A. Dance music. Lots of dance music. Fast and slow dance music. Mellow and rockin' dance music. Carousel plays a variety of most popular styles of music - just have a look at our Song List! We're real, live, fun musicians who play dance music. We can play music from the 1930's all the way to today's current hits. We've found our strength to be the music of the 60's, 70's & 80's: Motown, party tunes, disco and popular dance hits.

A. YES! Although we play at parties, dinner dances, corporate functions and holiday parties, we play more weddings than any other type of party. Our Recommendation Letters are just a small sample of comments we've received from many satisfied couples, families and businesses who've had Carousel as their band. We also occasionally play at nightclubs in the Greater Boston area. Visit Our "News" page for a listing of any upcoming club dates.

A. Six fun individuals - two girls and four guys.

A. Tracy Rose is the primary female Vocalist & MC. On Guitar is Joe Clapp, the Bass player is Joe Baglione, the Drummer/DJ/Bandleader is Joe Donahue. Steve Morrel plays Tenor Sax and our Keyboardist/Flute player is Gabrielle Heath.

A. Along with Tracy on Lead Vocals, we have a second female voice - Gabrielle. Joe B. and Joe C. are the two male singers for the band. With 2 male & 2 female singers, Carousel has a smooth vocal mix and an authentic, rich sound.

A. Carousel was founded in 1990, but several of us have worked together in other bands in the past. Although our repertoire has evolved over the years, we've always focused on performing the songs that people love to dance to.

A. We are a band of real, live, human musicians that get excited about the music we play. The excitement is contagious and creates a musical interaction with the guests at your event. This means that as your guests have more fun we kick the energy up which gets the crowd even more excited and on and on. If you've ever wondered why a band and a DJ can play the same tunes, but the parties with live music are always more successful - this is the reason: Interaction. Live music creates energy and excitement that simply cannot be duplicated with recorded music. We create a mood that gets the crowd dancing and makes the party one to remember!

Also, something to keep in mind - Carousel is always 100% live music. We don't use pre-recorded vocals, music or "sequenced" tracks. All of our music and singing is done on-the-spot-for-real for the true, live band experience.

A. In addition to all of the promotional material found here on our website, we also have an updated audio CD (recorded in October of 2002) that we would be happy to send out upon request. Just complete our on line Entertainment Planner. If we're open for your date you'll receive a free CD demo in just a few days!

We made a very nice (and expensive) video several years ago and people were happy with it, but we found that as our repertoire changed the cost of remaking or updating it was far too expensive. Most clients were making their hiring decisions based on the updated audio demo, our song list, and by seeing us perform live (which we prefer).

A. Sometimes it's OK to come out to a wedding or function and view the band. You must be appropriately attired in dress clothes and behave discreetly at all times. You should try to arrive at least two hours after the function has begun (after dinner). As a general rule, hotels are better than country clubs for allowing viewing the band. However, each facility has its own guidelines, including some that do not allow any viewers. This is beyond our control and we cannot guarantee that you will not be asked to leave.

A. Our standard time frame is four hours, but additional time can be arranged depending on the date, time and location of your party.

A. We only take two breaks during a four hour party. Typically, we play our dinner set until the entrees have been served. If you're having food stations or a buffet, we play until the majority of the guests have been served. We start our first dance set at about the time the tables are being cleared from dinner. After that we only take one fifteen minute break.

A. Carousel provides DJ service throughout all breaks. We have a full DJ set-up including two CD players and 1000's of songs, all on CD's. With Carousel, the dancing doesn't stop! In fact, our DJ, Joe Donahue, is often available to either to start your party off before the band begins or to keep the party going after the band is done. If you've been thinking of having both a band and a DJ, Carousel is the choice for you!

A. We are EXPERTS at keeping the volume just right. During dinner we play a mix of standards, jazz, easy listening and soft rock at a volume that allows your guests to carry on a conversation. After dinner we bring it up just enough to get the crowd dancing. Carousel brings a state of the art sound system to every gig that provides the highest quality sound, even at low volumes. We can quickly raise or lower the volume of the entire band with just the touch of a single button.

