Austin Corporate Event Band
& Gala Entertainment

Austin corporate event band questions, answered

Hiring a band in Austin

Who is the best corporate event band in Austin?

Uptown Drive is an Austin corporate event band rated 5.0 from 273 reviews, hired by Visa, Q2, Dell, Cirrus Logic, Pearson and Austin Country Club. As a Certified Original Lineup, the same core musicians play every event, led by bandleader and emcee Greg Williams, so the band in our videos is the band at your event.

Who offers live band entertainment for corporate parties in Austin?

Uptown Drive plays company holiday parties, galas, awards dinners, conference receptions and client appreciation nights across Austin, from ACL Live, JW Marriott Austin and Hilton Austin downtown to The Westin at The Domain, Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock and Hyatt Regency Lost Pines. Every booking includes the live band, an emcee, sound, lighting, an audio engineer and DJ music between sets.

Holiday parties

Do you play company holiday parties and Christmas parties in Austin?

Yes. We run the dinner program, leadership remarks and awards on time, then turn the room into a dance floor with live sets and DJ music between them. Our interactive show adds live band karaoke so your team can sing lead with the band. See our guide to corporate holiday party entertainment in Austin.

When should we book a holiday party band in Austin?

As soon as your date is set. November and December dates in Austin go first, and corporate events can often book closer to the date than weddings when a date is still open.

Booking

How much does a corporate event band cost?

Every proposal is custom to your date, city, band size and program. Send your details and we will build a proposal with options for your budget.

How do we hire an Austin corporate event band or holiday party band?

Send your date, venue and city through our contact page. We confirm availability and send a custom proposal for your program.

Which corporate events do you play?

Galas and fundraisers, awards dinners, sales conferences and kickoffs, company holiday parties, conference receptions and closing parties, incentive trips, brand activations, executive retreats and client appreciation events.

Who has hired Uptown Drive for corporate events?

Clients include Dell, Google, Visa, Apple, Shell, Pearson, Cirrus Logic, Q2 and Austin Country Club. Goen South, Engel & Völkers and Captain D’s have hired us for their awards nights and galas, and corporate clients rebook us year after year for galas, holiday parties and member celebrations.

The show

What does a corporate event band include?

Every booking includes the live band, an emcee, professional sound, stage lighting, an audio engineer and DJ music between sets, all coordinated with your run of show.

How big is the band?

A six, seven or eight-piece band with two lead vocalists and horns, led by bandleader and emcee Greg Williams.

Can the band play during dinner and the program?

Yes. Dinner sets stay at conversation volume, we support speakers and awards with walk-up music, then open the dance floor the moment the program ends.

Can you add an interactive element to the night?

Yes. Our interactive show blends live dance sets with live band karaoke, so guests can sing lead with the band between sets. It is a favorite for holiday parties and employee appreciation events.

Venue, production and travel

Can you work with our in-house A/V or production company?

Yes. We can arrive fully self-contained or tie into your house sound, screens and lighting. Our audio engineer coordinates inputs, the stage plot and the board feed with your A/V team ahead of time.

Do you take cues from a show caller?

Yes. We stay in direct, real-time communication with your show caller and producers on in-ear monitors and live comms, so every cue, walk-up and transition lands the moment it is called.

Do you work with DMCs and event agencies?

Yes. We partner with destination management companies, agencies and production teams, and we follow your communication, branding and client-facing guidelines.

How much space and power does the band need?

A 16 by 20 foot stage is recommended for the full band, though not required. Our technical rider covers power, staging and load-in for ballrooms, tents and outdoor venues.

Do you travel for corporate events?

Yes. We are based in Austin, minutes from downtown, the Domain, Round Rock and Lost Pines, drive to events across Texas and fly to programs nationwide, with travel built into one quote.

Are you insured?

Yes. Uptown Drive is fully insured with a $2M general aggregate liability policy, and we can name your company, venue or DMC as an additional insured.