Kirk Hanser

Top Performer

Ballwin, MO

$200-$3500

Travels up to 200 miles

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Ragamuffin (Steel-string contemporary/acoustic)

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The Unexpected Visitor

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Lagrima

Gallery photo 1 of Kirk Hanser

Performing at the St. Louis Art Fair

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Performing for the Springfield (IL) Guitar Society

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Performing in Metz, France

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Kirk Hanser in Metz, FR (photo by Dreyfus & Assoc., St. Louis)

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In the recording studio, 2017

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In concert in Knoxville, TN, 2017

Overview

Kirk Hanser has performed for hundreds of weddings and other special events over the past 30 years.

He has performed throughout the U.S., Europe and Japan since the mid 80 as a soloist and ensemble member. Locally, he is one of the on-call guitarists for the SLSO, the Muny and Opera Theater.

Kirk is happy to provide music for your upcoming special event! He has music from the past 500 years ready to go, which can be used for anything from calming background music to exciting foreground entertainment for the evening.


Reviews

18 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Fr. J. M. S. O. P. H.

Fr. J. M. S. O. P. H.

April 30, 2025
Verified review

Awesome!

Kirk was an incredible addition to our event!

Hired as: Classical Guitarist, Guitarist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Christine P.

Christine P.

October 3, 2024
Verified review

Fantastic

Kirk did an amazing job at our event. He arrived on time and was a joy to listen to. I think our clients really enjoyed the music as well. He was great at reading the room and adjusting the volume of his playing to meet the needs of the room. We'd absolutely have him back to play our next event!

Hired as: Guitarist

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Kirk Hanser

So happy to hear that - thanks!


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Thomas E.

Thomas E.

April 30, 2024
Verified review

Friendly and talented player

We hired Kirk for our wedding and have no regrets! Kirk was very helpful when meeting to plan our ceremony music. He had great suggestions and was easy to communicate with. He also learned some music for us, and the songs he learned sounded great.

Hired as: Classical Guitarist

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Kirk Hanser

Tom, thank you, it was my honor.


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Marlene L.

Marlene L.

December 20, 2019
Verified review

Best Holiday party ever!

Fantastic night because of Kirk our guitarist! He is so talented and our party was elevated because of his beautiful music! He was a joy to have in our home!

Hired as: Classical Guitarist, Guitarist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Blake H.

Blake H.

December 14, 2019
Verified review

True Pro, Great Talent

Kirk played our holiday party last night. It was beautiful and really enhanced our experience. We will certainly call again.

Hired as: Classical Guitarist, Guitarist

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Booking information

Price range: $200-$3500

Languages: English

Gig length: 30 - 240 minutes

Unions: AFM

What to expect

I. The "Typical" Wedding Service:
- 30 minutes of pre-service music
- Processional for bridal party
- Bride's procession
- a special musical selection during the service (if needed)
- Recessional
- Up to 10 minutes of post-service music as your guests exit the venue
(In St. Louis area, fees start at $270. Extra charges for: Travel outside of 40 mile radius extra, certain special music due to extra time or cost to acquire, attendance at rehearsal)

II. Receptions/Dinners/Background
The music selection for wedding receptions and other "casual" events is beautiful - through not distracting - background music so that your guests can still visit with each other and enjoy the real star of your event, whatever or whoever this may be!
(In St. Louis area, fees begin at $110/hr, minimum charge $220)

III. House Concerts/Corporate Shows
House concerts/corporate shows feature basically the same entertainment level and repertoire which you would expect if seeing Kirk perform at any big-name concert venue.
(Inquire)

Regardless of your needs, Kirk will be on time, professional, courteous to your guests and ready to go!

About

Kirk has performed throughout the U.S., Europe and Japan since the mid 80's as a soloist and ensemble member. In concert and on recordings these days, he is mainly heard along with John McClellan as the internationally acclaimed Hanser-McClellan Guitar Duo. Kirk can be heard on many recordings alongside McClellan, as well as with Tommy Emmanuel, Vince Gill, Mark Knopfler and many others.

Kirk currently lectures and teaches for several colleges and universities, arranges music for events and publications, and acts as director for both the Childbloom Guitar Program and the St. Louis Academy for Guitar. Locally, Kirk performs regularly as an on-call guitarist with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Opera Theatre, the Muny, as well as weddings and corporate events.

Additional booking notes

- Armless chair (adjustable piano bench OK)
- Immediate access to power
- No direct sunlight.
- If outdoors, must be reasonable climate (no rain, temperate, etc.). Inquire.

