What instruments do the band play?
raindance consists of keyboards, electric guitar, bass guitar, and drums, with three main vocals.
Do you cater for all age groups?
raindance have an extensive set listing which has been designed to satisfy all tastes. This list comprises of hits from the Sixties & Seventies through to current chart music, from Waltzes to Eighties and Nineties classics, and is ever-expanding. To see this extensive range of music, visit the Setlist page.
Do you have a dress code?
Image is an important aspect of the show, and raindance dress in smart uniformed shirt & dress pants for Weddings, Corporate Functions, and Private Parties… but dress casually for pub gigs.
Do you require a booking deposit?
A small non-refundable deposit secures each date booked for both Band & Dj.
How do you stand out from other Wedding Bands?
raindance have used their years of experience to produce a “show” and definitely bring more to the table than just music. The Band uses a blend of musicianship, personality and humour to bring out the best in your Wedding guests on every occasion, and organise everything from trains to limbo-dancing on the evening to “involve” your guests on a one-to-one basis. With the use of wireless guitars, the guitarists even make their way onto the dance floor to perform amongst your guests for certain songs – again to involve and inspire everyone. The whole set list is hand picked, and geared to build your guests up and motivate them to enjoy themselves, with each song being instantly recognisable to inspire a sing-along atmosphere… It’s not just what we do… it’s how we do it!
Do you actually play all of the songs on your Set list?
It would be impossible to fit all of the songs contained within the set list – but raindance have at one time or another performed each and every song mentioned contained within the list. This being the case, we as a band have hand-picked all the best songs from the extensive set list and combined them to produce the best possible show we can bring on each and every occasion. Having such a huge range of material, also means we can tailor each set to suit the needs of each audience.
Are you capable of controlling volume levels?
raindance have honed all aspects of their performance including sound levels and have a state of the art sound system which allows total control over sound levels as we realize it is an important aspect of the show. raindance play to entertain the crowd in attendance on every occasion – not for self glorification – so generally don’t have a problem with the music being too loud.
How soon should I start booking things?
As soon as you set the date – and book the Ceremony and the Hotel – you should start about booking everything else… it’s never too early. In fact the earlier you start booking things, the more choice of suppliers you have. The later you leave it, you’ll find that your choices become limited – as in the best Bands, Dj’s, Photographers, etc. will be booked by someone else – so you might find that you have to “settle” on suppliers, rather than having a free choice.
Do you have a lighting system?
raindance possess one of the most comprehensive, professional stage and dance floor lighting systems available, employing extensive stage lighting to properly “frame” the Band, moving lights to cover the dance floor & ceiling area, Two moving lasers, thus enhancing the atmosphere and creating a visual aspect to the show.
How long does it take to set up the equipment?
Set-up from the end of speeches takes approximately 45 minutes, once the Hotel has given the band full access to the stage area.
Can I rely on the band arriving on time?
The raindance view, is that the only way to really be on time – is to be early… and generally arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled set-up time to ensure that there are no delays in starting, and that an earlier than normal set-up can be provided if the opportunity arises. In addition, experience has shown that Weddings can frequently run behind schedule with speeches, announcements, etc, taking longer than expected… but regardless of this fact, raindance are happy to patiently wait until required. People have commented on the Band’s professionalism in this area in the past.
Is the band willing to travel outside Galway?
raindance are available to play ‘almost’ anywhere in Ireland – within reason, and there are no travel expenses for playing within County Galway. A nominal travel charge would be applicable outside of Galway, and overnight accommodation would need to be provided for the four band members for travel distances greater than 2 hours each way.
Do you take up singers at weddings?
raindance are willing to take up a few singers on the night… but the amount of people would be limited, as experience has taught that too many people coming up tends to ruin the momentum of the night. raindance normally accept singers directly after the half time break.
Is there a problem gate-crashing a wedding to hear you play?
