Hire a party band in Greenville, Upstate South Carolina or the surrounding area!
It’s easy, just use our Contact Form or call us and we will discuss your event, your needs and desires!
Hot As A Pepper Party Band has performed over 450 shows since 2012 and we’re ready to play for you!
Whether it’s a wedding, class reunion, corporate event, holiday gathering, grand opening, or just a back yard pool party, we can handle it.
We also do Greek events, festivals and fundraisers!
No matter if you want a more intimate configuration with as few a 3 or 4 musicians or the full band with the Habanero Horns, we can custom tailor the gig to fit your needs.
Hot as a pepper has done shows that were based around a theme before, but it’s been a while, so we are itching to get something fun going again. If you are planning a party or event where you believe a theme would be go over well, or you have a theme based event and you need the music, let’s talk!
Here’s some ideas:
Disco – Everyone gets to channel John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. With tunes from Kool & The Gang, KC & The Sunshine Band, Earth, Wind and Fire, Donna Summer, Bee Gees, Commodores, The Tramps, etc.
Funk – Let’s get funky, nothing but the funk. James Brown, Parlament, Rick James, Gap Band, even some Bruno Mars.
80’s – We’ll get you going with The Fixx, Bon Jovi, Guns & Roses, Rolling Stones, Hall & Oates, Ramones.
70’s – How about a show based around Aerosmith, Doobie Brothers, ZZ Top, Steve Miller Band, Even some Skynyrd?
60’s – We’ve done this show for a large event and it went over super! Temptations, McCoys, GFR, Van Morrison, Steppenwolf, CCR, Stones, Turtles, Beatles, Kinks, Beach Boys, Zombies. From mellow to harder rock.
Beach, lake or shag party – A whole show you can chill to or shag to. By the pool, ocean, lake, or at your venue.
Our specialty is performing Variety Dance & Party Shows, however, with such a large repertoire, Hot As A Pepper can heavily weight any show we do towards a specific decade or genre.
With enough planning, we can create a show that specifically meets your needs. Custom tailored for you.
We can perform an entire album or every hit song from a particular artist. Imagine a night of a Stevie Wonder’s awesome music, or maybe the entire Steve Miller Band’s Greatest Hits!
We’re available for your function, whether it is a festival, wedding, corporate event, birthday, anniversary, graduation, or a block party… Or for your venue such as a bar, club or restaurant.
Just about any occasion or location is enhanced by live music!
Use our contact form or give us a call at 864.979.1224 if you want to plan the most awesome event ever! We’re not tied to Greenville SC or the Upstate with a chain, we can cover your event anywhere in the Southeast, or even the world. If you’ve got the money honey, we’ve got the time!
Some find themselves experiencing a bit of sticker shock when a band tells them the cost of the event will be $3000, when a DJ quoted them $800.
So why IS it so costly to hire a band or musician for your event? This is a long one, grab a drink.
Equipment Investment:
A band not only has to invest in the same speakers and amps (or larger) that a DJ might use for the audience to hear their show, but they also have to invest into a monitor system which is what the band uses to hear themselves. The band also has to invest into a mixing console with more inputs, instruments and instrument stage amplifiers. This could mean while a DJ has as little as a couple thousand dollars invested, a band might have $50,000 or more on their stage!
Also, a DJ might have some dance floor lights, while a band may have some dance floor lighting and stage lighting to illuminate the members so you can see them.
Personnel:
A DJ has a clear advantage here. Having less equipment means that it could be a one-man-show. He/she could be setup and ready to go in as little as 15 minutes!
A band may have to arrive 2 to 2.5 hours before the show in order to get setup, get a proper sound check, and then get changed and ready to perform. However, that’s not really the start of the labor involved. The band will have to load all that gear into their vehicles, a trailer/van/bus, and drive to the location. Then at the end of the night, they may remain at the venue for up to an hour tearing down and loading out their gear, then driving it to where it is kept.
