- Portsmouth, NH
- World Music
- $300 and up
Ann S. said
“They were awesome! The guests loved the tunes and the assortment of instruments added to the St Patrick's day celebration. ”
Overview
Alex Cumming (she/they) is a professional Accordionist, Singer, Pianist and MC with over 15 years of experience. Alex is a classical music trained musician with a specialty in Folk, Traditional and Celtic music from the UK, USA, Canada, Europe and beyond. Alex holds a Bachelors of Music from Newcastle University (UK) in Folk & Traditional Music. They are also a traditional dance caller and can lead Ceilidh, Contra, Square and Barn Dances suitable for all ages and abilities.
As well as solo, I can perform as a duo with a fiddle player or as a trio with Fiddle & Guitar. On special occasions I'm also able to perform with a bagpipe player and a drummer.
Reviews
18 reviews
Quinn S.
October 5, 2022Amazing!
Alex played our Oktoberfest event and did a phenomenal job! It was absolutely wonderful having him and we will definitely be booking him for future events.
Hired as: German Entertainment
Brenda G.
October 3, 2022So much fun!
Alex showed up on time, set up his sound system, was very personable. He even wore lederhosen when playing for our Oktoberfest. We sang along for an hour - it was so much fun! We will definitely have him back for future events.
Hired as: Accordion Player
Theresa M.
June 16, 2022Awesome!
Alex was great to work with!! Everyone loved his music and his music end greatly enhanced our event! I would definitely hire him again!
Hired as: Italian Entertainment
Joseph C.
June 13, 2022Great Event! A lot of fun had by all!
These folks did a fantastic job at my wife's surprise 60th birthday event. I strongly recommend them for any event you are planning. I would definitely hire them again. They were very easy to work with and very accommodating.
Hired as: Dance Instructor, Square Dance Caller
Alex Cumming
Thanks so much for having us. You have the best family and friends, it was such a fun night. Thanks again, Alex.
Maureen M.
April 25, 2022FANTASTIC
Alex pulled off the perfect surprise for my mother's 75th birthday... and we couldn't be happier :)
Every step in planning was met with perfection, accommodation, and compassion. Not only was Mom thrilled to have her birthday celebrated with traditional Irish music, the residents and staff at the facility are still talking about it !!! I would highly recommend Alex.
Hired as: Accordion Player, Celtic Music, Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Booking information
Price range: $150 +
Languages: English
Gig length: 10 - 240 minutes
What to expect
Expect a fun, lively and interactive show with foot stomping tunes, haunting melodies and big choruses to sing. Background music you can expect beautiful English, Celtic and European melodies and songs to add a fun, formal and relaxed atmosphere to your event.
About
Alex Cumming is a traditional singer, accordionist and dance caller hailing from Somerset, England who now lives in Boston, MA. He performs songs and tunes from around the United Kingdom with a great depth of knowledge for the traditions of those Islands. Alex has made his mark on the folk scene with his rhythmic danceable accordion style, strong voice and his fun and engaging stage presence.
As a soloist Alex is able to perform British, Celtic and American traditional music as well as music from Europe, Russia and beyond. Other material may be performed by request such as popular songs, classical pieces etc.
Along with solo performances and calling work, Alex is a member of award winning a Capella quartet The Teacups, Fiddle and Accordion duo Alex Cumming & Nicola Beazley and Ceilidh band Dyer:Cumming’s. Alex also regularly performs and records with Faeta Female Vocalist of the Year winner, Ange Hardy and BBC Young Folk Musician winner James Findlay. As well as performing live, Alex has starred in prime time TV shows including BBCs Edwardian Farm and played live sessions for BBC Radio. In 2014 Alex obtained a BMus Hons. in Folk & Traditional Music from Newcastle University, the only degree programme of its type in England.
Alex is also an experienced teacher and workshop leader. He has run group workshops for many schools and some of the top folk festivals and organisations including CDSS (Country Dance and Song Society of America), Sidmouth Folk Week, Towersey Festival and Folk South West. Alex currently offers workshops for all ages and abilities in Harmony Singing, English Country Dancing, Dance Calling, and on Traditional English tunes/songs, Piano Accordion (Group and one to one sessions) and community choirs and folk groups.
Additional booking notes
I can perform completely acoustic and I do not need too much space (unless booked for a ceilidh in which case a decent sized dance floor will be needed).
I also own my own sound system so that is also available for my performances
Services offered
Past booked events
October 2022
02
Sunday
Festival
3:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Mashpee, MA
02
Sunday
Nonprofit Event
12:00pm - 1:00pm
•
Foxborough, MA
June 2022
16
Thursday
Retirement Community Event
2:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Nashua, NH
13
Monday
Dinner Party
6:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Boston, MA
12
Sunday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Wilmington, MA
May 2022
01
Sunday
Birthday Party
12:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Woburn, MA
March 2022
12
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Quincy, MA
09
Wednesday
Retirement Community Event
2:30pm - 3:30pm
•
Malden, MA
April 2019
28
Sunday
Children's Birthday Party
12:00pm - 12:30pm
•
Brookline, MA
March 2019
23
Saturday
Birthday Party
8:30pm - 8:45pm
•
Wrentham, MA
17
Sunday
Holiday Party
2:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Methuen, MA
October 2018
06
Saturday
Birthday Party
3:30pm - 6:30pm
•
Melrose, MA
August 2018
01
Wednesday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Marblehead, MA
July 2018
27
Friday
Festival
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Melrose, MA
11
Wednesday
Camp Event
1:30pm - 3:30pm
•
Groton, MA
June 2017
18
Sunday
Concert
10:30am - 11:30am
•
Brookline, MA
Set list
A mix of Traditional British, Celtic and American Folk Music. Both Songs and Instrumental numbers.
Also upon request: Italian Music, German Music, Pop Music, 'Oktoberfest', Classical and more
Setup requirements
A Chair
Power outlets (for gigs with my sound system)
Report Alex Cumming
Accordion Player
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