Guitar Travels - a Musical Journey

Charlotte, NC

$200 and up

Travels up to 200 miles

Get a free quick quote
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solo excerpt on 'Call Me' Bossa style

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Our duet performing On Green Dolphin Street

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OMB Performance

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Clip of On Green Dolphin Street performed at Zio's

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How High the Moon

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Jazz Cocktail Hour at Restaurant Opening

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Our multi-lingual vocal duet

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Latest album release on iTunes, Spotify, Google music

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The Guitar Travels Trio

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Our violin and guitar duet

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Performance at Novant Health

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Overview

Guitar Travels (a musical journey) was created and has been entertaining audiences since 2003. It offers a very wide-range of music, customized to fit my clients requirements. From solo guitar, jazz/piano duet, jazz vocal trio and quartet to our guitar/violin duet, we provide the perfect entertainment for your special event. We have performed for both large and small organizations here in the Charlotte region and have released two albums, both of which are published on iTunes and many global digital download sites such as Spotify. I welcome the opportunity to discuss your requirements and support your next engagement.


Reviews

6 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Chris K.

Chris K.

November 7, 2025
Verified review

Good Times!

We hired Walt to perform background music for a fundraising event. He provided the perfect setting for our event, and our guests were very pleased! Would hire again.

Hired as: Jazz Guitarist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Candi D.

Candi D.

December 2, 2024
Verified review

We love Walt!!!!

Not only is Walt a great musician, but he has an extremely kind and sweet spirit. He understood my vision and helped to make it an amazing surprise party for my friend!! He has become our “Uncle Walt” and I highly recommend his services!

Hired as: Jazz Guitarist

Small thumbnail image for Guitar Travels - a Musical Journey

Guitar Travels - a Musical Journey

It was such a pleasure to support you for this very special surprise party. I was honored to contribute to it thru my music and also to receive the honorary title of ‘Uncle Walt’ as I met your family and friends. Thanks so much for your kind review. Best wishes to you and everyone.


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Abby M.

Abby M.

October 6, 2024
Verified review

Walt was fantastic for our engagement party!

Walt was so wonderful to have at our engagement party. We needed a jazz guitarist last minute and he was easy to get in contact with and was already set up and ready to go once we arrived. Would definitely recommend!!!

Hired as: Jazz Guitarist

Small thumbnail image for Guitar Travels - a Musical Journey

Guitar Travels - a Musical Journey

Hi Abby thanks so much for your kind review. It was a genuine pleasure to perform for you, Stephen, your families and your special guests! It was a great evening and I was honored to celebrate with you.. best wishes for every happiness! Hope our paths cross again.
Walt


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Leeza I.

Leeza I.

August 6, 2024
Verified review

Look no further- truly the best of the best!

We hired Guitar Travels for our small wedding dinner reception as background instrumental music and it was one of my best wedding planning decisions! Walt and his partner created the perfect atmosphere- not only are they undoubtedly talented, but also wonderful people to work with as well. They were even kind enough to allow my 10-year-old brother-in-law, who has taken up piano as his new obsession, perform a song- he was just beaming! Not only was he (like many other guests) enthralled with the amazing performance, but he has not stopped talking about it since- I think it even topped the wedding for him, hahaha! Truly look no further for your event music needs- if given the chance, I would hire Guitar Travels again in a heartbeat, and have recommended them to everyone! They truly blew all of our expectations out of the water!

Hired as: Guitarist, Jazz Band, Jazz Guitarist

Small thumbnail image for Guitar Travels - a Musical Journey

Guitar Travels - a Musical Journey

Leeza, thank you so very much for your kind review. Without question, it was a genuine privilege and honor to be with you on your special day, to add to the celebration and share our music with your family and friends (and, sharing with your 10 year old brother in law who is clearly an upcoming talent in his own right!!).
We enjoyed every minute of our time with everyone. You all are the greatest audiences! How much fun and good times everyone shared. Ben (the keyboard player) and myself reiterate our best wishes for you as you embark on this exciting new aspect of your life. It would be a pleasure to cross paths again sometime. Sending my sincere appreciation for your review. Walt


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Sarah H.

Sarah H.

February 14, 2024
Verified review

A Phenomenal Performance at our Mardi Gras Ball!

I recently hired a band for our Mardi Gras themed Ball, and I must say, it was an absolute delight working with Walter and his band. From the initial discussions about the playlist and atmosphere to the final performance, the experience was seamless and thoroughly enjoyable.

Walter, the man behind the scenes, was incredibly responsive and attentive to our needs. He understood the vibe we wanted to create for our event and ensured that every detail was taken care of. His professionalism and passion for music truly shone through, making the entire process a breeze.

But the real highlight of the day was the band's performance. Their singer was nothing short of phenomenal, captivating the audience with her incredible talent. What amazed me even more was her ability to sing in five different languages.

Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Walter and his band exceeded all expectations and were undoubtedly the highlight of our event. If given the opportunity, I would not hesitate to hire them again. Thank you for making our Mardi Gras Ball an unforgettable experience!

