The Uptown Boys

Audiences are immersed in a 90-minute concert experience featuring three Broadway performers telling their own individual stories of life, love, and making it in New York City while using Billy Joel’s song catalogue as the vehicle. With the backing of a talented 5-piece band, slick LED video content, and delivering 27 of Billy Joel’s chart-topping hits, this is a high energy homage to the Piano Man’s music and the bustling backdrop of New York City that the performers now call home.

One Night. Three Guys. All the Hits of Billy Joel. The Uptown Boys are an award-winning musical group who have been hailed by BroadwayWorld as a "Charismatic Tribute to the Piano Man Himself". A stark contrast from the traditional “Man At The Piano” tribute formula, The Uptown Boys inject sex appeal and smooth movement into Joel’s classic song catalogue, bringing it to new levels. Singing the songs exactly as audiences remember, The Uptown Boys have something for everyone, from casual listeners to the most discerning of Billy Joel fans. From cruise ships to theaters across the US and beyond, The Uptown Boys consistently have audiences on their feet as they rock out to the New York City icon's hits. Featuring 27 of Billy Joel's legendary songs, The Uptown Boys are a group not to be missed!

Technical Requirements – The following specifies technical requirements for tracked show

Backing Tracks Audio

GENERAL NOTE: The Uptown Boys show utilizes a QLab session played on a Macbook Pro. This session includes backing tracks for the group and also has the capability for synchronized video if the venue can accommodate. The session cues are launched by Uptown Boys Production Manager – off stage.

Front of House (FOH)
The performers/band will use venue audio system, which should include appropriate professional audio console, power amps, equalizers, speakers, all necessary cabling, and monitors appropriate to venue dimensions. If the venue is not set up for professional audio, the presenter shall rent/furnish a professional sound board with at least 6 channels, amplification and monitoring equipment, and sound engineer. Audio and lighting equipment shall be set up prior to artist’s arrival.

Monitors
• Uptown Boys prefer IEMs and will provide own earbuds but in certain cases, wedges will be acceptable. Please inquire during advance.
o Three (3) DS monitor wedges for vocalists (these will be on one mix).

Microphones/Cables/Stands
• Three (3) Shure Beta 58 wireless mics and receivers. Three microphones are required for vocalists. One microphone to be used as a backup.
Note: Other microphones may be substituted if necessary, such as Shure KSM9 or Shure Beta 87c. To be discussed during advance. PLEASE DON’T ASSUME A SUBSTITUTE VOCAL MICROPHONE WILL BE OKAY WITHOUT CLEARING IT DURING ADVANCE FIRST. THANK YOU.
• Three (3) standard adjustable microphone stands with round base.

Crew
• PLEASE PROVIDE: One (1) Experienced monitor engineer/A1 to assist w/problems, install, rehearsal, show ops and strike.
• The Uptown Boys will provide one on-site representative/production manager to liaise with local crew, singers, and band.

LIGHTING

GENERAL NOTE: This lays out the basic lighting requirements for the show. If you would like a more extensive lighting package based on your venue’s needs/capabilities, The Uptown Boys do have a more detailed lighting plot. Please ask during advance. Uptown Boys will NOT provide lighting equipment or technicians.

• Experienced technician able to design, focus and program multiple looks and specials
• Lighting rig must be suitable for a high energy, theatrical and concert type performance
• A suggested (but not required) rig should include the following:
- Stage Wash lights/fixtures (Lekos, LED Fixtures and Movers)
- Two suitable spotlights with operators
- A lighting console suitable to program and control the supplied lighting rig
- All lighting cable, adapters, gels, replacement lamps

VIDEO (Optional)

GENERAL NOTE: This is an optional offering for the show. Though recommended, it is not required.

• The Uptown Boys show utilizes a live QLab session with synchronized video from start to finish. All that is required is an HDMI cable to the output from the Mac Mini running the QLab session center stage by the drummer.
• Screen and projectors appropriate to the venue/space.
• HDMI cabling from the projector to the stage. If not HDMI, then please supply the adapter.

