres to setup in, but we can setup in smaller spaces if required.
How long will you play for?
Our show consists of two one hour fifteen minute sets, however, this can be altered to suit, either as one two and a half hour set, two one hour fifteen minute sets, or three 45 minute sets. Usually for evening events with two one hour fifteen sets, they will run something like this (guide only):
8:00pm 1st set
9:15pm stop for break with background music played through our PA system from an iPod or similar.
9:45pm 2nd set
11pm stop
11pm-12am Disco/music played through our PA system from an iPod or similar.
How long do you take to set up?
We usually try to allow 75/80 minutes from arrival to being ready to play, however, we can cut this down when needed.
Can my mum/dad/brother/sister/boss/friend sing with your band?
Of course they can, but only with prior arrangement and no more than two people per engagement.
What will the band wear?
The band have a few different outfits. You can have the choice of either our own ‘vintage style’ clothes (recommend for the full ‘experience’) dinner suits / formal wear or in all black with coloured ties.
Where are you based / where will you travel to?
We’re based in Central Scotland, but can travel within the UK and Europe. Please note that engagements over 150 miles from Glasgow, will require overnight accommodation to be supplied.
Does the band have PAT and PLI certificates?
Yes – copies of both of these are available on request.
How much does it cost to book the band?
Cost varies due to distance and options, for more information, please email us here.
Do you have any specific requirements?
All we really need is a few reliable 13-amp sockets. It’s generally accepted to provide some non-alcoholic refreshments for the band as well as a light snack / hot meal if possible (depending on arrival / setup time).
How loud will you be?
As the majority of our instrument are acoustic, amplified with microphones, we can judge the volume of the band to suit the room / venue. Please do let us know though if your chosen venue has a sound (dB) limiter in place though as sometimes even an unamplified instrument such as an acoustic drum kit or trumpet can set these off.
What is the band power requirement?
We only really require 2/3 13 amp sockets for all our equipment. If your venue is a marquee, then it may be advisable to hire in a generator to ensure a reliable power source.
What is your normal lineup?
MVDB are an 8 piece band. Standard line up for the band is: Male vocalist, Female vocalist, Piano, Double bass (Electric bass), Saxophone (Flute, Clarinet, backing vocal/hand percussion), Trumpet (Flugelhorn/Trombone/backing vocal/hand percussion), and Trombone (backing vocal/hand percussion/kazoo). Due to availability, we may substitute band members for a suitable deputy from our pool of professional musicians (and MU members) who will have at the very least played an event with the band before and attended at least 2-3 rehearsals. In the case of a deputy vocalist, we will do our best to inform you in advance (as much as is possible) of any alterations to our standard vocalists.
Can you provide background dinner music?
Yes – for an extra fee, we can provide jazz/cocktail style music for your dinner with our Pianist with the option of adding in some mellow saxophone or trumpet/flugelhorn and drums as well as double bass.
Can you provide background music / disco?
Yes – we want you to have the best night and value for your booking, so as standard we will provide background music for our break. We can also negotiate to play music through our PA system for after the band have finished for a small extra fee.
Can you play my favourite song?
We do have a well-rehearsed setlist which we have refined to provide great entertainment, however- we can learn a song for you specially, as long as we have advance notice (no less than 8 weeks) before your event. We can also ‘vintage-ise’ this song for you if required for a small extra fee.