Frequently Asked Questions
Answered by Marie Knight, Knight Music manager.
Q: What kind of music do you play?
A: The orchestra leans toward jazz and blues but can also rock out. Crosswind emphasizes rock and
reggae. We also have jazz combos,
a Latin band, chamber music, Dixieland jazz and other specialty groups.
Q: How far will you travel?
A: Anywhere in the southeastern U.S. See the map.
Q: Do your bands always have the same
musicians?
A:Different gigs call for different skills, so we choose the best person
available for each gig. We enjoy long-term relationships with some of
the best musicians in the area, many
going back twenty years or more. Ted is always there.
Q: Where can I hear the band?
A: Most of our gigs are parties and weddings, which we consider to be private. We ask you instead to consider our demo recordings, our references, and a reputation built on more than 30 years of client satisfaction.
Q: Don't you lose business that way?
A: Our clients tend to be people who appreciate privacy, and who understand that no one will appear at their private affair because "the band invited us." When we do play in public, for example at the annual big band concert in Lantana, we invite everyone we can think of.
Q: Do you use sequencing?
A: No. Ted believes that real music played in real time has an energy that's impossible to get with recorded backgrounds, so that's the only way he does it.
Q: When do you take breaks?
A: We generally take a fifteen-minute break after the first hour and another break each hour thereafter, but we're not slaves to the clock. We play until a break seems natural and when we do take a break, we play appropriate music on iPod, either as background or at full volume for more dancing.
Q: What about food and drink?
A: When a quick bite can be arranged, it pays a dividend in the energy of the music. If we have traveled some distance, we ask that sandwiches and coffee be provided in a side room. We prefer not to drink alcohol when working, but ask that soft drinks and water be available to help us keep our cool.
Q: Should I choose a band or a DJ?
A: A DJ is best for hip-hop, and much less expensive than a sequenced band. On the other hand, good live music is truly exciting, and a welcome break for people who've heard one DJ too many. For the best of both, we can provide DJ service in combination with live music. We play iPod mixes for band breaks at no charge.
Q: Does Ted do much DJ work?
A: It varies, sometimes once a month, sometimes less. I think he spends a lot more time and money on his music collection and sound system than he needs to, but he really loves the music.
Q: Who are your other DJs?
A: Larry Ruda, Brian Russell and Glen Rovinelli are friends, people who are welcome in our home. Not only do they know what to play, they know how to behave in a professional manner. You can rely on them to refrain from the jokey style and tacky remarks you get with some DJs.
Q: Do you do karaoke?
A: Not our style, and neither are games and props. There are plenty of DJs who do these things, so please choose us when you don't want them.
Q: Do you take credit cards? How can I reserve a date?
A: We take Visa and Mastercard, sorry, no American Express. The quickest way is that we send you a credit card contract by email or fax, you fill in your number, sign it and fax it back. Faxing is more secure than email for signed credit card authorizations. If you prefer to pay by check, we send a slightly different contract by mail, fax, or email. Meanwhile we place a hold on the date to give your deposit check time to reach us. Once the signed contract and deposit have been received, we sign and return a copy, and your date is firm.