Let’s examine a typical show. Band meets at 2pm and loads up gear, drives to the venue for a 4pm load-in. They then setup their gear and get a sound check and changed into show clothes for a 7pm performance. The performance lasts from 7pm to 10pm, and the band tears down and leaves by 11pm, and finally unloads at their studio or storage location and heads for home by 1am. That’s an 11 hour day. BUT WAIT! That’s not all, that’s 11 hours times how ever many band members and staff that are involved. In the case of Hot As A Pepper, that would be 6 to 9 people. or up to NINETY-NINE MAN HOURS.
A band usually has sound and lighting techs which make them sound or look their best, so they can concentrate on playing their best. That adds to the number of people involved, and the man hours of labor.
A musician in a band might have an 11 hour day for your 3 hour event!
Add to that a few scenarios such as when the band MUST SET UP by 1pm for a 6pm show because the photos are being taken at the venue, or there is a cocktail reception before the band plays. This could add many hours to the entire band’s investment in time. They cannot setup and leave their gear, nor can they do anything else to make money while their gear is tied up at that venue.
Before your show, it is likely that you requested several special songs, let’s assume 3 songs that the band doesn’t normally play. A musician might learn their part for 3 songs in as little as an hour, while more complicated songs might take several hours. Then the band must come together and rehearse them as one unit. Let’s assume 2 hours to learn them, and 2 hours to rehearse with the band, times 7…. 28 additional hours invested.
Let’s take the numbers from above, where the band invested 99 hours into a show, change the setup time to 2pm so the band can be out of the way by 5pm to allow for a cocktail and dinner hour, which adds 18 more man hours, then add the 28 man hours to learn special songs. If my math is correct, that is 145 man hours.
At the minimum wage that people are pushing for of $15/hr, that would be $2175 in pure labor!
Each musician invests into their gear and clothing, and a huge investment is made in learning their craft, which might take years. The songs they play took hundreds of hours to work up, again, times however many musicians are performing them.
A band has to have rehearsal space, which may cost them monthly.
A band may be losing 20% or more to a booking agency, right off the top.
A band may have to buy additional insurance, and for a whole lot more than a DJ.
There are meals involved during the day, and guitar strings, sax reeds and batteries for various devices.
Some bands are fortunate enough to have a van and a trailer, where all people ride in one vehicle, while others might use their personal vehicles, meaning even more investment in gas and maintenance.
So just how much do the band members make? Yeah, that’s a lot less than you might think!
Taking a $3000 wedding event which was booked through an agency as an example, we immediately lose 20%. Then we take out expenses for fuel or vehicle needs, assuming a trailer rental, and gas of $100 and let’s assume the client pays with a credit card, and we lose 3% additional (90 bucks). That’s 2210 left. If we have a single sound person, we might give them $200, which means only $2010 remains.
For this example, the band will have 7 members, and they each get an equal cut, in addition to the sound system getting an equal cut, so they can maintain it… $2010 divided by 8 is $251.25.
Each member shows invests 12 hours into prep, driving, playing, loading, etc.
That looks like each member gets $21/hr! Not bad. No no, wait…. What about taxes? If they are reporting this income, they might lose 30% in taxes, taking it down to 14.70/hr.
And yet they invested money into lunch, and maybe Waffle House afterwards (maybe dinner if that wasn’t included in the rider for the event), fuel in their personal vehicle, strings/sticks/reeds/batteries. That could run into the 25 dollar range or more.
Pay – taxes – expenses could look more like $12.50 an hour or less. Maybe much less, especially if something goes horribly wrong, like a shirt getting ripped, or a damaged instrument.
The next time you think bands are getting rich and that their rates are outrageous, consider some of the above and you might understand that you are likely getting one heck of a great deal when a music group performs for you.
Try calling in a handful of plumbers, computer techs or HVAC techs to work for you for half the day, and compare that bill with a band!
If you would like a quote for Hot As A Pepper live music entertainment, let us know! We would be happy to play your wedding reception, high school reunion, wedding anniversary party, corporate event, festival or venue! Use our CONTACT FORM and we will get back to you quickly. Or feel free to give us a call at 864.979.1224.
