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About

On WeddingWire since 2015

Last update: January 2024

SWITCHBEAT is a dynamic group of young musicians committed to providing the best in live music. Their diverse repertoire includes pop, r&b, dance, retro, disco, funk, rock, and much more.


Featuring powerful vocals, tight harmonies, top-notch musicianship, and a stage performance that is electrifying, energetic and engaging.


Mainstays of the Toronto live music circuit, the members of SWITCHBEAT are accomplished, pro-level musicians, each with more than a decade of performance experience across Canada, the U.S. and overseas.


Passionate, energetic, talented and professional, SWITCHBEAT promises to be a memorable addition to your wedding, corporate event, festival, charity gala, casino, nightclub, or private function.

Serving Toronto and most of Ontario.​

Frequently asked questions

Are you an agency or a band?

Band

What ceremony music arrangements can you provide?

Instrumental duo
Instrumental solo

How many musicians are in your band?

7+

What genres of music does your band play?

Country
Funk
Dance
Rock
Classic rock
Pop
Motown
Reggae
R&B
Top 40
70s
80s
90s

What instruments does your group play?

Saxophone
Guitar
Drums

What music services do you provide?

Ceremony music
Cocktail hour music
Instrumentals
Reception music
Music during breaks
Vocals
Liability insurance
Willing travel

What services do you provide?

Ceremony music
Cocktail hour music
Microphones
Reception music
Sound / PA system
Vocals

What items are available?

Lighting
Microphones
Sound PA

What is the starting price for wedding ceremony music?

$1,300

What is the average price for a wedding reception during peak season?

$8,800

What is the price of your most popular wedding package?

$8,800

What is the average price for a wedding reception during off-peak season?

$7,200

Which of the following are included in the price of your most popular wedding package?

Reception music
Music during breaks
Sound/ PA system
Microphones

Which of the following are included in the price?

Reception music
Sound PA
Recorded music breaks
Lighting
illustration notebook

Any other questions?

Reviews for Switchbeat

We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
5.0 out of 5 rating
5.0 out of 5 rating
29 reviews
100% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    5 out of 5 rating
Lindsay
Lindsay W. Sent on 18/10/2022
5 out of 5 rating

The best. Must hire.

This band is Pro! Hire them, you will not regret it! DJs are so boring compared to these guys. They are so professional, not to mention talented beyond belief! The wedding day would not have been the same without Jay, Junior (AV tech) and the whole band! They took care of everything, nothing was an extra charge, from the deejaying music for walking down the aisle, cocktails, music during the meal and dances. Vocals were amazing, was Adele singing at our wedding, no, but it sounded like it!! The sax killed, guitar shredded, bass slapped, and drums nailed it.
Alexandra
Alexandra P. Sent on 19/09/2022
5 out of 5 rating

The Best Part

Hiring Switchbeat was the absolute best part of our entire event. From the very first inquiry right up to the end of our night Jay and his band were an absolute pleasure at every point of contact. They went so above and beyond for us, learned the songs we requested INCLUDING custom arrangements for our ceremony music. The day of the event they were all so lovely, super professional: on time, ready to perform, excellent communication and really just a pleasure to have. The feedback from our guests was all gushing about how awesome the band was; the dance floor was packed for the entire night and we heard it was the best wedding of the season thanks to Switchbeat. I couldn't possibly recommend them enough!
Kevin
Kevin D. Sent on 27/07/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Stop looking and book Switchbeat

They say everything happens for a reason, and our experience with these class acts absolutely prove that. When the band we initially booked for our wedding had to cancel with just a few weeks to go, they graciously referred us to Switchbeat, who happened to be available on our night (albeit with some tight travel parameters that added some exciting drama 😅).

From our initial conversations with Jay (the band leader) we knew we were in good hands, but nothing could have prepared us for how every expectation we had would be completely shattered. From the sax and keyboardist playing beautiful music (and nailing our request) during our ceremony to their DJ maintaining a perfect vibe over cocktails and dinner, to the 5-piece band absolutely rocking the entire party, I don't know how it possibly could have been better. Everybody young and old was dancing and having an incredible night to the perfect mix of music performed with absolutely electric energy. The entire night our guests were coming up to us saying "where on earth did you find these guys?". The closing song of the evening had my wife and I in tears wishing the night would never have to end.

We are grateful beyond words for what a massive contribution Switchbeat made to the best night of our lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Erin
Erin Sent on 25/01/2022
5 out of 5 rating

This band is the BEST.

This band is the BEST!! We've used them for several family events over the past 10 years (weddings, birthdays, big anniversary parties) and we absolutely love them. The music is fantastic - they play all the favourites and keep everyone dancing all night long. They're also wonderful, kind, fun people whom we've gotten to know over the years.
We're celebrating some family milestones soon and will definitely be calling Switchbeat to help us celebrate!
Matthew
Matthew P. Sent on 09/01/2022
5 out of 5 rating

WOOOO Switchbeat!!!

We had the pleasure of using Switchbeat for our wedding a couple of years ago, and they DID NOT disappoint! Jay and his team played an amazing assortment of music, which we had a say in before the big day, and their talent was on full display for our reception.
The band was incredibly professional and also seemed to be having a blast themselves, which only makes for a better party atmosphere. Our family and friends were raving about how much they enjoyed the atmosphere that the band created!
We would highly recommend using Switchbeat for your wedding, corporate event or party of any sort. They totally ROCK and I'm trying to think of an excuse to bring them back!!
Thanks Jay and The Gang... we miss you!
Cheers,
Matt and Sara Presz
Melissa
Melissa Sent on 06/01/2022
5 out of 5 rating

The Absolute Best!

