Frequently Asked Questions
Who are The Wailin' Hues?
We are an Ottawa/Gatineau based dance band. Operating primarily during the peak wedding season (May to October), the band is always excited to jam out with killer sets that are sure to bring everyone to the dance floor.
During the year, our members are busy performing with a variety of ensembles across the National Capital Region, teaching privately and in schools, and arranging new pieces for both The Wailin' Hues and other projects.
What is your typical process when working with a new client?
We will meet in person and discuss musical options, choose a package that suits your needs, confirm song request, and sign a contract to reserve the band for your event.
What educational background and/or professional qualifications do you have in your field of practice?
All members of the band are professional musicians; some holding undergraduate degrees in music and/or graduate degrees in their instruments.
What do you enjoy about the work you do?
We take great pride in our attention to details. With our 4 back up vocalists and our full horn section we offer a rich full sound that you will not find with any other band. Performing on a regular basis, and staying up to date with new hits, we are very proud to offer professional non-stop music in all of our sets.
How do your services stand out?
Each of our 45 minute wedding sets include at least one of each of the following must have genres: blues, rock n' roll, disco, rock, jazz, 90s, top 40s, and slow ballads. We also offer other musical services such as a musical duo for the wedding ceremony, a jazz trio for the cocktail hour, and a wind quartet for the dinner. Contact us for an affordable musical package tailored to your specific needs.
NEW: we now offer a DJ service should you desire more music after our live dance band has finished at the reception.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
We got together for fun to play at a friend's wedding. We received so much praise and had such a great time that we decided to pursue this in a more concrete and professional way.
What types of clients have you worked with?
We have worked with many to-be-married-couples, played for military events, performed for private parties, and have participated in fundraising events for local organizations.
Describe a recent project you enjoyed.
We just played an outdoor wedding that we will never forget! The energy was amazing and the guests danced the entire night. We were able to accommodate a request from one of the bridesmaids to sing a song with us for her best friend. This is why we do what we do.
What advice would you give a client looking to hire a live band?
Hiring a live band can be an unforgettable experience. I would definitely recommend hiring a PROFESSIONAL band for your event. Make sure that you have met with a band representative, and that you have listened to some samples of their music. You should be excited about the band you are hiring.
What questions should clients think through before talking to bands about their project?
They should think about all their musical needs and if the band can meet them all. They should ask about power, lighting, sound equipment, and the size of the performance area needed.
What is the song request?
As a special request for weddings, the band will arrange one song of your choosing that can then be played at any point during the evening. A popular use of the song request is the couple's first dance.