A. We sure can. For a modest charge our pianist, Gabrielle Heath, is often available for the ceremony and/or the cocktail hour.

A. The gentlemen in the band wear tuxes and our female vocalist wears formal evening attire.

A. Some more than others. Most of the music we play is as close to original as we can get with the instrumentation we have. We arrange most of our music into medleys which allows us to keep the energy level up by eliminating breaks in between songs.

A. Yes. If you would like us to learn a specific song for your event we can usually do it if fits normal parameters. Obviously, we can't perform something from an opera or classical work, but most pop, jazz or standards can be arranged. Due to the fact that we only have a limited amount of time to work up music for performances every weekend, we have to limit this to one song per event. We also need at least 6 weeks advance notice and a tape or CD of the music.

We've found some people prefer the original artist's version of their special song, and that's OK with us. We always have our full DJ set-up available to play a CD of the original artist's version of any song you request.

A. You'll receive a copy of our wedding procedure form in advance that allows you to specify how the day's events will be handled. You can also download the wedding procedure form online by clicking:

"Wedding Procedure Form" (WORD)

or

"Wedding Procedure Form" (.pdf).

After you return the completed form by mail or email, we will contact you to go over the details to insure a smooth running function. Tracy Rose, our vocalist, is also the Master of Ceremonies. Tracy will work with you during the entire reception to ensure a smooth flow of events. Additionally, all of the members of Carousel are experienced at working with event coordinators, catering staff and other vendors, so you are ensured that the day will run according to your expectations.

A. It is not necessary to go out of your way to meet. The event planning can be done over the telephone and via mail, fax and email.

A. About six weeks before your reception, we'll ask you to take a look at our song list on this website. Although not required, you can give us a list of songs that you'd really love to hear and we'll do our best to play them that night. The best way to indicate those songs is to print out our song list and highlight your selections. You don't have to choose every single song for us. We've performed at hundreds of weddings and we've become experts at deciding what to play and when to play it, depending on what your guests are responding to. Sometimes we may not be able play all of your requests, or we may have to use our judgement and vary from the list a bit. This is often times an issue of flow - we need to keep the music moving and we can't always stop to consult the list. Our goal is to keep the dance floor packed and the party going strong.

A. We enjoy having people sit it with us for a song or two. It's special when you or a friend performs at your reception, and it is always a lot of fun. All we ask is that they respect our instruments and equipment, as well as the other guests at the function, and perform in a manner accordingly. Ideally, this is best arranged ahead of time.

A. All of our gear is top of the line and we have back-up for the major components. Our equipment will easily fulfill the sound requirements of most large hotel ballrooms.

A. Ideally, we'd like a space that is 16 feet wide by 8 ft deep minimum, but we have been known to fit into very tight quarters. If you have concerns, give us a call to discuss space requirements. We've played at most of the major reception sites in Eastern MA and we can tell you how it has worked out in the past.

A. You can get a partial list of venues where we've performed by clicking here.

A. Our typical arrival time is between 90 minutes and 2 two hours before the band's scheduled start time. If your reception requires that the band set up early (more than 2 hours before the scheduled band starting time), we MUST know that PRIOR to entering into an Entertainment Agreement. Like all of your wedding vendors, we're professionals, but we still need to be prepared, so avoid last minute surprises. Carousel's band leader, Joe Donahue, can give you suggestions on coordinating the timing and flow of events for your reception.

A. While not required, meals are appreciated. We generally arrive from 90 to 120 minutes before the party begins and leave about 60 minutes after the party ends. Most facilities are aware of this and can make arrangements for meals for your vendors. We need to know in advance if meals will not be provided so we can plan accordingly.

A. Our standard travel range is within 60 to 90 minutes driving time from Boston. This is usually anything within the 617, 781, 978 and 508 area codes. We also perform frequently in Rhode Island and southern New Hampshire and occasionally in Vermont and Maine. Due to time & travel costs, you may have to provide lodging for engagements that are more than 2 hours drive time from Boston.