Our New Mackie DL32R – 36 inputs, 28 outputs busses, zero knobs
Today’s a great day for Hot As A Pepper! You could say we were filled with HAAPiness!
Why? Because new toys arrived and we’re itching to use them for our upcoming shows. We’ve upgraded our audio mixer from the Mackie DL1608 to the Mackie DL32R and put it in a new Gator road rack case with a Furman power distribution system, an Apple AirPort Express Wi-Fi router and a Western Digital 1TB USB hard drive.
The advantages over what we had are more inputs for more players, more outputs for more monitor mixes, additional effect capability and 32 channel record/playback. No, it won’t make us sound or look any better, but who doesn’t love more power!!?!!??
A little history about the evolution of Hot As A Pepper’s audio control system:
A while back we ditched our trusty analog Allen & Heath mixing console in an effort to make life easier on us.
What did the move to digital gain us? By losing the console, we also lost the snake, which presented a health & safety hazard at venues where someone could trip over it. It also meant we no longer had to carry that copper coil of evil around and wrap it up carefully to insure it was not damaged, along with cleaning all the gunk off of it from beer or food spillage, or even worse, the outdoor gigs where there was wet grass and dirt on it.
Another advantage of not having a big console is that the venue does not have to give up a table which could seat 2 to 4 people and make them more money. That comes thanks to wireless connectivity and using a series of tablets to control the mixer.
The audio tech or engineer uses a tablet such as an iPad in our case to sit ANYWHERE in the venue, or to roam around and listen to the sound at various locations. And they no longer control both the FOH (Front Of House) mix AND the monitor mix, they simply control what they hear. The monitor mixing takes place on stage, where the band is.
Is the DL32R or any digital mixer system right for YOUR band? Yes? No? Maybe?
If you want to lose the snake, not take up a table in the venue, YES!
If you want to be able to save settings for a venue and recall them and be close to playing without a long sound check the next time you play there, then YES.
If you want to simplify your life, MAYBE!
If you want to save money – no…
Why maybe on simplifying your life? You still need a sound tech out front if you want to sound your best out front. You now need to maintain multiple systems, such as a digital mixer, and a wireless system, and let’s not forget those iPads, which are fragile and MUST be charged and ready to go. Your sound tech may have never worked with a control surface on an iPad, whereas a traditional analog console is a snap to navigate, even if you have never seen that model before! Then there’s the potential for wireless interference which could prohibit you from controlling your audio system! It could come from wireless mics, or heavy 2.4/5GHz spectrum congestion. Oh, and let’s not forget about software updates, which could affect your system’s performance.
Want to save money? Go analog and forget the iPads, and mounts, chargers, racks, etc. Just buy yourself a nice 16-32 channel board and a snake and be done with it!
Nope, it’s not a one-size-fits-all type thing. It might not be right for you, or it may be exactly what you have been missing!
Want to discuss it? Find us out at a gig and we will show you our system and try to answer any questions we can.
You can also find me (John) online and I’ll be happy to tell you all I know.
Rock On!
About John:
John M. Hoyt is the bass player & manager of the Greenville SC based dance, party and event band, Hot As A Pepper. You can reach John at 864-979-1224 or use our CONTACT FORM.
Hot As A Pepper loves playing wedding receptions and parties! Why? Because we get to hang out with people who want nothing more than to have fun, and more importantly, we get to share in a very special moment in a couple’s lives!
One couple, Todd & Joy, had seen our band perform at one of our favorite venues to play (The Spot on The Alley in Seneca) and decided that we would compliment their wedding day well, so they booked us for the wedding reception.
Their wedding director, Dee, was incredible, tending to every last detail, and making the venue (The Lighthouse) look more beautiful than it ever had for other events we have played there.
My Daughter, Megan Hoyt, played piano for the ceremony music and afterwards, sang and played piano and guitar for the cocktail hour music. I even sat in with Chris Eller to accompany her on a couple songs.
