Are you a booking agency or event company?
No. I’m a musician, I run the band and am there at every single gig and so you are dealing direct. We do work with many different event companies and booking agencies though and welcome inquiries through those channels- or if you are looking for an event management company to work on your event more broadly, let me know if you’d like any recommendations.
How much do you charge?
We do a very wide range of events and so we price everything specifically to your event.
The price varies on whether we play as a 3/4/5/6 piece, the level of production, the travel time, any accomodation requirements and the overall call-out time.
Importantly we don’t vary the price a great deal on call-out time as we don’t play to a fixed time limit so that no-one needs to watch the clock. We know that many events take on a life of their own and we are always flexible, especially when it comes to timing on the night.
Do you teach and call bushdances?
YES. For the hoedowns, barndances & bushdances- we teach and call all the dances on the night. No experience required! I’m the caller and the dances and fun, easy to learn, and make for a very memorable night.
And do people get up and dance?
YES. They most certainly do– without fail. We get great feedback often saying “even <insert name of some bloke here> who said he’d never dance was up dancing!”. We have a few ways of getting people in the mood and up dancing and yes, without fail- people dance. And they love it.
Aside from the called dancing, what songs do you do?
The short version is we have about 100-150 songs covering country, blues, pop, rock, Americana and iconic Australian.
Iconic Australian Rock Cold Chisel; The Easybeats; INXS; Hunter & Collectors; AC/DC; Men at Work; The Angels; Hoodoo Gurus; Powerderfinger; Choirboys; Jet etc.
Americana/ Roadhouse/ Country John Mellancamp; Rolling Stones; Garth Brooks; Dolly Parton; Johhny Cash; Nancy Sinatra; Kenny Rogers; Georgia Staellites; Lynyrd Skynard etc.
Pop/ Party Music ABBA; Adele; Bon Jovi; Dire Straits; The Romantics; Queen; Bryan Adams; Elvis; Van Morrison etc.
Blues & Roots Eric Clapton; BB King; Blues Brothers; JJ Cale; Led Zeppelin etc.
Check out our repertoire here.
What size stage do you need?
If we’re playing as a 4-piece with drums then 6m wide x 4m deep is an ideal minimum. Having said that- we’ve played in rooms the size of a small matchbox and outdoor spaces covering several football fields so we can work with what you’ve got.
Do you have Public Liability Insurance.
Yes. Certificate of Currency is available on request.
Do you charge GST?
No. We are below the relevant thresholds for GST and we are not conducting a business and for invoicing we can provide a statement by supplier if required.
Is this a business or a hobby?
Although I take my music seriously and act professionally in all my dealings- this is not a business. The live performances fund my recording habit!
I perform about 50times/year and that’s roughly my limit so that I- and all of us in the band(s)- stay tight & fresh, don’t get sick of each other and keep enjoying what we do so that we don’t turn up to your event burnt out and hating each other.
Do you provide PA and Lights?
We provide PA and basic stage lighting which suits almost all events we do. For larger events we may need to hire additional PA which will be included in the quote. Our PA and lights are very high quality:
- Front of House Two QSC K12.2 2000watt speakers; Two RCF 702 sub-woofers
- Foldback Two QSC K10 1000watt speakers; one QSC K8 1000watt speaker
- Mixer Behringer XR16 wireless mixer
- Microphones Vocal, instrument and drum mics
- Lighting Four Chauvet LED par cans/ strip lights
- Standalone PA Bose L1 Model 2 with sub woofer (for duo/ smaller venues wanting a discrete setup)
Additional PA added on an as needed basis.
Can we use your PA?
Yes– you’re welcome to use our PA for speeches and any formalities and preferred iPod playlists. There are a few limitations though:
- We don’t generally have wireless mics so if you want roving mics we’ll need to arrange that in advance;
- If you have a DJ wanting to use the PA then we’ll need to discuss that in advance and charge accordingly- DJs often have special requirements (they like their sub-woofers) and if the DJ is kicking on till the wee-hours then we’d need to stick around to pack up;
- If you have audio-visual needs our cables etc. are only so long, so again we need to work with you beforehand.