A. Obviously, in order to insure that you get the exact date and times that you want, contact us as far in advance as possible. 12 to 18 months is not uncommon if you want to be sure to get a specific date. However, don't let those last minute jitters stop you from trying to book us on short notice! Often dates change, occasionally cancel or sometimes we just have a day that stays open. You won't know unless you contact us.

A. Ahh, the big question. The answer is: it depends (you knew we would say that). We are a busy act and are booked well into 2006. Our rates are set by demand. Like most businesses, we are subject to market forces, which means some days of the week are more desirable than others. Typically, Friday or Saturday night private events have the highest rate (other than New Years eve). Overtime is per half hour, which may be arranged at anytime before the last song. If you would like to know exactly what we would charge for your event, just complete our on line Entertainment Planner. You'll receive pricing and availability information by email, usually within 24 hours! If we're not open for your date, we'll provide you with links to web pages of several of the area's top bands. Our base price is for engagements that are held in the suburbs surrounding Boston. We charge a bit more for Downtown Boston locations, as well as those outside of Route 495. We may have to charge extra if the load-in and load-out is especially difficult or the event requires unusual load-in or load-out times. This is pretty rare and we usually know about the tough places in advance so you can be advised well ahead of time.

You can also e-mail us with the date, hours and location of your party. Be sure to leave both a daytime and an evening phone number. If you provide your mailing address we will send you a free CD demo. You can also give us a call at (781-340-3337).

A. We're not currently working with any agents. We feel that we have a better rapport with our clients when they deal directly with the band and not through a middleman. We do not give our schedules to agents; they have no way to tell you about our availability. Always check with us directly.

A. Once you have given verbal confirmation over the phone, the date will be “locked in” for you. We add your date to our schedule and we send you our
Entertainment Agreement that clearly spells out the terms and conditions. Your deposit, which is $750, is due along with the signed agreement. The signed agreement with deposit must be returned to the band within two weeks of the issue date. If you fail to do so, the date is no longer “locked” and we are free to book that date with another party.

A. We get a lot of inquiries and it is our policy give our dates to the first client who calls us wanting to confirm. For this reason we are not able to hold dates for those who are still deciding if they wish to hire us.

A. No. Everything will always be completely documented in a contract for our mutual understanding and protection. If you request anything that requires additional personnel, rental fees or travel, lodging etc., or if the gig involves playing outdoors or in a tent, this must be contracted and arranged in advance.

A. Yes, here are a few:

Plan your announcement, speeches and presentations to coincide with the breaks to minimize the length of “down time” when the band is not playing.

To create the right atmosphere for dancing, be sure to arrange for dimming the room lights after dinner.

While it's appropriate to greet your guests and thank them for attending, don't forget to get out there and party! The tone of the reception is most often set by the Bride & Groom - If you're dancing and having fun, your guests will follow along and have fun too. Our most successful receptions are those where the Newlyweds lead the way! It's your party - enjoy it!

If possible, the band should be set up as close to the dance floor as possible, preferably with no tables in between. This enables us to have interaction with the dancers and helps ensure that no one is seated directly in front of the speakers.

Older guests are often very sensitive to sound, even at low volumes. Although volume is never an issue with Carousel, please consider the preferences of your guests. When creating your seating plan for the reception, be sure to seat the older guests away from the band and the dance floor. They'll thank you for it!

Good planning and communication will enable us to do the best possible job of maintaining a smooth flow of events. Get all of your information to the band as early as possible, including your itinerary, wedding procedure form and any other special requests or dedications. While we do our utmost to please our clientele, last minute surprise requests are sometimes impossible to fulfill. If you have a special school song, sing-along or other unique song, please tell us a few weeks in advance. We know a lot of songs, but there are some that we don't do or may not have the words for. If a song has a significant meaning to you, your family or your guests, please tell us early!

Finally, once you've finished your planning,relax and enjoy your wedding day! With Carousel you can be assured that your entertainment will be the best that it can be!

Thank you for reading the FAQ. If you have any additional questions, please contact me by email or by phone (781-340-3337)

Sincerely,
Joe Donahue,
Carousel Band Leader.