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Janelle Lake Top Performer

Janelle Lake

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5.0 
(28 reviews)
  • Chicago, IL
  • Harpist
  • Travels up to 120 miles
  • $200 and up
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Overview

Harp Music for Weddings, Private Events, Parties, Funerals, orchestral work, flute and harp music, harp and cello music, flute, harp and cello music.


28 Reviews

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Verified Review
Cruz C. • October 23, 2022

Worth every penny

She was great, very professional and helpful. On time and would highly recommend!

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Thank you Cruz! Your family is so much fun! Best wishes!

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Ann S. • October 10, 2022

The perfect touch!

Janelle did a beautiful job of playing a variety of music that added so much ambiance to our event.

Hired as:
Harpist
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Verified Review
Ann S. • October 10, 2022

Beautiful music that made the event more special

Janelle played beautifully and just made the event more enjoyable and special. Her playing brought and easy and comfortable feeling to a beautiful day!

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Thank you! What a Gorgeous family!

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Verified Review
Aneta C. • August 14, 2022

Amazing !

Janelle was just amazing ! Very nice, professional but most of all - amazing , very talented musician !
All the guests commented on how wonderful her playing was and set the scene very nicely for my daughter's Baby Shower . It was just pleasure to listen to her performance . I highly recommend Jenelle !

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Thank you Aneta! What a joy to see women gathering to support each other!

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Verified Review
Dawn H. • June 26, 2022

Fantastically Talented

Janelle not only knew the "nonstandard" songs we wanted (Princess Bride Theme, The Shire from The Hobbit, Chasing Cars), she was charming, lovely, and a gem to work with. Our guests could not stop talking about her talent.

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Thank you Dawn! Your wedding was so fabulous!

Photos from this event

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Verified Review
Greyson G. • March 6, 2022

Worth every penny!

Janelle did fantastic at my wedding. She learned all the songs that we wanted on pretty short notice. She's so kind and she plays beautifully. Her smile alone lights up the room she's in and then when she starts playing.. She was the perfect touch to our ceremony. We got tons of compliments about her!

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Thank you Greyson and Toni! Your family and friends are the coolest!

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Verified Review
Vivi F. • January 18, 2022

Out guests can't stop raving

If a harpist is something you have considered at all do yourself a favor and hire Janelle. Our guests wouldn't stop talking about how amazing she was and what songs they were going to request next. She not only could play absolutely anything but she played beautifully. Hiring her was definitely one of our best choices we made for the night.

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Thank you!!! Your guests were so sweet and fun! You know how to throw a fabulous celebration. I hope I get to play for your 25th wedding anniversary!

Photos from this event

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Verified Review
Laura M. L. • January 3, 2022

Heavenly Harp

Janelle is a passionate player. Her heartfelt approach to the music added support and elegance to the funeral service. Couldn't have chosen a better person.

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Thank you!

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Verified Review
Sharon O. • October 4, 2021

You get what you give..this was 150%

This was an amazing experience which put the frosting on the cake to our event.
Janelle is cute,bubbly,professional,talented,and you can see she loves what she does,which
creates a comfortable and warm atmosphere. You will not regret experiencing the talent of this
Class act……….

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Thank you Sharon! Your niece is so lucky to have a fun aunt like you! What a beautiful celebration!

Photos from this event

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Verified Review
Solomon B. • September 6, 2021

Amazing!!!

Janelle performed at my wife’s memorial service. Her music brought light and joy to what could have been a somber occasion. She also accompanied an opera singer on Ave Maria- simply stunning performance.

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Thank you Solomon! Families sure show their true colors when mourning and I think your family is Amazing!!!

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Verified Review
Maureen C. • April 23, 2021

Emmett Doherty Funeral Mass

It was wonderful to have Janelle at Emmett's funeral mass in Elk Grove. She collaborated well with the church's organist and played beautiful harp music. The selected music was very soothing and appreciated by the church attendees.

It was a sincere pleasure working with Janelle.

