AO

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This example demonstrates a wedding running behind, and the client criticising the artist for not staying behind to play the wedding first dance. The crucial point to note here is that the artist was never asked to stay longer and it cannot be assumed that the artist will stay longer if the timings run outside the parameters of the contract.

Compare & Contrast
Compare Zara K where a similar situation occurred and the client tried to use it as grounds avoid paying. Contrast Yesterday where the on-the-day communication was mediated by the venue's event coordinator and the artist/client relationship was safeguarded.

Read More...
Yesterday
Zara K

​Testimonial - Rory The Saxophonist - 27/08/2016

​From: Rory
Subject: Re: Testimonial - Rory The Saxophonist - 27/08/2016
Date: 26 May 2017 at 15:36:21 BST
To: AO
Cc: Claire
Hi AO
Apologies for the delay.
It must be recognised no-one actually asked me if I was able to stay for longer. I would have happily negotiated to stay longer had I been asked, but it cannot be assumed that I would stay longer (as a matter of fact, my contract ended at 18:00, and I waited until 18:30 before leaving). I even asked several people whether I was required to stay longer or not but no one could give me an answer.
that was not what the contract said, you should have done your job that you got paid for, not blame other people for it, after all you were not the only vendor there that had set rules on what to do, if everyone waited for the Cordinator to guide them, they won't do anything on that day.
I understand your point about ‘doing my job that I got paid for’ — which I completely agree with. Had the timings run exactly as below then that’s exactly what I'd have done. However, since the timings took the job beyond the parameters stipulated by my contract (see below: First dance -5pm, 18:00 - Depart), it was no longer my ‘job’ and it became something else entirely. In these circumstances, communication is required; one cannot just assume one will stay an extra hour, paid or not, without asking.

Set Timings
What are the set timings?
Arrival of the bride 12pm
Cocktail hour -3pm -4pm
First dance -5pm 

Schedule:
10:00 - Arrive
10:00 - Setup
10:00 - Soundcheck
10:00 - Curfew
12:00 - Start
18:00 - End
18:00 - Breakdown
18:00 - Depart

The reason I lingered behind was to see that things ran smoothly without me for the first dance, and to show that I was not running off (even if I was made late for my evening appointment), to give people one last opportunity to ask me to stay behind if needed. Still, then, nobody approached me or asked me to stay. I told both DJ and coordinator that the timings had run behind and offered to stay if required, but the coordinator just dismissed me.
Next time you hire a musician, band, photographer or any other event supplier, I’d advise you to communicate with them on the day. Or, if it’s your wedding day and you can’t communicate in person yourself, to delegate that communication to someone else such as a coordinator, and ensure that the coordinator makes contact with your suppliers upon arrival so that they know who to contact. I appreciate that things don’t always run as planned but in these situations the communication has to happen to prevent any problems and in this case, it didn’t.
To clarify: I would have been happy to negotiate staying beyond the agreed contract end time had I been asked, but I wasn’t asked.
Thanks
Rory

On 31 Aug 2016, at 07:35, AO wrote:
Hello Rory,
I completely understand all your explanation but you knew what to do regardless of who communicated with you or not, the Dj knew you were going to play during the first dance, why you didn't play I still don't understand, why were you waiting for any of the Cordinator to tell you to play for first dance? Despite the fact I saw you give the Dj the playlist and walk away, I felt you did that intentionally because your time was up. So no explanation can prove to me that it was a miscommunication, my coordinator told me immediately that you said your time was up after the first dance. You where sitting beside the Dj the whole time because I saw you. Anyway I was really upset you walked away during my first dance, that was not what the contract said, you should have done your job that you got paid for, not blame other people for it, after all you were not the only vendor there that had set rules on what to do, if everyone waited for the Cordinator to guide them, they won't do anything on that day.
You talked about lack of organisation, you knew what to do, all you had to do is tell them or the Dj you are playing for first dance, the Dj confirmed to me that you didn't play because your time was up
Vivienne was only to guide you at the church, not the reception 
The Dj had instructions and knew you were suppose to play, all the coordinator knew you where going to play, so I don't believe your excuse, your job was not complicated enough for you to not play.
 Why linger during the first dance, seeing you give the playlist to the Dj and walk off was so irritating , like you didn't care. The Dj knew what to play anyway. Why did u need to speak to the MC, u only needed to liaise with the Dj on when the song will be played. 
They told you to go when you did not do your job, anyway
For future purpose, in other event just do your job, don't wait for anybody to tell you what to do.
This is a copy of the contract for the Dj 
<image1.PNG>
Many Thanks
AO