STAGING

• Minimum 24’ W x 32’ D play space (w/ black skirting).
• Four (4) stools (black preferred).
• One (1) wardrobe rack (stage right or left wing) for quick change.

NOTE: Wardrobe rack may not be needed for some shows. Please inquire during advance

LOAD-IN and SOUND CHECK

• Load-in at least three (3) hours before sound check.
• Minimum 30 (30) minutes for line check.
• Minimum one (1) hour sound check required at least one (1) hour prior to guest/audience arrival.

Technical Requirements – The following specifies technical requirements for live band show

4 PIECE BAND AUDIO

GENERAL NOTE: In addition to a live four (5) piece band, the show utilizes a QLab session played on a Macbook Pro. This session includes backing tracks for the group, click tracks, and also has the capability for synchronized video if the venue can accommodate. The session cues are launched by MD on stage. The show MUST be performed with click tracks.

PA System
• PA should be a line array system whenever possible and be able to handle a 110db (A weight) continuous program. PA should cover the room evenly, with distributed front fills, off stage fills or side hangs to cover what the main PA system cannot at FOH Engineer’s discretion.

Front of House (FOH)
• Digital FOH console w/ thirty-two (32) input channels, MINIMUM six to eight (6 – 8) stereo send/return, six to eight (6 - 8) aux sends.

Qlab Assingments
• Audio is sent to four (4) stereo channels and two (2) mono channels; totaling 10 outputs that are routed digitally through Qlab to the iConnectivity PlayAudio12 Interface provided by The Uptown Boys computer system.
• Stem assignments in Qlab are as follows:
• Stereo Channel 1 (outputs 1 + 2) = L = Click & R = Tracks
• HDMI – SYNCED VIDEO
o iConectiivity PlayAudio Interface is connected to the soundboard via two (2) ¼” audio TRS to XLR cables.
Monitors
• Monitor console with thirty-two (32) input channels, MINIMUM twelve (8) aux sends for IEMs and stage monitors.
• Three (3) DS monitor wedges for vocalists (these will be on one mix).
• In ear system for up to five (4) band members with personal headphone mixer for each (Aviom or similar).
• All musicians require individual personal mixes.
• IEM musician monitors are NOT required to be wireless.
• In Venues where personal instrumental headphone mixes are NOT possible, Presenter may discuss the option of an Uptown Boys provided headphone amplifier. This request shall be made in writing no later than THIRTY (30) days prior to first engagement.

Note: IEM system may not be required for certain shows. Please inquire during advance.

Microphones/Cables/Stands
• Three (3) Shure Beta 58 wireless mics and receivers. Three microphones are required for vocalists. One microphone to be used as a backup.
Note: Other microphones may be substituted if necessary, such as Shure KSM9 or Shure Beta 87c. To be discussed during advance. PLEASE DON’T ASSUME A SUBSTITUTE VOCAL MICROPHONE WILL BE OKAY WITHOUT CLEARING IT DURING ADVANCE FIRST. THANK YOU.
• One clip on wireless saxophone mic, pack and receiver for reed player.

o DPA 4099 CORE (preferred) or Shure WB90H/C BETA 98 Clip-On Mic.
• Preferred band mics and DI’s are listed on page 5. Substitutions for all band mics are okay. Please review them during advance.
• All clips, mic, audio and instrument cables, including two (2) 20’ ¼ inch cables for guitar and bass players.
• Three (3) standard adjustable microphone stands with round base.

Other
• Each musician shall have access to stage power.
Crew
• PLEASE PROVIDE: One (1) Experienced monitor engineer/A1 to assist w/problems, install, rehearsal, show ops and strike.
• The Uptown Boys will provide one on-site representative/stage manager to liaise with local crew, singers, and band.

LIGHTING

GENERAL NOTE: This lays out the basic lighting requirements for the show. If you would like a more extensive lighting package based on your venue’s needs/capabilities, The Uptown Boys do have a more detailed lighting plot. Please ask during advance.

