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Backthird Entertainment

Band, DJs, jazz and strings

5.0 5.0
5.0
out of 5.0
25 Reviews

67 S. Stolp Ave. Aurora, IL 60506

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t: 630-264-2366

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Services: Band
Description: How do you make sure everyone has fun? How do you ensure your wedding feels classy and personal  never cheap or cheesy? How do you avoid the sense that when your bandleader or DJ opens his mouth, someones going to ask, Who IS this guy? The answers easy: Know your lead entertainers before the wedding day. Backthird entertainers listen before we play. You'll combine band, DJs and jazz or string musicians in the way that works for you, then work with them personally to plan the details. Youll trust us - because youll know us. Delivering a wedding-day performance that makes all your guests happy is complicated  for us. For you, it's easy. To see and hear our artists making people happy, visit www.backthird.com. happy made easy " Band, DJ, jazz and strings - in whatever combination is right for your event. So you get your style at your budget. " Complete solutions - music, sound and lighting, MC and event coordination for every event. So your wedding is organized and your life is easy. " Relational service - meet your lead musician or DJ before the event and plan all details together. So you know the people running your wedding, before your wedding starts. To view artist video or download a free wedding planning guide, visit www.backthird.com.
Business Details
Categories: Band, Ceremony Music, DJs
Frequently Asked Questions for Band
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, Acoustic, Big Band, Blues, Classic Rock, Classical, Country, Dance, Folk, Funk, Hip Hop, Jazz, Motown, Oldies, Orchestra, Pop, R&B, Rock, Soul, Strings, Swing
Do you have liability insurance? Yes
What is your band's usual attire? Men wear dark tuxes and shirts, no corny bow ties or vests. Women in cocktail dresses.
Do you offer live sample performances or CDs? Visit www.backthird.com for video of the No Reservations 6-piece and 9-piece bands at real weddings.
Are you willing to learn songs that you do not currently know? Yes. We customize the playlist to reflect your tastes, then adjust on the fly depending on the response of your guests. You'll meet with your bandleader or MC weeks before the wedding to review everything so you know the people leading your celebration - and they know you. If you've got a particular request that's not in the playlist, we're happy to add it for you.
How much time do you usually need for setup? Depends on the specific situation. In general, 1.5-2 hours.
How much space do you usually require? At your first meeting with us, we'll review your needs and your venue to make sure the band size and combination of musicians and DJs is the right fit. If you're setting up a stage or riser for the band, 12' x 16' is ideal - but we can work with smaller spaces. DJs only require a 6' table. Live cocktail and dinner ensembles can usually set up on your dance floor and break down before dancing begins.
Do you have a sign or banner that you use at events? Some artists have music stands with their logos on them. We think these look classy, not promotional - and they keep guests from asking you "who are these guys?" all night. But we can swap them out for blank stands if you're not into it.
What (if any) special equipment, such as disco balls or lighting, is offered with your service? We provide all sound equipment for reception and, if you require it, ceremony. The No Reservations band has a computerized 14-light setup that illuminates both the band and your dance floor. The light show is sequenced specifically to each song in the band's set - it can vary from moving colored patters on your ceiling and dance floor to a simple blue wash for a slowdance. Visit our website to see photos and video of the lighting display.
Do you usually emcee the event, or talk between songs? Our belief is that if the first three hours of your reception are a disorganized mess, your guests won't feel much like dancing. We MC your entire event - including grand entrances, toasts and speeches - so you won't have to sweat the schedule. Once dancing begins, however, music is non-stop and talking is kept to a minimum.
How would you motivate the crowd if no one is dancing? We're believers in the idea that the right crowd + the right music = the right result. If the dance floor is slow, we'll change to a different type of music within the guidelines we've already established with you in advance. We don't believe in shouting at your guests or otherwise begging, bribing or tricking them onto the dance floor. People dance when they're relaxed and enjoying the music, not when a bandleader or DJ is embarrassing them (or himself).
