Elaine Dame, Chicago Jazz Singer
-
Chicago, IL
-
Jazz Singer
-
17 Verified Bookings
Marcie V. said “Our jazz vocalist and keyboard player were fantastic!”
Your list is empty.
Save musicians, entertainers, speakers, and services, and they’ll appear here.
Solo classical guitarist with traditional and themed repertoire: Classical-Romatic, Renaissance, Celtic/British Isles, Spanish. Also available with vocal Jazz-duo, Renaissance vocal duo with Lute, and 3-5 piece Celtic band, Celtic Rain.
Easy going great guy. Perfect music for my gathering. Good communication, will use Sam again when the time comes.
Response from Celtic and Classical guitar by Samuel J. Lawson:
Thanks, Craig! What a beautiful property with wonderful acoustics. I really enjoyed playing for your event.
Moving classical guitar wizardry for our Scottish Society's Christmas party. Great selection, perfect!
Samuel is an extremely talented and amazing classical guitarist! He performed many beautiful selections for over two hours during our Holiday Party. Many of our guests remarked about how impressed they were with his skill on his instrument and his versatile repertoire. The music provided the perfect backdrop and set a lovely tone for our guests to enjoy the evening! We would highly recommend Samuel J. Lawson for your clients to consider for their next event!
Easy booking, paying, communicating. The music was perfect for my daughter's outdoor wedding! Thank you so much!
Response from Celtic and Classical guitar by Samuel J. Lawson:
Thanks so much! It was my pleasure to perform for such a beautiful wedding in the woods.
Price Range: $250 - $800 depending on time & travel
Gig Length: 30 - 180 minutes
Languages: English, Spanish
There is a delicate balance between playing music and talking about it. You can't avoid talking; it's really necessary in the 21st Century to help the audience know what this music means, where it comes from, and what kind of story it might tell. My music tells stories; sometimes literal stories, sometimes more of an impression of a story. While a piece is being played, a world is created in the minds of listeners who tune-in. My goal is to help them tune in.
You will hear classical guitar works, popular and obscure, as well as my own compositions and arrangements. Some repertoire comes from Spain's 19th-century romantic age, some from Renaissance Europe, some from America and Brazil, some from Gaelic and Celtic Britain and Ireland.
The bardic repertoire of northern Europe and Britain contains many of the most sacred stories humanity have known, but even an etude can tell a story.
Real music on real instruments for everyone that can go anywhere.
More than just vibrations in the air, but melodies that transcend time and place, that communicate without words. Harmonies that resonate with the story of the universe. Okay - this is getting overly metaphysical, but that's how I feel when I'm sitting in a pool of sound echoing from my instruments: classical guitar, lute, mandolin, tin-whistle or fipple flute.
I combine Classical, Celtic, Renaissance, and Jazz repertoire, historical research, and original works to create experiences for audiences, experiences which go beyond that of the traditional recital-style performance. I often perform as a soloist, other times with my wife, Rebekah Lawson, as well as with ensembles. I play Classical, Celtic, Jazz, and early music genres such as Renaissance and Baroque. It is a sizeable repertoire that I've built over nearly a quarter-century of performing.
Previous engagements include performances for the Indiana Society of the Classical Guitar, Barcelona Tapas restaurant, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Basile Theatre, Fishers Renaissance Faire, the Scottish Society of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Scottish Highland Games, Claddagh Irish Pub, Garfield Park Arts Center, the Fort Wayne Cherry Blossom Festival, the Indianapolis Zoo, Fairview Presbyterian Church, and a great many weddings and parties. Original composition performed by the Chancel Choir of Fairview Presbyterian Church.
Education and professional affiliations:
Master of Music, Butler University,
master-classes with Andrew York and Thomas Echols,
individual studies with Brett Terrell and Paul Reilly.
Former vice-president of the Indianapolis Society of the Classical Guitar,
Scottish Society of Indianapolis,
Fellowship of Scottish Antiquaries,
Indiana Free and Accepted Masons,
Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis
An armless chair with just a little padding and a music stand is ideal.
A well lit area no smaller than 6x6 feet.
If providing sound, a single instrument condenser mic is ideal (I can supply one).
I can provide modest battery-powered amplification for outdoor events.
I do not play in the rain. If no covered area is supplied, 1/2 price is expected if performance is rained out before starting (full if rained out after having started).
November 10, 2022 • 3:30pm - 5:00pm | House Party |
December 09, 2017 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Christmas Party |
June 03, 2017 • 4:30pm - 5:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
May 01, 2016 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Scottish Rite orchestra and chorus concert |
Original compositions and songs:
Winter Solstice
Highland Souvenir
Ae Fond Kiss
Celtic Rain (Ballad of the Huntress)
Classical guitar work by (or transcribed from)
J.S. Bach
Heitor Villa-Lobos
Mendelssohn
Isaac Albeniz
Castelnuovo-Tedesco
Francesco Tarrega
Aaron Copland
Fernando Sor
Mauro Giuliani
Carcassi
John Dowland
Various renaissance songs, dances, and court music
Andres Segovia
David Russell
Julian Bream
Andrew York
Sting
Rush
Aaron Copland
Robert Burns
John Dowland
Karine Polwart
The Chieftans
1 armless chair or adjustable bench
Marcie V. said “Our jazz vocalist and keyboard player were fantastic!”
Johny R. said “Stefan took on a tough job singing for my friend at her birthday trail ride. He could not have handled the challenges any better and the music was great.”
Nick L. said “Gabriel had the best mix of songs where it seemed that at some point, someone heard their favorite song. It was perfect for our corporate cocktail party,…”
Alan S. said “Right from the get go John was easy to work with. He listened carefully to our idea, offered great suggestions and made us comfortable. His performance…”