"I was thrilled to have access to Mark of Pleasure Groove from the very beginning. I was uneasy about the process of booking bands - I've never done this before. He more than answered my questions and ALWAYS answered my calls!" -- Dr. and Mrs. Richard Schwartz, parents of the bride "Since I was doing my planning from so far away, it was a little difficult, and Mark made the process so easy for me. He always answered my emails promptly, addressing all of my concerns and questions. He was totally committed to me feeling comfortable with the entire process, and I appreciated it so much." -- Susan Grace Glidden, bride

The Pleasure Groove qualities that are most important to the majority of clients are highlighted on the Your Event page.

The answers to some of the other most common questions from prospective Pleasure Groove clients are below. If you have other questions, please Contact us.

• I’ve never planned a wedding or special event before. Will Pleasure Groove help me with some of the logistical details that I might not think of otherwise?

Yes. Pleasure Groove is a great band, but we’re much more than that. We don’t just show up on the night of your event, play for a few hours, and then go home. We work closely with our clients to help customize our performance to accommodate their preferences and to give each client their own unique experience. We want you to feel completely comfortable with the entire process from start to finish, and our clients often tell us that the entertainment was the most hassle-free part of their entire wedding.

• Will Pleasure Groove introduce my wedding party and/or guest speakers and announce my special events throughout the evening?

Yes. We can emcee the evening and handle all the announcements you’d like us to make.

• Will Pleasure Groove be too loud, especially during dinner?

No. We know that this is the number one complaint that most people have about bands, and we understand how important it is to play at an appropriate volume, especially during dinner.

Pleasure Groove has made a substantial investment in state-of-the-art technology to help us control our volume while providing a superior sound quality in any setting.

For example, we are one of the only bands our size in St. Louis to have a customized in-ear monitor system, which allows us to eliminate stage monitor speakers and live guitar amps from the stage. This permits our sound technicians to have maximum control over the volume and quality of the sound the audience hears from our main speakers.

• How many breaks will you take, and how long will they last?

Our contract permits up to 3 breaks of up to 15 minutes each during a 4-hour period, in case we need them, but we typically take less than that. We’re there to play, not to sit around. We try to plan our breaks to coincide with other events during the evening (toasts, bridal party introduction, cake cutting, etc.) to minimize lull periods during which nothing is happening.

• Will your stage area look cluttered?

No. We realize that you’re paying a lot of money for an elegant venue, and we understand the importance of aesthetics. We won’t bring more equipment than necessary to create a superior sound at your particular venue, and we take steps to hide our cables as much as possible. Our wireless microphones and in-ear monitors also eliminate much of the clutter associated with many other bands.

• Can we use your wireless microphones for our toasts, blessing, etc.?

Yes.

• I’ve read your price list, but are there any hidden costs?

No. Our standard price, together with any ala carte items you might select, is all-inclusive. When you sign a contract with us, you’ll know the exact cost.

• What about meals? Am I required to feed all 9 members of the band?

The 3 band members who set up our sound equipment will arrive early and stay late, meaning that they’ll probably be at your reception venue for 10 hours or more. That’s a long time to go without eating. We typically ask that you provide a meal for them, but it need not be the same meal you provide your other guests (sandwiches, deli trays, pizza, etc., would be fine). If your reception starts at a time that allows the rest of the band to eat before they arrive, then meals for the rest of the band are appreciated but not required.

• Do you accept payment by credit card?

Yes, as a convenience to our clients, we accept payment by credit card.  However, there is a small additional charge to recover transaction fees incurred by the band.

• What is your policy regarding deposits?

It’s very simple. We request a $1,000 deposit within three months after entering into a contract, or three months prior to your event, whichever comes first.  Special accommodations can be made in the event of a genuine hardship.

• How much space do you need for the stage area, and do you require an actual stage?

Some venues provide actual stages, but we don’t require one. A stage area of 12’ X 15’ is ideal, but we also can accommodate 12’ X 12’, or less in some cases. We’ll also need a small area to the side of the stage to accommodate our sound technicians and their equipment.

• How many musicians are in Pleasure Groove, and which instruments do they play?

Currently Pleasure Groove has 7 people on stage, plus two excellent sound technicians. We have the two best male and female lead singers in St. Louis, plus a singing sax player, a singing drummer, and musicians on keyboards, guitar, and bass.

• I know that Pleasure Groove is a fantastic dance band, but can you also play more mellow music during dinner or cocktail hour?

Yes. One of the greatest benefits of hiring Pleasure Groove is that it’s like getting two bands for the price of one. Pleasure Groove plays a variety of jazz and other light music that’s perfect for dinner and cocktail hours. This can be provided just on saxophone and keyboards, with all of the instrumental musicians, or with the entire band, including vocalists.

• Are you willing to learn new songs I might request for my event?

Absolutely. We’re constantly adding to our already extensive song list, and with sufficient advance notice, we can almost always honor special requests. Depending on the difficulty and popularity of the song, we may need to charge a small fee. (See our price list for the range.)

• I have songs that I’d like you to play on CD.  Can you accommodate that?

Yes. We can play CDs that you provide, either for your special request dances (First Dance, Father/Daughter Dance, etc.) or for break music. We also bring our own CDs or MP3s for break music if you prefer to let us handle all of it.

• Will Pleasure Groove be cheesy like many wedding and corporate bands, or lack class and professionalism like many nightclub bands?

Definitely not. One of the unique things about Pleasure Groove is that we started out playing in popular nightclubs but have focused primarily on weddings and private events for the past several years. This means that we have the energy and entertainment value of the top nightclub and concert bands, but we also have the class and elegance you deserve at your special event. Pleasure Groove represents the best of both worlds.