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Thank you Maureen! I am wishing you warmth and grace.
Your family is beautiful.

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Verified Review
Magnus W. • July 18, 2020

Janelle is amazing!

Janelle was an absolute treat! She consulted us prior to the wedding and did a phenomenal job playing for our small crowd. We couldn’t be happier with her and her beautiful music. Moreover she is the kindest woman to talk to and generally cares about her clients. We will likely be utilizing her again for an anniversary in the future!

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Thank you! You two were so genuine and loving towards each other. And your grandmother’s shoes were the coolest shoes I’ve ever seen!

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Verified Review
Angelina L. • July 15, 2020

Went above and beyond !

I hired Janelle Lake for my grandmothers funeral, and she did a amazing job. She really went above and beyond to make the day special. She accommodated my personal song requests (and preformed them wonderfully), was very kind, and wrote thoughtful responses. I couldn’t have asked for a better harpist! She is an incredible talent and I totally recommend her.

Hired as:
Harpist
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Verified Review
Brittney • February 21, 2020

Wonderful!

We have had Janelle at our corporate building two times now for events, and she has been nothing short of amazing. We received many compliments from tenants. Her harp and music were both beautiful, and she is great to work with! I would definitely have her back, and I recommend her for any type of event!

Hired as:
Harpist
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Verified Review
Joshua B. • November 4, 2019

Went above and beyond

Janelle,
Is amazing at what she does. Musical notes are her second language. She was able to learn music We gave her for our wedding in days of our request. She listened to what we wanted during our wedding and it executed on demand. Thank you Janelle!

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Thank you Josh! You know how to throw a party! Your guests were so kind and fun. I hope I get to play on your 25th anniversary. Mazel Tov!

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Mark H. • September 9, 2019

Janelle , the Harpist we utilized was beautiful.

Janelle was very professional, kind, and not to mention her music talent was amazing. We were all so pleased and would definitely utilize her again. Thank you!

Hired as:
Harpist
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Verified Review
Mark H. • September 8, 2019

Beautiful, Heavenly, Amazing!

Janelle played her harp at my mom's memorial service. She was amazing! People that came were also amazed with her abilities to play such Heavenly Beautiful music. Janelle is the best in Chicagoland. Everyone should hear her beautiful music. Thanks Janelle, you played a big role in our celebration of my mom's life.

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Thank you Mark! I loved hearing your amazing mother’s story and meeting your family. What a beautiful tribute to a strong woman.

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Verified Review
Brittany M. • July 6, 2019

Amazing Harpist

My guests gushed over Janelle. She is incredibly talented and also such a kind person! I was incredibly nervous before walking into our reception. And she put down her things (she was packing up) and played for my husband and I! I adore her and know you would not regret hiring her for your event!!!

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Thank you, Brittany! Best wishes!

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Verified Review
Jessica M. • May 18, 2019

Most Wonderful and Professional Harpist in Chicagoland Area

Having Janelle at our wedding was the icing on the cake! She is not only a very talented and professional musician, but a beautiful person as well! Everyone complemented her lovely music and performance. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Thank you again Janelle!

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Thank YOU Jessica! You are so sweet. And you were gorgeous! Those flowers you did... what a talent you have!

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Verified Review
Jennifer K. • September 16, 2018

THE ABSOLUTE BEST!!

Janelle played for my wedding ceremony, and I couldn't be happier with her performance. She was completely personable and professional.. She was punctual and delivered everything she promised and more. I cannot praise her enough.

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Thank you! You were such a stunning bride! Your ceremony was beautiful. Best wishes!

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Cathy T. • January 29, 2018

Absolutely Wonderful!

Janelle music was absolutely beautiful and added so much to our New Years's Eve wedding. Our guests are still talking about how much they enjoyed it. That you played every song we requested and did so in such an elegant and professional manner was just fantastic. I can not recommend Janelle enough! Thank you!

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Thank you! Best wishes!

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Verified Review
Noula H. • December 26, 2017

A Perfect Addition...

