Why should I book Tropicalia Show?

We are a long-established Latin Brazilian show group entertaining people since 2003. Over the past 17 years, we have performed at more than 1500 events in the UK and abroad always delivering memorable high-quality performance to impress audiences of all ages and nationality. Expertise, dedication, versatility, presentation and consistency are the keys to our longevity in business and we believe that there is no better business referral than that given by satisfied clients. Please read their feedback and/or look at the companies we have worked for. Last but not least, we have won 6 LUKAS awards (the first and only recognised award for Latino culture and arts in Europe) for both Brazilian Dance Performers and Brazilian Act. We also have won the Lux Life Award for Best Latin American Entertainment group in the UK. Tropicalia has an excellent reputation in the Latin entertainment industry and among the best agencies and promoters in the UK and abroad. We do care about it and your satisfaction is paramount. Rest assured you will receive outstanding customer service throughout and first-class show performances second to none. Book with confidence from the UK’s best group of its kind.

I am not sure which act I want, can you help me?

Of course. We are always happy to give friendly advice and suggest the right act to suit your event the best. That’s our job! Please give us a call today or submit an enquiry filling our contact form. We aim to respond within 60 minutes or less during working hours.

I have found a cheaper supplier. How do you work out your fee?

Most of the time a cheap quote means cheap service. Whilst there are few reliable part-time artists, it does become a case of "you get what you pay for". Tropicalia team is professional on and off the stage. You won’t necessarily get this with a semi-professional or amateur act and your event is too important an occasion to take a chance on a lack of professionalism because of a cheap deal. Aside the artist fee, when any full-time professional entertainment group like Tropicalia works out a quote, the following costs have to be accounted for:

• Travel expenses (maintenance of a jointly run van, car(s), petrol, tax and insurance)
• Maintenance of equipment
• Departure and travel time - Several hours driving distance to get to a venue to perform would not be considered unusual. For gigs outside London, an average time away from home is usually 12 or more hours.
• Tax and National Insurance
• Public Liability Insurance cover
• Marketing
• Purchasing of equipment
• Renting of rehearsal space
• Purchasing of costumes and clothing to do our job
• Maintenance of attire and costumes

How do I confirm a booking?

Once you have decided to go ahead and book one of our act(s), we will hold the date for 5 working days. We will need the person/company full address and contact details along with the venue address. We will then send over a contract with full terms and conditions included. This will then need to be signed and returned within 5 working days. A deposit of 20% will be also required, payable by BACS. An invoice with payment details will be included with the contract. Once we have received both deposit and a signed contract the booking is secured. The balance would be required one week prior to the event. If we do not receive the deposit and a signed contract within 5 working days, we will release the act and make the date available for other potential clients.

Do you have Public Liability Insurance?

Yes we do. As a full-time professional band, we are fully insured for public liability (up to 10 million pounds). All of our equipment is PAT tested annually. If the venue requires a certificate for either of the above, please let us know and we will send them either to you or directly to the venue.

Are there any "hidden" fees such as travel costs and expenses?

No, our quotes are all inclusive. This will be clearly stated within the contract.

What is a band "rider"?

A rider (included as part of the contract) outlines specific technical, hospitality and logistical requests. Most of these can be provided by the venue, such as performance area, electrical needs, dressing room etc.

Does the band play only Latin & Brazilian music?

This is a question most of our potential clients ask before booking our band. Performing mainly for British/International audiences, the band has expanded the repertoire with more familiar songs to dance to, to please everybody regardless the age and nationality. The repertoire also includes Disco 70s, Pop Chart and well-known Latin Pop. Our female Brazilian vocalist sings comfortably in Portuguese, Spanish and English.

What is the difference between a Latin Brazilian party band and a Samba band?

The main difference is the line-up and repertoire. Our party band can play many different styles. The line-up includes keyboard, bass guitar, electric/acoustic guitar, drum kit and percussion plus a singer. A Samba band plays only Brazilian songs mainly Samba Enredo and Samba-Pagode. The line-up includes Brazilian drums and percussion as well as a cavaquinho (Brazilian instrument similar to the ukelele) and acoustic guitar. Unless you have a 100% Brazilian audience a Samba band unlikely will keep a British crowd entertained as people wouldn't know 95% of the songs played.

Do you offer different band format?

Yes, we offer different lineup to choose from:

• 6 to 10 piece party band
• Latin Jazz Quartet
• Trios
• Duos and female Brazilian solo singer.

What time will the band arrive?

Generally, the band will always set up and sound check before guests arrive.

Do I need to provide for parking?

Yes, the band will have a lot of equipment to transport such as a sound system, amplifiers, instruments, drum kit etc. therefore complimentary parking has to be provided for. If the venue doesn’t have parking facilities the Musicians must be able to unload near the door and then they will move the cars to a near car park. Parking costs must be paid for. This can be discussed and arranged during the booking process.

Does the band provide sound equipment and lighting?

Yes, the band will carry a standard 2.5K PA suitable for 150-200 people. This would be complementary with the booking. We do not provide lighting but this can be arranged with notice and at extra charge.

How long does it take the band to set up?

Between 90 and 120 minutes to allow loading in, set-up and soundcheck.

Do I need to hire a stage?

A stage is always a great addition for a better performance display but it is not a requirement.

What are the minimum power requirements for the band?

The band would require at least 2 or 3 independent 13 amp sockets.

How long will the band play for?

We offer 2 hours of live music in different formats:

• 2 x 60’ set
• 3 x 40’ set
• 1 x 40’ and 1 x 80’ set

How long are the intervals

The intervals are usually around 20 minutes long but this can be arranged beforehand to suit the event schedule.

Does the band provide music before and in between sets?