• Experienced technician able to design, focus and program multiple looks and specials
• Lighting rig must be suitable for a high energy, theatrical and concert type performance
• A suggested (but not required) rig should include the following:
- Stage Wash lights/fixtures (Lekos, LED Fixtures and Movers)
- Two suitable spotlights with operators
- A lighting console suitable to program and control the supplied lighting rig
- All lighting cable, adapters, gels, replacement lamps

VIDEO (Optional)

GENERAL NOTE: This is an optional offering for the show. Though recommended, it is not required.

• The Uptown Boys show utilizes a live QLab session with synchronized video from start to finish. All that is required is an HDMI cable to the output from the Macbook running the QLab session off stage.
• Screen and projectors appropriate to the venue/space.
• HDMI cabling from the projector to the stage. If not HDMI, then please supply the adapter.

Backline Requirements

GENERAL NOTE: The Uptown Boys Five (5) Piece Band Show consists of one (1) drummer, one (1) keyboard player, one (1) bass player, one (1) guitarist, one (1) sax player. Other instrumentation and the production sound bed is included in the backing tracks.

Drums – 4 Piece Kit – Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute (preferred) Gretsch, or DW Drum Kit
• (1 x) DRUM SHIELD (OPTIONAL)
• (1 x) 22” x 14” Kick Drum
• (1 x) 8” x 12” Rack Tom
• (1 x) 16” x 16” Floor Tom
• (1 x) 5”x 14” Snare Drum
• (1 x) Heavy Duty Snare Stand
• (1 x) 20” Ride Cymbal, Istanbul Agop (preferred), Sabian XS or Zildjian Constantinople
• (1 x) 20” Crash Cymbal, Istanbul Agop (preferred), Sabian XS or Zildjian Constantinople
• (1 x) 18” Crash Cymbal, Istanbul Agop (preferred), Sabian XS or Zildjian Constantinople
• (1 x) 15” Hi-Hats, Istanbul Agop (preferred), Sabian XS or Zildjian Constantinople
• (3 x) Cymbal Stands
• (1 x) Hi Hat Stand
• (1 x) Drum Throne
• (1 x) Bass Drum Pedal
• (1 x) Adjustable Percussion Table (for Computer Rack)

Guitar
• (1 x) GUITAR AMP SHIELD (OPTIONAL)
• (1 x) Fender Deluxe Reverb Amp (preferred) or Marshall Amp
• (1 x) 20 ft. Instrument Cable
• (2 x) Instrument Cables
• (1 x) Guitar Stand

Bass
• (1x) Aguilar Bass Amp (preferred) or Marshall Bass Amp
• (1x) Aguilar 4 x 10 Bass Cabinet (preferred) or Marshall 4 x 10 Bass Cabinet
• (2x) Amp/Speaker Patch Cables
• (2x) Instrument Cables
• (1x) Guitar Stand

Keyboard

• (1 x) Nord Stage 2 w/ sustain pedal (preferred) or Motif XF/ES
• (2 x) Instrument Cables
• (1 x) Keyboard Stand

Note: Keyboard bench may be required for certain shows. Please inquire during advance.
Other

• (6) Black Manhasset Model 48 (preferred) Music Stands

Preferred Microphones/DI

Kick (inside) Shure Beta 91 Short Boom
Kick (outside) Shure Beta 52 Short Boom
Snare (top) Shure SM57 Short Boom
Snare (bottom) Shure SM57 Short Boom
Hi Hat Shure SM81 Tall Boom
Ride Shure SM81 Short Boom
Rack Tom 1 Shure Beta 98 Clip On
Floor Tom 1 Shure Beta 98 Clip On
OH SR AKG 414 Tall boom
OH SL AKG 414 Tall boom
Bass - DI Radial Passive DI
Bass - Mic Shure Beta 52 Short Boom
Guitar Amp Shure SM57 Short Boom
Keyboard 1 – L Radial Passive DI
Keyboard 1 – R Radial Passive DI