What exactly do the FATI LIVE BAND musicians have in their boxes on the day of the performance?
- infofatiproduction
- Aug 15, 2025
- 4 min read
Have you ever wondered how many "lifesaving gadgets" are hidden behind the seemingly ordinary boxes and instrument bags that accompany the FATI LIVE BAND when they take the stage? As a band that performs at weddings, receptions, and openings in Hong Kong, we'll unpack our gear and reveal what we bring to the stage—from instruments and sheet music to those small, often forgotten, yet incredibly crucial accessories.
Let's get to the point: what kind of performances do we perform?
For events in Hong Kong, we often perform the following:
Hong Kong Event Band (corporate events, press conferences, anniversary celebrations)
Banquet Music (wedding banquets, cocktail hour)
Hong Kong Cocktail Band (relaxed jazz, bossa, pop)
Hong Kong Live Band (large-scale evening parties, outdoor markets)
The most popular wedding band for couples (entrances, first dances, send-offs)
Opening Band (ribbon-cutting ceremonies, opening ceremonies)
The contents of the box may vary slightly for each event, but the core elements are similar—let's break it down for you below.
Large Box: Main Instruments (the core of every musician)
Electric/Acoustic Guitar (with gig bag, spare strings, picks, capo)
Electric Bass (with spare strings, thumb rest, strap)
Drum Set or Cajon (sticks, brushes, replacement heads)—Cajons are often used at weddings to replace a full drum set, saving space and looking stylish.
Keyboard/Digital Piano (with keyboard stand, pedals, power cord)
Violin/viola (common in wedding string sections, includes case, shoulder pads, spare strings, and rosin)
Woodwind/brass instruments (trumpet, saxophone, includes whistle, grease, and cleaning cloth)
Small percussion (konka, shaker, triangle) — A great addition to a cocktail reception
Sound and monitoring (the lifeblood of stage sound)
Portable PA (main speakers, backup cables) — A pair of 60–200W PAs is suitable for small banquets
Monitor speakers or IEMs (In-Ear Monitors) — Weddings are prone to noise, so IEMs are crucial.
DI box (for direct balanced signal to keyboards and guitars)
Wireless microphones (for the host/couple) and backup wired microphones
A sound console and small mixer (sometimes provided by the back-of-house engineer, but we always have one)
Various audio cables (XLR, TRS, RCA, TS) and extension cables, power strips
Music and performance files (the essence of the performance)
Setlist (performance music list, both in paper and electronic format) — The most important "script" for the day of the performance
Chord charts (simplified notation, lead sheets) — Different arrangements are used for different occasions: wedding ballads, cocktail party jazz, and fast opening numbers
Transposed/varied-speed versions (for temporary adjustments to singers' ranges or timing)
Backing vocals and lyric sheets
Click track/accompaniment MP3 (USB or laptop backup) — Click tracks are essential for precise coordination with lighting or video.
Music library index (which song is in which folder, which arrangement) — Keep it organized, otherwise you'll be scrambling to save time.
Small accessories and spare parts
Tuner, metronome, spare batteries (microphone, wireless system)
Picks, replacement strings, pliers, string shanks (guitar/bass)
Cable ties, gaffer tape—essential for securing equipment
Music clips, music stand, music lights (for unstable lighting at banquet venues)
Adapters (international power plugs/outlets)
Chargers, power banks, USB cables (for phones, tablets, and pedalboards)
Tool kit (small screwdriver, hexagonal screwdriver, hammer) - essential for emergency repairs
Wet wipes, towels, bottled water, candy or energy bars (essential for long performances)
Electronic equipment and backup (essential for modern performances)
Laptop (for playing accompaniment, controlling clicks, and backing up sheet music PDFs)
Tablet or phone (for electronic sheet music, setlists) – electronic sheet music is convenient for flipping through pages in dimly lit areas
USB drive (for backup accompaniment, sound files)
Standalone loop pedal or effects processor (sometimes one person needs to present multiple layers)
Sufficient cloud storage (DropBox/Google Drive) – for instant access at any location with internet access
Clothing and etiquette items (also part of the performance at banquets)
Formal performance attire (shirt, blazer, dress) and a change of clothes
Desiccant and moisture-proof bags (to protect stringed or wooden instruments from moisture)
Business cards (often receive follow-up inquiries after weddings/receptions)
Client contact list, schedule (song times, MC schedule, cake-cutting time, etc.)
Why are these so important?
Playing well is just the beginning; on-stage stability is paramount: having comprehensive equipment is crucial for handling unexpected situations (broken strings, power outages, the lead singer's sudden loss of voice).
Flexible arrangement: Weddings might require a last-minute "slower beat" or "lower key" performance. Our sheet music and transposition files come in handy.
Venue coordination: Openings and events often have time constraints and schedules. A click track + backing track ensures synchronization with lighting and video.
Small yet beautiful equipment enhances the atmosphere of a cocktail reception: High-quality monitoring + the right arrangement (jazz trio, strings + guitar) can make your cocktail reception a "performance" that guests will talk about.
Summary / FATI LIVE BAND Live Packing Checklist (Must-Read Before Going On Stage)
Instruments: Main/Backup Guitar, Bow, Drumsticks, Keyboard, String Box
Sound System: PA, DI, Microphone, Monitors, Cables
Music: Setlist, Sheet Music, Clicks, Backup Electronic Files
Small Items: Strings, Springs, Tuner, Batteries, Tape, Tool Kit
Electronics: Laptop, Tablet, USB, Power Bank
Other: Clothing, Business Cards, Flowchart, Drinking Water, Stress-Relief Snacks
A final word: A live band's suitcase isn't just a box for storing things; it's a "performance safe." Each seemingly ordinary item often saves a performance at the moment of need. Whether you're looking for a Hong Kong event band, banquet music, live bands, or the most popular wedding bands or opening acts, the next time you're at a venue, take a closer look at those suitcases—they hold within them a symbol of professionalism, experience, and the respect and preparation they bring to every performance.
HONG KONG EVENT LIVE BAND HK PERFORMANCE PROFESSIONAL RECOMMENDATION
FATI LIVE BAND
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Enquiry Hotline: +852 6502 9650
