What to Buy for a Jam Concert

A jam concert needs more than instruments and a microphone. You will need practical supplies for the buffet, drinks station, musician area, sound setup and audience seating. Use this list to check what must be bought, borrowed or brought before the venue opens. Plan the shopping around your guest count, then leave enough time to chill drinks, test cables and place everything before musicians arrive.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 70
Stoolsqty 8
Buffet tablesqty 3
Clothes racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 70
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving bowlsqty 10
Serving spoonsqty 8

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Microphonesqty 4
Microphone standsqty 4
DI boxesqty 3
Instrument cablesqty 10
Microphone cablesqty 8
Headphonesqty 2
Music standsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Cable matsqty 10
Gaffer tapeqty 6
Tuning deviceqty 2

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 6
String lightsqty 4
Extension cords for lightsqty 4

Decorations

Stage drapesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 8
Welcome sign
Program postersqty 6
Directional signsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Measuring cupsqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broom setsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Tonic - 3 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Pilsner - 48 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Beer and wine openers - 2 pieces
- Baguettes - 10 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Ham - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Arugula - 6 bags
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 5 bags
- Salsa - 5 jars
- Mixed nuts - 3 kilo
- Olives - 2 kilos
- Mini pickles - 2 jars
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 60
- Butter - 500 grams
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Paper napkins - 10 packs
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Teaspoons - 100 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 4 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then add one drink per person for each following hour. Buy or borrow reusable drinking glasses, plus coffee cups if hot drinks are being served.
Allow one plate, one cutlery set and one glass per expected visitor, then add 10% extra for replacements and late arrivals. Bring serving bowls and serving spoons for each buffet dish.
Check every microphone, microphone cable, instrument cable and DI box before loading the venue. Pack at least two spare cables and keep gaffer tape nearby for securing loose connections.
Count power points before setup and group equipment by circuit where possible. Bring extension cords, power strips and cable mats; tape down any cable crossing a walking route.
Buy or prepare lighting supplies at least one day before the concert. Test LED spotlights, string lights and their extension cords, and keep stage drapes and tablecloths ready for the setup team.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a jam concert?: Plan for two to three drinks per person during the first hour, followed by one drink per person per additional hour. Add about 10% extra if the concert runs late or guests cannot easily buy more.
How many glasses, plates and cutlery sets should I buy?: Start with one glass, one plate and one cutlery set per expected visitor, plus 10% extra. For 50 guests, that means at least 55 of each item if reusable tableware is available.
What sound equipment is needed for a jam concert?: Prepare active speakers, a mixer, microphones, microphone stands, DI boxes, instrument cables and microphone cables. Check the setup at least 2–3 hours before doors open so faulty cables or missing adapters can still be replaced.
When should I chill the drinks and test the equipment?: Chill drinks at least 4 hours before serving, or the day before if storage allows. Complete the full sound check 2–3 hours before the concert, including microphones, instruments, headphones and monitor levels.

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