Alternative Bands for Hire in California

Browse 120 alternative bands available for hire in California, United States, offering indie rock, grunge and unconventional musical entertainment. These alternative acts have received 126 reviews from real clients, averaging 5 out of 5 stars with an average booking price of $500.

Rated Excellent (5/5) from 126 reviews of Alternative Bands
Home > Alternative Bands > United States > California
5-Piece Cover Band performing huge rock hits from the 90s to 2010s

Fresno

California

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Book from $400 (USD)

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Unique band (cello/vocals, bass, drums) playing covers and originals 20s-70s

Oakley

California

(1)

Book from $500 (USD)

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4-piece tribute band covering popular songs from Warped Tour Bands

Rocklin

California

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High quality jazz, vocalist & instrumentalists. Standards - Modern - Original.

Northridge

California

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Modern Grung Rock band

Los Angeles

California

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A 4-piece cover band with a portfolio that covers many decades and genres.

Huntington Beach

California

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Book from $500 (USD)

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4 piece tribute to Creed performing their most popular hits

Temecula

California

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Tk.

Southern California Solo Artist

San Diego

California

No reviews yet

Book from $100 (USD)

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Solo cover artist covering rock, pop, country, folk, emo, and more

Phoenix

Arizona

(4)

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4-piece band performing rocking blues, funk and soul from the 60s-70s to current

Phoenix

Arizona

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Book from $300 (USD)

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Five-piece band, jazz, blues, soul, pop

Bellingham

Washington

(11)

Book from $700 (USD)

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Colorado based retro futuristic new wave power pop.

Denver

Colorado

(1)

Book from $250 (USD)

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An original Spanish rock band playing original and some covers

Denver

Colorado

No reviews yet

Book from $800 (USD)

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Charity, Church , open air concerts, speaking engagements

Billings

Montana

No reviews yet

Book from $1000 (USD)

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Live Rock Acoustic covers and EDM DJ

Richmond

British Columbia, Canada

No reviews yet

Book from $300 (CAD)

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Solo Guitarist & Scalable Band for Corporate & Wedding Events

Vancouver

British Columbia, Canada

(2)

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Vancouver 4 piece playing the music of Alice In Chains.

Vancouver

British Columbia, Canada

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Instrumental trio introducing the roaring rock guitars of classic rock to jazz

Calgary

Alberta, Canada

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Book from $350 (CAD)

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Showing 1-18 of 120 results

Need help finding Alternative Bands available in California?

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How much does it cost to hire Alternative Bands in California?

$Low price
from$100USD
$$Average price
from$500USD
$$$High price
from$2,300USD

Rates for alternative bands in California typically run between about $100 and $2,300+, with an average booking cost of $500. Pricing typically reflects the band's experience, performance duration and requirements such as sound equipment or special staging. Indie rock groups may offer different rate structures depending on whether they focus on original material or alternative interpretations of popular songs. Contact the supplier you like for an accurate quote.

What our enquiries show

Based on 88 enquiries for Alternative Bands at events in the United States, made through this site in the last two years. Updated 18 October 2026.

Typical first reply
Within six hours
66% of enquiries get a reply within a day
How early people enquire
About five weeks
49% enquire less than a month before the event
Busiest months
April to August
56% of events take place in these months

Reviews of Alternative Bands available in California

5/5 from 126 reviews
Photo of Freewheelers cello band Freewheelers cello band "One of the nicest bands in a long time! Watched them in a bar up in the gold country and they made everyone stand up and dsnce including a very old man." Based in Oakley, California Michael Adams Photo of Mike Goodrick Mike Goodrick "We've had the pleasure of having Mike play at our Cider Taproom regularly, and the vibe he brings to the room is always a hit. Whether he's covering pop, rock, or indie favorites, he connects with our customers and makes every night feel special. But the real game-changer has been his Acoustic Emo Nights. Every time he hosts one, our profits jump by at least 40% compared to a regular night. The energy is incredible, and the crowd loves the all-requests format. It's become one of our most popular events, and we can't recommend him enough for any venue looking to draw a crowd and keep them coming back." Based in Phoenix, Arizona Josh Duren - Restaraunt Photo of The Unknowns The Unknowns "There are songs that just stand out because they are so different from everything out there. “Stay Down Kat”, by The Unknowns, is definitely one of those songs. There’s a suave, jazzy, bluesy feel to this song, with great lead and backing vocals. It’s sultry, sensual, mysterious, and controlled, yet it has its powerful moments. And who can resist a great sax solo? Those things will draw you in, and soon The Unknowns will be known." Based in Bellingham, Washington George Duchow - WRGG Radio Photo of Wendy Clark Band Wendy Clark Band "Wendy and her crew are seasoned musicians and engaging performers." Based in Denver, Colorado Luke Schmaltz Photo of Michael.C Michael.C "I hired Michael to play guitar at both public and private events numerous times and he’s always prepared and did a good job!" Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 5th March 2026 Long Lai - Wedding and corporate parties Photo of BackForward / Adam Cartwright BackForward / Adam Cartwright "Talented across the board! We were blown away by Adam’s professionalism, attention to detail, musical talent and fun factor at our recent party! The cherry on top was his ability to take great quality professional photos! Adam was a great MC who took my DJ playlist inspiration and ran with it to create the perfect playlist for our party. And we can’t forget the Taylor Swift meets Coachella rendition of Happy Birthday which flowed into Jack & Diane. Such a fantastic addition to the event!" Based in Naperville, Illinois Derek - Private Party

Want to see more reviews?

There are currently 126 reviews of Alternative Bands in our review centre and the average rating is 5/5.

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Frequently asked questions

The average price for alternative bands on Gig Heaven is $500, with rates from $100 to $2,300+. Cost depends on the number of band members, set duration and equipment requirements. Alternative bands vary in size and style, so comparing profiles is useful for finding the right sound and energy for your event.

The alternative bands for hire perform a range of alternative and indie music styles, including indie rock, alternative rock, post-punk, shoegaze and modern alternative hits. Many bands cover well-known alternative tracks from the 1990s through to the present day.

Hiring alternative bands suits a wide range of events including weddings, birthday parties, bar and club nights, corporate events and festivals where clients want something different from a mainstream pop or rock band. The style suits events with a younger or more musically adventurous audience.

Most alternative bands are self-contained and provide their own instruments, amplifiers and PA system. For larger venues or outdoor stages, additional sound equipment may be required. To get the best results, discuss technical requirements with the band before booking.

Yes, either add suppliers to your favourites and contact them all at once, or use the find a supplier wizard.

Booking as early as possible increases the chance of securing your supplier's availability on your event date, particularly during busy times of the year. However, many suppliers also accept last minute bookings, and we have successfully arranged bookings for clients with just a few hours' notice.

Contact the supplier you are interested in booking by clicking "Contact Now" on their listing. Discuss your requirements using our messaging system or join a video meeting (like a Zoom-call) to speak face-to-face. Once you are ready to confirm your booking, simply ask the supplier to send you a contract, which you can agree to online, or request amendments. Once you agree to the contract you will be asked to pay a 10% booking fee to confirm the booking, with the balance payable directly to the supplier by the due date you've agreed on.

Please browse our help and support section, or if you can't find what you need you can get in touch.

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