No, is the simplest answer. Practically every Bride and Groom had to gatecrash someone else’s wedding in order to hear raindance play in the first place, so 9 times out of 10 – no Bride or Groom ever mind this process coming full circle, as they understand your predicament fully. We also inform Bride and Groom of attending couples in advance – and they normally give their full consent, as they realize that it helps the Band secure future business. We do advise contacting us quickly on the day you plan to attend though – just to make sure that your date is still available… so as to avoid a wasted trip. If you’re planning on gate-crashing a wedding for the first time, visit the Wedding Tips page in order to pick up some handy hints.
Does the band play Traditional Irish music for Set-Dancing?
raindance unfortunately do not have set-dancing music in their otherwise extensive repertoire, but can cater for set dancers upon request with a vast range of traditional music on CD, which includes music designed for the: Caledonian, Galway, Newport, Connemara and Aran sets – to name but a few. Other Irish music favourites such as “Shoe the Donkey” and the “Stack of Barley” can also be played on CD upon request on the night.
Can you cater for Irish Dancers / Straw Boys?
raindance have no problem in catering for Irish dancers – and frequently do, on the night of a wedding. raindance would require however that the Dancers provide the band with their specific music selection on an iPod or MP3 player, rather than cassette or CD on the night, and the music can then be put through the Band amplification for a full sound, or in the case that they have their own musicians – we can amplify them though our sound system and provide backing upon request.
Does the Band perform the first dance? – or is it a CD?
That’s entirely up to you… If the song is on our Playlist – we usually perform it… If not we can attempt to learn it especially for the occasion… or can easily play a CD or MP3 for the first dance, and seamlessly swap over to the Band afterwards – the choice is yours.
How do I get to hear the band play live?
Simply contact the band by phone or e-mail for an up-to-date listing of forthcoming gigs. All information for contacting raindance can be found on the Contact Us page.
Is it possible for the band to set up in advance of the meal?
An early set up is not normally required, as the band normally sets up all equipment as the Hotel clears away after the meal… but an early set up is an additional optional extra provided by the band upon request. For a quotation on an early set up, simply contact raindance via the Contact Us page.
Is it possible to book the Band without the Dj Service?
raindance are available to perform as Band only or Band and Dj… But we offer a very keen Dj rate, due to the fact that our equipment is already in place on the night.
Can we choose the music played by the band on the night?
While raindance always take the musical tastes of every Bride and Groom on board – at the end of the day, the music played on the night of each wedding is tailored to keep the guests in attendance on that night dancing. The band have a vast set list, and use their years of experience to pull from this repertoire throughout the course of the night, to keep the dance floor full… and while raindance can pretty much guarantee to play all your favourites from the set list, cannot always guarantee to omit certain songs… but will certainly work with you to make your Wedding all that you hope & plan for.
Can we choose the music played in the disco on the night?
Once notified of particular favourite songs or artists in advance of the wedding, songs can always be successfully included on the night. The raindance Dj is always open to suggestion, and can normally mix your song choices with his regular set of “floor-fillers”… we would ask however, that the chosen songs be upbeat, and danceable – as the ultimate aim is always to keep your guests on the dance floor all night long.
How long does the disco normally last?
The disco runs from the end of the Band – until the Hotel says so basically… and this varies from Hotel to Hotel, but the average disco normally runs from 12.30am – 2am/2:30am.
Do you take provisional bookings?
As raindance frequently deal with several couples interested in the same date – we are unfortunately unable to take provisional bookings or indefinitely hold dates for couples who have not seen the band perform live – but we carefully record each enquiry, and do our best to advise couples if their date becomes unavailable so as to avoid confusion or disappointment.
Finally – and usually most importantly:
What’s it gonna cost me?
Contact Ollie: 086-8211331 to get an immediate quote, or preferably via the Contact Us page on this website, and simply give us the date and location of your reception, so that we can verify that the Band & Dj are available for your particular date – and we will happily quote you on the spot.
