John Friday

Top Performer

Candler, NC

$200 and up

Travels nationwide

Get a free quick quote
Promotional video thumbnail 1 for John Friday

Still In Mexico Album: Still In Mexico Artist: John Friday Copyright 2015

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The official video for the TRMA nominated "Beachfront," from the 2012 album "Coastal Cowboy."

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Overview

John Friday is a Trop Rock singer/songwriter, performing a wide variety of rock, folk, country, reggae, and island styles as well as original music. Much more than just a cover artist, John takes audiences on a musical journey down to the little latitudes. With songs ranging from soulful ballads to "rock the house" dance tunes, and styles ranging from Jimmy Buffett and the Eagles to Kenny Chesney and CCR, John provides just the right mix for your event, party, corporate get-together, wedding, bar, or dining venue.


Reviews

15 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Lauren H.

Lauren H.

May 26, 2026
Verified review

Wonderful Musician!

John played at my rehearsal dinner/ welcome party this weekend. He was excellent and the music was perfect for the occasion. He was on time, easy to work with, and accommodating. Thank you!

Hired as: Singing Guitarist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Jon G.

Jon G.

April 5, 2026
Verified review

Great Job

John was very professional and did an amazing job. Would recommend him to anyone.

Hired as: Singing Guitarist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Meri S.

Meri S.

December 10, 2024
Verified review

Great Show and Music!

This guy here is the BEST! We had to reschedule due to Hurricane Helene and he has been the best to work with during the whole process! His music was on point, he plays a mean harmonica, and pleasant to work with. I would recommend him anytime someone is looking for a music for an event.

Hired as: Folk Singer, Guitarist, One Man Band, Singing Guitarist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Scott M.

Scott M.

February 1, 2024
Verified review

Perfect for our Event!

John was fantastic to work with, I look forward to having him join us again. He knew exactly the right tone for the crowd and they thoroughly enjoyed his music. I had several guests mention this.

Hired as: Guitarist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Kristin K.

Kristin K.

July 19, 2023
Verified review

Outstanding!

John was great! He showed up early got ready, and even dressed up for our prohibition party! He played the music we wanted and we invited him back for another party!

Hired as: Singing Guitarist

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Booking information

Price range: $200 and up

Gig length: 120 - 300 minutes

What to expect

Solo show: My shows are tailored to the specific needs/desires of the event planner and the audience. With a repertoire of well over 1400 songs, and the willingness to learn any song requested, I can provide exactly the sort of show desired, whether a specific genre or a wide-ranging eclectic performance.
I also cheerfully take requests during shows; my motto is, "I'll do any song I know, and half the ones I don't!" 😉 (I even have three different versions of Freebird, for THOSE guys 🤣).

Band shows: Aa Laurel Canyon East show is marked by familiar tunes done in our own unique style, with stylish four-part harmonies and (often) as many as 28 strings at a time (double 12-string guitars and a bass)! Instrumentation is rounded out with drums, percussion, harmonicas, flute and keyboard.

What you can expect from either show: Professionalism at every stage, and ON every stage. Punctuality and respect for your time, event, venue and audience. Easy and courteous communication; I am always just a phone call, text or email away, and will attend to any contingency without delay.

About

John Friday is a singer/songwriter originally from Maryland, now living in North Carolina. John takes his audience on a musical journey, with a wide variety of rock, folk, country, reggae, Americana, and island styles.
John Friday covers popular songs from every decade of the pop and rock era. From the crooners of the 40s and rock ‘n’ roll of the 50s, from the British Invasion bands of the 60s to the singer-songwriters of the 70s, and from the “hair pop” of the 80s to the alt-rock legends of today, John plays the songs you know and love, as well as gems from the “ ‘B-side’ of the album” that will bring back memories of the era. John can tailor his show to any audience or venue.
More than just a cover artist, John Friday writes original music in several styles, “some funny, some serious, always entertaining.” His debut CD, Coastal Dreamin’, was released in January 2010 and features nine of John’s original songs. He has released three more since then, and is currently producing a fifth.
John’s performances garnered a place in the finals of the Landshark Lager Battle of the Bands in 2009, which included a live performance and video shoot in the prestigious 12th And Porter Theater in Nashville. John was the only solo artist, and the only Trop Rock artist, in the finals. His powerful songwriting skills have also earned Top Ten in the Dallas Songwriters contest and an Honorable mention in the American Songwriter Lyrics Contest.
Whatever your music needs, whether a party, corporate event, wedding, fundraiser, restaurant, bar or other event, John Friday is the perfect choice for your entertainment.
John is also available as part of the folk-rock band, Laurel Canyon East, a 5-piece ensemble covering music from the 60s and 70s up to today, centered on the Laurel Canyon music scene. The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Mama's & Papas, CSN&Y and more are brought to life!
John built a huge following throughout Florida and the eastern seaboard, before relocating to NC in 2020.
His original songs have charted on numerous terrestrial and internet radio stations.