On 30 Aug 2016, at 11:52, Rory wrote:
Hi AO
Thanks very much for sending your feedback to Claire.
I’m very sorry to hear of your disappointment. What you have described amounts to nothing more than mis-communication on behalf of the wedding organisers.
First of all, the person who was looking after me on the day (Vivienne) departed before the evening reception. Although I was provided a lift to the evening reception, which was very much appreciated, I was not put in contact with anyone on arrival to advise me regarding any changes to the contract, let alone any instructions, so I was completely reliant on the contract provided prior to the event (see attached), and show advance which I had on my iPhone.
During the evening function, I spent considerable time - both on arrival, and during the proceedings - trying to track down the wedding coordinator or at least establish who was in charge who could advise me, but no-one seemed to know what was going on. It was a very frustrating and unnerving experience for me and highlighted a general lack of organisation around the event as a whole.
I also spoke to the DJ, who was very nice but didn’t know any of the details concerning the booking of the saxophonist. However, he kindly liaised with the MC on my behalf to ask him about the run timings. The MC was completely dismissive of me and didn’t seem to acknowledge/care that I was even there let alone whether I would be able to complete the song requests as arranged or fulfil the terms of my contract. He gave me no indication of the current run timings and/or when I’d be expected to play.
I’ve been working professionally since 2009 and performed for loads of weddings, so I’m used to programmes running behind but there’s always been someone supervising; I’ve never ever experienced being completely left to my own devices on the day.
At 5:30pm, when I informed the MC regarding my contracted departure time, and asked whether I would be required to stay beyond 6pm, the MC only said he’d "get back to me on that” and ignored all further attempts at contact from myself and the DJ to establish whether I would be required to stay or not. Fortunately, I had downloaded the relevant tracks and prepared them which came at extra time/financial cost to me. I was able to brief the DJ on your first dance, ensuring that he had the correct song "Bebe & Cece Winans - Close To You" (which I had queued up on my iPod at that moment), and he kindly agreed to play it if I was allowed to leave or not. I lingered during the 1st dance itself to oversee the 1st dance went smoothly enough without my input.
Finally, a lady in a silver dress arrived. She didn’t introduce herself to me at all, but I deduced that she was possibly an event coordinator (although I’m still not certain) and that she would have a slight idea of what was happening. I’m guessing that this is the wedding coordinator you mentioned? Both her and the DJ attempted to speak to the MC, but nothing was resolved, and I was left standing there in a limbo while I was left to work out whether to leave or not.
Despite all of the confusion, I was very happy to stay for longer had this been communicated to me, but my main concern was not wanting you to be disturbed or interrupted on your big day. I stayed for an additional 20 minutes in total to find out what was happening, but I was simply ignored, and in the end I just advised the DJ and the lady in the silver dress that I was OK to go and they both indicated yes that’s fine. When I finally left, it was 6:20pm.
I was given no indication, no information at the time, which was a shame, because I’d have loved to stay for longer and perform the 1st dance, but we were let down purely through poor event coordination and a lack of communication.
If there’s any way in which we can compensate you on their behalf for the inconvenience then please let me know. We’re performing at The Jazz Café Camden this Sunday 4th September and we’d be very happy to sort you and Mofi out with some complimentary tickets if you can make it. Please let me know.
Many thanks and apologies again for the upset and inconvenience.
And sending you my congratulations,
Best wishes
Rory

On 30 Aug 2016, at 10:00, Claire wrote:
Rory,
Please can you kindly explain to AO directly what happened and why you didn’t play her 1st dance?

