As wedding day turns to wedding night, guests (and you!) start to relax: jackets are cast aside, heels are replaced with flats, formalities fly, and – after months of agonizing over the smallest of decisions and details with your partner (and in-laws) – you’re finally ready to let loose and hit that dancefloor!
As you’ve likely experienced, corralling guests to said dancefloor is no easy feat. That is, unless you’re among the top live music bands in the city! Much as your flowers, catering, and rentals all require meticulous planning, so to does your music selection when it comes to getting the party started.
We reached out to our roster of live music bands and asked them for their go-to songs to help ensure your guests have a blast at your next event. For your reading and viewing pleasure, we included a range of band sizes, styles, and genres to suit just about any type of special event, so let’s hop to it!
We know no two events are the same, so we’ve got both your high-energy, let’s-get-this-party-started bangers as well as some slower, more demure head-boppin’ vibes perfect for corporate events and those looking for a little less raucous.
Let’s start off with some high-impact fast songs:
Boutique Entertainment
I Got You (I Feel Good) by James Brown
“This tune is SUCH a classic!! It’s a great tune to play in the first set – it always packs the dance floor because it captures the older crowd, but is still so hip that the younger guests love it too. Plus, it’s SO much fun for the band to play, so I think that energy and passion really translates!”
– Lauren Roy, Boutique Entertainment
Next Level Entertainment
Proud Mary by Tina Turner
“We have SO many favourite tunes that we perform spanning all genres & eras, but one song stands out as a universal crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to fill the dance floor in second is Tina Turner’s rendition of “Proud Mary.” It has a unique charm that transcends age and preferred musical genres. It draws you in with a slow, soulful groove to start, and then… BAM! It builds into a fast-paced, high-energy, rock and roll anthem! With powerful vocals, vibrant horn lines, and a driving beat, this classic hit is not just a song; it’s an experience! When we play Proud Mary, we guarantee your guests will go home at the end of the night with huge smiles and sore feet!”
– Stacey Renee, Next Level Entertainment
Main Event Music
Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! by Abba
“Our standout hit to perform is the revival of ABBA’s ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!’. From the electrifying moment its intro reverberates through the speakers to its final note, it reigns as a fierce party starter, igniting dance floors with unparalleled energy. Typically unleashed later in the evening and always best with a full horn section, its funky disco undertones propel party guests to stratospheric heights of euphoria. Embracing the timeless essence of disco, this song embodies the very spirit of celebration, making it a beloved anthem that commands attention and ensures unforgettable nights of music and dance.”
– Marc Shapiro, Main Event Music
The Brightside
I Want You Back by The Jackson 5
“One song that always fills the dance floor for us is the Motown Classic, I Want You Back by the Jackson 5. Right from the piano hook off the top, everyone is off their feet. This song is the perfect song to inspire guests of all ages to come together on the dance floor and create unforgettable memories.”
– Shawn Rompre, The Brightside
St. Royal Entertainment
I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
“The recognizable piano line, empowering lyrics, and a relatable story make it a timeless classic with universal appeal. It features powerful vocals, memorable melodies, and a danceable disco tempo.”
– Andrew St. Royal, St. Royal Entertainment
The Sound Parade
We Found Love by Rihanna and Calvin Harris
“This is such a great dance song it always gets everyone up dancing! The musical build up after the chorus has everyone literally jumping up and down and feeling like they could dance all night long.”
– Tim & Carolyn, The Sound Parade
Memory Lane Live Entertainment
I Got You (I Feel Good) by James Brown
“This timeless classic seamlessly blends elements from various genres like funk, blues, and rock and roll. Its lively, feel-good, twelve-bar blues vibe makes it instantly recognizable as an iconic hit, ideal for the dance floor and consistently captivates audiences, drawing them in with its infectious energy. The brass-heavy interlude within the song takes it to another level!”
– Rudy D’Souza, Memory Lane Live Entertainment
Bongo & B Entertainment
Can’t Feel My Face by The Weeknd
“This track never fails to energize the dance floor. The Weeknd’s “Can’t Feel My Face” boasts a suave undertone, making it an unmistakable hit that’s effortlessly danceable. Its versatility allows for seamless transitions into various other songs, ensuring the party keeps going strong.”
– Chris Romano, Bongo & B Entertainment
StereoFlavour Entertainment
The Best by Tina Turner
“Tina Turner’s legacy as one of the most electrifying performers of her era lives on! In particular, “The Best” may initially seem like an overlooked slower tempo gem, but BAM!—before you know it, the whole crowd’s rocking out. This song is both a dance floor staple and a rock anthem that makes you passionately lip-sync every word. Its potent romantic lyrics also make it an ideal choice for weddings. Here’s a cheeky tip: ask your band to feature it as a closing song, guaranteeing your guests will be belting it out on their way home. And just when you think it can’t get any better, that saxophone solo kicks in, and trust us, there’s nothing quite like feeling it live!”
– Stacey, StereoFlavour Entertainment
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St. Kitts Music
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
“This song never goes out of style, everyone knows it. It gets people on the dance floor and they usually even start a singalong.“
– George St. Kitts, St. Kitts Music
Soular
Higher Love by Kygo & Whitney Houston
“We absolutely love playing this song! The song has a great groove that people can dance to and the lyrics are full of positivity, optimism and looking to a future with hope and open arms.”
– Sandy Mamane, Soular
..and now for some slower songs guaranteed to get things moving!
Supersonic Hearts Band
I Want It That Way by Backstreet Boys
“It’s a throwback that brings everyone onto the dance floor. This is one that everyone has sung when no one is around… but secretly wants to belt out!”
– Tim, Supersonic Hearts Band
The DNA Project
Love on Top by Beyoncé
“Love on Top is one of those feel-good, high-energy songs that just gets your feet tapping! It’s said to have been inspired by Beyoncé’s state of mind while playing the role of Etta James for a musical biopic, and combines what I like to consider a mixture of “Old School groove, R&B tightness, topped with some Gospel Swag”
– Anthony Lewis, The DNA Project
Brent Miller LIVE
Wonderwall by Oasis
“A classic guaranteed to get people singing along. The brilliance of performing Wonderwall is that we can sneak it into a dinner/dessert set and watch the party come to life BEFORE the dancing has officially begun (one of our favourite things!) It is magic every time as guests are inspired to sing & sway along theatrically to this song’s epic chorus. We love it every single time.“
– Brent Miller, Brent Miller LIVE
Tiffany Jazz Trio
L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole
“L-O-V-E encapsulates the joy, unity, and timeless celebration of love, making it an ideal choice to encourage guests to dance and celebrate together. Its universal appeal, classic charm, and romantic lyrics align perfectly with the spirit of a wedding day! Couples can enjoy a romantic slow dance to the song, while energetic guests can sway and move more freely to the swingin’ beat on the dance floor!”
– Tiffany Hanus, Tiffany Jazz Trio
The Marc Joseph Band
All Night Long (All Night) by Lionel Richie
“An overall great song with an easily sing-able melody and a great groove. It has a very unique energy that sets it apart from many songs. We love playing this one!”
– Marko Stojanovic, The Marc Joseph Band
OnMarz Productions
Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder) by Maxwell
“Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder) by Maxwell is a classic jam that always gets people on their feet! Its smooth R&B vibes and catchy beat always get guests to the dance floor. It’s just one of those songs that instantly puts you in a good mood and makes you want to move your body. The combination of Maxwell’s soulful vocals and the infectious rhythm is irresistible!”
– Omar Martin, OnMarz Productions