Hired as: Jazz Band

Small thumbnail image for Guitar Travels - a Musical Journey

Guitar Travels - a Musical Journey

Dear Sarah - thank you so very much for your kind review. This event was such a wonderful experience for our trio - from the early planning stage, working closely with you to delivering our performance at the Mardi Gras ball. Truly, it was as much fun and enjoyable for us as it was for everyone in attendance. For us, music continues to be a rewarding and fun part of life, made even more special when wonderful clients such as you feel our efforts contributed to making your event a success. Thank you again for the opportunity to support you through our music and know we will always welcome the opportunity to perform for you again. On behalf of Guitar Travels, I send our very best regards and appreciation .... Walt

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Booking information

Price range: $200 and up

Languages: English, Spanish

Gig length: 120 - 360 minutes

What to expect

I would first seek to customize my music offering to the specific event. Is it a Summer party, a cocktail hour, a corporate dinner party? I am all about relationships and exceeding client expectations, so guaranteeing I am the right musician for the venue is critical to me and if I am not, I never hesitate to let my prospective client know.

I offer a wide-range of standard jazz and pop tunes and a lot of original compositions that serve to celebrate the diversity and multiculturalism of our region. So, my music often is upbeat, joyful, using Brazilian, Latin, Afro, American and even Middle Eastern Jazz as a basis for my performances. I often 'give back' to the community and volunteer to perform for schools and hospitals, especially during the holiday season. Also, I recently formed a jazz duet with a fantastic guitarist and we offer a wide-range of straight jazz standards for those events where that is the expectation of our clients. In addition, we offer a jazz band alternative that includes a truly gifted pianist and female vocalist.

About

Walt Kuchinski began playing guitar at age 11, taught first by his Dad, then by studio musicians in New York. He began performing at an early age, while also teaching guitar and music theory. His Jazz-Rock group 'The Dynamics' performed for a wide range of venues in the New York area during this period, being one of the first to incorporate brass instrumentation into their sound.

Walt formed Guitar Travels in 2003 and continues to perform regularly in the North Carolina region. His influences come from many of the world's great jazz guitarists, but he is particularly inspired by Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Lee Ritenour, Chet Atkins and Pat Metheny. Our jazz guitar/piano duet and our jazz band complete with a wonderful female vocalist are also available when more than a solo guitarist might be required. We provide a relaxed, easy-listening and a unique approach to jazz in all its forms.

My performance credits include engagements for: Duke Mansion, Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, Duke Energy, Continental Tire, LPL Financial Services, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, The Mint Museum of Craft & Design, The Mint, The Westin Hotel, The Hearst Corporation, Childress Klein, American Cancer Society’s ‘Party’s in Pink’ The Preserve at Ballantyne, Charlotte Event Planners, PRP Wines, Elkin Creek Winery, Novant Health, The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Heist Brewery, Stir Bar and Restaurant, Miro Spanish Grill. many of the areas country clubs and numerous public performances at Founder’s Hall, Wells Fargo’s Atrium, Blakeney, The Green and Stonecrest to name a few.

I always customize our musical offering to meet client requirements, ranging from solo electric, acoustical and classical guitar, to guitar with full digital accompaniment, keyboards, bass and vocals. My CD entitled ‘Guitar Travels – A Musical Journey’ is on iTunes and consists of 19 original works. One of the album’s songs East of Sahara was featured on a national jazz radio show, and my song Passion Dance was selected as the background track for a video produced by Charlotte Viewpoint.

My latest CD, released on February 1, 2016 is titled ‘Guitar Travels – the Journey Continues’ and consists of 15 tracks: 10 jazz cover songs and five original compositions. The CD is available on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and numerous global digital download sites.

Additional booking notes

I have no particular requirements as I provide my own equipment including sound. However, should the event call for linking into the audio infrastructure present, I can accommodate that.

Past booked events

November 2025

06

Thursday

Fundraiser

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Concord, NC

December 2024

22

Sunday

Christmas Party

4:30pm - 9:00pm

Charlotte, NC

November 2024

30

Saturday

House Party

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Charlotte, NC

October 2024

11

Friday

Wine Bar

6:00pm - 9:00pm

04

Friday

Cocktail Party

5:00pm - 7:30pm

Charlotte, NC

August 2024

25

Sunday

Jazz Brunch

10:00am - 2:00pm

23

Friday

Wine Bar

6:00pm - 9:00pm

18

Sunday

Jazz Brunch

10:00am - 2:00pm

03

Saturday

Wedding Reception

6:30pm - 8:30pm

Rock Hill, SC

May 2024

04

Saturday

Wine Bar Event

6:00pm - 9:00pm

April 2024

12

Friday

Wine Bar Performance

6:00pm - 9:00pm

07

Sunday

Performing at Jazz Brunch

9:00am - 3:00pm

February 2024

13

Tuesday

Corporate Event

11:00am - 2:00pm

Charlotte, NC

December 2023

23

Saturday

Christmas Party

4:00pm - 7:30pm

Charlotte, NC

March 2019

13

Wednesday

Zio Restaurant Jazz Performance

7:00pm - 9:00pm

06

Wednesday

Zio Restaurant Jazz Performance

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Team

Walt Lead guitarist and group leader
Brenda Vocalist
Ben Keyboards

Set list

We can perform several hundred different songs, depending on the nature of the event. Many are performed along with jazz quartet backing which I create in my studio. A VERY small sample of songs might include:
Blue Bossa
The Nearness of You
The Girl from Ipanema
Blue Monk
Georgia on my Mind
Autumn Leaves
Footprints
My Funny Valentine
L.O.V.E.
The Way You Look Tonight
West Coast Blues
Beautiful Love
The Shadow of Your Smile

Influences and inspiration

All great jazz musicians and the following guitarists
George Benson
Lee Ritenour
Pat Metheny
Larry Carlton
Chet Atkins
Wes Montgomery

Setup requirements

None required

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