Ken Slauf
Overview
For decades, Ken has delighted audiences with his own style of folk, blues, rock and jazz. From intimate house parties and coffeehouses to college concerts and outdoor festivals, Ken's warm voice and acoustic guitars create a unique space with great songs and a warm vibe. He connects with his audiences and as one person said... "We feel like we're listening to an old friend in our living room."
Ken can perform as a solo guitarist/vocalist, as a duo with a violinist or with his 5 pc swinging ensemble. His extensive repertoire ranges from Cole Porter and George Gershwin to the Beatles and Sting... always expect fun musical event.
Reviews
27 reviews
Elizabeth B.
May 31, 2026Wonderful experience
Ken was great communicating before our party. He was professional, on-time, flexible friendly and put on an excellent performance at my brother's birthday party.
Hired as: Singing Guitarist
Ken Slauf
Hi Beth...
Thanks for letting me be part of the celebration. I had a wonderful time being with your family and friends. Cheers to Bob's 65!
Dennis J.
August 30, 2025The perfect celebration
Ken was amazing. So many guests at our event positively commented on his music and how it was just the right touch to celebrate dad. Ken was well prepared, self-sufficient, and well exceeded our expectations. It really was the perfect celebration and Ken’s performance was a big part of that.
Hired as: Singing Guitarist
Geoff C.
May 30, 20255 Stars For Ken
Ken was fantastic at The Dock Bar & Grill! His live music set was the perfect vibe for dinner. Our patrons loved every moment, and we had a great turnout thanks in no small part to his performance. Highly recommend Ken for any live music needs!
Hired as: Singing Guitarist
Ken Slauf
Thanks Geoff... it was a fun evening at your great outdoor facility. I enjoyed meeting some of your patrons and performing for them. Have a great summer!!!!
Courtney B.
January 16, 2025Excellent
Ken was very engaging, funny, and a very talented performer. I highly recommend Ken for any performance.
Hired as: Oldies Music
Alexia C.
October 7, 2024Amazing!
We had the pleasure of having Ken play at our community's block party event, and he was absolutely phenomenal! His music set the perfect vibe for the event, and his personality shone through, creating a happy atmosphere for everyone!
We were so impressed with his performance that we’re already planning to book him again for our next gathering. If you’re looking for a talented musician who knows how to entertain, you should definitely book Ken—you won’t be disappointed!
Hired as: Singing Guitarist
Booking information
Price range: $200 and up
Languages: English
Gig length: 60 - 180 minutes
What to expect
I tailor my set list to meet the audience and event. When it comes to popular music of the last 50's through the late 60's, the running joke is that I'm the human jukebox. As you can see from my song list, I cover all the popular performers of that era including the classic rock songs from the Beatles and the Stones to singer-songwriters like James Taylor, Van Morrison, Cat Stevens, Bob Dylan and Jimmy Buffett. I've even been known to throw in an Elvis tune or two. As a life-long Chicagoan, and former Old Town School of Folk Music staffer, my repertoire also can feature traditional folk songs, as well as those from songwriter icons Steve Goodman and John Prine.
You will find me professional, easy to work with and a lot of fun during the performance. If there are special songs for weddings, anniversaries or birthdays, I am happy to learn and include some songs that have special meaning.
For larger events or weddings, my band Crazy Wisdom can include duo, trio with keyboards, sax & violin... all the way up to a full 12 piece band covering jazz standards, old school R&B and classic rock. Contact me for details. Audio samples of all these great ensembles are on this site.
About
As a solo musician on vocal & guitar, I draw from his vast and diverse repertoire of popular music from 1920s to current artists. It includes 50s and 60s rock, singer-songwriters, folk, jazz standards and blues.
I also perform as a duo with a violinist or expand to include up to a fie piece jazz group that specializes in Tin Pan Alley jazz.
Like many of us , I was grabbed in the late 50s and early 60s. Starting at age 13 as a rock drummer, I performed in well known Chicago area bands such as Saturday Review, Fire and Grope, featured as an opening act for the likes of Shadows of Night, Mitch Ryder, Mauds and The Flock.
During college, I started playing acoustic guitar and for several years toured the national coffee house circuit as half of the folk duo, Winter Wheat, with long time friend Steve Dykema. Together we performed on stage with Jimmy Buffet, Sonny & Brownie and James Lee Stanley. During grad school, I was asked to join the old-timey string band, Ragged But Right and spent a summer touring as an opening act for the Oak Ridge Boys and Dr. Ralph Stanley.
Returning to Chicago, I taught and studied at the fabled Old Town School of Folk Music where I returned as drummer for the Old Town Jazz Ensemble that featured now renowned guitarist Muriel Anderson, performing at various Chicago summer festivals, playing the national anthem old Comiskey Park and backing-up Merle Travis, prior to his retirement. During my stint at OTS, I had the privilege
to become drummer for the legendary mandolinist/humorist Jethro Burns in a band that often included Steve Goodman.
