How soon before my event should I book Pantasia?  You should book Pantasia as soon as you know you would like to have us perform for your event.  It is not uncommon for events like weddings to be scheduled 9-12 months ahead of time.  We have even been booked up to 18 months before an event.  Don’t risk losing the date you want.  Pantasia is a reliable band with a long history in the entertainment business.  You can be guaranteed that we will still be together by the time your event comes, no matter how far ahead of time you contract us.

How many band members are in Pantasia?  How big is the band?  Pantasia is available as a duo, trio and quartet and we maintain a membership of at least 6-8 performers. Over the years, Pantasia has evolved to meet the specific needs of both small and large events.  We have also increased the number of band members to keep up with the demand for Pantasia and the increasing popularity of the type of music we perform.

Why doesn't Pantasia offer a solo steel drummer for events?  It is our personal opinion that a solo steel drummer has the look and feel of "street corner-tip jar" entertainment.  While this may possibly be a preference for some clients, we have found in all instances we have encountered, clients only compromise and use a soloist to cut costs.  This type of event entertainment is a service we do not choose to offer our clients.  We do, however, have a solo steel drummer available who can be contracted out to perform as a special musical guest along with other ensembles such as church choirs, student performance groups, recordings for commercials, etc.

Does Pantasia have a singer/vocalist?  Traditionally, steel bands are completely instrumental, do not have singers, and the steel drum plays the melody.  Because Pantasia is a true steel band, we do not have a singer.  Over the years musical hybrids, combos, and cover bands containing a steel drum player have cropped up.  These groups might have a singer; you will need to shop around for one.  If you would like a true steel band, no lyrics to get in the way of conversations, and instrumental music that appeals to everyone from infants to centenarians, Pantasia is the perfect choice.

Does Pantasia play music people can dance to?  Definitely.  Whether your guests actually dance or not depends on how lively your group is.  If your guests are the type of people who want to dance, they can easily dance to the music we play.  Here's a cute picture to prove it. 

Do you have sound clips you can send of the exact songs/exact number of performers I will hear at my event?  We do not for three reasons:  1)Because of copyright, we are not able to post many of our songs on-line 2)There are several more significant factors to consider when choosing the size group to hire (which we can discuss when you contact us).  3)Pantasia has other means (and better means) to properly answer what you are truly wanting to know.  Our two song examples heard on this link will demonstrate the level of professionalism and quality of performance you will receive, regardless of the song performed or actual band members at your event.  The videos found on this link will show you video examples of Pantasia.    You can see a sample list of songs on this link.

What if a band member scheduled for my event gets sick or can’t show up to perform? It is very unlikely that this will occur (it's only happened twice in 18 years) but if it does, we are prepared.  Unlike most bands who have one set way of performing, Pantasia has the ability to adapt quickly.  Another band member will be substituted and you even being bothered with it.  In the very unlikely event that all of our band members are already assigned to other events the day of your event, we will default to a smaller group for your event.  (This only has the possibility of occurring if you hired the trio or quartet.) The difference in price will immediately be refunded.  Please keep in mind that this has never needed to take place.  We are only posting this so you are aware of all of the possibilities.

My organization is having a fundraiser.  I am planning an event for a non-profit.  Can Pantasia come perform at a discount?  Can Pantasia perform for free?  Pantasia is always willing to look at our schedule and do what we can to help a worthy cause, when possible.  Pantasia is contacted several times a month by non-profits and other organizations for free and heavily-discounted events.  Please keep in mind that although our band members love music and enjoy performing for events, they participate in Pantasia as a source of income versus a hobby.  We are never in a position to perform for free and we have to be extremely selective in the heavily-discounted events we choose to accept.  If your event is in January or February there is a good chance we can help you. If your event is a Friday or Saturday in April, May, June, September or October, we will more than likely politely decline.  Go ahead and ask us though.  It doesn't hurt to ask.  In every situation, the event will be responsible for paying travel costs.

How is the price for my event determined?  There are three main factors that determine price: your location, number of band members hired, and length of your event.  Additional items may factor into your total quote once the logistics of your event are discussed, but the bulk of your quote will come from the three mail factors listed above.  Please keep in mind that our quotes also account for the loading of equipment into our truck, the setting up of equipment, travel time, unloading equipment, and packing equipment.  Although you may only be hiring us to perform for an hour, Pantasia will be doing no less than 2 hours of work plus travel time surrounding your event.  All of this is factored into our initial fee.  Adding on additional time is very inexpensive and can be added in half hour increments.

Do I tip the band and if so, how much?  This is completely up to you.  Some clients do and some don't.  It is a matter of personal preference.  We do not expect tips, but we are certainly appreciative when clients do.

How does payment work?  What forms of payment do you accept?  Pantasia requires a deposit for most of events.  This assures that we are not unnecessarily turning down work and other events to hold a date for an event that ends up not happening.  The deposit is mailed to our office at the same time you return our copy of the signed contract.  The final payment is due at the conclusion of the event before the band leaves.  In some pre-arranged situations (not including weddings and private parties) final payment can be mailed following the event.  Just let us know at the time we are writing up your contract.  Pantasia currently accepts deposits in the form of check and finals payments in the form of cash or check.  On a few occasions, clients have needed to pay using a credit card.  We made special arrangements to use Paypal and all fees associated with this service were the responsibility of the client.

What sort of performance area requirements do you have?  What do you need to be able to perform?  With the exception of wedding ceremonies, Pantasia always needs a source of electricity to perform.  We only require one electrical outlet and we do not pull much power.  We bring our own 25 foot chord, but the venue/client will need to provide the remaining distance.  The area must be flat and free from standing water.  The area must be shaded and free from direct sunlight to prevent damage to the steel drums. (For more information about steel drums, visit our link EXTRAS.)

Is the band going to be too loud? Sometimes, clients are nervous that we will be too loud for their event.  Don't let the amount of instruments and the equipment we bring fool you.  Pantasia can be very loud if a client would like us to be, but we can also be soft.  (We have even been booked to perform in the lobby of an Alzheimer's Care Facility.)  We are very conscious and courteous when it comes to our volume.  Please also understand that simply by the nature of the instruments we play, there is a point when we cannot play any softer.  If you want background music that's soft like a lower setting on a radio, you do not want live entertainment.  We have CDs you can purchase as an alternative.

What happens if it rains during my outdoor event?  ALWAYS have a good rain plan in place.  Because of certain damage to our instruments and safety concerns for our performers, Pantasia will not perform out in the open when there is any form of percipitation.  Specific weather contingencies can be discussed when we speak with you about your event.