Then, Hot As A Pepper fired up and played a few special songs we had learned for the bride and groom’s first dance and the father/daughter dance, etc…. After which we saw a non-stop dance party until the last chords rang out. During the breaks we kept the crowd going with some popular line dance songs that had been requested.
Mission accomplished! It was an amazing night for the band!
Yesterday, we received this posting from the newlyweds on our Facebook Page:
Client supplied photo of guests enjoying some Hot As A Pepper!
Thank you to Hot As A Pepper for providing a memorable night of entertainment at our recent wedding at the Lighthouse! The dance floor was full all-night long, with great selections of all genres from beach music and through every decade including current hits. The band was a pleasure to work with and we look forward to seeing them again soon. Thanks to Chip, John and the rest of the band!
I guess I don’t have to tell you… This is the icing on the cake! When you can do what you love doing, such as your band playing for a wedding, and then get positive feedback that people loved your work, it just doesn’t get better than this!
Thank you to Todd & Joy for trusting in Hot As A Pepper to play for their wedding. We wish you two a long lifetime of happy times and great music! We want to play for your anniversary parties!
– John
John plays bass for Hot As A Pepper and writes nonsense such as this blog post and silly comments on the band’s facebook page. The band is available for your wedding reception, party or other event in the Greenville area and out a few hours. We can provide a smaller “core” band of 4 or 5 people, or we can add our horns and an additional vocalist to cover just about any style of music you may desire!
Need cocktail or dinner hour music? How about ceremony music? We can handle all that. Give us a call, or use this FORM to get info on how to book or hire Hot As A Pepper!
It’s been a fun year so far for Hot As A Pepper! We’ve had some great gigs at many venues that are new to us and made a lot of new friends and connections in the process.
Now, it’s time to slow down a bit and spend some time with our families. We’ve scheduled downtime, vacation and trips in July and through August so, we have not been actively booking gigs.
Once the kids are back in school and normal work schedules resume, we will get back to booking.
Until then, if you need us, you know where we are, shoot us an email. We’d love to play your pool party or reunion if we are available!
Here’s a common issue… Someone wants a band for their 40th birthday party and they can’t afford it. Bummer! And an iPod just won’t cut it!
The cost of the band isn’t the only issue either! Besides paying the band for their appearance, there may be other expenses, such as renting a venue, sound and/or lighting. If the band is a popular act, they may have a rider that covers everything from transportation, accommodations, refreshments and assistants. They could require a particular size stage, union stagehands and more.
So maybe booking a band of that caliber is a bit much. Even a local band can set you back a grand, and you still have to have a place that is large enough, has enough power to provide for their audio and lighting gear, and keeps them warm / cool and dry. And, all without the neighbors calling the police for loud noise.
Here’s a suggestion – work with a local band to find a venue who might subsidize your party!
How would that work? Simply put, your party will only last a couple hours, right? A bar, club or restaurant has live music starting around 8 or 9 in the evening generally, and some as late as 10pm start times.
You might be able to work with the band and venue to secure the facility for your party from 6 to 8, or 7 to 9. The venue pays half the band’s fees and you pay half and you both get exactly what you want! You get a party at a great location, with a band all to yourself, or at least mostly to yourself, and then the bar or club gets the benefit of the band playing until they close.
The band may charge slightly more for this, as their play time is increased, but they are getting two gigs and only moving gear once.
The venue may be more than happy to entertain this idea as you are bringing 50 of your closest friends to their place, and providing them with some sales. You can probably secure a deal where they let your party have discounted booze, or a drink special.
If this sounds like something you are interested in and you are in the Upstate or Greenville SC area, give us a call and let’s talk! You might just end up with a band for 25-30% off AND have a great location for your party!
Do you love dancing? I mean, do you REALLY love dancing?
Here’s someone who loves dancing:
If you love dancing as much as this young man, then please consider Hot As A Pepper for your next function! There’s nothing we like better than providing the groove for you to get down to!
We cover many styles of music in a show, most of the songs are familiar and perfect for you to dance to, whether it is a shag or a slow dance, and maybe even a line dance.