I usually don’t give 5 stars across the board but I literally have nothing but AMAZING things to say about Switchbeat! First we booked them for our wedding and they were a HUGE hit! We chose the 4-pc option and got compliments all night from our guests. Switchbeat really knows how to keep the energy up. Then, we booked them again at a corporate holiday party and turned it up a notch with the 6pc option! We will continue to book/recommend them at every opportunity :)
Pamela
Pamela H. Sent on 10/11/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Absolutely Amazing!

We had Switchbeat play at our wedding this summer and it was one of the best decisions we made! The 5 piece band (incl male vocals) were amazing. Great sound and professional look. Jay (on his own time) made a site visit to our venue and worked with our wedding planner to ensure we had adequate power for amps/lighting/ stage etc. Nikki has a world class voice and worked the crowd very well. From start to finish, excellent band and excellent people. 100% Recommend Switchbeat.
D
David A. Sent on 26/08/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Fantastic band!!!

My husband and I hired Switchbeat for our wedding after having the pleasure of seeing them perform at a close friend's wedding a couple years prior to our own. Jay, the band leader, is a great communicator, and amazing to work with. Switchbeat are professional and truly amazing at what they do! They made our wedding a party and we couldn't be more pleased with the song lineup, performance and atmosphere brought to our special day! An absolutely incredible night and we are eternally grateful for everything Switchbeat did for us! Look no further and hire this band! You won't regret it! Thank you Jay, Nikki, Todd and Andrew (and Nidhi as sound tech)!!
A
Allie B. Sent on 08/11/2023
5 out of 5 rating

August 2023 Wedding

We hired the very talented Switchbeat for our August 2023 Wedding and could not be happier! They are professional, accommodating, organized and such a joy to work with. Leading up to our wedding Jay made everything so easy and we were left feeling at ease, that all would be taken care of on our big day and our guests entertained and that they were! Our dance floor was packed the entire night and our guests were in awe of Switchbeat's talent! The live music really adds a special and unique part to your day and we are forever grateful for the memories made!!! Our family and friends are still raving about them! Thank you Switchbeat!
A
Alicia K. Sent on 12/06/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Absolutely Amazing!

I cannot say enough good things about this band. We hired them for an outdoor wedding in Niagara-on-the-Lake and they brought the house down!
Our guests couldn't stop raving about how much fun they had and I still haven't got my voice back from singing along all night.

Because the night was so busy my husband and I barely had a moment together and didn't meet on the dance floor once, the last song of the night they called us both up to the front, I thought they were just going to have a simple round of applause for the bride & groom or something but instead they had us to dance together while they sang "Don't Stop Believing" and our friends and family sang and danced around us. It was a truly magical moment and one I will be smiling about for years to come.

Hiring Switchbeat was the easiest and best decision we made in wedding planning. If I had to go back and do it all again there's some things I may change but this band would be at the top of my vendor list every time.
illustration stars

Are you interested?

Awards

29

Switchbeat Real Weddings

Lindsay & Alex
7 Photos · 01/Oct/2022
Christine & Greg
86 Photos · 05/Aug/2017

Deals

Meet the team

Nikki Ponte
Nikki Ponte
Vocals

Nikki is a classically trained vocalist whose career has lead her to local and international stages in musicals and as a solo artist.

Her credits include placing 3rd overall in "The X-Factor Greece” talent competition, after which she signed to Sony Music. Through this collaboration she earned a Eurovision nomination, MTV Greece artist of the year nomination, and best new artist nomination at the MAD video Music Awards.

In Canada, Nikki has had the opportunity to work professionally in theatre/film in local and regional theatres across the country. Theatre credits include Gabriella in High School Musical, Wendy in Peter Pan, and multiple featured roles in several revue style shows.

Sam Louis
Sam Louis
Vocals

Sam has been surrounded by music his whole life, performing with various bands, and production companies developing a wide array of musical knowledge and awareness. Music is his passion and he strives to share it with the world.

He is a vocal graduate of the Humber College Contemporary Music degree program, and has been training in the music fields of jazz, classical, and contemporary for over 8 years. Through his time at Humber, Sam has studied with various musicians, such as Greg Wells (Adele), Rik Emmett (Triumph), Ian Terry (Celine Dion) and Denzel Sinclaire (Diana Krall), learning the ways of songwriting, performance, production, music marketing, and music business.

Sam has also had the opportunity to work with London based producer/songwriter/programmer James Sanger (Madonna, U2, Phil Collins) and has rehearsed and worked with Toronto based Musician/Producer/Songwriter Alan Shiner (Pizza Pizza, Coca Cola, Mariah Carey and Drake).

Jay LeRoux
Jay LeRoux
Guitar, Vocals, Bandleader

Jay is the band leader and founding member of Switchbeat. He has been a mainstay of the Toronto live music circuit for over twenty years. Jay studied music at Humber College where he majored in guitar and composition, and received the Gordon Delamont Memorial Award for outstanding achievement in composition in his graduating year.

Jay has been a member of numerous other Toronto event bands such as Sonic Playground and Graffiti Park; he performed on tour as guitarist for country artist Chris Syrie; he was a member of the progressive rock trio Eye Rhyme; he was a member of the metal band Pin; and he was a member of the 11-piece r&b band Jive Turkeys.

During his many years as a working musician, Jay has performed in the United States, Mexico, the Middle East, and all across Canada.

In addition to performing, Jay also works as a composer, guitar instructor, commercial filmmaker, and voiceover artist.

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