John Friday
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
Lauren H.
May 26, 2026Wonderful 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
Jon G.
April 5, 2026Great Job
John was very professional and did an amazing job. Would recommend him to anyone.
Hired as: Singing Guitarist
Meri S.
December 10, 2024Great 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
Scott M.
February 1, 2024Perfect 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
Kristin K.
July 19, 2023Outstanding!
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
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)