Hire a big band for rich harmonies, swinging horns, and dance floor classics. Find big bands for hire near you, with profiles, pricing, and FAQs to help you book with confidence.
On average, a professional big band costs between $800-$2400. The size of the band will determine much of the price. Additional factors like performance length and travel costs will also impact how much you pay.
Typically, a big band will perform for two hours. Many bands can also adjust their length of performance to your needs and desires. Remember that musicians usually take a short break of five to ten minutes every hour, so plan accordingly to fill in the gaps with additional entertainment like an emcee or a DJ.
A big band, sometimes called a jazz orchestra, is a large group of 12 to 25 members with brass, woodwind, and rhythm sections. Communicate the stage size of the venue with the band before booking to ensure you can accommodate the band and their equipment.
Big bands offer a large repertoire of music and can usually take requests as long as you give them enough advance notice. Jazz ensembles of this size may want to rehearse a particular requested song to ensure a polished performance.
Big band music would be a hit at all types of events. The timeless style of music makes them great wedding bands or dance bands, but they can also complete a formal occasion like a gala or create a fun atmosphere at a corporate event or holiday party.
Big bands will usually provide all of their own equipment, but they may be interested in using speakers or other audio equipment provided by a venue. Make sure you communicate with your venue and the band before the event date so the performance goes smoothly.
We highly recommend booking entertainment as soon as possible so you find exactly what you want. Because they have so many band members, scheduling can be trickier for big bands, so you want to start your search many months before the event.
Remember that if you make special song requests, you also want to give the band plenty of time to learn the songs and arrive prepared.
Since big bands have 12-25 members, they require a large space. The space needed will vary depending on the specific jazz band’s instrumentation. Communicate your venue information in advance to the band, or plan your venue around the band to guarantee they have the necessary space to perform.
United States
Canada
Booking a big band for your event will create an atmosphere of sophistication and excitement. The infectious rhythms of jazz and swing music are guaranteed to draw your guests to the dance floor. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or fundraiser, these talented performers will elevate the experience with timeless music. Choose your location to find a local big band for your special event!
When hiring a big band, take the time to browse profiles, listen to audio, and watch videos to see their performances in action. Then read reviews from past clients to see what it would be like to work with them. Once you find the perfect group, get a contract or booking agreement and make sure all the details are covered. When you book on GigSalad, your payment is processed securely through the site and is protected by our Worry-Free Guarantee.
Request free quotes from Big Bands near you!
Here are some other amazing categories that might interest you.
The best way to get accurate pricing is to request free, personalized quotes from Big Bands near you.
To give you a ballpark, we’ve used past GigSalad quotes to get average nationwide pricing for hiring a Big Band.
Check out the GigSalad blog for unique party ideas and expert advice on how to plan amazing events.
By Matt Holland
When planning your wedding, every detail matters, from the flowers to the music. But what truly makes a celebration unforgettable? The entertainment! Whether you’re envisioning something quirky, elegant, or downright magical, these unique wedding entertainment ideas can transform your special day into an experience that guests will be talking about for years.
By Matt Holland
Whether you're throwing a backyard birthday bash or orchestrating a black-tie gala, one thing is universally true: great events don't just happen — they're planned. If the thought of juggling guest lists, menus, timelines, and table arrangements makes your head spin, you're in the right place. We've put together the ultimate party planning checklist to walk you through the entire process, from the first spark of an idea to the last slice of cake.
By Matt Holland
If you want to bring people together and keep the energy buzzing, a few well-placed interactive event ideas can do wonders. The right mix of activities can turn casual mingling into meaningful moments, encouraging active participation and creating an engaging attendee experience from start to finish. Whether you’re planning something intimate or all-out, these interactive ideas for events will help you spark connection in real time.
Join GigSalad to showcase your talent and connect with planners looking to hire Big Bands in the United States and Canada.