Everything you need to know before booking Desert Mariachi Band — plus the legal terms that protect both you and the ensemble at every event.
We recommend booking 4–8 weeks in advance, especially for weekends and wedding season (April–October). A paid deposit is the only way to lock a date — inquiries without a deposit remain tentative until a deposit is received.
We offer a 4-piece, 7-piece, and full 12-piece ensemble. Larger lineups deliver a bigger sound and are recommended for outdoor venues, weddings, and events with 100+ guests.
Yes. Weekend bookings require a 2-hour minimum. Weekday bookings can be shorter — call us to confirm availability for one-hour serenatas.
The deposit reserves your date and is applied toward your total balance. Deposits are non-refundable. If we are unable to perform due to force majeure (see Terms), we will offer a reschedule or a full deposit refund at our discretion. A refund is issued only when we cancel the performance; in that sole case it is issued back to your original payment method and typically takes 3–7 business days to appear, depending on your bank or card processor (Zelle/Venmo refunds may take up to 5 business days). No refund is issued for client cancellation, change of mind, weather, venue issues, or any other reason, and refunds are never issued in cash or to a different payment method.
Yes, with a travel fee that covers mileage and time. Destinations beyond 50 miles from Indio, CA are quoted per event — ask us for a travel quote.
A safe, flat performance area of at least 10×10 feet, shade for outdoor events, parking close to the load-in area, and one meal per musician for bookings of 3+ hours. A secure area for instrument cases is appreciated.
Yes. Requests made at least 14 days before the event are included. Rush song-learn requests inside 14 days may carry a small arrangement fee.
The remaining balance is due on or before the event date, as stated on your signed invoice. We accept Zelle, Venmo, and Stripe (card). The invoice is emailed with your signed contract.
The ensemble carries general liability coverage. Certificates of insurance for venues that require them can be provided on request — allow at least 5 business days.
By submitting a booking request, paying a deposit, or signing a contract, the Client agrees to the terms below. These terms apply to every performance, public or private, without exception.
A booking is not confirmed until a deposit is received and the manager marks it confirmed. Verbal inquiries, emails, and unsigned requests do not reserve a date. The deposit is applied to the total balance and is non-refundable. A refund is issued only when Desert Mariachi Band cancels the performance under clause 4; in that sole case it is issued to the original payment method and typically takes 3–7 business days to appear (Zelle/Venmo up to 5 business days), depending on the Client's bank or processor. No refund is issued for client cancellation, change of mind, weather, venue denial, scheduling conflicts, or any other reason, and refunds are never issued in cash or to a different payment method.
The Client agrees to pay the full balance on or before the event date stated on the signed invoice. Card payments via Stripe include a processing fee of 3.5%. Late payments beyond the event date may incur a $50 late fee per week.
If the Client cancels more than 60 days before the event, the deposit may be applied to a rescheduled date within 6 months. Cancellations within 60 days forfeit the deposit. Cancellations within 14 days require full payment of the contracted balance.
We may cancel only for force majeure events (severe weather, natural disaster, illness, civil disturbance, or circumstances beyond our control). In such cases we will offer a full deposit refund or a rescheduled date. This is the only circumstance under which a refund is issued; the refund is issued to the original payment method and typically takes 3–7 business days to appear (Zelle/Venmo up to 5 business days), depending on the Client's bank or processor. We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or emotional damages arising from cancellation.
For outdoor events the Client must provide shade, a covered or flat surface, and protection for instruments from sun, rain, and sprinklers. If conditions become unsafe for musicians or instruments, the ensemble leader may pause or stop performance without refund obligation; we will reasonably attempt to continue once conditions are safe.
Booked time begins at the agreed start time and includes one 10-minute break per hour of performance, or as agreed. Delays caused by the Client (late start, missing power, delayed cue) count toward the booked time. Overtime beyond the contracted end time is billed in 30-minute increments and is due the same day.
The Client is responsible for securing all venue permits, noise variances, HOA approvals, and power access. If the ensemble is denied entry, asked to stop, or unable to perform due to the Client's or venue's failure, the Client remains liable for the full contracted balance.
The Client grants Desert Mariachi Band permission to use photos, video, and audio captured at the event for promotional purposes, unless the Client notifies us in writing before the event requesting otherwise. We will honor reasonable privacy requests.
Live music involves amplified sound and moving musicians. The Client agrees to inform guests and to keep children and intoxicated guests clear of the performance area. The Client assumes responsibility for any injury or damage to guests, property, or third parties caused by guests, not by the ensemble.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Desert Mariachi Band, its musicians, and its management shall not be liable for any personal injury, property damage, lost revenue, emotional distress, or consequential damages arising from the performance, cancellation, or any conduct of guests. The Client agrees to hold the ensemble harmless from all such claims.
Musicians are engaged as independent contractors, not employees. The Client is not the employer of any musician. Each musician is responsible for their own instruments, transportation, and taxes.
The ensemble will perform professionally and respectfully. We reserve the right to decline or stop any song, behavior, or request that is unlawful, unsafe, or that endangers musicians or guests, without refund obligation.
We reserve the right to substitute musicians of equal skill if a scheduled member becomes unavailable. The ensemble's standard and quality will be maintained.
Gratuity is never required but always appreciated. Tips may be given directly to musicians at the event.
These terms are governed by the laws of the State of California. Any dispute shall be resolved in the courts of Riverside County, California, and the Client consents to that jurisdiction.
The signed contract, signed invoice, and these terms constitute the entire agreement between the Client and Desert Mariachi Band and supersede any prior discussion. If any term is found unenforceable, the remaining terms remain in full effect.
Still have questions? Call us (760) 698-2033
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