northstar

We recommend booking between 4 and 6 months prior to your event as our calendar does tend to run on the full side. We will accept bookings with a shorter lead time, but no less than two weeks prior to the event. Please note that all song requests must be made at least a month ahead of time.

Our hourly rate includes a 20-minute consultation prior to booking. In order to reserve your event date, we require a signed contract and a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total fee. The remaining balance must be paid in full one week prior to the event. Cancellations must be made at least 31 days prior to the event by contacting us in writing. If the performance is cancelled within 30 days of the event, a $100 cancellation fee will apply and is due 14 days from cancellation. We accpet payment via Venmo, Paypal, check, or cash.

Our fees are based on the time we spend actually playing. However, if if the break between sets is longer than 60 minutes, there is a charge of $50 per hour.

Why, yes. Yes we do! We have a variety of packages and add-ons to help you create the perfect soundtrack. BRAVO: You're planning a stellar event already – you just need some mood music. This package provides 2 hours of hassle-free vibe setting. We'll even pick the setlist (unless you prefer otherwise). WEDDING CEREMONY: Let us create an elevated atmosphere from prelude to postlude.This package includes a combined total of 60 minutes of music for your wedding ceremony. FULL WEDDING TREATMENT: This package includes 60 minutes of music for the ceremony plus another 60 minutes of music to enchant your guests while you have photographs taken, during cocktail hour, or even throughout a meal. ENCORE (RECORDING PROJECT): So you want to add some sweet, sweet cello action to that album you're making. This package covers 60 minutes of studio time with (up to) two of our incredible musicians. MINIMALIST: You've already Marie Kondo-ed your guest list. Instead of a quartet, how about a duo? This package is perfect for events with 50 guests or fewer and includes 60 minutes of music provided by two of our incredible musicians.

Many of our clients request specific songs or pieces for their events. Song requests must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to the event. If the song you request is not in our current repertoire, we are happy to acquire or arrange the music ourselves for an appropriate fee (usually $10-20 to acquire existing music and $125 for a custom arrangement).

Yes! However, events with locations more than 40 miles from Minneapolis will be charged the federal standard mileage ratefor each musician traveling.

If your event is outdoors, you will need to provide shelter from sun, wind, and precipitation. String instruments are extremely valuable and are susceptible to damage. In order for us to perform outdoors it must be 60 degrees or warmer and there must be no precipitation. Regardless of venue, we will need one straigh-backed chair without arms for each musician for the duration of the performance. We ask that chairs be set up in the exact location of performance before our musicians arrive for your event. A string ensemble requires very little space. For a quartet, please allow a space of 10'x6'. For a duo, please allow 6'x6'. It is also helpful if there is a designated area for the musicians’ personal belongings and cases to keep the performance area tidy.

We generally dress in "concert black." However, if you would rather we wear something different, please let us know at the time of booking. We are often able to accommodate simple wardrobe requests.