Jazz Guitarist Max Bowen

Ann Arbor, MI

Starts at $75

Travels up to 120 miles

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Overview

I play solo guitar renditions of American Songbook tunes and jazz standards. I've played countless background gigs over the past 15+ years and would love to provide classy and affordable music for your event. I can also put together duos, trios or larger groups depending on the event.


Reviews

5 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Kate

Kate

October 23, 2026
Verified review

12/10 - organized, great communication and great music!

Max was great to work with - he was organized, showed up on time with all his gear and everyone complemented us on the fabulous ambiance his music provided. Top notch!

Hired as: Jazz Guitarist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Stormie R. M.

Stormie R. M.

September 21, 2026
Verified review

Cool as A Cucumber

Max was fantastic! We hired him to play jazz guitar at an afternoon fundraiser, and from the moment he arrived, he was completely cool, confident, and self-sufficient. We had a LOT going on—and some truly terrible weather that forced us to improvise quite a bit—but Max came in, got himself set up, looked sharp, and played three wonderful sets without needing me to manage a thing.

He blended into the event beautifully, which was exactly what I wanted. The music created atmosphere without overwhelming conversation, and several guests specifically mentioned afterward what a nice touch the guitarist was. Every time I wandered over to his corner to catch my breath, he was also just genuinely pleasant and easy to chat with.

I suspect Max may have wondered whether anyone was listening because ours was a busy, social crowd—but they absolutely were. People noticed, and his music added something special to the afternoon.

Talented, polished, professional, and incredibly easy to have at an event. Five stars from me, and I would happily hire him again.

Hired as: Jazz Guitarist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Christel G.

Christel G.

July 28, 2025
Verified review

Beautiful Jazz Music

Max and Kenji did a very nice job at our dinner party. They provided a very nice repertoire of music and having a guitarist and saxophonist really added a lot to our event. Thank you again!

Hired as: Jazz Guitarist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Megan R.

Megan R.

April 30, 2024
Verified review

Great addition to our corporate event!

Max was a wonderful addition to our corporate event. He created a nice atmosphere and sounded amazing. Everyone enjoyed his music and he was great to work with. Showed up on time and delivered the experience I had hoped for.

Would hire again!

Hired as: Jazz Guitarist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Jasma M.

Jasma M.

February 28, 2024
Verified review

Prompt, professional and talented

Max accepted event literally just hours before and provided services. He arrived beforehand to setup. He played amazingly with just the right amount of volume to set the atmosphere during our corporate lunch. I’m looking forward to using him again and highly recommended. The theme was for our black history month activity “Featuring African Americans in Art”.

Hired as: Jazz Guitarist

Small thumbnail image for Jazz Guitarist Max Bowen

Jazz Guitarist Max Bowen

Thanks Jasma!

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Booking information

Price range: Starts at $75

Languages: English

Gig length: 30 - 300 minutes

What to expect

I play solo guitar renditions of American Songbook tunes and jazz standards. I've played countless background gigs over the past 15+ years and would love to provide classy and affordable music for your event.

About

Max Bowen is an Ann Arbor born jazz guitarist. An alumnus of Community High School's jazz program, he recently completed a Masters of Music at University of Michigan. His influences include Grant Green, Barney Kessel, and Pat Martino. At Michigan he studied guitar privately with Miles Okazaki and performed with the Jazz Ensemble under the direction of professor Ellen Rowe. Max has performed in venues around the Midwest, including Cliff Bell's in Detroit, Andy's in Chicago, and Milwaukee's Jazz Estate. He recently toured with the hip-hop collective Ruby Yacht, opening for Future Islands.

Additional booking notes

I typically just need an outlet and a place to sit- keep it simple!

Past booked events

October 2026

22

Thursday

Corporate Event

8:00am - 9:00am

•

Ann Arbor, MI

September 2026

19

Saturday

Cocktail Party

4:00pm - 6:30pm

•

Clarklake, MI

August 2025

07

Thursday

Grand Opening

4:30pm - 6:30pm

•

Sterling Heights, MI

July 2025

27

Sunday

Dinner Party

5:00pm - 7:00pm

•

Troy, MI

March 2025

13

Thursday

Grand Opening

4:30pm - 6:30pm

•

Southfield, MI

January 2025

18

Saturday

Corporate Event

8:30pm - 10:00pm

•

Maple Rapids, MI

November 2024

07

Thursday

Grand Opening

4:00pm - 6:00pm

•

Southfield, MI

August 2024

31

Saturday

Blue Llama

10:30pm - 11:55pm

31

Saturday

Private Event

1:00pm - 5:00pm

25

Sunday

Max Bowen Quartet at Ravens Club

6:00pm - 10:00pm

24

Saturday

Gus Snug (Clawson, Mich)

6:00pm - 9:00pm

April 2024

26

Friday

Corporate Event

12:30pm - 3:00pm

•

Troy, MI

February 2024

27

Tuesday

Corporate Event

11:00am - 12:00pm

•

Northville, MI

25

Sunday

Olivia Van Goor Trio

11:00am - 2:00pm

24

Saturday

Motorcity Wine

8:00pm - 11:00pm

23

Friday

FUMC Performance

7:00pm - 9:00pm

22

Thursday

Brad Billmaier Quartet

8:00pm - 10:00pm

21

Wednesday

Brad Billmaier Quartet

8:00pm - 10:00pm

19

Monday

Brad Billmaier Quartet

8:00pm - 10:00pm

04

Sunday

Jordan Rattner Quartet

7:00pm - 10:00pm

January 2024

25

Thursday

Rob Crozier's Fun Trio

7:00pm - 8:00pm

21

Sunday

Olivia Van Goor Trio

11:00am - 2:00pm

Influences and inspiration

Joe Pass, Barney Kessel, Pat Martino, Grant Green, Pat Metheny

Setup requirements

I typically just need an outlet and a place to sit- keep it simple!

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