At our last gig, we had an actual Hell’s Angel member busting a move most of the night with us! If we can get big burly bikers up dancing, we can move your feet too!
Call us today and book a party, corporate event, wedding, or hire us for your venue because we play bars and clubs too! We mostly play the Upstate because we are Greenville, SC based, but we will travel to you if the gig is right!
864-979-1224 or use the booking info contact link above!
In this day & age with so many outlets it’s something that every business, public event, persona and even individuals must be acutely aware of!
Well, Hot As A Pepper is very self-aware, so we’re gonna take a minute to examine some of what’s being said about us. We’re starting with LinkedIn:
Mark Rodeffer has endorsed your work as Musician / Manager at Hot As A Pepper!
Dear John,
“I recommended John and his band, Hot as a Pepper, to play at an event in downtown Simpsonville and they were a huge success! Although I didn’t get to enjoy their performance much that night, the feedback I received from everyone was outstanding. Even the Mayor commented on how great they were and that we should go ahead and book them for the event next year! Doesn’t get any better than that.”
Service Category: Writer/Editor
Year first hired: 2012
Top Qualities: Great Results, Good Value, Creative
Lee Ann Carter has endorsed your work as Musician / Manager at Hot As A Pepper!.
Dear John,
“This the the best Upstate band in the biz!!! Fun, high energy, great selection of songs…if you want to get the party started Hot As A Pepper is who you need to hire. Very professional, John and the rest of the band members put your satisfaction first. He will take the time to know exactly what your event is, work hard to provide the type of music and “vibe” you are looking for and if you aren’t sure what direction to go, John has the experience and know-how to offer suggestions, ensuring your next party or event is a success!”
Service Category: Music/Entertainment
Year first hired: 2012
Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert
Now on to the UBER Popular Facebook:
Cindy Shaffer I would like to thank all of you guys for coming out and playin for us. Y’all are wonderful and I think Guard Your Life Challenge has their official band. We will be calling on you all again. Thank again we had a wonderful time.
Barbara Rolfson Bryant Thanks for the entertainment. Ya’ll are awesome! Can’t wait to have you back next year!!
Clifford J. Sieber You guys were amazing. Thanks so much for rocking Phi Sigma Kappa’s semi-formal.
Joey Sanders Craft We really enjoyed last night at Macs Speed Shop!! Thank you guys for doing everything yal did!!! Look forward to next time.
Wow… Usually people hate it when they are being talked about… But hey, Not us!! Give us a call, an e-mail, or a note on our Website Here or our FaceBook page Here! Our goal is to give you the BEST entertainment experience and be ABSOLUTELY concerned about what you have to say about it!
– Curtis Butler – Percussionist for Hot As A Pepper
There are parties you look forward to and others, well… let’s face it – you just don’t know WHAT to expect! – Am I right?? Well, when Hot As A Pepper was contacted to play an event for the SC Paralegal Association at the Greenville EMBASSY on Verde, we thought Uh-Oh…. But – hey, we just surmised that EVERYONE likes to have a good time, Right?? Do they EVER!!
We had a BLAST… these are some hard working people who; by day, surely do not get enough appreciation for all the effort they put in, but what can be said but that they CERTAINLY know how to dole out the appreciation! These Guys and Gals know how to simply have fun!
Hot As A Pepper would have to admit that This gig was one for the memory books! Even though the long day had taken it’s toll on a few; most of the attendee’s stayed on and really let their hair down, danced and sang along as each song was played effortlessly by this seasoned group. From requests and acappella renditions to Rockin’ & Groovin’, there wasn’t a song that didn’t have someone’s toes tapping or singing along!
We had so much fun we were asked to play their 2013 event; invited to play a private party and are going to be actively plugged to be regulars at a local watering hole! Sounds like a successful night if you ask me!
Don’t miss out on your chance to see & hear Hot As A Pepper – or better yet, BOOK them while you can! You can use our CONTACT FORM or call 864-979-1224 for more information.
