John Voelz
Overview
I am a popular performer packing breweries, wine bars, and coffee shops multiple times a month. I can play all original or a vast array of cover tunes from the 60's through today. I interact well with a crowd or I can hide in the background if you desire. I am a singer/songwriter and I have a good voice as well as being an instrumentalist. I often incorporate other instruments such as harmonica and ukulele.
I play the social scene, private parties, open houses, birthday gigs, weddings, funerals, and I'll even sing you to sleep.
I Can Also Put Together Whole Bands For Bigger Gigs.
Let's make your event as special as it can be! --John
Reviews
44 reviews
Tami H.
August 25, 2025Book John Voelz!!
We are so thankful to have found John on GigSalad. We booked him for our daughter’s wedding ceremony and reception in August. His vocals with guitar are fantastic. Really easy to work with too! The groom said he was so impressed with how John could “read the room” and knew how to keep the music flowing. So many people asked where we found him!! Don’t hesitate: book John for your next celebration!
Hired as: Singing Guitarist
John Voelz
Tami, it was such a joy. Thanks for your trust in me. It was a beautiful celebration. I appreciate your kind words.--John
Gina F.
May 18, 2026Great entertainment for backyard party
Everyone LOVED the music! Guests are still talking about what a nice /appropriate play list he provided for my husbands 60th surprise birthday party. He was a perfect fit for the party. Will definitely hire John again.
Hired as: Country Singer, Guitarist, Harmonica Player, Rock & Roll Singer, Singing Guitarist
John Voelz
Gina, it was so great to meet you and Mike. Thanks for trusting me with your party music. I had a great time at your beautiful home. I enjoyed your friends and family. I hope to see you all again. Peace.
Mike N.
November 24, 2025Awesome, fun, polite and flexible
John was fantastic performing at my wife's birthday party. Not only did have the women in tears with his love songs he had everyone including the kids in the sing along. We will definitely work with John on future events.
Mike N.
Hired as: Singing Guitarist
John Voelz
Thank you, Mike. It was good to meet you all and help with the celebration.
Arlene L.
October 25, 2025Amazing range of original music and cover songs
John was the perfect choice for my wife's 50th birthday dinner party. We had reserved a small, intimate section of a local restaurant that seated about 50 people, so we didn't have space for a full band. John was a one man band and handily ruled the room with his talent.
His range of music spans classic rock, 70s disco, 80s bubble gum synth pop, 90s alternative rock up to modern pop/rock. He always has a novel interpretation on how to perform a cover song; he truly makes it his own. He was even kind enough to perform an original song for my wife that left hardly a dry pair of eyes in the restaurant.
I am not one who gives five-star reviews lightly, but John has earned it. I cannot think of a single reason to NOT give him top marks. He came to the venue early, came prepared, kept in constant contact up to and during the event and his played his heart out. He is a superlative musician and professional. For an event like ours, where you want the mood enhanced and your guests made to feel like they're part of an MTV Unplugged soundstage, John was the perfect fit.
Hired as: Guitarist, Singer/Songwriter, Singing Guitarist
John Voelz
Earl and Arlene, thanks so much for trusting me. Arlene, it was an honor to celebrate you on your birthday. I really enjoyed meeting your family and friends as well. Thanks for your kind words. It was great to meet you both, and I hope to see you again soon.
Heidi G.
May 11, 2025Fantastic
He arrived early, was pleasant to talk with, played really well and was perfect for our event.
Hired as: Singing Guitarist
John Voelz
Thanks so much, Heidi. I'm glad I could help. What a wonderful celebration.
Booking information
Price range: $250 and up.
Languages: English
Gig length: 120 - 180 minutes
What to expect
If it's a party or a restaurant situation, your guests will have a good time. If it's a wedding, your special couple will feel valued and celebrated well. If it's a funeral, you can expect respectful professionalism and a beautiful tribute. Whatever the situation, event, or occasion you can expect that I am easy to work with and a great addition.
Looking to wow your audience? I'm a performer. I'm engaging. I'm funny. I draw a crowd. I'm confident in what I do and your guests will ask you, "Where did you find this guy and can I get his card?"
I've been a professional for over 30 years so, I know what I'm doing. I can read the audience.
I've performed on stages of all sizes hundreds of times in the last 3 decades. I have played Europe multiple times. An average year for me boasts anywhere from 100-150 gigs.
