1. How big is the hall and how many guests are coming?
This is the first question and it decides everything else. For a ballroom with hundreds of guests a four-piece band is not enough — the music gets lost in a large space and the dance floor stays half empty. That is why a large ball or gala books a big band: twenty musicians who fill the hall naturally, without overdoing the volume.
Big Band Karlovy Vary is the line-up organisers invite to the largest balls in the region. For a smaller hall or a limited budget we have a half-size line-up — the Jazz Combo.
2. Does the band really play live?
Ask directly. Many ball bands play to computer backing tracks and only sing live. With us every note is live — trumpets, trombones, saxophones and the rhythm section. That is the difference guests notice even if they are not musicians: a live orchestra breathes with the room.
3. How many sets, and how long?
A typical evening with Big Band Karlovy Vary consists of 2–3 sets of 40 minutes with twenty-minute breaks. We do not play more than three hours of music. Playing wind instruments is physically extremely demanding and we want the last song to sound as good as the first. The breaks are perfect for a dance show, a raffle or a midnight surprise.
4. Who provides the sound?
For the full orchestra we require a sound engineer. We can provide one, or the organiser can supply one as part of the venue hire. For smaller, intimate events we can do the sound ourselves with our own top-quality equipment for an extra fee. Details in How much space does a big band need.
5. What is the repertoire — for dancing and for listening?
People dance at a ball, but they also listen in between. A good ball band can do both. Our repertoire is built on the swing of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman and Frank Sinatra, complemented by Latin and pop. With two soloists — David Kleňha and Mirka Lendělová — the programme alternates male and female voices and duets.
6. Does the band have experience with balls of this level?
A gala ball is different from a village dance — it has a programme, a formal opening, a dance show and guests who expect a certain standard. Big Band Karlovy Vary plays regularly at town balls across the Karlovy Vary Region, at prestigious doctors’ balls and at corporate parties, and has played gala balls in Kladno and Prague. The orchestra has existed since 1986.
7. Why not book the cheapest band?
Because a ball cannot be repeated. A big band is not the cheapest option — twenty professional musicians, a sound engineer and transport for the whole orchestra cost more than a four-piece band. We have no intention of hiding that. The organisers who book us know why: the full sound of a live orchestra is what turns a ball into an event people talk about until the next season.
At a glance
| Full orchestra | 20 musicians, stage of about 10 × 8 m, sound engineer required |
|---|---|
| Jazz Combo | 8 musicians, about half the space, suitable for smaller events |
| Programme | 2–3 sets × 40 min, 20-min breaks, max. 3 hours of music |
| Area | West Bohemia, Central Bohemia, the rest of the country by arrangement |
| Price | on request, depending on the event |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a big band for a ball cost?
We prepare the price for Big Band Karlovy Vary on request. Every ball is different — it depends on the length of the programme, the venue, sound and the travel costs of twenty musicians. Send the bandleader your date and venue and we will prepare a tailored offer.
How long does a big band play at a ball?
Typically 2–3 sets of 40 minutes with twenty-minute breaks. We do not play more than three hours of music — it is physically extremely demanding for wind players and the quality would suffer.
Do you play outside the Karlovy Vary Region?
Yes. We mainly play in West Bohemia, regularly travel to Central Bohemia and have played gala balls in Kladno and Prague, for example. More distant events by arrangement.