Can we see you play before we book you?
Most of the events we do are private functions and so although we will do our best to find an opportunity for you to see us play, it’s not always possible. We do regular gigs at various pubs&clubs – generally as a stripped back 3-piece and without the called dancing – and you’re always welcome to come along although it will likely to be different to a themed hoedown night.
Can we meet you before the event?
Most definitely. I am available to meet in person, normally at the venue, in the weeks leading up to your event so that we can put faces to names and go through the running order and any other details so that we can tailor the night for you in every was possible.
The pre-production meeting, and planning, is as important to us as it is to you.
What are your requirements on the night?
We have a rider for the band that we can send through which includes our requirements on the night. Some of the things it covers:
- Arrival/ Departure: The band will generally arrive 2-2.5hrs before your guests arrive. It takes us 45mins-1.5hrs to pack up and bumpout.
- Sound Equipment: The band can provide their own sound equipment, which is included in the cost of booking. Our PA System includes microphones on stage which can be used for your speeches and announcements. – no need to hire or set up your own audio equipment (please ensure you discuss your needs with us upon booking).
- Stage Lighting: If you’ve ever been to a party lit by fluorescent lights with no dimmer, you’ll know good lighting is essential for a great party! Swamp Dawkins can provide stage lighting to create the perfect ambience for your party (please discuss your lighting needs with us upon booking).
- Power Supply: The band will require a separate 15A power supply, or a 5kva generator for outdoor performances.
- Performance Duration: Performance duration will vary depending on your specific needs – the band plays in various formats to suit your event.
- Staging: While we prefer a raised stage, we are happy to work with you to come up with the best staging arrangement for your event. For outdoor events, a great staging alternative is setting up on the back of a flatbed truck! Ideally we require a stage or playing area 6m wide x 4m deep as a minimum.
- Meals / Drinks: It is customary for the band to be served meal & drinks in line with what is available to guests. We are flexible regarding meal times on the night so as to fit in with the running schedule.
- Outdoor Events: Swamp Dawkins will happily play indoor or outdoor and have equipment to handle both environments. However, for outdoor events appropriate shelter should be provided to ensure equipment is protected from sun, rain, night dews etc (arrangements can be discussed upon booking). Bear in mind that outdoor elements such as wind can affect sound quality and the performance. Please also note a specific power supply will need to be provided for outdoor events.
- Vehicle Access: As we bring our own equipment, there is a lot to carry (and it’s heavy!). Vehicle access is important as it is not possible to carry the equipment over great distances.
Why book the Swamp Dawkins Hoedown Band?
Everyone will dance: Our dances taught and called by the band are contemporary, dynamic and fun. We have worked with professional dance instructors and choreographers to design the dances in a way that makes them easy to remember, easy to follow and perfectly matched with the dancing music. The dances are a uniquely modern take on traditional square dances, barn dances, bush dances and line dances that have been choreographed from years of experience in organised dancing.
Professional Musicians: All the musicians in the Swamp Dawkins Hoedown Band are professional musicians and have been performing in various bands for over 30 years. If you’re looking for a band with professional musicians who can really draw and hold the crowd – the Swamp Dawkins Hoedown Band does exactly that with the highest musicianship.
The Swamp Dawkins Hoedown Band is guaranteed to have everyone mixing on the dance floor, stomping, swinging and sliding the night away. It’s a dust busting night of fun, perfect for country and western/hoedown themed corporate events and parties.
Just need a great band for your party?
If you’re just throwing a party and need a band to set the mood – Swamp Dawkins has got you covered.
Playing a mix covers and originals in our own swampy style, it won’t take long till your guests hit the dance floor for a memorable night of dancing, laughing, and good old-fashioned fun!
If you’re planning a country and western hoedown or Australian Bush themed event, the Swamp Dawkins Hoedown Band is the perfect choice and the only band in Sydney that can make your night a roaring success.
