Technical requirements:
- Rantan prefers a minimum stage area of 5m × 3m.
- A separate 15A power, or a 5kva generator for outdoor performances. The band should not be on the same circuit as an urn or bain-marie.
- Outdoor stages must be covered to protect the band’s equipment from the sun, rain, or night-time dew.
- For very large outdoor performances, it may be necessary for the hirer to provide a concert PA system. If in doubt, we can advise.
The best length for most functions is 3 hours, although we understand that a 4-hour format is sometimes required. That’s the time most people can be usefully entertained—and remember: bush/party dance activity, though great fun, can be tiring.
We are happy to play indoors or outdoors and we have the equipment to handle either situation. However, outdoor performances face the hazards of sun, rain and night-time dew (any moisture on equipment can be serious)—therefore, the band must be located in a covered area (tarps are fine). Remember, good bands typically have $40,000 or more worth of equipment and instruments on stage , with many electrical connections. For player safety, and the protection of valuable equipment, a covering is essential.
If you are planning an outdoor function, you should consider a wet-weather alternative. Generally speaking, we are unable to accept cancellations for wet weather, particularly for Friday to Sunday functions. We do have some latitude for mid-week shows to swap dates to a mutually-agreed alternative if your function is ‘washed out’—but it is still preferable to have a dry venue at the ready. You’d be surprised how well functions can turn out despite the disruptions caused by rain.
Bands prefer a raised stage, but this is not essential as stage hire can cost more than the band’s fee—so, please don’t go to any great expense to provide one, as ground level is quite acceptable. We mostly need a playing area of about 5m wide by 3m deep, though we can squeeze up a bit if necessary. A safe 15-amp power supply is all we need for our equipment—but please use a separate circuit for any urns or the like to avoid overloading while the band is playing.
Vehicular access to the stage area is quite important. Band equipment is heavy and cannot be carried for any great distance. If you are hiring a hall for your function, check if there is a stage door and ask the hirer for the key—you’d be surprised how often this is overlooked.
It is usual practice for a band to arrive at the venue about an hour before the start to ‘bump-in’ (musos’ jargon), and we require access to the stage area from that time. Generally, if you require the band to set up earlier there will be surcharge to cover the additional hours. Contact the band if you need further information about these arrangements.
Typically, we require about half-an-hour to set up after the equipment has been bumped in. This usually means we can provide background music for your arriving guests anything up to half-an-hour before kick-off. We have a large and varied selection of music on iPod for background music—if you want something special played, contact the band beforehand, and we’ll be happy to download it to our playlist for you. Also, if you need to make speeches or announcements, you’ll be more than welcome to use our radio microphones and PA system—you won’t need to hire or set up any additional equipment.
If there are to be children at your function, it is wise to inform them that they must not enter the stage area at any time without the band’s permission. Bands have many loose wires and electrical connections, so children running across the stage put themselves and the band’s equipment at risk. This is also good advice for adult guests. Also, children must be warned to never place their ears against the PA speakers—energy levels can be very high, and damage to young ears can occur.
Hay bales make a wonderful prop for your function—but there are problems. Hay contains mites that can often cause asthma attacks, respiratory distress or sore throats. This won’t be a problem if the bales remain intact—but children, particularly, are attracted to the idea of ripping them apart and throwing hay at each other. This practice should be firmly discouraged.
