Singer Songwriter with a classic rock, alt-country feel that performs original songs, and choice covers from the 70's, 80's, 90's. Can play solo, with a small accompaniment, or scale up to a 4-5 piece band depending on the event. Has released 6 full length albums over the past 15 years, with countless live performances of all types under his belt spanning both coasts.
1 review
Daniel
January 19, 2026Chris James is an exceptional acoustic guitarist, harmonicist and performer. We had the pleasure of having him play at our Second Annual Bellagio Experience, and he absolutely elevated the entire evening. His voice, musicianship, and storytelling created an intimate atmosphere that made everyone feel connected to the music.
One of the highlights of the night was his original song “Beautiful,” written for his unborn son. It was powerful, emotional, and unforgettable—it took me back to when my own sons were born. Several guests mentioned it felt like watching an MTV Unplugged session live in our living room. Thanks for sharing your talent with us Chris!!!
Hired as: Singing Guitarist
Price range: $250-$2000
Chris James is an established San Francisco Bay Area singer songwriter that offers an inviting sound of rich baritone vocals, sweeping acoustic guitar, and soulful harmonica. His heartfelt original songs are often mistaken for covers, while also performing cover songs he makes all his own.
Along with his enduring band: The Showdowns, Chris and the group put on an energetic, and engaging live show, meshing the stylings of Southern Rock, Americana, Country, and Blues. They are often remarked as channeling the influences of artists such as: Tom Petty, The Eagles, Marshal Tucker, The Rolling Stones, Springsteen and Creedence Clearwater Revival.
The band is comprised of loyal musical soldiers who are all esteemed pro musicians in their own right: Matt Berg (drums), AJ Leighton (bass), John Paterson (keys), Dan Petruzella (lead guitar) and Whitt Vicena (lead guitar). The musical synergy created between them is contagious and transcends the stage. Together they continue to make lasting rock music memories from the trenches of the grittiest bars and clubs—to festivals, corporate events, and everything in between.
Their most recent album is a “Best of” Compilation that serves as testament to the band's 15 plus years together, showcasing their songwriting craftsmanship and musical depth, while tipping the musical hat to rock legends of the past. It is the group's 4th full length release record.
The Portland Maine native James has performed hundreds of live shows on both coasts as a solo artist, as well as with The Showdowns. His recorded material has been played on commercial, satellite, and internet radio, as well as television.
--"Chris James is a rock star.” – Hot Mittens Productions
--"James' style of writing is hard to deny as it rings of the times and life situations we can all relate to. It's nice to see an artist and band like the Showdowns hold true to Americana roots while still giving you a rock and roll kick in the ass!" -Starita (Producer - Trevor Hall, Tribe Called Quest)
--"Chris is a great singer-songwriter with an honest approach and down to earth style” - J. Bowman (Lead Guitarist - Michael Franti & Spearhead)
Saturday
Dinner Party
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Manteca, CA
Saturday
Retirement Community Event
12:00pm - 2:00pm
•
Oakland, CA
Chris James list of Covers Songs:
6th Avenue Heartache - Wallflowers
Ain’t No Sunshine - Bill Withers
Baby Can I Hold You - Tracy Chapman
Born on the Bayou - CCR
Can’t You See - Marshall Tucker
Chalkdust Torture - Phish
Come As You Are - Nirvana
Comfortably Numb - Pink Floyd
Cool Change - Little River Band
Crackiln’ Rose - Niel Diamond
Day Tripper - Beatles
Do It Again - Steely Dan
Elderly Lady - Pearl Jam
Fall Down - Toad the Wet Sprocket
Get Back - Beatles
Hey Hey What Can I Do - Led Zeppelin
Hey Jealousy - Gin Blossoms
Horse with no Name - America
Hungry Like Wolf - Duran Duran
I’ve Got a Name - Jim Croche
Jet Airliner - Steve Miller
La Bamba - Richie Valens
Lay Down Sally - Eric Clapton
Lay Lady Lay - Bob Dylan
Let Your Love Flow - Bellamy Bros
Maneater - Hall and Oats
Never Tear Us Apart - INXS
No Sugar Tonight - Guess Who
One of these Nights - Eagles
Pink Houses - Mellancamp
Plush - Stone Temple Pilots
Right Down the Line - Gerry Raferty
Ring of Fire - Johnny Cash
Rule the World - Tears for Fears
Running on Empty - Jackson Browne
Smoke Along Track - Dwight Yokham
Summer Breeze - Seals and Crofts
Sundown - Gordon Lightfoot
Tonight Stayin With Here You - Dylan
Unknown Legend - Neil Young
Wild World - Cat Stevens
With or Without You - U2
Wreck Me Baby - Tom Petty
You May Be Right - Billy Joel
Singing Guitarist
