I am told I excel at creating connectivity through music. Whether engaging the audience with sing-alongs, improvising in the moment, facilitating vocal play, or just playing some of my and your favorite tunes, I love playing from my heart in a way that sets an open and inviting tone for your event. I'm also gifted with a potent ability to improvise: inventing songs on the spot that bring unique moments to life!
I offer sets in the following genres: Contemporary and Modern Pop (2000s-present), Classic Pop, Rock and Soul (60s-80s), Jazz (American standards and Bossa Nova), Ambient and Ethereal, and Original Music.
I'm always down to go the extra mile to make your event special :)
6 reviews
Amanda H.
October 17, 2024Maxwell did an awesome job for our son’s first birthday party. He kept the adults entertained as well as the kids.
He did great with my son’s requests too!
Maxwell made up a full songs as he went that were catchy and fun. My son loved it! We are looking forward to when we will have back for the next party.
Hired as: Singing Guitarist
Prithvi
October 22, 2023If I could give 6 stars for Maxwell, I would. Nestled in the redwoods, Maxwell played for our guests as they walked through the forest, and created an ethereal natural sound, that really amplified the beauty of the surrounding. As an artist, he is well-versed, adaptable, and can play many variations of sound, to match any sound palette. As a performer, confident, calm and grounded. As a vendor at an event, Maxwell was punctual, communicative, and professional.
I would recommend Maxwell to anybody looking for a guitarist for a wedding in a natural setting.
When we we’re first connected, he did a great job of communicating his musical style and what kind of vibe he could provide for our event. He took time to understand what we wanted, prior to the event, he was very prompt with his responses, and at the time of the performance, we were wowed as were our guests.
Hired as: Acoustic Band, Guitarist
Eli
September 21, 2023Thanks so much! We needed someone last minute for our gathering and Maxwell came through for us. He played just the music we wanted. And what a beautiful voice! Would definitely hire him again.
Hired as: Guitarist, Singer/Songwriter, Singing Guitarist
Eric
August 12, 2023Max delivered a wonderful live music set with great vocals and guitar that everyone loved. Very talented musician with warm positive vibes and easy going. Highly recommend!!!
Hired as: Singing Guitarist
Michelle N.
August 8, 2023We hired Expressions to play our backyard birthday party and they were a hit!
They played originals, cover songs, and even had a fun improvised bit. They knew how to work the crowd while making everyone feel comfortable. I highly recommend them for event entertainment.
Hired as: Acoustic Band, Harmonica Player, Singer/Songwriter, Singing Guitarist
Price range: $200 and up
Languages: English
Gig length: 10 - 180 minutes
I'm adaptable based on the needs of the organizer. Here are some of the offerings that I can incorporate into any particular gig.
- Standard covers of popular songs
- Original music
- Improvisational music based on audience suggestions
- Improvisational music based on the theme of the event (birthday songs, for example)
- Vocal connection exercises to get groups of people singing together
- Weaving humorous talk bits or storytelling throughout the set
- Anything that involves group creativity (example: team building exercise where a group rewrites a popular song)
I can provide my own sound equipment. I can also bring my partner Lou to provide percussion and harmonies if you are desiring something even more dynamic.
Hi there, I'm Maxwell- entertainer, bandleader, teacher, facilitator. Aside from bringing music to events and venues around the bay as a solo performer, I also lead the indie groove outift Muwa, co-direct Expressions Community Choir, and teach privately.
Music is my passion in part because it's an artistic medium that allows multiple people to simultaneously play and connect together, in part because of it's social function. Music draws people together like moths to flame. It's the hearth around which we gather.
I am always honored and delighted to be invited to provide the music for gatherings. Thank you for considering me!
This isn't a comprehensive list, but is indicative of my overall style and taste.
Stevie Wonder
My Cherie Amour
Isn't She Lovely
Don't You Worry ‘Bout a Thing
Fleetwood Mac
Dreams
Bill Withers
Ain't No Sunshine
Just the Two of Us
America
Horse With No Name
Ventura Highway
Traditional
This Little Light of Mine
Peace Like a River
Bob Marley
Waiting in Vain
Redemption Song
Is this Love
King Harvest
Dancing in the Moonlight
Otis Redding
Dock of the Bay
Beatles
With A Little Help From My Friends
Don't Let Me Down
Yesterday
And I Love Her
In My Life
Can’t Buy Me Love
Eagles
Take It Easy
Pink Floyd
Wish You Were Here
Breathe
Elvis
Blue Moon
Kermit the Frog
The Rainbow Connection
Chet Baker
There Will Never Be Another You
All the bards who could ever tell a story, weave it into a song, and then make the audience laugh with a well timed joke.
Singing Guitarist
