Graham Howes Musical Services
416-251-8853
Reviews for Graham Howes Musical Services
Cyprise
GUEST
GUEST
05/29/2010
Graham and his band sounded and look great! They kept us on the dance floor, which in turn really invites our guests to party away!
Vendor recommendation from Maximum Music DJ Service
Graham Howes was one of my first friends in the Toronto wedding industry back in the early 90's. Graham is sincere, honest, hard working and incredibly talented! I have enjoyed his music at wedding ceremonies and when he sings and plays piano during cocktails it is amazing. You can be confident that Graham will be a highlight of your event!
Vendor recommendation from Wellington Music Co.
I have done several weddings with the Graham Howes Band at Graydon Hall Manor in the past. They provide great entertainment that we had a pleasure listening to, professional, approachable musicians. I am highly recommending them for any special event.
About Graham Howes Musical Services
I have been a professional musician in the GTA (Toronto and environs) for over twenty years. As a keyboardist/singer I've led my own band, concentrating on the special event industry: weddings and corporate events (fundraising balls, employee
recognition etc.)
Classically-trained, I perform for all aspects of the wedding day: solo or duo for ceremonies, jazz duo/trio for cocktails and dinner and my party band for the dance portion.
My band is generally 6 to 8-piece in number but we perform as large as 19-piece, providing great dance music for weddings of all sizes. The musicians are all full-time professionals - and that makes a big difference! With a repertoire of over 1600 songs and a wealth of experience, we keep the dance floor full.
Classically-trained, I perform for all aspects of the wedding day: solo or duo for ceremonies, jazz duo/trio for cocktails and dinner and my party band for the dance portion.
My band is generally 6 to 8-piece in number but we perform as large as 19-piece, providing great dance music for weddings of all sizes. The musicians are all full-time professionals - and that makes a big difference! With a repertoire of over 1600 songs and a wealth of experience, we keep the dance floor full.
FAQ for Graham Howes Musical Services
Are you an agency or a band?
Band
What is the size of your band?
Large (6+ musicians), Medium (4-6 musicians), Small (1-3 musicians)
What music genre does your band play?
50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, Classic Rock, Classical, Dance, Funk, Jazz, Motown, Oldies, Pop, R&B, Rock, Soul
Do you have liability insurance?
Yes
What is your band's usual attire?
Band attire really reflects the client's wishes. Any professional bands are going to have black tuxes but I only recommend that if the guests are all in 'black tie'. Otherwise, we use a 'men in black' look: black suit and black shirt (optional straight tie); you can see this on our website - it's professional-looking but not as formal.
Do you offer live sample performances or CDs?
Yes - for solo piano, jazz trio and party band
Are you willing to learn songs that you do not currently know?
Certainly! Although with a 1600+ song repertoire, chances are good that we already play it.
How much time do you usually need for setup?
For the party band - roughly an hour - depending on ease of access to venue.
For solo keyboard, duo or trio - about 15 minutes but I'm usually on site an hour in advance.
For solo keyboard, duo or trio - about 15 minutes but I'm usually on site an hour in advance.
How much space do you usually require?
For the party band - if there is staging, risers, etc. then allow roughly 16' across and 12' deep. Risers are usually in 4' x 8' or 4' x 6' units. With no staging, i.e. set up on floor/carpet, then allow 12' across and 8' deep.
Do you have a sign or banner that you use at events?
We do - but only if the client wishes it. The signage is high-class and professional.
What (if any) special equipment, such as disco balls or lighting, is offered with your service?
Fully equipped with instruments, amplification and PA. Wireless mic(s) are available without charge for client's use.
Do you usually emcee the event, or talk between songs?
While I'm happy to emcee, I always recommend a relative or friend of the couple perform this function. It's more personal that way.
While I do talk between songs, I try to keep it to a minimum. I'd rather keep people on the dance floor.
While I do talk between songs, I try to keep it to a minimum. I'd rather keep people on the dance floor.
How would you motivate the crowd if no one is dancing?
Usually, people do dance. If not, it's more likely to be a matter of changing the genre of music.
Sometimes, though, not many people are dancing but one can tell that they are still enjoying things: conversation continues, people aren't leaving etc. In that case, don't fight it!
Sometimes, though, not many people are dancing but one can tell that they are still enjoying things: conversation continues, people aren't leaving etc. In that case, don't fight it!
What is your policy on taking breaks? If you need a meal break, do you require that the client provide your meal?
I keep the breaks short and, if possible, coinciding with something such as speeches, bouquet toss etc.
We may request 'supplier' meals, depending on the amount of time that we there, when we have to arrive etc. This is discussed during the contract stage.
At some events, some or all of the musicians may not be starting to play until later in the evening (after dinner), in which case we will not require meals.
We may request 'supplier' meals, depending on the amount of time that we there, when we have to arrive etc. This is discussed during the contract stage.
At some events, some or all of the musicians may not be starting to play until later in the evening (after dinner), in which case we will not require meals.
Do you play recorded music during your break?
Yes
If one or more of the band members is unable to attend, what is your backup plan?
For any of the players, we have at least three other musicians who are familiar with out style and will fit in without anyone noticing. This is what professional, full-time musicians are trained to do.
Having said that, on most events the band make-up does not change.
Having said that, on most events the band make-up does not change.
What is your overtime rate?
Pro rata of the band fee. This is discussed at the contract stage.
Do you charge for travel expenses? If yes, how much do you charge?
Generally when playing in the GTA of Toronto area, we are looking at traveling in a 50 km radius roughly around the city. We do not charge any travel expenses for these destinations.
For out of the city, I will charge a per person allowance as well as potentially charging for overnight accommodation on a shared room basis.
For out of the city, I will charge a per person allowance as well as potentially charging for overnight accommodation on a shared room basis.
What is the required deposit to secure your services?
Generally 25% on the signing of the contract with the balance to be paid on or before the day of the wedding.
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