We caught up with the talented fellows from The Hi-Hat Jacks after their trip to Norway for a stylish August wedding set amidst the grandeur of the fjords. We found out all about their incredible performance for the new Mr and Mrs Stueflotten’s big day, as well as more about their first ever visit to this beautiful country.
First and foremost a smooth swing and jazz band, The Hi-Hat Jacks are masterful musicians who also perform an array of rock ‘n’ roll, pop, soul and disco hits with a jazzy twist. Perfect for afternoon entertainment whilst your guests chatter over a glass of champagne, to accompany a sophisticated evening soiree or as an upbeat, lively band to fill the dance floor, The Hi-Hat Jacks are an impeccable live music choice.
Over to The Hi-Hat Jacks!
Firstly, tell us a little bit about The Hi-Hat Jacks
“We are a London-based wedding band specialising in Jazz and Swing music, performing at weddings and events all over the U.K and abroad. Our band members are top London jazz musicians who have performed at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, The Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms and at Buckingham Palace. We have a large repertoire of music that also includes pop, soul, Motown and rock ‘n’ roll classics to get the party going!”
You were in Norway for Mr and Mrs Stueflotten’s wedding. Where was the venue?
“The wedding was in the lovely city of Stavanger in western Norway, right on the coast by the famous fjords. None of us had ever been to Norway before so this was an amazing experience to explore such a beautiful place. The venue was at a Michelin star restaurant called RE-NAA, which is one of only a handful in Norway to be given this award and known to be the best in the city.”
How was the PA and Lighting equipment organised and did you fly over your instruments?
“Yes, we flew over our Saxophone, Bass, Guitar and Keyboard with us from London which was no stress at all. The drum kit was hired by a local provider who also sourced the PA and lighting for us. This is by far the easiest way to do this for international performances and often venues will have trusted providers they regularly use for this type of work.”
Wedding guests at RE-NAA restaurant – wedding venue
Tell us a little bit about the wedding day!
“It was a very international wedding, with guests flying in from all over the world for their special day. Everyone was super friendly and it was great for us to meet guests from so many different and interesting places.”
When did you perform throughout the day?
“We performed 3 sets of music during the day. One of which was a background set in the afternoon for the drinks reception as the Bride and Groom arrived to the venue. This set included lots of the Jazz and Swing music to create a classy but laid-back atmosphere. We then did 2 more upbeat sets after the evening meal and had everyone dancing to our more upbeat repertoire until the early hours.”
The Hi-Hat Jacks performing at the wedding
What was the atmosphere like when you were performing? Which was the most well-received song you performed?
“It was fantastic, the guests at the wedding seemed to really enjoy our style and loved songs like Fly Me To The Moon, At Last and L-O-V-E. We also had a few requests from the Bride and Groom which we made sure were extra special!”
Were there any songs you were asked to learn for the event?
“We were asked to perform Elvis Presley’s ‘Cant Help Falling In Love’ by the couple for their first dance but luckily we already knew this song very well so did not have to learn it. The first dance is such a huge part of our job as a band, we always make sure we nail it!”
“Georgia On My Mind” performed by The Hi-Hat Jacks
Tell us about the second day of the trip? Did you get involved in the guests’ activities?
“Yes, the day after the wedding we went on a hiking trip to one of Norway’s most famous natural landmarks, the incredible Pulpit Rock. It took us about 2 hours to get to the top but it was well worth the wait as the views were unbelievable.”
The Hi-Hat Jacks up high!
What was the food like? Did you try any Norwegian food?
“The food was fantastic! We lost count of how many courses we had throughout the meal, I think probably around 6! It was all fantastically presented as is the Michelin star way.”
Finally, would you visit Norway again?
“Absolutely, we hope to go back very soon for further events!”
Hire the Hi-Hat Jacks!
A massive thank you to The Hi-Hat Jacks for chatting to us about their amazing Norwegian experience. We are so pleased they had a brilliant time, and the newlyweds loved their entertainment.
If you’re interested in booking The Hi-Hat Jacks for you event, check out their profile!
