Sammy Miller and The Congregation

Tech Rider

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Sammy Miller and The Congregation are on a mission to put the generosity back into jazz and bring art back to the people. Upon completing his Master’s at The Juilliard School, Sammy formed his ensemble, The Congregation. As a band, they share the power of community through their music—joyful jazz.


The purpose of this rider is to facilitate the best performance possible. The Purchaser should study this rider closely and make the necessary provisions contained herein. Any difficulties, problems or proposed changes to this rider must be approved by both parties, the Purchaser and Sammy Miller and The Congregation (The Band) in writing.

1. BILLING

  • Band to be billed in all print materials, Marquees, Print Ads, Radio Ads, Tickets and any other marketing materials only as “Sammy Miller and The Congregation”. 

  • For all press materials: PRESS KIT

2. BAND PERSONNEL

  • Band members are based on availability and subject to change. Please confirm in advance which musicians are performing.

3. PERFORMANCE

  • Any photo, video, or audio recording during sound check, performance, or educational outreach must be agreed upon with management in advance. If permission is granted, any content taken must be made available to Sammy Miller and The Congregation to use and distribute.

4. Payment / Settlement

  • Performance fee checks should be made payable to: SMTC MUSIC: PO BOX 672 Gladwyne, PA 19035

5. Advance / Schedule

  • The Purchaser must provide the following information to facilitate the advance of the production. 

    • Technical information sheet of the venue 

    • Proposed Hotel Name, Address, Phone, website

    • Local Production Manager phone, email, address, and mobile phone

    • Proposed Itinerary of the day 

  • Band plans to arrive 4 hours prior to performance time unless otherwise agreed upon. LOAD IN (1 hour), SOUND CHECK (1 hour 30 mins), DINNER BREAK (1 hour 30 mins).

    • Sample Schedule:

      • LOAD IN: 4:00-5:00pm

      • SOUND CHECK: 5:00-6:30pm

      • DINNER BREAK: 6:30-8:00pm

      • HOUSE OPEN: 7:30pm

      • GO: 8:00pm 

  • The length of set and intermission should be confirmed in show advance. The Band plays either:

    • 1 (one) 90 min set

    • 2 (two) 45 min sets with 1 (one) 15 min intermission

6. TRANSPORTATION

  • The Purchaser will provide 6 round trip tickets with an agreed upon travel itinerary or provide a transportation buyout for Band to provide their own travel to and from the city.

  • The Purchaser must provide all the necessary transportation for the Band, their luggage, instruments and backline equipment, from their arrival until their departure from the city of the performance (e.g. from the airport to the hotel, from hotel to performance venue and back to the hotel, all special events, pre and post-concert talks or receptions, publicity opportunities, emergencies, etc.). The schedule for all the transportation should be coordinated with the Band’s Production Stage Manager, no less than 2 weeks in advance of engagement, and preferably several months in advance. 

  • The Purchaser will be responsible for all costs of local transportation if the Band is forced to find the necessary vehicles to facilitate their own mode of transportation necessary to fulfill their contractual obligation. 

  • All transportation should be comfortable, spacious, and clean.

7. PARKING

  • Purchaser agrees to provide safe, well-lit, free parking for one (1) 15 Passenger Van (or 2 mini vans) in close proximity to the venue for the duration of the evening from load-in to load-out.

8. HOUSING

  • The Purchaser must provide accommodations for the Band a minimum Four (4) Star Hotel as per US standards. The Purchaser will consult with the Band’s Production Stage Manager about the hotel prior to making the final reservations. The confirmation numbers must be sent no less than 4 weeks in advance of check in date and preferably several months in advance. 

  • The number of hotel nights will be agreed with the Band management in advance of the engagement. 

  • Rooms Required: 5 Single Rooms, queen or king beds (6 upon request if traveling with 6)

  • The Hotel will be located as close as possible to the venue and the city center 

  • The Hotel should be equipped with: complimentary high speed Wi-Fi internet connection, parking, gym.

  • If there is a fee for overnight parking, the purchaser will pay for it.

  • The Purchaser will make the reservations for the group under the name of Sammy Miller.