About
I’m a songwriter, musician, artist/painter, and published author. I grew up in the Gold Country of California and spent over a decade in the Midwest. I play coffee shops, bars, pubs, weddings, funerals, private parties . . . you name it. I can also be hired to show up at someone's work and sing them a surprise birthday song. I also write original songs for special occasions.
My styles range from singer-songwriter to pop Americana with a blues flair. I often write while camping in my Airstream or drinking whiskey around a fire pit. My iPhone is packed with melodies and riffs that may or may not become the next piece of my soul that I bare to whomever will listen. I have a style that is somewhere between Tom Petty and The Muppets.
You’ll find me telling normal, everyday, human song stories in bars, pubs, and coffee shops multiple times a month—songs about things like brokenness, hurt, love, addiction, hatred, healing, fatherhood, sex, money, and joy. In these venues, my songs take on a more satirical, sarcastic, humorous, vibe as well as a deep, emotional, reflective vibe.
I’ve been greatly influenced by the songwriters of the 70’s but find a kinship with the avant-garde, singer-songwriters in every generation. I’m especially attracted to songs that feel honest.
I have 8 full-length albums to my credit.
If your gig requires covers, I have a large repertoire of hits and B-sides that I often cover. Sometimes, I enjoy the occasional tweak of a rock song that I turn into a ballad or the unique presentation of a female pop-song covered by a guy with a huge beard.
Additional booking notes
I have my own equipment for small gigs. Otherwise, I would need . . .
PA system
Direct Box (3)
1/4" cables (6)
Microphone (SM58 or Beta 87)
Boom microphone stand (2)
XLR mic cables (3)
Guitar stands (4)
Music stand
Upcoming booked events
June 2026
05
Friday
House Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Fremont, MI
27
Saturday
Wedding Reception
5:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Grand Rapids, MI
August 2026
01
Saturday
Wedding Reception
2:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Grand Rapids, MI
Past booked events
May 2026
16
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:30pm - 10:30pm
•
Ada, MI
December 2025
26
Friday
Retirement Community Event
3:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Rocklin, CA
November 2025
21
Friday
Birthday Party
5:30pm - 6:00pm
•
Folsom, CA
October 2025
18
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Sacramento, CA
August 2025
24
Sunday
Wedding Reception
4:00pm - 7:30pm
•
South Haven, MI
May 2025
10
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:00pm - 6:30pm
•
Bay City, MI
March 2025
13
Thursday
Funeral/Memorial Service
10:00am - 11:00am
•
Roseville, CA
September 2024
14
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
3:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Zeeland, MI
May 2024
25
Saturday
Personal Occasion
4:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Burlington, MI
March 2024
22
Friday
Birthday Party
4:00pm - 4:15pm
•
Orangevale, CA
February 2024
11
Sunday
Birthday Party
4:30pm - 6:30pm
•
Sacramento, CA
January 2024
06
Saturday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 9:30pm
•
Truckee, CA
December 2023
05
Tuesday
Corporate Event
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Stockton, CA
November 2023
11
Saturday
House Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Tracy, CA
05
Sunday
Wedding Ceremony
4:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Placerville, CA
October 2023
26
Thursday
Cocktail Party
3:00pm - 4:30pm
•
Sacramento, CA
08
Sunday
Wedding Reception
6:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Oakhurst, CA
August 2023
05
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Elk Grove, CA
July 2023
30
Sunday
Birthday Party
4:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Reno, NV
June 2023
02
Friday
Funeral/Memorial Service
11:00am - 12:00pm
•
Truckee, CA
May 2023
30
Tuesday
Graduation
8:00pm - 8:15pm
•
Citrus Heights, CA
October 2022
01
Saturday
Cocktail Party
4:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Reno, NV
September 2022