Begin forwarded message:
From: AO
Subject: Re: Testimonial - Rory The Saxophonist - 27/08/2016
Date: 30 August 2016 09:27:24 BST
To: Claire
Hello Claire,
Thanks to Rory but I'm actually upset, I was looking forward for him to play on my first dance, but he did not despite the fact that he was there, he told my wedding Cordinator that his time was up. But why wait till the first dance to occur, even if they charged me a little extra later I wouldn't mind paying but at least it was part of my request, the programme ran a bit late I understand that but out of everything I requested for the first dance is what I would have been able to enjoy.
So I'm sorry I can't give a review because I didn't see him perform for my first dance.
Many Thanks
AO

On 30 Aug 2016, at 10:00, Claire wrote:
Hello AO,
Many congratulations on your wedding day.
Thank you for inviting Rory The Saxophonist to perform at your wedding.
I hope you enjoyed the performance, and that all on-the-day arrangements went smoothly and satisfied your requirements?
I would like to ask whether you could write a short testimonial for Rory The Saxophonist, based on your experience of working with us.
We are not looking for anything too substantial; just a couple of lines commenting on the energy, style, performance and professionalism, and how you felt the saxophonist made an impact on your wedding. This feedback would be very much appreciated. Please let me know if you prefer me not use your full name for privacy purposes.
Rory will also send you a personal message to say thank you.
Meanwhile, and on behalf of Rory The Saxophonist, I would like to thank you for the opportunity, and I send you our best wishes and congratulations for the future.
Hope to hear from you soon,
Best Regards,
Claire Maillot

On 24 Aug 2016, at 15:00, Claire Maillot wrote:
Hello AO,
Thank you for the payment of £240.00, which has been successfully received.
Best Regards,
Claire Maillot

On 24 Aug 2016, at 14:43, AO wrote:
Hello Claire,
£240 had been paid into the account below, please confirm payment received.
Many Thanks
AO

On 24 Aug 2016, at 13:00, Claire wrote:
Hello AO,
Please find attached and below invoice for Rory The Saxophonist on 27/08/2016.
Best Regards,
Claire Maillot

On 24 Aug 2016, at 12:03, AO wrote:
Hello Claire,
Thanks for the prompt reply, how do I make the remaining payment.
Many thanks
Sent from my iPhone

On 24 Aug 2016, at 12:00, Claire wrote:

Hello,
Begin forwarded message:
From: Claire
Subject: Re: Show Advance - Rory The Saxophonist - 27/08/2016
Date: 24 August 2016 12:00:00 BST
To: AO
Cc: Production
Hello AO,
Thank you for those details, which I have added to the show advance - see attached.
Rory,
Please let us know if there are any further questions; I think everything’s covered in the attached document.
Best Regards,
Claire Maillot

On 23 Aug 2016, at 21:38, AO wrote:
Hello,
Thank you for contacting me, I have answered the itinerary questions as much as I can, please see below and  if any more information is needed please do not hesitate to contact me. Also do I make a payment before the 27th.
Many Thanks 
AO 

ITINERARY

Green Room
Rory requires a green room or secure storage space to change and / or
leave instrument cases and luggage.

Guest Access
N/A

Parking
N/A

Hotels
N/A

Meals
Will the client be providing refreshments / food & drink for the artists? If so, please advise us on the best arrangement and time for this.

Yes food and drink will be provided at the reception. This can be requested from waiters or during menu time

PLI / PAT
What are the requirements in terms of Public Liability Insurance / Portable Appliance Testing? Public Liability Insurance is covered by Rory Duffy for all Red & Black Music engagements. Band PA was PAT-tested in April 2016.

Rory requires a safe source of electricity and a small table for the mixer.

Lighting / AV
The band will not be bringing any lighting as this will be provided by the venue.

Arrival / Get In
From what time can Rory gain access to the venue? 
Yes Rory should go directly in to the church where he will be met by the choirs and members of church, they are aware that he is coming
Please can you give us a contact name / number for the point of arrival?
Kenny/ Vivienne
Is there a separate access point for Rory so as not to disturb the guests?

