GENERAL POLICES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to redefine what clients expect from an event band - delivering high-energy, versatile live entertainment while being the most seamless, professional, and planner-friendly team in the industry.
GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT
At Downtown Band Entertainment, we uphold professionalism, integrity, and respect at every event. The following guidelines apply to all employees, musicians, and contractors:
Be Professional
Always treat clients, colleagues, and vendors with respect - on and off stage.Be On Time & Ready
Arrive punctually for call times, sound checks, and performances with all required gear and attire.Respect Others
Create a safe, inclusive environment. Disrespect, aggression, or disruptive behavior won't be tolerated.Look the Part
Follow the dress code outlined in your gig email during all performances and client interactions.Follow Rules & Policies
Abide by the law and company protocols, including NDAs and event-specific guidelines.Strictly Prohibited
Harassment, bullying, or discrimination
Unprofessional or aggressive behavior
Illegal or unethical actions
Any conduct endangering others or harming the company’s reputation
Violations may lead to immediate removal from the event and loss of future work opportunities.
ALCOHOL & CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES POLICY
To protect the safety, reputation, and legal standing of Downtown Band Entertainment, all employees, musicians, and techs must follow these rules at all events unless DBE Leadership provides written exceptions.
Corporate Events – No Alcohol
Alcohol is strictly prohibited. Many corporate clients have zero-tolerance policies, and violations can damage relationships and credibility. No exceptions without written approval.
Weddings – Discreet, Off-Stage Only
Alcohol is not provided by DBE. If consuming a personal beverage:
No visible bottles, cans, or branding
Never drink in view of clients, staff, or guests
Use discreet, non-clear cups
No alcohol on stage or during performances
Failure to follow these rules may result in removal from future gigs.
Bus Gigs & Travel
Alcohol may be consumed on the bus or in private lodging, but must stay in those areas. Do not bring alcohol into venues unless permitted under wedding guidelines.
Controlled Substances – Zero Tolerance
Use or possession of any controlled substances (including marijuana) is strictly forbidden at events or in company vehicles/lodging.
Violations will result in immediate termination.
DBE TEAM
We’re here to help! Here’s who to reach out to based on your needs:
General Questions or Ideas – Contact Bryce Merritt
For anything not tied to a specific event—like medley ideas, feedback, or suggestions—reach out to Bryce.
Gig-Specific Questions (Before the Event) – Contact DJ Phillips
Check your WTG link first for details like parking, charts, and soundcheck times. If it’s not yet available or doesn’t answer your question, contact DJ.
Day-of Event Questions – Ask On-Site Leadership
On the day of the event, direct all questions to the Lead Vocalist, Band Leader, or A1. They’re fully informed and ready to assist.
BAND PLATFORM - WTG
We use WheresTheGig (WTG) to manage all event info—gig invites, costumes, timelines, setlists, travel, and more.
Every confirmed team member gets a unique WTG link with key gig details. Review it carefully and check back for updates. These short tutorial videos walk you through the platform.
MONITOR APP
DBE uses in-ear monitors via the SQ4U app so musicians can control their own mix. Download the app before the gig. At soundcheck, the Band Leader or Lead Vocalist will help you get connected and set up
RAMP UP CALLS
A1, Lead Vocalist, Band Leader, are invited to our weekly ramp up call on Tuesdays at 2:00 PM CST where we discuss the gigs coming up.
WARDROBE EXPECTATIONS
First impressions count. Musicians and techs must follow the dress code outlined in gig emails for all performances and client interactions.
Be Professional:
Dress neatly and appropriately. Grooming should reflect professionalism and care.
All Black Soundcheck:
All staff must wear all black to soundcheck: black jeans, joggers, shirts, sweaters, or button-downs, suited to the season and style.
PAYMENT
Gig payments are scheduled a few days before each show and typically deposit within 2-3 days following a show.
We use Melio for payments—either via ACH direct deposit or mailed check. If you’re not signed up yet, to update your payment method, or submit a new W-9, contact Leah Myers.
BASE PAY RATES
Rates vary by travel, music, and other factors. Refer to the base pay rate cards for details.
MUSICIAN OVERTIME
Overtime pay can be triggered in three different ways:
PERFORMANCE TIME TRIGGER:
Musicians play more than the 4 hour maximum performance time. Performance time refers to when the band is actively on stage performing or engaging with the audience. This does not include setup, sound check, breaks, etc. This also does not include when a musician is also playing a separate set (ceremony, cocktail hour, etc.) in a different location. Instead, this compensation comes in the form of separate additional pay.
Overtime rate: $100/30 minutes
END TIME EXTENSION TRIGGER:
Due to unforeseen event circumstances, the timeline has shifted, and musicians play more than 30 minutes after the originally stated release time, even if it means less performance time than originally planned. The exact time for when this overtime pay is enforced is listed in the WTG.
Overtime rate: $100/30 minutes
ON SITE OVERTIME TRIGGER:
Musicians are required to be on site for more than 10 hours. On site start time begins at sound check.
Overtime rate: $50/hour
NOTE: When a musician is also playing a separate set (ceremony, cocktail hour, etc.) in a different location from the main stage, that performance time does NOT count towards the 4 total hours of performance time. Instead, this compensation comes in the form of separate additional pay.
A1/TECH OVERTIME
If A1s/Techs are on site more than 12 hours, an overtime rate of $50/hour is enforced.
REIMBURSEMENT
For approved gig-related purchases made with a personal card, email the receipt, event date, and expense type to:
receipts@downtownbandentertainment.com
Reimbursements are processed through the same portal as gig payments.
Approved expenses include:
Uber/Lyft
Parking
Luggage fee (1 bag)
PARKING IN NASHVILLE
For gigs taking place in Downtown Nashville, parking costs are reimbursed up to $40 per gig. Any amount in excess will be the responsibility of the individual. Any penalties, tickets, etc. are the responsibility of the player.
For a list of all Nashville parking garages and rates, CLICK HERE. For Airport Parking information, see TRAVEL POLICIES.
PERSONNEL REFERRAL
If you have a musician or tech that you believe would be a good fit for DBE, please send them this form to complete:
Referral Bonus
Musicians who refer another musician or tech to DBE are eligible for a referral bonus of $100 once that person is booked for their first gig.
After the referred individual completes five total gigs, the referring musician will receive an additional one-time bonus of $400.