Upcoming booked events

September 2026

26

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

4:30pm - 5:30pm

St Louis, MO

October 2026

10

Saturday

Wedding Reception

6:00pm - 7:30pm

Washington, MO

Past booked events

October 2025

25

Saturday

House Party

7:00pm - 9:30pm

Leasburg, MO

August 2025

19

Tuesday

Corporate Event

5:00pm - 8:00pm

St Louis, MO

April 2025

25

Friday

Dinner Party

7:30pm - 9:30pm

St Louis, MO

September 2024

19

Thursday

Corporate Event

4:00pm - 6:00pm

Edwardsville, IL

April 2024

26

Friday

Wedding Ceremony

5:30pm - 6:30pm

St Louis, MO

December 2023

08

Friday

Christmas Party

5:00pm - 8:00pm

St Louis, MO

June 2022

12

Sunday

Dinner Party

6:30pm - 8:00pm

St Charles, MO

December 2019

19

Thursday

Christmas Party

6:00pm - 8:30pm

Ste Genevieve, MO

13

Friday

Christmas Party

6:30pm - 8:30pm

St Louis, MO

October 2019

13

Sunday

Personal Occasion

12:30pm - 2:30pm

Weldon Spring, MO

August 2019

16

Friday

Wedding Ceremony

5:30pm - 6:30pm

St Louis, MO

June 2019

12

Wednesday

Grand Opening

1:00pm - 3:00pm

St Louis, MO

December 2018

30

Sunday

Cocktail Party

4:00pm - 6:00pm

St Louis, MO

October 2018

05

Friday

Product Promotion

5:00pm - 8:00pm

St Peters, MO

June 2018

02

Saturday

Wedding Reception

12:00pm - 3:30pm

Kirkwood, MO

May 2018

26

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

5:00pm - 6:30pm

St Louis, MO

October 2017

19

Thursday

Dinner Party

6:00pm - 7:30pm

Chesterfield, MO

August 2017

05

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

4:00pm - 5:00pm

St Louis, MO

July 2017

15

Saturday

House Party

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Crestwood, MO

15

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

2:00pm - 3:00pm

St Louis, MO

May 2017

06

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

1:30pm - 3:00pm

St Louis, MO

January 2017

15

Sunday

Birthday (Adult)

1:00pm - 3:00pm

St Louis, MO

December 2016

13

Tuesday

Holiday Party (Christmas)

5:30pm - 8:00pm

St Louis, MO

October 2016

15

Saturday

Cocktail Party

5:00pm - 7:30pm

Town And Country, MO

08

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

4:30pm - 6:00pm

St Louis, MO

July 2016

16

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

3:00pm - 3:45pm

St Louis, MO

May 2016

15

Sunday

Wedding Ceremony

12:00pm - 12:30pm

Grafton, IL

December 2015

15

Tuesday

Cocktail Party

5:30pm - 7:30pm

St Louis, MO

October 2015

10

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

2:00pm - 2:45pm

Springfield, IL

May 2015

16

Saturday

Graduation

7:00pm - 9:00pm

St Louis, MO

December 2014

02

Tuesday

Christmas Party

7:00am - 8:00am

Clayton, MO

September 2014

27

Saturday

Wedding Cocktail Hour

3:00pm - 4:00pm

St Louis, MO

August 2014

23

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

5:30pm - 6:00pm

St Louis, MO

Set list

INCLUDES:
Requerdos de L'Alhambra - F. Tarrega
Spanish Romance - Anon.
Europa - C. Santana
Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring- J.S. Bach
Prelude from Cello Suite No. 1 - J.S. Bach
Cancion de cuna - L. Brouwer
Greensleeves - Anon.
Scarborough Fair
I Will- Lennon McCartney
Bensusan - M. Hedges
The Night Watch - A. Holborne
Espagnoleta - G. Sanz
Bridal March ("Here Comes the Bride") - R. Wagner
Canon in D - J. Pachelbel
Wedding March - F. Mendelssohn
Prelude from Lute Suite No. 4 - J.S. Bach
Gavotte en Rondeau from Lute Suite No. 4 - J.S. Bach
Minuet - W.A. Mozart
Rebecca's Dance - K. Hanser
Santa Cruz - D. Qualey
Cowboy Waltz - M. Chapdelaine
Asturius - I. Albeniz
Spanish Dance No. 5 - E. Granados
Ragamuffin - M. Hedges
Andency - A. York
Sunburst - A. York
Borsalino - C. Bolling
Danza Brasiliera - J. Morel
Maria Carolina - A. Lauro
Lagrima - F. Tarrega
Tears in Heaven - E. Clapton
Hotel California - D. Henley
Nashville - K. Hanser
Rossiniane Opus 119 - M. Giuliani
Grand Solo - F. Sor
Valse Opus 8 Nos. 3 and 4 - A. Barrios
Julia Florida - A. Barrios
Bells of Dawn - R. Saintz de la Maza
PLUS MUCH MORE!!

Setup requirements

Shelter from direct sun or rain

Immediate access to power

Armless chair (NOT a barstool)

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Professional, skilled, courteous, punctual and engaging solo guitar/vocalist. 30+ years of band participation, worship leadership and solo performing.