FAQ

We get asked all the time for advice on how to hire a band. This FAQ section addresses how we approach each event individually, and answers the most common questions people have about how to hire a band.

1. How can I book The SoulSations® ? What is the booking procedure?

Once you have selected the available date to reserve, RAM Entertainment will issue a contract to the responsible party (Purchaser) by email with return instructions. You will have 5 days to print, sign and return the contract to RAM Entertainment along with a 50% deposit. You may pay the deposit by EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer), Bank Wire, Check or Credit Card / Debit Card. There is a 3.65% service charge on all credit card payments. Our bank wire information is available upon request.

2. How can I hold The SoulSations®?

The 5 days after your contract is issued is your official “hold” on The SoulSations^® until a 50% deposit is received. Once your deposit is received, the date is confirmed. However, if your deposit is not received within 5 days, it may be reserved to another buyer.

3. Is the deposit refundable?

No, deposits are non-refundable. If cancellation by the Purchaser occurs 90 days or less prior the event date, the full contracted amount is still due.

4. Are there any additional fees or does sales tax apply?

No, state sales tax does not apply to live performances and there are no other fees. Hotel accommodations and meals may be required on some performances. Your contract will address those specific requirements.

5. When is the balance of the contract due?

The balance of all contracts with local or regional acts are due 14 days prior to your event date.

6. Are the songs listed on the The SoulSations song list the only songs the band knows how to play?

No, the The SoulSations® song list is designed to show the style and range of music the band typically performs. The song list published on this website is the most comprehensive list available at this time; however, The SoulSations® is NOT exclusively limited to this material. Please check with your event producer if you have a specific song request that is not included on the band’s song list.

7. How long does the band play?

Typically, The SoulSations perform for 3 hours, not including breaks. Ask your Event Producer for details.

8. Does the band provide break music?

Yes, The SoulSations® provide recorded music during their breaks. You are welcome to provide us with your own iPod / iPad or similar device.

9. Does Bamboo Forest® supply all of their equipment?

Yes, on non-fly dates, The SoulSations® is 100% self-contained and provide all production elements needed to perform. This includes all instruments (backline), sound, monitors, mics and basic stage lights. If The SoulSations® is arriving by air, turn-key production can be arranged. Ask your Event Producer for details.

10. Do The SoulSations® provide a stage? Does the band require a stage?

No, The SoulSations® does not provide staging. It is the responsibility of the Purchaser to provide. However, the band does not require a stage as long as the performance area is clean, level, dry, covered and protected from all-weather elements, rain or shine.

11. What is the typical stage size or how much room will The SoulSations need?

The The SoulSations® typical performance stage is 16’ deep x 24’ wide stage. Your contract will specifically address the recommended stage size.

12. How much power do The SoulSations require?

Typically, The SoulSations® will require 4 separate and dedicated 20 amp / 110 volt circuits for their use exclusively. That is one circuit for their backline gear, two circuits for the sound system and one circuit for the lighting system. Your contract will specifically address the power requirements for the band.

13. Will the band make announcements?

Yes, The SoulSations® will emcee the evening and make any announcements you may have, such as presentation of the bride and groom, wedding party, cake cutting, toasts, departure, etc.

14. What is the weather policy?

Outdoor Events – The SoulSations® reserve the right to refuse to perform outdoors if there is a high percentage of inclement weather or below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Inclement weather or the imminent threat thereof rendering outdoor performances impossible, infeasible or unsafe shall be deemed a force majeure event. Rain or shine, the Artist performance area must be protected from all outdoor elements, covered, level, clean and dry.

Outdoor events, in particular those without alternate indoor facilities are risky due to inclement weather conditions and that the Purchaser is prepared to assume responsibility for the risks involved.
For safety purposes, the performers will not be obligated to perform on wet or damp surfaces or under conditions where precipitation poses a safety threat to the musicians, road crew, or their equipment. For health reasons, the Artists will not be obligated to perform in an outdoor environment where the temperature is less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Upon arrival of the Artists, road crew, or equipment, the purchaser will determine where the performers should set up their equipment. Should conditions change or become unacceptable, as defined above, after the Artist have begun to set up, the purchaser is obligated to pay the Artists. The Artists will not begin to set up more than once as they are not obligated to set up a second time.

Should the Purchaser decide to utilize an alternative indoor location in anticipation of inclement weather and the inclement weather conditions fail to materialize, the Artists are not obligated to set up the equipment a second time.

The purpose of this clause is to inform the Purchaser of the risk and obligations of sponsoring an outdoor event and to clarify the provisions involved with the primary problems of outdoor events: inclement weather and unsafe staging area.

15. What is a Force Majeure event?

A “Force Majeure Event” is defined as one or more of the following causes which renders performance impossible, impracticable, or unsafe: death, illness of, or injury to Artist or a member of Artist’s immediate family, any of Artist’s musicians, or any of the Artist’s or RAM’s key personnel; theft, loss, destruction, or breakdown of instruments or equipment owned or leased by RAM or Artist; fire; threat(s) or act(s) of terrorism; riot(s) or other form(s) of civil disorder in, around, or near the Performance(s) venue; strike, lockout, or other forms of labor difficulties; any act, order, rule, or regulation of any court, government agency, or public authority; act of God; absence of power or other essential services; failure of technical facilities; failure or delay of transportation not within RAM’s or Artist’s reasonable control; inclement weather; and/or any similar or dissimilar cause beyond the Artist’s, RAM’s or Purchaser’s reasonable control. b.) If a Force Majeure Event occurs, the parties’ respective obligations hereunder will be excused fully, without any additional obligation and each of the parties shall bear its own costs incurred in connection with this Agreement. c.) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Artist is ready and willing to perform, PURCHASER will pay RAM the full amount of the guarantee set forth in this Agreement.

The SoulSations is managed by RAM Entertainment