Live Entertainment
I gig across Manchester and the north-west, playing weddings, private parties and corporate functions as well as summer festivals, sporting events such as Wigan Warriors and Sale Sharks fanzones, pubs, bars, restaurants and anywhere else that needs me.
I have three main formats for gigs:
-
Solo performance (just myself and an acoustic guitar with harmonica),
-
Duo work (‘The Donegal Pilgrims’ on acoustic guitar, vocals and violin)
-
And last but by no means least my full electric band ‘Triplel Platinum’.
I have a large repertoire of songs and my sets are always tailored to the audience. For example if it's a pub gig I will include songs from right up to the present day (one of my pet hates is playing with musicians who refuse to play anything recorded after 1998) as well as the historic standards everyone knows and expects. I like to think I'm engaging with the crowd and that they will enjoy the night when I play (I always seem to get re-booked so must be doing something right). I also always try to make my sets dynamic in terms of pacing, with a structured contrast between the speed of songs, some fingerpicking slower songs to go along with the stomping bangers. I also incorporate altnernate tunings and slide guitar for variety as well as encouraging audience participation. I can and do get the pub up and dancing with just an acoustic guitar.
I don't use backing tracks as it's so common in pubs these days and I like to provide something different by entertaining with a real instrument. However, if you want me to play to a backing track I can provide this so please ask if this is what you require/prefer.
I perform in residential and nursing homes across Manchester and really enjoy connecting with the residents and brightening up their day. In some ways it's harder than pub/wedding gigs as it's so intimate (and there are definitely more distractions!)
I''m fully insured and have my own PA systems which are suitable for both indoor and outdoor venues. With the financial pressures that pubs are facing it might be helpful to know that my duo and electric trio take up minimal space, allowing you to maximise your customers and revenue.
Vocals / Acoustic Guitar / Harmonica
I'm able to perform songs from every decade of the 20th and 21st century, with my set list comprising songs for all members of the audience; selected based on the venue and audience demographic.
Click here to see live videos of my playing solo. In the meantime here's me playing 'Half the world away' by Oasis:
I particularly enjoy performing at weddings (either solo or in a duo or full band format) and will work with you to provide a special set with songs that will compliment your big day. I am also able to provide solo finger style instrumental set for your reception.
Please click here to see further examples of solo finger style guitar.
A key part of my live work is performing in residential and nursing homes across the north west. I really like these gigs as you get chance to connect to people and brighten their day (I didn't think I would before I started doing them) so if you're interested in booking me please get in touch. I am really personable and make a point of engaging with the residents and ensuring they enjoy the hour that I play for.
Residential / Nursing home showreel:
The Donegal Pilgrims - Duo
The Donegal Pilgrims comprise myself on acoustic guitar, mandolin, vocals and harmonica and a violinist (sometimes I also play with another guitarist if a violinist is not available). We play a huge variety of songs and also specialise in Irish / traditional tunes; either including a smattering of these into our normal set or providing a fully-fledged Celtic evening.
We take up minimal space and the added melodic input from having a second instrument really helps to lift people off their chairs.
Please see here for live videos of The Donegal Pilgrims.
Here we are playing 'Whisky in the Jar'.
Triple Platinum - Electric Trio
My full electric trio features electric guitar, bass guitar and drums. We play classic standards from every decade, with an emphasis on getting people up and dancing. Whether you want a focus on 90s anthems, 80s classics or more 21st century bangers we can cater for all age groups.
We perform at weddings, corporate events, festivals and private parties and guarantee to get your audience up on the dance floor, back to the bar, then back to the floor again.
Here we are playing 'Don't look back in anger' by Oasis at a recent wedding:
Click here to view more live videos from my full electric band.
