We are planning an event and need a music selection that appeals to people of all ages. Can you do that?
No problem. My main repertoire is the number one hits from the 50s-60s-70s,  but it is amazing how many songs there are that grandchildren and grandparents both know. I have hundreds of them in my playlists.
 
What kinds of events do you do?
I can do all kinds of parties and it is my job to get people sing along and enjoy the groove. My style is coffee house/wine bar which is perfect also for House Concerts or Backyard Parties. Since I love most kinds of music, I can provide music for any kind of event (including background music).
 
What kind of equipment do you provide? Do we have to provide anything else?
Usually, I bring a sound system that accommodates 2 guitars and 2 microphones. We can bring along  a couple of tambourines and a cajon (a percussion box that you sit on to play) if someone wants to sit in as a "drummer" for a few songs.  That is usually enough for parties. If you have any special requests, I can provide or you can lease additional equipment, but please be sure to mention that when we plan the party.

 

Describe a typical performance please. 

 ARRIVAL & SET UP: I typically arrive up to an hour in advance of my performance and set up the sound system, place the guitars and get ready without getting in  your way or taking away from anything else that's going on. I'll do a quick sound check and then wait for time to start. 

OPENING: If it's a show I'll provide a cheerful introduction and then immediately engage the audience with the first song. If it's a background performance then I'll just start by playing some soft music and singing to add to the event's mood. At a wine bar I typically just play some songs like Don McLean, John Denver, Simon & Garfunkel at first to gauge the audience's receptivity and then go with the music from The Eagles, Beatles, etc. to get people involved. 

DURING THE SHOW: I'm there for you and the audience. My job is to keep people happy and smiling. So I joke with listeners, play their favorite tunes, mention their names during a song, and manage the mood. 

ENDING THE SHOW: At the end I play some last requests and then conclude with a crowd favorite song. 

AFTER THE SHOW: It is no longer my audience, so I pack my gear and leave without any interruption of the conversations going on. I happily answer questions and I'm still accessible but mostly I stay out of the way when I'm not "on" duty. 

 

NO SELLING FROM THE STAGE: This can be such an annoyance if done poorly! I'll never abuse a gig by turning it into a sales pitch! If it's appropriate to talk about my products or services I will but only when approved. 

 

Are kids OK at your performances? 

Absolutely yes! I love kids and really like to get them dancing and singing too. I don't do "a kid's show" but they have fun anyway. 

Do you do broadway tunes, poetry jam or current hits? 

Usually not. My music covers a wide range over a long period 1955-75. I do some Rock & Roll, some Country, some Folk, and many Top Hits from that era. But I don't know many of today's top ten. 

 

How do you dress? 

Appropriately to the nature of your event. We can go Business Casual, Western, Beach Casual, Tuxedo or even dress in Theme attire for some shows. 

 

What do you do when things go wrong? 

I've been a professional speaker for over 3,500 events in the past 45 years so I've seen it all: heat, cold, noise, broken equipment, medical emergencies, program changes at the last minute, unruly audience members, voice problems, instrument problems and even national emergencies! I will be the calmest person in the room in an emergency and I know how to help make things right.