WHY ARE LIVE BANDS SO LOUD?

As a professional drummer, I hate to say this, but it is the drummer's fault. 

With a conventional drum set (known as an acoustic drum set) there is no way to turn down the volume. So, all of the other band members have to turn up their instruments to be heard. 

Now you have loud drums, and loud everything else. It is no wonder that your guests have to scream at each other!

I use a special set of electronic drums that look just like regular drums (see pictures) but they can be turned down because they are 100% electronic.

So. the rest of the band can also turn down their instruments and allow your guests to speak to each other comfortably.