Charles May - Violinist/Fiddler
Overview
Classical/Pop/Rock violinist and Celtic Fiddler Charles May performs solo with backing tracks or as an all acoustic act and can add other live musicians. Providing a sound system, lighting, and over 400 backing tracks - many of which are his own creations - in pop, jazz, and Celtic styles, he can entertain any club, cocktail hour, fundraising event, or wedding event for hours.
Live ensembles are also available: duos with violin/cello, violin/piano, violin/guitar, trios with violin/viola/cello, violin/cello/piano, string quartets, and more.
Reviews
7 reviews
Lynn D.
May 7, 2026Total Prefessional!
Excellent fiddler and great to work with! Very enjoyable. Would highly recommend.
Hired as: Fiddler, Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Brittany F.
April 2, 2026St. Patrick's Day Event
Charles was great! We hired him to play Irish fiddle tunes at our St. Patrick's Day party at our restaurant. All the guests raved about him and they are already saying they cannot wait to do it again next year. Charles was very accommodating and willing to make us happy with whatever we wanted, even after we had to reschedule the event due to us having a power outage at our restaurant. He arrived early and set up with his own equipment. We would definitely recommend Charles to anyone looking for a violinist to elevate their event/party. We will definitely use him again.
Hired as: Fiddler, Irish / Scottish Entertainment, Violinist
Emily B.
February 27, 2026Amazing!
He was wonderful! Everyone loved him!
Hired as: Violinist
Charles May - Violinist/Fiddler
Thanks to Williams CC! It was a joy to play there and to interact with clients as they dined. I love the stunning views of the Ohio River from the club windows.
Sam K.
September 16, 2025Wedding Quartet
They were early, played beautifully and did a fantastic job all around.
Hired as: String Quartet
Susan V.
March 22, 2025Wonderful Irish Fiddler
To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, our women’s guild/Christian Mother’s group hired Charles May to play some Irish songs. As he played his fiddle, we sang a variety of well-known songs, but what we enjoyed most was when he played songs that he composed, and he told stories that motivated him to write those tunes. The melodic sounds from his fiddle warmed your heart and soul.
Hired as: Fiddler, Irish / Scottish Entertainment
Booking information
Price range: $200 and up
Languages: English, German
Gig length: 60 - 240 minutes
Insurance: $1,000,000 - Commercial Liability Coverage
Unions: AFM
About
Pop/Rock/Celtic violinist and fiddler Charles May performs as a solo violinist with backing tracks or in ensemble with other live musicians. Providing a sound system, lighting, and over 400 backing tracks - many of which are his own creations - in pop, jazz, and Celtic styles, he can entertain any club, cocktail hour, fundraising event, or wedding event for hours.
Ensembles are also available - violin/cello, violin/piano, fiddle/guitar, violin/viola/cello trio, string quartet, and more.
With a conservatory classical musical background and a family rooted in traditional folk music, Charles has performed as a strolling violinist, orchestral musician, Celtic dance fiddler, jazz musician, and wedding performer for nearly 2000 professional events, with a history of satisfying clients for over three decades.
Upcoming booked events
October 2026
17
Saturday
Fundraiser
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Coraopolis, PA
17
Saturday
Fundraiser
8:00pm - 8:15pm
•
Coraopolis, PA
Past booked events
May 2026
03
Sunday
Nonprofit Event
12:00pm - 12:45pm
•
Monroeville, PA
March 2026
19
Thursday
Dinner Party
7:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Canonsburg, PA
14
Saturday
Holiday Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Washington, PA
14
Saturday
Cocktail Party
9:00am - 11:00am
•
Pittsburgh, PA
07
Saturday
Holiday Party
6:30pm - 8:00pm
•
Oakmont, PA
February 2026
23
Monday
Holiday Party
7:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Weirton, WV
14
Saturday
Holiday Party
6:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Weirton, WV
August 2025
30
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Pittsburgh, PA
June 2025
07
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
1:30pm - 3:30pm
•
Ligonier, PA
May 2025
31
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
3:00pm - 4:00pm
•
St Clairsville, OH
March 2025
15
Saturday
Dinner Party
6:30pm - 8:00pm
•
Irwin, PA
February 2025
15
Saturday
Holiday Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Weirton, WV
Influences and inspiration
Solas, Dervish, Altan, Barra MacNeils, Lunasa, Natalie MacMaster
Setup requirements
performance area must be shaded from direct sunlight and protected from precipitation
Access to grounded AC power