What is your policy on taking breaks? If you need a meal break, do you require that the client provide your meal? Live musicians usually require two 15-minute breaks in a three-hour period. It's our preference to structure these with the natural flow of your party so guests never feel as if the party has been put on hold. DJs don't take breaks. If you book a band and DJ together, the DJ will fill band breaks, playing as much or as little as you (and your guests) like. We ask that you feed any performers who will be at your event for more than 3 hours. If this isn't practical, we ask your permission for us to eat something on the sly during the event. We will not leave your reception - and the performance may suffer if we're weak from malnutrition - so this seems a sensible alternative.
Do you play recorded music during your break? Yes. We can play music we bring or you can provide us with an iPod-like device you'd like us to play from. When you book a band and DJ together, the DJ will play during band breaks so that the party is seamless.
If one or more of the band members is unable to attend, what is your backup plan? We have a pool of musicians an DJs we regularly work with. In the event of an emergency, a musician of comparable talent will fill in.
What is your overtime rate? This varies depending on the ensemble. Ask us when we meet with you!
Do you charge for travel expenses? If yes, how much do you charge? We will travel anywhere within a 50-mile radius at no extra charge. Outside of the Chicago area, travel fees may apply. Ask us when we meet with you.
What is the required deposit to secure your services? This also varies depending on the services booked. Call 630-264-2366 to set up a meeting; we'll create some options to fit your specific needs and let you know the cost and deposit for each.
Frequently Asked Questions for Ceremony Music
What ceremony music arrangements can you provide? Brass - Quartet, Brass - Quintet, Brass - Trio, Instrumental - Duo, Instrumental - Solo, Instrumental - Trio, Soloist / Vocalist, String - Quartet, String - Trio
What instruments does your group play? Cello, Drums, Flute, Guitar, Harp, Piano, Saxophone, Trumpet, Viola, Violin
What is your usual attire? Men in black suits and ties; women in black skirts or dresses.
Do you offer live sample performances or CDs? Visit our website (www.backthird.com) to see video of string groups, jazz groups, piano players, harp, flute and guitar.
How much time do you usually need for setup? 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the needs of your wedding and location.
How much space do you usually require? This depends on the number of musicians you use! Call 630-264-2366 to set up a meeting; we'll listen to your tastes and needs and suggest ensembles and fit your wedding.
Do you charge for travel expenses? If yes, how much do you charge? Travel is free within the Chicago area. If your wedding is outside of Illinois or a long way from the city, travel expenses may apply. Ask when you meet with us!
Frequently Asked Questions for DJs
What music genres are in your collection? 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, Acoustic, Big Band, Classic Rock, Classical, Country, Dance, Folk, Funk, Gospel, Hip Hop, Jazz, Motown, Oldies, Orchestra, Pop, Punk Rock, R&B, Rock, Soul, Strings, Swing
Do you have liability insurance? Yes
Describe your DJ style: What's YOUR style? It's our belief that you should know the entertainers running your wedding BEFORE the wedding happens. Some Backthird DJs are charismatic and energetic, others have a laid-back or minimalist style. We'll meet with you at our office, discuss your needs and match you with the DJ you feel is the best fit. Then you'll meet with you DJ to review your agenda, finalize all requests and get to know each other before the wedding.
Is there a limit to the amount of music that can be requested? How long is your wedding? A typical 6-hour reception might include time for 100 or so songs. We prefer that you identify a maximum of 5 or 10 songs that are "must plays," then put other requests on a "play if possible" list so your DJ knows how to prioritize. We also ask you about genre preferences, so if you're the kind of couple who prefers to say "we dig jazz and rock, you figure out the details" - that's great too.
What is your usual attire? Black suits or tuxes.
If you do not have one of the songs pre-requested by the client, do you require that they provide it? No - we make sure that any requests made in advance are ready to go at your wedding. If we don't already have a song you want, we buy it. The only exception: if you have very specific ethnic or world music requests that may not be widely available for purchase in the United States, we'll ask you to provide us with these tracks.