No seperate entrance but the ushers will guide him to where he needs to be
Departure
Rory will breakdown and depart after the performance.

Set Timings
What are the set timings?
Arrival of the bride 12pm
Cocktail hour -3pm -4pm
First dance -5pm 

Requests
Bebe Winans - I Promise
Played during bridal party and bride entrance 

Bebe & Cece Winans - Close To You
Played at the reception for first dance

Shania Twain - From This Moment On
Played when bride and groom are signing the registry/ exit from church

Sent from my iPhone

On 23 Aug 2016, at 16:00, Claire Maillot wrote:
Hello AO,
How's it going?
Thank you for inviting Rory The Saxophonist to perform on 27/08/2016
We are looking forward to the event and hope you are too.
Since the event is coming up soon, please would it be possible to check through the finer details?
Please find attached and below a summary of the finer details. Most of these are just standard details we check for every event. I hope that they are not too many! However, if we are unsure on some of the details, we can check through them nearer to the time, if you prefer.
Please let me know if there is anything else you require.
Hope to hear from you soon,
Best Regards,
Claire Maillot

- - -

SHOW ADVANCE

Event Category:
Wedding

Event Date(s): 27/08/2016

Artist:
Rory The Saxophonist

Notes:
Saxophonist for ceremony, 1 x 60 minute set during the drinks reception, plus the first dance

Schedule:
10:00 - Arrive
10:00 - Setup
10:00 - Soundcheck
10:00 - Curfew
12:00 - Start
18:00 - End
18:00 - Breakdown
18:00 - Depart

Payment:
Payment: BACS (online).
We prefer to take payments via BACS (online) as a more accountable method of payment, and also to minimise disruption during the performance. However, this can be made within 2 weeks of the event.

Key contacts:
Rory (Artist Producer)
Claire (Artist Manager)
AO (Client)
CH (Agent)

ITINERARY

Green Room
Rory requires a green room or secure storage space to change and / or
leave instrument cases and luggage.

Guest Access
N/A

Parking
N/A

Hotels
N/A

Meals
Will the client be providing refreshments / food & drink for the artists? If so, please advise us on the best arrangement and time for this.

Yes food and drink will be provided at the reception. This can be requested from waiters or during menu time

PLI / PAT
What are the requirements in terms of Public Liability Insurance / Portable Appliance Testing? Public Liability Insurance is covered by Rory Duffy for all Red & Black Music engagements. Band PA was PAT-tested in April 2016.

Rory requires a safe source of electricity and a small table for the mixer.

Lighting / AV
The band will not be bringing any lighting as this will be provided by the venue.

Arrival / Get In
From what time can Rory gain access to the venue? 
Yes Rory should go directly in to the church where he will be met by the choirs and members of church, they are aware that he is coming
Please can you give us a contact name / number for the point of arrival?
Is there a separate access point for Rory so as not to disturb the guests?

No seperate entrance but the ushers will guide him to where he needs to be
Departure
Rory will breakdown and depart after the performance.

Set Timings
What are the set timings?

Requests
Bebe Winans - I Promise
Played during bridal party and bride entrance 

Bebe & Cece Winans - Close To You
Played at the reception for first dance

Shania Twain - From This Moment On
Played when bride and groom are signing the registry/ exit from church

I have Cc'd Rory in case you have any additional musical requests. Please feel free to liaise with him directly regarding the music. Optional iPod playlist between sets is included free of charge as part of the booking. Jazz playlist.

Please consult your agent for the charges (where applicable).

Dress Code
Our standard dress code is smart, formal, black. Please let us know if you have any other requirement(s) and we will do our best to accommodate, subject to availability / suitability.

SPACE(S) & VENUE

Full Word Church
269a - 279, Barking Road
London
Greater London, UK
E13 8EQ
In a century when the truth is scarce, churches failing, Pastors politicking and falling short of defending the faith; we got a direct mandate from the Lord to start this Church. Pastor Jide Omotayo’s family and mine made up the founding 11 members of the Church in 2001. We submitted and operated under the RCCG Mission until 2015 when the Lord prompted us to do ministry in a different way and as an independent Church.