03
Saturday
Cocktail Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Sacramento, CA
August 2022
26
Friday
Retirement Community Event
4:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Sacramento, CA
June 2022
11
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
3:30pm - 5:30pm
•
Reno, NV
06
Monday
Funeral/Memorial Service
12:00pm - 12:30pm
•
Dixon, CA
March 2022
19
Saturday
Fundraiser
10:00am - 2:00pm
•
Roseville, CA
January 2022
12
Wednesday
Christmas Party
5:30pm - 8:00pm
•
Roseville, CA
October 2021
23
Saturday
Holiday Party
5:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Stockton, CA
September 2021
09
Thursday
Personal Occasion
6:00pm - 6:15pm
•
Sacramento, CA
July 2021
17
Saturday
Personal Occasion
1:30pm - 3:00pm
•
Knights Landing, CA
16
Friday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Woodland, CA
September 2020
20
Sunday
Funeral/Memorial Service
5:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Auburn, CA
October 2019
26
Saturday
Cocktail Party
3:30pm - 6:30pm
•
Lodi, CA
19
Saturday
Private Party
8:00pm - 11:00pm
11
Friday
Citizen Vine Folsom
6:00pm - 9:00pm
10
Thursday
Retirement Party
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Sacramento, CA
04
Friday
Arden Hill Country Club
6:00pm - 9:00pm
September 2019
29
Sunday
Simple Truth Northpoint
8:00am - 12:00pm
28
Saturday
Private Party
5:00pm - 9:00pm
19
Thursday
Back Bistro
6:00pm - 9:00pm
17
Tuesday
Funeral/Memorial Service
10:30am - 12:00pm
•
Sacramento, CA
13
Friday
Citizen Vine
6:00pm - 9:00pm
07
Saturday
Citizen Vine Lincoln
6:00pm - 9:00pm
06
Friday
Dinner Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Sacramento, CA
06
Friday
Arden Hills Country Club
6:00pm - 8:00pm
01
Sunday
Music at Sunrise
8:00am - 12:00pm
August 2019
17
Saturday
Private Party
6:00pm - 9:00pm
July 2019
31
Wednesday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 6:15pm
•
Carmichael, CA
25
Thursday
Fairfield BBQ
5:00pm - 7:00pm
13
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:30pm - 9:00pm
•
Soda Springs, CA
08
Monday
Private Party
3:00pm - 5:00pm
07
Sunday
Fairfield Gathering
8:00am - 11:00am
June 2019
27
Thursday
House Party
5:00pm - 6:30pm
•
Folsom, CA
08
Saturday
House Party
4:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Elk Grove, CA
07
Friday
Citizen Vine Folsom
6:00pm - 8:30pm
May 2019
19
Sunday
Travel Dates
12:00pm - 12:00pm
18
Saturday
Memorial Service
11:00am - 4:00pm
10
Friday
Private Party
6:00pm - 10:00pm
03
Friday
Citizen Vine Folsom
6:00pm - 8:30pm
Set list
It always changes for me. I like to keep it fresh. But, here is a recent setlist:
1. We Can Get it all Together--Lenny Kravitz
2. The Air That I Breathe--The Hollies
3. Truly, Madly, Deeply--Savage Garden
4. The First Cut is the Deepest--Cat Stevens
5. Hey Ya--Outkast
6. Into the Mystic--Van Morrison
7. Elenore--The Turtles
8. Whiskey and You--Chris Stapleton
9. Hurtin’s Gonna Come--original
10. The West is Burning--original
11. Blue Heaven--The Steel Wheels
12. I-95--Fountains of Wayne
13. I Just Want to be Your Everything--Andy Gibb
14. What are You Listening To?--Chris Stapleton
15. I Wanna Dance with Somebody--Whitney Houston
16. One Headlight--The Wallfowers
17. Killing Me Softly--Roberta Flack
18. Crazy Love--Van Morrison
19. Love is the Thing--original
20. Stillness of Heart--Lenny Kravitz
21. Fake Plastic Trees--Radiohead
22. Tell Me Why--Neil Young
23. Miracle--Foo Fighters
24. Fields of Gold--Sting
25. I Don’t Know--Paul McCartney
26. Better Days--Goo Goo Dolls
27. Broken Halos--Chris Stapleton
28. Miss You--Rolling Stones
29. Royals--Lorde
30. Ordinary World--Duran Duran
31. Beyond--Leon Bridges
32. Harvest Moon--Neil Young
33. Heart of Gold--Neil Young
34. 'Round Here--Counting Crows
35. Space Oddity--David Bowie
Influences and inspiration
Eagles, Tom Petty, Counting Crows, Sheryl Crow, Black Crowes (how many crows can I name?), Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, David Bowie, Lenny Kravitz, Beatles, Civil Wars, Chris Stapleton, CSN, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Kacey Musgraves, Duncan Sheik, Fleetwood Mac, Johnny Cash . . .
Setup requirements
I have my own equipment for small gigs.