9. SECURITY

  • The Purchaser will ensure the Band’s party belongings, equipment, and instruments are secure from the time of their arrival until the time of their departure.

10. DRESSING ROOMS

  • The Band will need dressing room(s) to accommodate 5-6 people. All dressing rooms must be ready and available to the Band’s from the start of the load in/set up through the end of the load out. 

  • All dressing rooms must be clean, comfortable, dry, warm, heated in winter and air-conditioned in summer. 

  • Access to high speed Internet, Wi-Fi is preferred.

11. Hospitality / Catering

  • The Purchaser will provide a hot meal for 5-6 (or a $40 a person travel buyout). Local traditional food will be welcomed. Take out from local restaurants is also acceptable. If ordering from a restaurant, the menu must be provided to the Production Stage Manager in advance for approval. There are some allergies that need to be reviewed:

    • 2 choices -- (1) choices of grilled chicken, beef (NO PORK, NO SHELLFISH)+ (1) vegetarian option (tofu, tempeh, veg stir fry)

    • 1 grain: rice, couscous, pilaf

    • 2 choices of vegetables  - spinach, broccoli, brussel sprouts, asparagus 

    • mixed leaf salad with 2 choice of dressings assortment (balsamic vinegar, olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette)

    • For the Stage: Prior to performance each performer position should contain 1 bottle of water per performer.

    • Drinks

      • Natural Spring Water (Preferred brands: Fiji, Arrowhead Water, Evian), (not purified)

      • Sparkling Water (La Croix, Bubbly, etc.)

      • Wine: (1) red, (1) white

      • Coffee, Herbal Teas (Ginger, Peppermint)

    • Snacks

      • Yogurt (Bellwether Sheep or Cow, Alexandre, Fage)

      • Health Bars (RX Bars, Clif Bars)

      • Organic Crackers

      • Organic Roasted Nuts (Pistachios, Cashews)

      • Cheese (St Angels, Raw Cheddar, Parmigiano Reggiano)

      • Organic Dried Mango

12. Tickets / Passes 

  • Purchaser will provide 10 tickets in prime locations for each of the Band’s performances at no cost to the Band. Promotional tickets beyond 20 allotted to Band must be requested in writing and approved by the Band.

13. Merchandise 

  •  The Purchaser will provide a seller and table for the selling of merchandise. Band will join for signing after the show

  • Please confirm any fees, house take, or taxes for selling merch in advance.

14. Press / Interviews

  • Any requests concerning Television, Web or Radio Broadcast, Recording, should be made in advance. 

  • Flash photography, recording or taping from the audience is not allowed without prior written approval.

15. Education / PLAYBOOK

  • Learn how we can make a positive impact in your community. Both with our online platform PLAYBOOK as well as our Playbook IN PERSON options including:

    • week-long residencies

    • University lectures 

    • district or school assemblies

    • interdisciplinary workshops

    • instrument specific masterclasses

    • guest educators/performers with music ensembles or theater classes

  • If you are interested in more information and testimonials, please visit our website thisisplaybook.com and reach out to us with further questions.

16. Technical Requirements 

A. Stage Requirements

  • A significant portion of the concert program includes interactive contact with the audience in the seating area. Direct access to the audience seating area is important in order to support this part of the concert program. Please see STAGE PLOT for ideal set up. The Purchaser must provide a 4’ wide staircase which must be well marked. Installation of the stairs must meet all local and federal fire and safety regulations and codes. If there is an orchestra pit or non-fixed seating in front of the stage, tickets must be sold in coordination with front of stage stair access to the audience area. Festival Production Managers, clubs and unique venues, please contact Production Stage Manager to review best options to accommodate this need as part of the advance of the concert. 

  • For outdoor shows, the stage must be covered by a roof over the performance area, including monitor mix area and front of house mix location. 