Currently I perform through out Chicago at restaurants, festivals, fund raisers, schools, Senior Events and other benefits either as a solo, an acoustic "Americana" trio, The Rusken Bros. or with my 5 piece jazz standards group Nite Hawks. Feel free to contact me if any of these other combinations are of interest to you.
Additional booking notes
I travel with a compact, PA system and lights requiring only a single outlet. It will accommodate events up to 250 people, yet be quiet enough for an intimate venue.
Past booked events
May 2026
30
Saturday
Birthday Party
3:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Belvidere, IL
March 2026
09
Monday
Holiday Party
12:00pm - 1:00pm
•
Schaumburg, IL
August 2025
30
Saturday
Birthday Party
2:30pm - 4:30pm
•
Elmhurst, IL
19
Tuesday
Nonprofit Event
1:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Madison, WI
09
Saturday
Funeral/Memorial Service
1:00pm - 2:30pm
•
New Buffalo, MI
May 2025
29
Thursday
Restaurant/Bar Event
5:30pm - 8:00pm
•
Woodridge, IL
April 2025
25
Friday
Birthday Party
2:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Crystal Lake, IL
January 2025
15
Wednesday
Nonprofit Event
1:30pm - 2:30pm
•
Arlington Heights, IL
November 2024
19
Tuesday
Birthday Party
11:00am - 1:00pm
•
Glencoe, IL
October 2024
17
Thursday
Holiday Party
4:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Crown Point, IN
September 2024
27
Friday
Holiday Party
11:00am - 1:00pm
•
Ottawa, IL
August 2024
11
Sunday
House Party
1:30pm - 4:30pm
•
St Charles, IL
July 2024
20
Saturday
Cocktail Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Winnetka, IL
March 2024
15
Friday
Holiday Party
2:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Belvidere, IL
December 2023
06
Wednesday
Christmas Party
2:00pm - 3:30pm
•
Melrose Park, IL
September 2023
23
Saturday
Birthday Party
2:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Morris, IL
August 2023
15
Tuesday
Retirement Community Event
3:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Geneva, IL
July 2023
23
Sunday
Anniversary Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Ripon, WI
18
Tuesday
Corporate Event
5:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
17
Monday
Cocktail Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Elkhart, IN
April 2023
12
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
March 2023
22
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
16
Thursday
Holiday Party
12:00pm - 1:00pm
•
Schaumburg, IL
February 2023
22
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
08
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
January 2023
25
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
11
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
December 2022
14
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
November 2022
30
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
16
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
12
Saturday
Personal Occasion
2:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Plainfield, IL
02
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
October 2022
19
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
05
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
September 2022
21
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
09
Friday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
04
Sunday
Corporate Event
4:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Lisle, IL
August 2022
27
Saturday
Wedding Engagement
4:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Sugar Grove, IL
24
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
10
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
July 2022
27
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
13
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
04
Monday
Wedding Reception
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Waukegan, IL
June 2022
29
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
15
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
01
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
May 2022
18
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
08
Sunday
Cocktail Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Glen Ellyn, IL
04
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
April 2022
20
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
06
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
March 2022
23
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
09
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
February 2022
23
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
09
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
January 2022
26
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
12
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
December 2021
29
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
15
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
01
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
November 2021
03
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
October 2021
16
Saturday
Festival
1:00pm - 3:30pm
•
Hillside, IL
13
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
September 2021
22
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
10
Friday
Fundraiser
5:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Elgin, IL
08
Wednesday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
04
Saturday
Birthday Party
9:00pm - 12:00am (Sun)
•
Sycamore, IL
August 2021
04
Wednesday
Corporate Event
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
July 2021
28
Wednesday
Corporate Event
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Itasca, IL
08
Thursday
Anniversary Party
6:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Oregon, WI
June 2021
05
Saturday
Anniversary Party
7:30pm - 9:30pm
•
Naperville, IL
May 2021
29
Saturday
Graduation
6:00pm - 10:00pm
•
St Charles, IL
15
Saturday
Birthday Party
4:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Geneva, IL
October 2020
01
Thursday
Dinner Party
8:30pm - 10:00pm
•
Willowbrook, IL
October 2019
12
Saturday
Dinner Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Vernon Hills, IL
June 2019
01
Saturday
Birthday Party
2:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Palatine, IL
September 2018
13
Thursday
Cocktail Party
3:30pm - 6:00pm
•
Plainfield, IL
September 2016
24
Saturday
Anniversary Party
6:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Palos Heights, IL
August 2015
28
Friday
Holiday Party (Other)
9:00pm - 12:00am (Sat)
•
Bolingbrook, IL
June 2015
13
Saturday
Birthday (Adult)
3:30pm - 4:30pm
•
Aurora, IL
December 2014
13
Saturday
Funeral Service
12:00pm - 2:00pm
•
Bolingbrook, IL
Set list
I try to tailor a set list that best meets the needs of the event. Typically my selection will include favorites from the 50's through the 90's singer-songwriters and popular rock acts including:
Windows Are Rolled Down - Amos Lee
The Weight - Band
Hard Days Night - Beatles
Yes It Is - Beatles
She Loves You - Beatles
Can't Do That - Beatles
Here Comes The Sun - Beatles
Hide Your Love Away - Beatles
Honey Don't - Beatles
I Need You - Beatles
I'll Cry Instead - Beatles
Norwegian Wood - Beatles
You Won't See Me - Beatles
Love Somebody - BeeGees
Stand By Me - Ben E. King
Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You - Bob Dylan
Lay Lady Lay - Bob Dylan
One Love - Bob Marley
Three Little Birds - Bob Marley
I Fought The Law - Bobby Fuller Four
Hey Baby - Bruce Channel
Everyday - Buddy Holly
Not Fade Away - Buddy Holly
Wild World - Cat Stevens
Here Comes My Baby - Cat Stevens
Love Potion #9 - Clovers
Marrakesh Express - Crosby, Stills & Nash
Please Come To Boston - Dave Loggins
Under The Boardwalk - Drifters
Don't Get Around Much - Duke Ellington
Take It Easy - Eagles
Peaceful, Easy Feeling - Eagles
Little Sister - Elvis
All I Have To Do is Dream - Everly Bros.
Blueberry Hill - Fats Domino
It Was A Very Good Year - Frank Sinatra
Sea Cruise - Frankie Ford
My Blue Heaven - Gene Austin
Don't Let The Sun - Gerry and the Pacemakers
If You Could Read My Mind - Gordon Lightfoot
Beautiful - Gordon Lightfoot
Early Morning Rain - Gordon Lightfoot
Softly - Gordon Lightfoot
I'm Into Something Good - Herman's Hermits
Take It Easy - Jackson Browne
Doctor My Eyes - Jackson Browne
Fire & Rain - James Taylor
Country Roads - James Taylor
Carolina In My Mind - James Taylor
Something In The Way She Moves - James Taylor
Come A Little Bit Closer - Jay & the Americans
Come Monday - Jimmy Buffett
Havana Daydreamin' - Jimmy Buffett
Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffett
Pencil Thin Mustache - Jimmy Buffett
Pirate Looks At 40 - Jimmy Buffett
Wichita Lineman - Jimmy Web
Don't It Make You Wanna Go Home - Joe South
Down In The Boondocks - Joe South
Games People Play - Joe South
Angel From Montgomery - John Prine
Secret Agent - Johnny Rivers
Sunshine - Jonathan Edwards
Midnite Special - Ledbelly
Danny's Song - Loggins & Messina
House At Pooh Corner - Loggins & Messina
What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
California Dreamin' - Mamas & Papas
Walking In Mamphis - Marc Cohen
Got My Mojo Workin' - Muddy Waters
Tobacco Road - Nashville Teens
Rte 66 - Nat King Cole
Kentucky Woman - Neil Diamond
Solitary Man - Neil Diamond
Losing My Religion - R.E.M.
Groovin' - Rascals
Satisfaction - Rolling Stones
Waitin' On A Friend - Rolling Stones
Last Time - Rolling Stones
Wild Horses - Rolling Stones
Cupid - Sam Cooke
Bring It On Home - Sam Cooke
Twisting The Nite Away - Sam Cooke
You Send Me - Sam Cooke
Summer Breeze - Seals & Crofts
The Dutchman - Steve Goodman
City Of New Orleans - Steve Goodman
Somebody Ele's Troubles - Steve Goodman
Door Number Three - Steve Goodman
Every Breath You Take - Sting
Fragile - Sting
16 Tons - Tennesee Ernie Ford
Waltzing Matilda - Traditional
Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
Crazy Love - Van Morrison
Into The Mystic - Van Morrison
Moondance - Van Morrison
Wild Nites - Van Morrison
Influences and inspiration
My influences range from early jazz standards from Cole Porter, Fats Waller & Jelly Roll Morton to the great bluesmen like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and Ray Charles through contemporary songwriters like Jimmy Webb, Lennon/McCartney, James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Van Morrison and Elvis Costello. I was raised on rock, folk, blues and jazz and a little bit of all those style are incorporated in my singing and guitar playing.
Setup requirements
I require approx a 6' X 4" area and one standard outlet.