Formed in 2012, Art Thieves is a versatile musical group able to perform in intimate venues and as special event music. Their repertoire consists of Pop, Blues, Rock, and Country all played with a roots and folk influence.

1 Review Christine C. • May 9, 2017

Amazing Band!

This band played at our wedding. They have a wide variety of music and everything they played sounded great. They were very accommodating to us on our special day. We would highly recommend them to anyone. Should we ever be in need of a band for anything we will be choosing this one for sure.

Hired as:
Party Band

Booking Info

Price Range: $400 and up

Gig Length: 45 - 200 minutes

We take pride in being able to read our audience. Since we play a lot of ambiance type venues we understand that our role is to set the mood not to dominate or overpower the patrons with sound. We are very sensitive to our volume level so that patrons can converse if they choose or they can enjoy the music being provided. Art Thieves also performs all of their music 100% live. We don't use any pre-recorded backing tracks or electronic rhythms when we perform. We feel it's important to preserve the energy and spontaneity of the music by keeping it all live. We will always conduct our selves in a professional manner. Right from showing up on time, playing the designated time, being flexible with the clients schedule and dressing appropriately.

Consisting of Tom Renaud on vocals and acoustic guitar, Mike Annable on electric guitar and bass, Chris Coats on the fiddle and Neil Smaldon on percussion, the quartet met when they were all members of the other London based bands. Tom has performed in rock-based groups for almost twenty years, and previously as part of touring choral groups from the Kingsville, ON area. His soft tenor voice weaves throughout the music effortlessly and can reach maximum intensity to suit the mood of the crowd.

Chris brings an unusual element to the group by employing the electric fiddle. Sometimes processed to achieve sonic frequencies associated with the keyboard, bass or guitar, his neo-traditional style accentuates the group’s folk tendencies.

Mike and Neil have been performing in cover bands for over 20 years each. Though from different bands in regions of Ontario, they shared stages while still in high school and college in Toronto, Hamilton and London.

Additional Booking Notes

Why should I hire live music?
Live music provides a classy unique touch to any occasion. Live musicians create a special ambiance that cannot be duplicated with prerecorded music. Live music tells your guests that you care about their experience and want them to thoroughly enjoy their time with you.

How many musicians do I need to hire?
This really depends on the nature of your event, the size of the room and of course your budget. If it’s soft background music you require then a 2 to 3 piece instrumental group should be adequate. For a more entertaining group consider adding a vocalist. If the room is quite large or outdoors we recommend a full rhythm section including bass and drums to ensure we can fill the space with sound. If you’re encouraging people to dance then bass and drums are strongly recommended.

How long will the band play for?
We can perform up to three 45-50 minute sets over a two to five hour period.

How far in advance should I book the band?
As soon as you have the details confirmed. We often book events up to a year in advance, so in order to avoid disappointment we recommend booking your date as soon as possible.

What am I paying for?
My brother in-laws second cousin said he and his buddies can play for free. Professional musicians spend a great number of hours perfecting their craft. It is estimated that on average a professional musician spends 10,000 hrs. of practice time developing their skills before they are seasoned enough to provide quality entertainment to the general public. Professional level musical instruments and amplification gear can easily cost in the 10’s of thousands of dollars or higher. In actual fact live music when compared to other types of professional entertainment services is a great bargain. Rates for live music have not increased significantly in the past 30 years. So you can take your chances with amateurs or hire the pro’s and get piece of mind.

Will there be a contract?
Yes, Art Thieves will provide a written contract containing all the particulars of your event. This legal contract is issued to protect the rights of the purchaser as well as the musicians.

Will the band play events outside of the London area?
Yes, within reason we will travel to your event anywhere in Southern Ontario. We may however have to charge extra for events more than a 1 hour drive from the London area.

Can we make special musical requests?
Absolutely, but we need time to prepare. If you have special song that does not appear on our list, let us know well in advance and we’ll learn it for you.

Will you play outdoors?
Yes, as long as the stage temperature is at least 18˚C and there is some protection from the sun, wind and rain. Also a good idea to have an indoor back-up location in case the weather does not cooperate.

What will the band wear?
For formal events, tuxedos or suit. Semiformal events, dress shirts & pants. Casual events collared shirts and long pants. We will always ask what the preference is prior to booking a job.

What do we need to provide the day of the event?
Two to three properly grounded 120V A/C power plugs. Proper shelter from the elements if outdoors. Parking passes if required and of course payment in full upon completion of the performance. We provide all the rest.

Services Offered

Cover Band Party Band

Past Booked Events

Setup Requirements

We are essentially self-contained. We will provide all the equipment necessary for your venue. All we require is a minimum of 2 safe 110v outlets. If the venue is out doors we require shelter from the elements (sun, rain etc.) and the temperature should b
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