B. Local Staff and Crew

  • The Purchaser will provide and pay for all local crew and production staff necessary to produce the concert. The production crew and staff must be present from the start of the Band’s load in through to the end of the Band’s load out. The Band requires the assistance of the following local crew to aid in the set up and operation of the Band and venue equipment for the concert: 

    • One (1) Production Manager who will be present and available to the Band from the start of the load in and set up through the end of the load out, and with the authority to make the highest decisions, including Band payment, contractual fulfillment, opening doors and backstage coordination with local crew. 

    • One (1) House Sound Engineer who must have a full working knowledge of the entire sound system

  • The Purchaser shall provide at their sole cost and expense; a FOH engineer who is an Expert about sound system in use including sound console operation, a Monitor Engineer who is an Expert about monitor system in use including sound console operation, a first-class, professional ‘stereo’ sound reinforcement system. 

    • One (1) Monitor Engineer who must have a full working knowledge of the monitor sound system

    • One (1) Light Board/House Lights programmer/operator, who must have a full working knowledge of the entire house lighting system.

  • Purchaser shall provide a first-class professional production lighting system at the Purchasers’ sole cost and expense. Production stage lighting system capable of multiple colored stage washes and specials for performers. We trust in the good will of the technical manager of the venue to provide good lighting. The positions of the musicians are available in the stage plot included in this rider. 

C. Sound Check

  • The Band requires a minimum of 30 minutes for set up and up to 90 minutes for sound check. The Band’s Production Stage Manager will advance the schedule at each venue with the local Production Manager and/or technical contact. The local Production Manager must advise the Production Stage Manager of all work rules, union or non union required breaks and/or curfew during technical advance. For Festivals, a minimum of a line check is required prior to the performance start. 

  • The venue should be silent of all activities until the completion of the sound check. 

D. Front of House

  • The Front of House mix position should be on the main or orchestra level with the audience. Balcony overhangs should be avoided if possible. The Band wants an acoustic sound / intimate and natural sound. 

E. Monitor Mix

  • The Monitor Mix position should be on the stage left side of the stage with direct line of sight to the Band. The Monitor Mixer must have a minimum of 19 input channels, 6 Aux Busses selectable pre or post, 8 VCA or DCA

  • Monitor speaker system must include 6 Monitor Wedges for 5 Stage Mixes.

F. Backline

***Items contingent on Band Members traveling. The Band travels as a 5 PIECE. In rare cases it will be a 6 PIECE.

Band will provide a Spotify playlist for preshow and intermission to be played via venue provided webplayer/ device.

Presenter is responsible for providing the following:

  • MICROPHONES 

    • 2 (two) fully wireless clip on horn mics 

    • 5 (five) - 6 (six) vocal mics***

      • 1 (one) wired with long cable or wireless (Boom Stand) LEAD VOCAL for DRUMMER

      • 2 (two) or 3 (three) wired or wireless mics (Straight Stands) VOCALS for HORNS + GUITAR***

      • 1 (one) wired or wireless (Boom Stand) VOCAL for PIANIST 

      • 1 (one) wired or wireless (Boom Stand) VOCAL for BASS

      • 1 (one) wired or wireless (Boom Stand) VOCAL for GUEST VOCALIST***

    • 6 (six) instrument mics 

      • 2 (two) MD421 or similar, SM 58 BASS and SOUSAPHONE

      • 2 (two) 414 or similar PIANO

      • 1 (one) VP-88 or small diaphragm condenser mic DRUMS

      • 1 (one) Audix D6 or similar DRUMS

  • INSTRUMENTS

    • 1 (one) tuned Piano (Grand or Upright Piano)

      • *when acoustic piano is not available Nord Stage or Yamaha Motif, with keyboard stand, sustain pedal and compatible expression pedal. 

