Yes we take requests.  Having said that, explaining what happens during a "gig" is easier here than while on the job.

It is easier for a small band to take requests. I will not explain why, just know that it is true.

A band as large as GBSO has many musicians. Arrangements are needed for each tune. Each tune needs to be rehearsed. Currently we have about 250 active tunes in the book. That many tunes cannot possibly cover everything requested. If we have the song requested in the library, we play it. If it is not in the book then we have the luxury of making an instant small group and playing the request. However, if key people in the band do not know the tune, playing the request is impossible.

We suggest this. If you have a tune you really want to hear, make a list and get the information to the band leader as soon as possible. We can only carry about 250 tunes in the active book but there are nearly 500 others buried in a filing cabinet. We may have what you would like to hear. If so, we need time to rehearse it. The sooner you make the request the better your chances of hearing it.

No, we do not charge extra for this service. However, if we do play a request, we are not going to decline a tip for doing so.