The best corporate bands in Perth
Perth is the one Australian city where an outdoor function in December is a safe bet rather than a gamble. Summers here are hot and dry, so poolside, foreshore and winery events in the middle of the function season actually happen as planned.
The catch is heat rather than rain. Amplifiers, laptops and mixing desks in direct sun get unhappy quickly, black equipment on an exposed stage absorbs everything, and guitars drift out of tune. Any band that works outdoors here will ask about shade before you think to offer it.
Top picks in Perth
Top picks are the acts in this category in Perth, with the most visible client reviews first, then rating; premium listings break remaining ties.
Questions people ask about corporate bands in Perth
How much does a corporate band cost in Perth?
Perth's small pool of bands means prices hold steadier across the year than on the east coast, with less of a bargain to be had in winter. What shifts the quote is distance and time on site. A Swan Valley winery or a Mandurah resort is a drive plus a long afternoon in the heat, and that gets priced. The from-prices on this page are what Perth corporate bands are quoting now.
How far ahead should we book a corporate band in Perth?
Earlier than feels reasonable. The good bands in a city this size get committed for November and December by the end of winter, and there's no east coast act to fly in cheaply if you miss out. Six months is comfortable for a peak-season Friday, and three is cutting it fine.
Will a corporate band play outdoors in a Perth summer?
Yes, with conditions, and the conditions are shade and start time. An evening set once the sun's off the stage is a pleasant gig; a four o'clock set facing west is a hot one and instruments and amplifiers both suffer. Ask for a covered stage or a spot in the shade of the building, and expect the band to raise it if you don't.
Can a corporate band work around the time difference for an interstate head office?
If your event has a live cross to Sydney or Melbourne, remember they're two or three hours ahead depending on daylight saving. That usually means the formal part happens early in the Perth evening and the band starts later than it otherwise would. Tell them the running order and they'll plan the background set around the video link.
Booking tips
Book earlier than you would on the east coast
Perth has fewer big function rooms relative to the number of companies wanting them. July and August is the sensible window for a November or December Friday, which is a month or two ahead of Sydney advice.
The sea breeze is a real production issue
The afternoon breeze off the water is what makes a summer evening pleasant, and it also knocks over speaker stands and takes sheet music off a stand. Coastal venues feel it hardest, so ask about weighting the gear down.
Check whether rosters split your workforce
If part of your team is on a swing roster, one function will only ever reach half of them. Plenty of Perth companies run the event twice or put it midweek, and it is easier to plan for than to discover afterwards.