    • 1 (one) Upright Bass

      • professional 3/4 or 7/8 with an adjustable bridge and either a David Gage Realist or Fishman Full Circle pickup 

    • 1 (one) Drumset (Left Handed set up) - no tom mics, no subkick unless prior approval – only an overhead/kit mics

      • *Professional Drum set – Vintage brands preferred- Ludwig, Gretsch, Rogers, Slingerland,  (If new Pearl, Tama, Yamaha)

      • 20” x 14” Bass Drum or larger  (muffling towel or blanket  inside or outside) 

      • 12” x 8" Tom (with separate snare stand), 14”x14" Floor Tom / 3 independent legs, 

      • 2 (two) 14’ inch snare drum-wooden (NO PICCOLOS), (all metal if approved is okayed) 14x5 + vintage drums preferred

      • 3 (three) Lightweight Straight Cymbal Stands w/ felts and wingnuts 

      • Drum Throne -(That’s adjusted by turning) 

      • 2 (two) Snare Drum Stand 

      • 2 (two) Bass Drum Pedal (single chain), yamaha or dw, all felt bass drum beater. 

      • Hi Hat Stand with 3 legs. Felt. Clutch. 

      • COATED Drum Heads, (EVANS G1 or G2, Remo Ambassador) 

      • 2 (two)  ride cymbals, Ziljian 20”-22” (Ziljian vintage, Costantinobles, Renaissance, A Custom, Istanbul, no flat rides) 1 16” -18” crash, (1) one pair of 14” Ziljian light hi hats 

      • 1 (one) small towel, Area Rug for Drums. 

      • 1-2 (one-two) small cowbells (LP black beauty, high pitched) that can be mounted on stand 

    • 1 (one) Sousaphone***

      • Standard Bb Marching Band

      • ***Please confirm when advancing (not all bassists on tour also play the sousaphone)

  • AMPS

    • 1 (one) Bass Amp

      • Ashdown, Acoustic Image, Epifani, Galien Krueger, or Aguilar head. 4x10 Cabinet (same brand preferable). 

    • 1 (one)Guitar Amp: Fender Deluxe***

      • ***Please confirm when advancing (not always present on tour)

  • MONITORS 

    • 5 (five) or 6 (six) monitors*** (1 downstage, 1 horns, 1 drums, 1 piano, 1 bass, 1 guitar***)

17. STAGE PLOT

***Items contingent on Band Members traveling. The Band regularly fluctuates between a 5 PIECE and a 7 PIECE (with options for 4 and 6 as well)  Please confirm in advance.

5 (FIVE) PIECE VERSION corresponds with Technical Requirements

Vocal mics (IN BLUE) + Wireless Horn mics (IN ORANGE) + Sousaphone (IN GREEN) contingent on Band Members traveling. Please confirm in advance.

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6 (SIX) PIECE VERSION corresponds with Technical Requirements

Vocal mics (IN BLUE/large) + Wireless Horn mics (IN ORANGE/small) + Lead Vocals + Guitar + Sousaphone + Vocal mics (IN GREEN) contingent on additional musicians traveling. Please confirm in advance.


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18. INPUT LIST

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19. PERMITS / WORK VISAS

  • The Purchaser shall furnish or provide at their sole cost and expense any and all of the necessary bonds, permits, licenses, work visas and authorizations from any and all government agencies, bureaus and departments (Federal, State or Local). 

20. Band Indemnification

  • The Purchaser shall indemnify and hold The Band harmless from and against any and all liability, claim, demand, costs, expenses, losses and damage (including reasonable attorney’s fee) arising out of any breach of their Agreement by The Purchaser or in connection with any performance rendered or to be rendered by The Band during this event (unless same is caused by the tortuous conduct of The Band or any employee or agent of The Band). The Purchaser represents and warrants that it presently carries proper damage and liability insurance (no less than two million dollars) with sufficiently high limits to adequately insure against the risk assumed and the obligation undertaken by The Purchaser under this Paragraph and will obtain a certificate of insurance adding the Band to the Liability Policy as additional insured’s. Proof of the insurance shall be copied to the Band no less than fourteen (14) business days prior to the Performance. Such policy or policies shall be issued by insurance companies licensed to do business in the jurisdiction of the engagement. The Band and Company shall not be liable or responsible for any act or omission to act by the Employer.

21. Rider Adherence / Dissemination

  • No deletions, additions, or substitutions to this document will be accepted unless counter-initialed by artist signatory. The Purchaser hereby guarantees that this rider will be adhered to and that these documents will be distributed exactly as is (or as corrected and approved) to the appropriate technical and administrative personnel at the theater as contracted.