Hire a one-man band to energize your event with a dynamic solo performance. Find one-man bands for hire near you, with profiles, pricing, and FAQs to help you book with confidence.
A one man band is a single musician that plays multiple instruments at the same time. This can be as simple as an acoustic guitar in their hands with a harmonica mounted around their neck. More complex setups may include playing guitar and harmonica while also having a bass drum on their back, symbols between their legs, and tambourines on their ankles.
There are many configurations and types of one man bands. Some may also use electronic pedal keyboards to loop different sounds and harmonies. The ultimate goal is to sound like a full band as a single performer.
On average, a one man band costs $100-$250 per hour. The exact price will vary depending on your location, the length of the event, and the musician’s skill level. Musicians who have mastered playing multiple instruments at one time and have years of experience performing live music will often come at a higher price. But they’re worth every penny!
Typically, gratuity is 15–25% and is based on your experience with the performer. You’ll want to factor in the quality of the performance, reception from your guests, and the musician’s professionalism. Tipping is industry standard and greatly appreciated by the musician.
One man bands perform across many musical genres, but every individual performer is likely to have a specialty. Popular genres include top 40, pop, rock, country, R&B, jazz, and oldies. When searching for the perfect vendor, listen to sample audio recordings or watch provided performances to ensure their musical style fits the mood of your event.
Be sure to review their song list to see which popular hits the one man band covers. Some artists play a mix of covers and originals but are open to tailoring the setlist to your preferences and requests. If there’s a specific song you want that isn’t in their existing repertoire, make that request well in advance so they have plenty of time to learn it if they can.
One man bands are great for all types of events, but their size makes them especially suitable for small to medium-sized celebrations. They are often booked for birthdays, corporate events, wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours, holiday parties, and more. Some one man bands can even deliver singing telegrams!
Every musician has their own preferences, but most are willing to travel under the right circumstances. Because one man bands generally have multiple instruments, they might be limited to driving distances only. For gigs over 45-60 miles away, there may be additional costs to cover gas and travel time. For even further distances, hotel accommodations may also be required.
United States
Canada
If your special event needs live music and unique entertainment, look no further than a one man band. These talented performers sound like a full band while fitting the budget for a solo musician. A one man band is great for corporate events, outdoor festivals, wedding ceremonies, holiday parties, and more. Choose your location to book the perfect musicians near you on GigSalad!
When hiring a one man band, be sure to browse profiles to see photos, watch videos, and listen to audio samples. This will help you learn more about their music and style. Then read reviews from past clients to make sure they will be a good fit for you and your event. Once you find the musician you want to hire, get the details in writing with a contract or booking agreement. When you book through GigSalad, your payments are made securely through the site and are protected by our Worry-Free Guarantee!
Request free quotes from One Man Bands near you!
Here are some other amazing categories that might interest you.
Check out the GigSalad blog for unique party ideas and expert advice on how to plan amazing events.
By Megan Price
Summer is almost over, and that means one thing — it's time to go back to school! Get the kiddos excited about the upcoming school year with a big celebration. We've found some great ideas and activities that can help with planning your back-to-school fair.
By Sonia Guzman
To attract crowds to your trade show booth, you're going to have to use a little zeal and creativity. So step out of the traditional trade show box and check out these creative trade show booth ideas to attract crowds to your booth and make your brand stand out.
It's no secret that exhibitor trade shows can be a fantastic marketing opportunity. However, planning for an event this size can be trickier than it looks. To make sure your trade show goes off without a hitch, you’ll need a few essential tools and strategies. Here are some of the best tools you don’t want to be without when planning your next exhibitor show.
Join GigSalad to showcase your talent and connect with planners looking to hire One Man Bands in the United States and Canada.