Upcoming booked events

July 2026

04

Saturday

Festival

1:00pm - 2:00pm

Simpsonville, SC

18

Saturday

House Party

7:00pm - 9:30pm

Knoxville, TN

24

Friday

House Party

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Spruce Pine, NC

Past booked events

May 2026

22

Friday

Rehearsal Dinner

5:00pm - 8:00pm

Travelers Rest, SC

March 2026

26

Thursday

Wedding Reception

6:30pm - 8:30pm

Knoxville, TN

November 2025

25

Tuesday

House Party

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Banner Elk, NC

September 2025

26

Friday

Wedding Reception

9:00am - 12:00pm

Pickens, SC

August 2025

28

Thursday

Retirement Community Event

2:30pm - 4:00pm

Winston-Salem, NC

23

Saturday

Corporate Event

4:30pm - 9:30pm

Dillard, GA

01

Friday

Nonprofit Event

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Mars Hill, NC

July 2025

03

Thursday

Retirement Community Event

2:00pm - 3:00pm

Greer, SC

December 2024

05

Thursday

Festival

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Easley, SC

March 2024

28

Thursday

Corporate Event

5:30pm - 7:00pm

Greenville, SC

January 2024

26

Friday

Cocktail Party

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Blowing Rock, NC

October 2023

13

Friday

Personal Occasion

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Woodruff, SC

September 2023

15

Friday

Dinner Party

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Knoxville, TN

August 2023

16

Wednesday

Restaurant/Bar Event

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Bostic, NC

09

Wednesday

Restaurant/Bar Event

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Bostic, NC

July 2023

25

Tuesday

Restaurant/Bar Event

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Bostic, NC

15

Saturday

House Party

5:00pm - 8:00pm

Simpsonville, SC

07

Friday

Restaurant/Bar Event

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Bostic, NC

01

Saturday

Holiday Party

12:00pm - 4:00pm

Greensboro, GA

June 2023

23

Friday

Music On Main

6:00pm - 9:00pm

May 2023

20

Saturday

House Party

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Kingsport, TN

October 2022

06

Thursday

Corporate Event

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Waxhaw, NC

September 2022

23

Friday

Rehearsal Dinner

7:00pm - 10:00pm

Asheville, NC

02

Friday

Birthday Party

5:00pm - 8:00pm

Terrell, NC

July 2022

26

Tuesday

Corporate Event

6:00pm - 8:30pm

Greenville, SC

09

Saturday

Restaurant/Bar Event

6:00pm - 10:00pm

Asheville, NC

June 2022

25

Saturday

Rehearsal Dinner

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Knoxville, TN

02

Thursday

Nonprofit Event

11:30am - 12:00pm

Kingsport, TN

March 2022

17

Thursday

Restaurant/Bar Event

3:00pm - 6:00pm

Greer, SC

November 2021

26

Friday

Restaurant/Bar Event

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Bostic, NC

12

Friday

Restaurant/Bar Event

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Bostic, NC

July 2021

31

Saturday

Birthday Party

8:30pm - 9:00pm

Anderson, SC

May 2021

15

Saturday

Festival

5:00pm - 7:00pm

Mooresville, NC

October 2020

04

Sunday

House Party

6:00pm - 7:30pm

Linville, NC

April 2020

26

Sunday

Cocktail Party

4:30pm - 7:30pm

Jupiter, FL

February 2020

24

Monday

Corporate Event

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Naples, FL

April 2019

30

Tuesday

Cocktail Party

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Cape Coral, FL

February 2019

17

Sunday

Birthday Party

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Naples, FL

October 2018

27

Saturday

Cocktail Party

12:00pm - 1:30pm

Sanibel, FL

08

Monday

Corporate Event

6:00pm - 10:00pm

Cape Coral, FL

05

Friday

Rehearsal Dinner

12:00pm - 3:00pm

Naples, FL

June 2014

13

Friday

Wedding Ceremony

6:30pm - 10:30pm

Naples, FL

Setup requirements

120-volt A/C power

Cover from the elements (wind/rain)