Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Contagious Band unique?
Contagious plays music that will make each affair unique and memorable, and includes great songs that are not your typical wedding band fare. We love to entertain.
Contagious is a band that has regular public performances. We welcome clients to meet and get to know the individual performers. This leads to level of confidence that makes for a stress free event when the big day arrives.
Contagious makes every effort to personalize each event. From the very beginning, you deal directly with the people who will actually be performing. We want every client to be so ecstatic about our performance that they become our biggest supporters and best advertising.
Contagious combines input from our clients with our own experience and expertise to yield a party that's sophisticated, elegant, and high energy.
Contagious is proud to be as much a family as a business. The band has been in existence for over fifteen years and has performed at a huge number of weddings and corporate events as well as club, concert, school, and church functions.
What music do you do best?
Dance music from all genres! What defines Contagious is the band's ability to play an eclectic repertoire with stylistic accuracy. On any given day, we may play songs from George Gershwin, John Coltrane, Bob Marley, The Cure, Journey, Marvin Gaye, Dave Mathews, Frank Sinatra, Depeche Mode, The Drifters, Kanye West, and Earth, Wind & Fire all in one set and still make it all work. We take great pride in not being easily categorized. Please check our song list.
What types of occasions do you normally play?
We like variety and believe that it keeps our music fresh and energetic. For over fifteen years, Contagious has logged thousands of performances throughout the tristate area and beyond. These performances have included corporate parties, country club functions, charitable fundraisers, dinner dances, nightclubs, and as an opening act for major recording artists. Couples have been so confident in the band's abilities that they have enthusiastically arranged for Contagious to perform at upscale weddings held at the Four Seasons (Atlanta), a private location in Jamaica (Lennox Lewis Wedding), Oak Alley Plantation, (Vacherie, LA), as well as other special events, Muhammad Ali Butterfly Ball, (Atlanta, GA), Country Club Event, Kiawah Island (Charleston, SC), Sorority Fund Raiser, Corporate Event, The Westin, (New Orleans, LA), National Guard Association of Georgia, (Atlanta, GA) and at other interesting locations. Contagious also has the unique track record of only playing weddings where the bride and groom remain married forever...!
Why hire a band?
A band brings a level of sophistication, elegance, and entertainment value that is not possible with a DJ. There is something magical about a live performance and hearing a talented singer bring real meaning to a lyric. Contagious has personality and keeps the dance floor packed. The band members are enjoyable to watch, treat guests with respect, and play at just the right volume. For those who feel they just need to hear certain songs performed by the original artist, we can also offer a band/DJ combo at minimal additional cost. This may also be of interest for those with venue that allows for a "club" themed after party. We can also offer enhanced lighting packages. Judicious use of lighting can make any venue and stage area look stunning.
What size ensemble will be best for my affair? Wouldn't nine pieces be too loud?
The number of musicians is really a matter of taste, space and budget. Except in the most extreme environments, the number of musicians should not really affect volume. Contagious core group is seven musicians (bass, guitar, drums, keyboard one male vocalist, two female vocalist) that have been performing together for years. Everything in our repertoire is possible at this size, and some songs are even more enhanced with additional horns or vocalists. We have a large library of songs arranged for our two piece horn section that are well rehearsed and stylistically accurate.
Are you willing to learn special songs I want played?
I have certain songs that I don't want played...is that okay?
If by chance we don't know a wedding song or dedication, we have no problem adding it to our repertoire if we are given adequate notice. We usually ask that you allow us 30 days to properly prepare. Many clients use our song list to highlight favorites and more importantly point out songs they do not want to hear.
Do you play ethnic music?
Absolutely, Contagious helps clients celebrate their heritage by playing horas, Irish waltzes, polkas, tarantellas, and other traditional songs. Please consult our song list for suggestions.
Does the band take breaks?
Our experience enables us to coordinate with the banquet staff to keep the party moving and break times to a minimum. Our major goal is to make sure the party maintains momentum and there are no situations where the guests are idly waiting for something to happen. Food service determines much of the flow of any banquet, so make sure you convey to your caterer your desire to have the band be allowed as much time for dancing as possible. You will certainly want to give your guests a chance to catch their breath and the musicians a chance to freshen up. Contagious has the capability to play pre-recorded dinner music and often the client may wish to provide some of this interlude material on CD or DJ. Alternatively, the band may divide into smaller units to provide background music, perhaps a few vocal standards or small group jazz. Please understand that the band relishes the opportunity to impress your guests, not have them say, "Gee, they were great but they took too many breaks."
Will music be provided for the cocktail hour? Ceremony?
The band can provide a dinner set which can consist of light jazz, classic ensembles, Caribbean music or a combination of this. We regularly provide music for wedding ceremonies and other specialty type events.
Will the band dress appropriately?
The band dresses formally unless otherwise instructed.
Are there any hidden additional fees?
No! Contrary to some large office practices, the price you are quoted is the price you pay. Unless otherwise specified, production costs, crew and standard lighting are included. Please keep this in mind when comparison shopping.
What can I do to assist the band in living up to my expectations?
Don't be afraid to ask questions and speak your mind! This is your event and we're sure that you have a good picture in your mind of how you would like things to go. With your ideas and our talent and experience, you can be sure that yours will be an event to remember!