Top Party Bands in Ottawa for Your Wedding
By Tristan Whalen-Hughes
Finding the right music for your wedding can be a stressful experience.
“Can this band play all our favourite songs? Can that band bring the energy we want to the stage and get people on the dance floor?”
There are a number of different criteria that are important to consider when choosing which artist(s) you want to hire for your special day. Thankfully, we’ve prepared a helpful list of some of our top picks for live music in Ottawa.
The Wailin’ Hues
While it may seem a little self-serving to include ourselves on this list, we are an award-winning dance band known for our high level of musicianship and unparalleled energy on stage. With multiple singers, a full horn section, and a variety of smaller ensembles capable of adding just the right touch to every aspect of the music for your wedding, it would undoubtedly be a mistake to leave ourselves out. Whether it’s jazz, rock, pop, funk, or just about anything else you’re looking for, The Wailin’ Hues will bring the party. You just bring your dancing shoes.
That being said, it’s possible that we might not be the right fit for your event. Maybe you absolutely love classic rock and want a band that specializes exclusively in that particular genre of music. Perhaps your venue simply doesn’t have the space for a larger band like ours. Below are some other great options for live music in Ottawa that you might want to consider.
The Paperboys
These guys have been playing shows around Ottawa for as long as we can remember. The Paperboys are a 4-piece band specializing in classic rock music. Their members have performed and recorded with Canadian legends such as Alanis Morrissette, Eight Seconds, and The Cooper Brothers. If rock is your cup of tea, this band will put the kettle on and then some.
The Commotions
If you want to double down on a big band with horns galore, then The Commotions might be what you’re looking for. This 12-piece outfit leans heavily into its jazz roots with its focus on funk and soul music. Featuring an all-star line-up of local artists including vocalists Jeff Rogers (Silver Creek and The Cooper Brothers) and Rebecca Noelle (The PepTides, Rumours, La Voix and David Gogo), JUNO Award winner Steve Marriner of Monkey Junk, and local jazz hero Mark Ferguson to name just a few, this band is a guaranteed funky fun time.
Bytown Lights
Bytown Lights is a rock and pop cover band made up of talented musicians who came together after meeting as teachers at Orleans’ School of Rock. With their powerful lead vocalist Steffany Venneri front and centre and a rock solid rhythm section behind her, these guys know how to throw a party. From their captivating musical delivery to fun crowd banter, the energy this band brings to the stage is undeniable.