How many breaks does the band usually take during a four-hour reception?
Although the timing of how and when the caterer wants to serve courses will ultimately determine when the band breaks, we try to only take two breaks. One when the hot entrＦ is served, and the other during dessert and coffee, after you've cut your wedding cake. A typical remark we hear from many caterers and photographers is: "You guys finish your first set when most bands are taking their second break." We try to play continuously until they begin serving the hot entree. This can be up to an hour and forty-five minutes into the reception.
Will the band provide continuous music?
Yes. During the dinner break we will provide CD background music. During the dessert and coffee break we will provide anything from quiet background music to professional DJ dance mixes, depending on what is best at the moment.

Can music be provided for our ceremony and cocktail hour?
Yes, below is the list of available choices, all of which can be booked through Michael Alan Music.

   Solo keyboard (piano) This is the most common choice for ceremonies and cocktail hours. Our keyboardist has performed at hundred of successful ceremonies and cocktail hours.

   Solo guitar Our guitar player is also a violinist and can play either or both instruments.

   String trio or quartet Players are from the area's top performing orchestras.

   Horn trio or quartet Players are from the area's top performing orchestras.

   Jazz duo, trio or quartet   For cocktail hour.

   Ethnic groups For cocktail hour, ceremony, or alternating between band sets.

If other instrumentation is desired, such as a vocalist, harpist, flutist, or bagpipes, we will be happy to arrange that as well.

What is Michael Alan Music?
Michael Alan Music is your band contact, Mike Mindel, acting as an agent to secure and/or refer other outside wedding professionals. This may include bands if Bill's Toupee is not available, ceremony or cocktail hour musicians, or photographers. Mike has established excellent working relationships with many other area professionals. These relationships can help you streamline the process of locating and securing other vendors. Having worked with these select wedding professionals over the years, Mike can be a valuable resource to not only locate, but to give you an insight that you may not otherwise get from less bias sources such as venue wedding books or the vendors themselves.
Who does the emceeing and coordination between the caterer, band, photographer, and videographer?
We do. You've no doubt spent a lot of time planning and organizing your reception over the last year. Your only job that day should be to relax and enjoy the moment. Leave all the logistics to us and feel assured that everything will run smoothly, as planned.
What does the band wear?
For all formal affairs, the band wears black tuxedos with black micro-fiber shirts. The female vocalist wears formal attire. For more casual private parties, we typically wear solid black attire.
When does the band setup?
The band usually sets up one and one half-hours prior to the beginning of the reception. Other arrangements can be made if necessary.
How much space does the band need?
Different configurations of your room set-up may warrant otherwise, but typically we need an area approximately 23' across by 10' deep. We will be happy to coordinate with the cater to determine what is best for your reception.
How are payments made?
Upon receipt, contracts are signed and returned along with the $1,000.00 deposit. This secures your date. Balance of payment, gratuities and overtime charges (if any) are due by the end of the engagement, to be paid directly to the bandleader. Other payment schedules may be arranged, upon request. Payments are made by personal check or cash.
Are the musicians that appear on your `Meet the Band' page the ones who will perform at my party?
Yes. Unlike most `agency' bands, we do not use substitute musicians. Our vocal and musical arrangements would not sound the same with anyone else.
What if we want to add horns?
Although we do the vast majority of our shows as a five-piece band, we do maintain a database of top session players and have written arrangements. A saxophone is the most common choice for an additional player.
Should the size of my party determine the size of the band?
With the exception of a small combo for small parties (under 30 people), the size of the band should not be related to the size of the party. What is important is that the band plays the right music at the right volume for the room.

Having personally performed at almost one thousand catered affairs over the past two decades, as both a side-man and bandleader, I can assure you that myself and the rest of the band has what it takes to make you comfortable and confident that you've hired the best!
Mike Mindel -bandleader