Frequently Asked Questions

From1988-2025 as Orchestra 33. In 2026, we changed our branding to Encore 33 but are the same Orchestra 33 band! We credit our longevity with keeping up with current musical trends as well as honoring songs that have stood the test of time. There’s always something new to learn and always a fresh way to play the classics.

Yes, if it’s appropriate to the venue and event. But please know this: It’s not necessary! The performers you see and hear on our videos are the band members who will be performing at your event. We have only one Encore 33.

Yes we do, from Warsaw to Cabo, Montreal to Puerto Rico, New York to Des Moines. To anywhere, basically.

The cost depends on several factors …. the size of the band, the number of hours, the location … it’s all a part of the customization process.

Yes – three consecutive hours.

We get many, many requests for our 6-hour Classic package, but we are happy to tailor the band to whatever is needed.

Nope!

First we will take the time to talk to you to customize the best Encore 33 experience for your event. Once a contract is in place, a 1/3 deposit and your signature on the dotted line is all we need.

No. You can reserve Encore 33 with a basic three-hour contract and add to it later, if you wish.

If we are booked for a long period of time and/or we have to travel great distances, then yes, the band requires a hot meal. For local events, typically our crew and bandleaders will be onsite hours before guests arrive, and will require vendor meals. In addition, if any musicians/singers perform from ceremony or cocktails to the end of the night, they may also require vendor meals.

No. The agreed upon, contracted price covers everything.

Our crew will set up and test each system roughly 3 hours before your guests arrive. Individual band members arrive closer to their starting time. Our crew tears down in roughly 1.5 hours after we play our final note.

We dress in formal wear, unless otherwise directed by the hosts. If we are playing a themed event, we often dress in attire that matches theme!

That’s a great question. Years ago, all we had to do to get people up and jumping was play the first four measures of “Hot, Hot, Hot” and a conga line would form instantly. (For those of you born after 1990, just ask Alexa to play “Hot, Hot, Hot.”). But times and tastes change, and songs like “Shut Up and Dance” or the most current dance hit gets people up and excited to dance!

Within reason. If we know it, we’ll play it, if it’s appropriate for the occasion. We also clear the request first with the client, bride and groom, etc.

Yes we do. We will customize an ipod playlist of recorded songs chosen by the hosts to play during breaks from live music.

Yes. Piano and violin duo, classical string quartet, Gospel choir …. whatever your dream is. And, we’ll cover any song you choose from classical to popular.

Yes. For example, we will not allow our clients to pay their hard-earned money to hear us play “The Chicken Dance.” That being said, if it must be heard, we will add it to the ipod playlist of music we play during our break.

Yes. For just about everything imaginable.

We allow our band members to have an adult beverage. This is because our band consists of adults. Responsible adults. Should the hosts stipulate no alcohol for the band members, of course we will honor the request.

Simply stated: Many, if not most bands today play along with some form of pre-recorded music tracks. These computerized tracks cover anything from drums, bass, horns, strings, even lead and backing vocals. Some call it high-tech, some call it karaoke. If that’s your thing, that’s cool! They might even be cheaper because they can use fewer people.

Encore 33 was built on the foundations of talent, integrity and soul. Everything you hear from the stage is live. A major part of the experience we provide involves spontaneity, reading and responding to the crowd and the chemistry of a live groove with humans creating a one-of-a kind, never to be repeated musical performance. That can’t happen with a copy and paste repertoire.

Whoever says they are. Seriously, we’re all cover bands …. even the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Most people probably realize the “Best of’” awards are prizes for advertising. It’s really about who is the best band for you. While word-of-mouth is our best selling tool, the only opinion that really matters is yours.