Bill Binnings

Instrumental Acoustic Guitar music played through specialized amplification at a volume appropriate to the setting and type of event. When conversation is taking place among the guests, I try to adjust volume so that I am in the background but pleasantly so. I can raise volume for some songs and situations as necessary, but I am never "obnoxious". I work with the event host/planner to achieve the perfect balance for their event.
My repertoire is very eclectic and covers great radio songs of the past from the 50's to current day. My emphasis is Rock 'n' Roll, Alternative and ballads of the 50's through the 90's generally. I cover Eric Clapton's career from the 60's up to his "Unplugged Album" from 1992. I do many "Beatles" covers, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, "America", "Stone Temple Pilots"...Neil Diamond, Lenny Welch, Anton Carlos Jobim, Eric Burdon and the Animals, Barbara Streisand, Olivia Newton-John, Boston, Neil Young..you get the idea. There is something for everyone in my repertoire, and I can go from Lenny Welch to Bruno Mars, Clapton to Alice in Chains, STP to America and everywhere in between.
I have received many compliments from "regular" folks as well as music professionals on the range of my repertoire and the wide variety of Artists whose music I play. It is interesting and fun for me to present this kind of musical "palette" during my performance as I watch each song "hit" someone in that special place in their mind. For me, that is what it is all about!! I play the "Soundtrack" to our lives !!

I was born in 1949 in New Orleans, LA and raised and educated in Thibodaux, LA. My ties to the "Bayou Country" of Louisiana had a strong musical element in the 50's through the early 80's. My love for the guitar began in 1963 and has never quit being a substantial part of my life. In 50 years of playing, I have tried to learn songs which I loved so that I could be the "ultimate fan" of the Artists whose music moved me. Later in life, I began playing out in Austin, TX in Coffee Shops and Restaurants so I could share and perfect my music which was the soundtrack of my life. In 2008 I moved to Las Vegas to be closer to our grown children and grandchildren in Vegas as well as California. After a couple of years working here, I began to get the "itch" to get out and perform again. I made a list of songs which I knew to a degree but wanted to "massage" into professional quality songs that were good enough to perform here in the Music Mecca of Las Vegas. I also learned many other songs which I truly liked and wanted to perform in live acoustic guitar situations for the public. I was ready to perform back in 2010 and went out looking for venues.
In October of 2010 I met Luiz Oliveira at his brand-new coffee emporium in Boca Park/Summerlin called "Sambalatte" (.com). He was looking for performers and we struck a deal on-the-spot with a handshake. I am still a featured performer there 3 years later and have played weekly for the whole time. Performing my songs at Sambalatte allowed me to work in front of people in an intimate setting so I could get that feedback from the people and perfect my delivery. I began to want to expand to other venues and types of events such as weddings and Corporate. Recently I have played a Corporate event at "The Mirage" for a service group headquartered in New York. It was a meeting of over 150 professionals who needed to converse and network during the cocktail hour and dinner. In the past, their Las Vegas meetings had bands which drowned-out their conversations....I was favored with the gig because I assured them I would NOT hurt their conversations but would be ambient background in a nice way at a good volume. It was a success, many compliments received from all the planners and managers as well as attendees!! I am booked for next year at "The Bellagio" due to the success of the Mirage event.
I received another inquiry from a prospective "Bride-to-be" who needed two special songs played for her wedding processional at "The Anthem Country Club" by the lake. Then, she needed someone to play for the 1-hour cocktail hour before dinner at the clubhouse. After a discussion of her requirements, we had a great match on how to make the entire event happen just the way she wanted it, and it was hired. On her wedding day, I played "Something" by the Beatles as her bridesmaids walked the aisle then "Marry Me" by "Train" for her walk to the altar. It was surreal as my acoustic guitar provided the perfect mood for her big day...then, I moved to the Clubhouse quietly and set-up for the cocktail hour. Again, the parties arrived and sipped, talked and laughed as I provided the background music which set the tone and tenor of the party for the happy guests. It was a great success and I knew at that moment that this was for me, no doubt about it. Through my music I affected lives in a positive way, helped make beautiful memories for some nice people and actually received professional fees for my services!! What a concept!!
I treat every event as a special opportunity to use my skills in the best way possible to help achieve a goal set by the person(s) who are planning it. I work well with people and really try to understand the big picture of what they wish to accomplish with their event/party/ceremony. I want it to be a great experience for all concerned and for my efforts to be rewarded and my reputation enhanced every time I do it.
This is what I bring to the table...my skills and best efforts, a definite desire to be of good service, my song list...and old school effort to understand the challenge and meet it successfully. That is what I do....that is what I will do for YOU !!

My show minimally requires approximately a 6' X 6' area with 120 volt A/C power available. A chair or stool with NO ARMS is all I require. I can play outside, weather and temperatures permitting with the same basic requirements for space and utilities. Water and restroom access nearby along with comfortable temperatures is necessary for any entertainer to be able to perform properly. Also, lighting must be adequate....performing in the dark isn't something I would be able to do well at. I play about 50-55 minutes of each hour of my set duration.