Janelle is the perfect addition to an elegant affair.
She is professional, pleasant and an incredible musician. The music was beautiful and she played a variety of songs from classical to pop. I would not hesitate to hire her again.

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Thank you! Your family and friends are lovely! I loved the children's polite curiosity and requests.

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Verified Review
Jim G. • December 24, 2017

Wonderful to work with.

Great talent and a never ending wonderful attitude.

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Thank you Jim! What a delight to play for your ensemble.

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Verified Review
Anna T. • December 11, 2017

Incredible!

Janelle Lake played for our office grand opening event and she was incredible! She's so nice and very personable!

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Thank you Anna! You throw a great party!

Photos from this event

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Shannon P. • September 29, 2017

Wedding outdoors

Janelle was amazing at our wedding outdoors in 2006! Just wanted to send a review for her, as I was googling all these years later and saw her name popped up. Her repertoire even back then was phenomenal and blew out guests away, who STILL talk about her. She even took requests during our cocktail hour and was playing Led Zepplin. So talented and so professional.

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Thank you Shannon! What a day brightening message to hear that you're still celebrating 11 years later!

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Verified Review
Jess • February 8, 2016

Perfect musician for a special event

We hired Janelle for a Valentines dinner party at our home. She was easy to work with regarding our celebration. She came appropriately dressed for the occasion and wowed our guests during the cocktail hour.

Her choice of music and repertoire was most enchanting and delighted all our guests with her interpretation of My funny Valentine for her closing piece.

We can highly recommend her.

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Thank you Jess! You throw a great party!

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Liz H. • January 1, 2015

Wedding at the Chateau Bu-Sche

From start to finish, Janelle exceeded my expectations. She was very professional and returned every email I sent her during the planning phase of my wedding promptly. I pretty much knew most of the selections I wanted to be played but there were gaps and I just didn't have a clue. Janelle put the selections together and it was perfect! I just received the video of my wedding and although my guest already had complimented on how beautiful she played, I was able to really listen, watching the video and it was absolutely amazing! Thank you Janelle for a job well done, with my highest recommendations.

Liz H

Hired as:
Harpist
Janelle Lake

Response from Janelle Lake:

Dear Liz, I’m looking at gig salad reviews and you just made my day! Thank you so much for your kind words many years ago!

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Kathryn B. • November 22, 2013

A delight! Prompt, professional and super talented.

Everyone loved her! We will definetly use Janelle again. What a bright, talented, engaging performer. True passion for her music and extremely gifted.

Hired as:
Harpist

+ 24 More Reviews

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Booking Info

  • Profile
  • Calendar

Price Range: $200 and up

About

Janelle Jansen Lake is a creative and diverse, full-time harpist in Chicago. Equally comfortable with solo, chamber, and orchestral works, she specializes in contemporary, jazz, and pop music. Ms. Lake was recently appointed; as faculty; to Columbia College's Sherwood Conservatory of Music in downtown Chicago. She also teaches harp at the University of Chicago, and in her own private studio. Currently, she teaches between 30 and 40 harp students.

When not teaching, Ms. Lake's performance sphere reaches many far corners. She currently holds the principal harp position to the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, the DuPage Symphony Orchestra, the Southwest Symphony Orchestra, and the New Millenium chamber players. As an advocate of new music, Ms. Lake holds the principal harp position with the Chicago-based contemporary music ensemble Dal Niente. With this group she has performed a multitude of irregular harp techniques and has even invented a new technique to suit a composer's desire. She has premiered works by Augusta Reed Thomas, Drew Baker, and Kirsten Broberg. Some of her favorite new music performances include works by Jon Deak, Michael Daugherty, and Lucio Berio.

One of Ms. Lake's passions is meeting new people and taking part in their lives in a memorable way on a daily basis. Despite playing hundreds of weddings, funerals, and other services, each ceremony is unique to her. Most memorable performances for Ms. Lake include the National Republican Candidate conference (2007, MI), tea time and demitasse at the Grand Hotel (2007, Mackinac Island, MI), the opening of the Miller Park Baseball Stadium (2001, Milwaukee, WI), and the preview party for the international art and antique show with flutist, Kim Sopata (2008, Chicago's Merchandise Mart).

