Top Tips for Venues Booking Jazz Bands

Jazz is a versatile music genre that’s perfect for a wide range of venues and occasions. Whether you run a dedicated Jazz club in London, or you’re planning an event that’s just calling out for a smooth Jazz soundtrack, we’ve got some tips to help you find the best artists.

1) Think about the type of event you're planning

Both instrumental Jazz and bands with vocalists can create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for an array of events, including:

• Venue launches
• Work parties
• Cabarets
• Weekly music nights
• Hotel lounge residencies
• Seasonal celebrations

2) Find the ideal Jazz sub-genre for your venue

If you’re looking for Jazz bands to hire for your venue — be it a bar, hotel, or stadium — it’s worth getting to know the different musical genres available. 

Jazz began as a mix of blues, spirituals, and ragtime, where improvisation was a big feature. With this sense of spontaneity at its core, it’s no wonder Jazz has developed into a whole host of different styles. 

Here are just a few sub-genres to explore when looking for Jazz groups or Swing bands for hire. As you’re deciding, think about the energy and atmosphere you want to create — do you want to provide relaxing background music or get your audience up and dancing? 

• Traditional Jazz: This is your classic Jazz genre, stemming from New Orleans. It tends to combine the sounds of trumpets, trombones, clarinets, and tubas. Traditional Jazz groups can offer a bright sound that’s perfect for hotels and bars.

• Lounge jazz: This slower, more mellow form of Jazz is smooth and polished, ideal for easy listening. It’s a top choice for hotel lounges and cocktail bars, creating a sophisticated atmosphere for networking events and evening drinks.

• Swing and big band Jazz: Expect crooning vocals, horns, and a rhythm section with a Swing or big band. You might want to consider a Swing band for hire if you’re a hotel owner.

• Jazz fusion: This style takes the core elements of Jazz and pairs them with another genre — from rock and funk to electronic dance music — to create a brand-new sound. Jazz fusion bands can bring fresh and dynamic entertainment to an arena. 

Keep in mind that Jazz is a very broad genre, and many Jazz bands in the UK today will take inspiration from the rich and complex variety!

3) Think about your venue's set up and acoustics

As any venue manager will know, it’s essential to book a band that’s suitable for your space’s size and setup. Do you have space for a full Swing band? Or is your performance area best suited to a Jazz trio? 

Likewise, do you have the equipment to facilitate a big band? You’ll need a good sound system, so consider the logistics and acoustics of your space. 

We also recommend being aware of any restrictions your venue may face, particularly if you’re setting up an evening event. If you need to be conscious of sound levels, you may find that chilled lounge Jazz groups are more suitable than loud and vibrant electro-Swing acts.

4) Consider your budget

No matter the genre, one of the key parts of choosing the right music for your venue is to think about your budget. Generally, the more performers there are, the higher the fee. So hiring a Jazz duo will usually cost less than booking a big band with eight artists.

How do I book a Jazz band?

With GigPig, it’s easier than ever to find live jazz artists, whether you’re in London, Newcastle, or elsewhere in the UK. You can search for Jazz musicians in your local area and get them booked in for one-off performances or repeat slots.

1. Browse our artist directory to find Jazz and Swing acts.

2. Add artists you like to a favourites list.

3. Create your booking and send this to your favourites lists.
   
   
4. All your bookings will be on your venue calendar and you can see multiple in one place if you book across several venues.
   
   
5. Invoices are made simple on our platform, with automated systems to reduce time spent on admin.

Find and book talented Jazz and Swing bands with GigPig

GigPig is here to help live Jazz music venues in London and across the UK put on incredible events. Check out our pricing tiers and start your search for the best local Jazz artists today.