Practical answers before you book

A roaming band performs among your guests instead of remaining on a fixed stage. Empire moves through the room, from table to table and into the crowd, so the performance becomes part of the event rather than a show happening at the far end of it.

No. Empire's signature roaming sets are acoustic and self-contained, but the band can build into an amplified full-band performance when the room and the running order call for it.

Yes. Amplification is useful for larger rooms, higher guest counts and the party end of the night. Share the venue and guest count and Empire will recommend the right format and production setup.

Empire's standard lineup is five musicians: two guitarists/vocalists, saxophone, double bass and cajón/percussion. That lineup creates the full roaming sound you see throughout the site.

Yes. Roaming acoustic sets are particularly well suited to intimate dinners, private homes and smaller celebrations because they need very little space and can stay close to the conversation.

Yes, particularly when the goal is participation rather than a distant stage show. Empire can move through different parts of the room and build towards shared amplified moments, so the experience remains personal even at scale.

Yes. Timings, the acoustic or amplified format, key musical moments and the way the band moves through the event are shaped around your venue and run sheet. The performance remains recognisably Empire rather than becoming a generic function-band package.

Empire usually performs in several live sets across the event rather than one continuous block. Exact set lengths, breaks and total performance time are agreed in the proposal once the event schedule is clear.

Yes. Cocktail hour is one of the most natural settings for roaming acoustic music: guests are already moving, meeting and settling into the room, and the band can circulate without interrupting service.

Yes. Acoustic dinner sets are designed to sit alongside conversation and service. The band can keep the opening relaxed, then lift the energy later when the room is ready.

There is no single best time. Empire can begin during cocktails or early dinner for a layered event; for a party-led brief, the first full-energy set often works best after speeches, formalities or mains. The final recommendation follows the run sheet.

Usually, but it needs to be confirmed against your run sheet. Share the timings for speeches, awards, announcements and service; Empire will confirm workable music windows and cueing with the planner or venue before the event.

Yes, subject to a coordinated running order and sound plan. A DJ can cover arrivals, breaks or the late-night handover while Empire owns the live moments; the transitions are agreed with both suppliers in advance.

Potentially. A surprise performance depends on discreet access, timing and a safe place to prepare out of sight. Share a separate venue contact, load-in route and reveal cue so Empire can confirm whether the plan is workable.

Guests can ask, but an on-the-night request depends on whether the song suits the lineup and the moment. Requests cannot be guaranteed; the band keeps the final call so the set continues to flow.

Empire works from a broad repertoire rather than one rigid running order, allowing the band to respond to the room. If you need a representative song list during planning, ask with your enquiry and Empire will confirm what can be shared for your booking.

The repertoire moves through rock 'n' roll, modern pop, swing, soul and familiar singalong standards. Think the attitude of the Rolling Stones, the polish of Harry Styles and the ease of Frank Sinatra, all shaped live for the room.

Often, yes. Send the song as early as possible and Empire will confirm whether it works for the five-piece arrangement and the event. Important moments should be agreed in advance rather than left as an on-the-night request.

Not for Empire's signature acoustic roaming sets. The band performs on the floor among guests; an amplified party set may use a defined performance area or stage if the venue and production plan call for one.

Not for the self-contained acoustic format. Amplified performances and larger rooms do require an appropriate PA; whether that is supplied by the venue, a production partner or included in the event scope is confirmed in the quote.

There is no fixed square-metre requirement for the acoustic format. Empire needs safe routes between guests and enough room to perform without blocking service; amplified setups need a defined footprint agreed with the venue or production team.

Not by default. Acoustic sets are designed to keep conversation comfortable, while amplified sets are balanced for the room, guest count and venue limits. The performance can grow in energy without treating maximum volume as the goal.

It depends on the confirmed format. An acoustic booking may need only a short setup and room check, while an amplified booking may need earlier venue access for line and sound checks. Empire will confirm the exact requirement and access window with the venue or production team before the event.

Empire brings its instruments and the essentials for the agreed acoustic performance. PA, monitors, lighting and other amplified production are scoped for the specific venue rather than assumed; the quote will state exactly what is included and who supplies it.

Before the day, Empire needs final timings, venue and supplier contacts, access and load-in information, and the agreed performance area. Power and weather cover are relevant to amplified or outdoor events, and any hospitality or private holding requirements are confirmed in the event advance.

Yes, provided the production plan matches the scale of the event. Empire reviews the floor plan, guest distribution, performance zones and available PA with the venue or production team before confirming the right acoustic and amplified format.

Events of 200 or more guests are considered individually rather than treated like a standard acoustic booking. Send the guest count, floor plan and venue details so Empire can confirm whether the room, sound plan and roaming route are right.

Empire reviews the floor plan, audience layout, stage or roaming zones and house production. The solution may combine close acoustic moments with amplified sets; the venue and production team are involved early so coverage and sightlines are not guessed.

Yacht performances are assessed case by case. Safe boarding, a stable covered performance area, instrument protection, power, weather and the vessel's operating schedule all need to be confirmed before Empire can say yes.

Yes, when the setup is safe and weather-protected. The band needs a level, dry performance area and a realistic wet-weather plan; amplified events also need safe power and a sound plan that respects the venue and local limits.

Yes. Private villas suit the close roaming format well. Access, neighbouring-noise rules, power, weather cover and any production restrictions should be shared early so the performance fits the property.

Yes. Empire is Cape Town-based and performs across South Africa as well as abroad. Travel, accommodation, local transport and production are built into the event proposal.

Yes. International bookings are part of Empire's work. Send the country, date and venue details so travel days, permits or visas, baggage, accommodation and local production can be scoped properly.

Yes. Empire has performed across South Africa and internationally, including Malta and the French Riviera. The gallery includes real moments from Monaco and other documented performances.

The best time to enquire is as soon as the date and venue are known, especially for peak weekends and destination events. There is no fixed minimum lead time, and late enquiries are still worth sending if the date is open.

Send the event date, location, guest count and event type through the guided enquiry or WhatsApp. The team will confirm availability and reply with a recommended performance format, production outline and tailored quote.