What is the minimum amount of time you will DJ for? You can book us for as few as 3 hours, but it's less cost-effective to do so. Most weddings are 5- or 6-hour events. We cannot provide a DJ for only "part" of your reception as this would require us to set up or tear down while your party is going on - not a recipe for success.
Is the client able to meet the DJ before booking? Sometimes! Our "elite" DJs can be reserved at the time of booking for a small request fee; we have video of each DJ to help you get to know them. After your first meeting at our office, if you identify the DJ that is best for you and still feel that you need to meet him in person to confirm the fit, we can set up a meeting for you. No matter who your DJ is or how you pick him, you will meet your DJ several weeks before the wedding, review his reception agenda and get to know one another before the wedding date. This is a cornerstone of our preparation process.
Do you specialize in any ethnic or international events? Our DJs have experience performing Indian, Korean and Latin American and weddings, as well as weddings for mixed cultures and blended families. One of our DJs is a native Spanish speaker (and we all speak fluent English!).
Can the client submit a do-not-play list? You'll submit a "Do Not Play," a "Must Play" and a "Play if Possible" list, along with a number of other requests and guidelines for your DJ. Then you'll review his agenda with him personally to answer questions and ensure that he understands all of your needs.
Do you bring your own equipment? DJs provide all sound equipment and basic, non-cheesy dance-floor lighting. Uplighting and photobooth services are also available - ask about these when you meet with us.
How much time do you usually need to set up? Do you require that the site or client provide a table for you to set up on? DJs usually arrive an hour or more in advance. A small table is preferred for setup, but your DJ will discuss these details with your catering director in advance of the wedding day so you don't need to sweat them.
Do you have a sign or banner that you use at events? No! We'll have a few business cards available in case your guests ask for one - but we don't advertise at your wedding.
Do you usually emcee the event or talk between songs? Our belief is that if the first three hours of your reception are a disorganized mess, your guests won't feel much like dancing. We MC the entire event - including grand entrances, toasts and speeches - so you won't have to sweat the schedule. Once dancing begins, however, music is non-stop and talking is kept to a minimum.
How would you motivate the crowd if no one is dancing? We're believers in the idea that the right crowd + the right music = the right result. If the dance floor is slow, we'll change to a different type of music within the guidelines we've already established with you in advance. We don't believe in shouting at your guests or otherwise begging, bribing or tricking them onto the dance floor. People dance when they're relaxed and enjoying the music, not when a bandleader or DJ is embarrassing them (or himself).
What is your policy on taking breaks? If you require a meal break, do you require that the client provide your meal? DJs don't take breaks. Live musicians usually require two 15-minute breaks in a three-hour period. It's our preference to structure these with the natural flow of your party so guests never feel as if the party has been put on hold. If you book a band and DJ together, the DJ will fill band breaks, playing as much or as little as you (and your guests) like. We ask that you feed any performers who will be at your event for more than 3 hours. If this isn't practical, we ask your permission for us to eat something on the sly during the event. We will not leave your reception - and the performance may suffer if we're weak from malnutrition - so this seems a sensible alternative.
What is your backup plan in case you become unavailable on the day of the event? While Backthird has several professional DJs, we also maintain strong relationships with other professional DJs and DJ companies we trust. If your DJ is ill or has an emergency, it's our problem - not yours. We'll replace your DJ with another capable professional - and notify you asap so you're not surprised to see an unexpected face at your reception.
Do you book yourself for more than one event in a day? Individual DJs only perform at one event per day.
Do you charge for travel expenses? If yes, how much do you charge? Travel is free within the Chicago area. If your wedding is outside of Illinois or a long way from the city, travel expenses may apply. Ask when you meet with us!
What is the required deposit to secure your services? This varies depending on the services booked. Call 630-264-2366 to set up a meeting; we'll create some options to fit your specific needs and let you know the cost and deposit for each.

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