Janelle Lake received her Bachelors and Master of music degrees from Northwestern University. There, she studied with the harpist of the Lyric Opera, Elizabeth Cifani. "Liz" helped Janelle foster a love of arranging and writing music. Her most recent arrangement is a harp duet combining Gershwin's "An American in Paris" with "Rhapsody in Blue". As a supplement to the Suzuki method, Ms. Lake wrote a book "Beginning Music on Harp" that is currently up for publication.

Services Offered

Harpist Celtic Music

Upcoming Booked Events

February 11, 2023 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm Wedding Ceremony
March 18, 2023 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm Wedding Reception
June 03, 2023 • 4:30pm - 6:30pm Wedding Ceremony
June 09, 2023 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm Wedding Cocktail Hour
June 17, 2023 • 4:00pm - 6:00pm Wedding Ceremony
June 24, 2023 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm Wedding Ceremony

Past Booked Events

November 26, 2022 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm Wedding Reception
October 22, 2022 • 4:00pm - 6:00pm Wedding Reception
October 13, 2022 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm Corporate Event
October 09, 2022 • 11:30am - 2:30pm Baby Shower
September 04, 2022 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm Wedding Ceremony
August 06, 2022 • 5:30pm - 6:30pm Baby Shower
July 24, 2022 • 1:00pm - 4:00pm Baby Shower
June 25, 2022 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm Wedding Ceremony
April 16, 2022 • 3:30pm - 4:30pm Wedding Ceremony
February 20, 2022 • 3:00pm - 4:00pm Wedding Ceremony
January 16, 2022 • 4:30pm - 5:30pm Wedding Reception
December 17, 2021 • 10:30am - 12:30pm Funeral/Memorial Service
October 09, 2021 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm Cocktail Party
October 03, 2021 • 12:30pm - 2:30pm Bridal Shower
August 31, 2021 • 1:00pm - 3:00pm Funeral/Memorial Service
July 11, 2021 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm Wedding Ceremony
April 24, 2021 • 3:00pm - 5:30pm Wedding Ceremony
April 09, 2021 • 10:00am - 10:45am Funeral/Memorial Service
October 29, 2020 • 6:00pm - 8:30pm Cocktail Party
September 06, 2020 • 3:00pm - 4:00pm Wedding Ceremony
July 17, 2020 • 4:30pm - 6:00pm Wedding Ceremony
July 14, 2020 • 10:00am - 10:30am Funeral/Memorial Service
February 14, 2020 • 8:00am - 10:00am Holiday Party
November 02, 2019 • 5:30pm - 8:30pm Wedding Ceremony
September 07, 2019 • 10:00am - 11:00am Religious Celebration
June 15, 2019 • 7:00pm - 8:30pm Wedding Cocktail Hour
June 04, 2019 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm Funeral/Memorial Service
May 17, 2019 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm Wedding Ceremony
October 27, 2018 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm Wedding Reception
September 15, 2018 • 1:00pm - 3:00pm Wedding Ceremony
December 20, 2017 • 7:30am - 10:00am Concert
December 17, 2017 • 5:00pm - 7:30pm Birthday Party
December 07, 2017 • 12:00pm - 3:00pm Corporate Event
August 05, 2017 • 4:00pm - 5:30pm Wedding Ceremony
July 17, 2016 Wedding Ceremony
June 26, 2016 • 2:00pm - 4:30pm Anniversary Party
February 06, 2016 Dinner Party
October 24, 2015 Wedding Ceremony
September 05, 2015 Wedding Ceremony
June 13, 2015 Wedding Ceremony
March 09, 2014 Birthday Party
November 21, 2013 Luncheon/Tea
September 14, 2013 Funeral Service
June 09, 2013 Bridal Shower

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