Yes, we are happy to provide music via an iPod between sets. If you have particular songs in mind, you're also welcome to create your playlists which can be played through our PA.

What will the band wear?

The band can wear different attire either formal or a more colourful tropical one in theme with the nature of our show.

Does the band require food?

Yes please, a hot meal or buffet and mineral water are always greatly appreciated. Please consider that in most of the case we will leave for the event early-mid afternoon and will often arrive home early hours of the morning making an average time away from home of 12 hours.

Does the band require a changing room?

Yes please, after we have finished the setup and sound check it would be nice to have a place where to get changed and rest before the show which will demand mental and physical energy.

Does the band require accommodation?

It depends on how far the event is and the performance time. Once we know these details, it will be clearly stated within the quote whether we would require accommodation or not.

What if the band can't make it on the day?

Over the past 17 years, we have never let our clients down. If a member of the band is unable to attend, we will use a suitable substitute. In the very unlikely event that the band is unable to attend (again, it never happened) we will find a suitable replacement or offer a full refund at your request.

What time will the Dancers arrive?

Usually 90 minutes before the scheduled performance time. This to liaise with the client/event manager and sound engineer or DJ, do the makeup, assemble the costumes and get changed.

How long does it take the Dancers to set up?

No set-up required. They will only need to pass the music for the show on to the sound engineer or DJ to make sure the sound system reads the tracks properly. The music will be supplied on a USB flash drive.

Do the Dancers provide sound equipment?

No, it is often beneficial to use equipment at the venue or ask the DJ to kindly play our tracks. PA can be provided though but at an extra cost.

Do I need to hire a stage?

A stage is always a great addition for a better performance display but it is not a requirement. Ideally, a dance floor or hard wooden floor would be perfect for a dance routine.

How long will the set be?

An ideal set would last between 20-30 minutes and it would include choreographed routines and interactive fun audience participation. Upon request, we can produce longer performances including a Singer and/or Samba Drummers.

What will the Dancers wear?

Authentic Brazilian Carnival feathered costumes.

Can the Dancers wear a more conservative outfit?

Yes, we have different family-friendly costumes to suit.

Do the Dancers require food?

For the London shows, where a long availability is not needed, they would require mineral water and soft drinks. Please consider that depending on the location and performance time they might need to leave early-mid afternoon and will often arrive home early hours of the morning. In these cases, a hot meal, mineral water and soft drinks are always greatly appreciated.

Do the Dancers require a changing room?

Yes, they will need a secure, clean, heated, private changing room or space to get changed in and leave their belongings. The room should be fitted with tables, chairs and located near a toilet where possible. A supply of soft drinks and mineral water should also be made available to the Performers.

Do the Dancers require accommodation?

It depends on how far the event is and the scheduled performance time. Once we know these details, it will be clearly stated within the quote whether we would require accommodation or not.

What if the Dancers can't make it on the day?

Over the past 17 years, we have never let our clients down. We can count on a highly trained, fit and beautiful group of almost 20 Dancers and if a Performer is unable to attend, we will use a suitable substitute.

What is the difference between your Rio Carnival show and a Samba band?

A Brazilian percussion ensemble is often wrongly named Samba band. The correct Brazilian name is “Bateria” featuring ONLY drummers (no other instruments) playing either slow, medium and fast Rio Carnival Samba. This can be either a roaming and/or stage act. A Samba band plays mainly Samba Enredo and Samba Pagode. The line-up includes Brazilian drums and percussion, a cavaquinho player (Brazilian instrument similar to the ukulele) and acoustic guitar. Unless you have an 100% Brazilian audience this band unlikely will keep a British crowd entertained for 2 hours as they wouldn’t know 95% of the songs played. This is not a roaming act.

What time will the team arrive?

Usually 90 minutes before the scheduled performance time. This to liaise with the client/event manager and sound engineer or DJ, do the makeup, assemble the costumes and get changed.

How long does it take for the team to set up?

No set-up required. They will only need to pass the music for the show on to the sound engineer or DJ to make sure the sound system reads the tracks properly and a quick sound-check. The music will be supplied on a USB flash drive.

Does the team provide sound equipment?

No, it is often beneficial to use equipment at the venue or ask the DJ to kindly play our tracks. PA can be provided though but at an extra cost.

Do I need to hire a stage?

A stage is always a great addition for a better performance display but it is not a requirement. Ideally, a dance floor or hard wooden floor would be perfect for a dance routine.

How long will the set be?

An ideal set would last up to 40-45 minutes and it would include a Carnival parade, choreographed dance routines and interactive fun audience participation. Upon request, we can produce longer performances including a Singer.

What will the Dancers and Drummers wear?

Authentic Brazilian Carnival feathered costumes and traditional Rio attire for the Drummers.

Can the Dancers wear a more conservative outfit?

Yes, we have different family-friendly costumes to suit.

Does the team require food?

For the London shows, where a long availability is not needed, they would require mineral water and soft drinks. Please consider that depending on the location and performance time they might need to leave early-mid afternoon and will often arrive home early hours of the morning. In these cases, a hot meal, mineral water and soft drinks are always greatly appreciated.

Does the team require a changing room?

Yes, they will need a secure, clean, heated, private changing room or space to get changed in and leave their belongings. the room should be fitted with tables, chairs and located near a toilet where possible. A supply of soft drinks and mineral water should also be made available to the performers.

Does the team require accommodation?

It depends on how far the event is and the scheduled performance time. Once we know these details, it will be clearly stated within the quote whether we would require accommodation or not.

What if the team can't make it on the day?

Over the past 17 years, we have never let our clients down. If a member of the band is unable to attend, we will use a suitable substitute. In the very unlikely event that the team is unable to attend (again, it never happened) we will find a suitable replacement or offer a full refund at your request.