- West Hartford, CT
- Jazz Band
- 24 miles from
- $300-20,000
Gary D. said
“Music was great, consistent, and professionally executed. ”
Michael Nickolas Solo Guitar Performer
Overview
I'm a solo guitar player for cocktail hours and more, playing pleasant background music, no vocals. I may also be able to provide a guitar/bass duo or a guitar/bass/vocal trio.
My solo setlist is made up of Jazz (American Songbook) and Classic Rock/R&B standards along with a bit of classical. Also plenty of holiday music, for the Christmas season. I have a long history as a guitarist, having performed with two different Boston Music Award winning groups. I'm a Berklee College of Music alumni with an extensive music business resume that includes composing music used in feature films and on national network TV shows!
Reviews
6 reviews
Jeff S.
October 17, 2025Wedding and Cocktail Hour
Michael played both the wedding and our cocktail hour, we are thrilled with how things sounded! Multiple guests complimented the music as well. Michael sat down with us and helped us with both the overall tone and specific song selections. We highly recommend him if you are planning a wedding or any other event!
Hired as: Guitarist
Loring B.
June 7, 2025Dependable, knowledgeable, prepared and congenial.
He really really fit the bill for what I wanted for an outdoor garden party.
Hired as: Jazz Guitarist
Matthew B.
June 9, 2023An Amazing Addition to Our Event!
Michael Nickolas provided a fantastic soundtrack to the event I organized at the Worcester Art Museum. His music was well-liked by the attendees, and was the perfect accompaniment to the entire evening. We will be turning to Michael again!
Hired as: Guitarist
Cindy A.
July 27, 2021Perfect for our baby shower
We hired Michael to perform background jazz guitar at our baby shower. I’m so glad we did. He added elegance and style to our party. He did such a great job. I highly recommend him.
Hired as: Jazz Guitarist
Michael Nickolas Solo Guitar Performer
So glad you had me! A good gig for a wonderful family.
Medina
September 29, 2019I absolutely loved the service!
He was awesome👍🏻
Hired as: Jazz Guitarist
Booking information
Price range: Contact for rates
Languages: English
Gig length: 60 - 180 minutes
What to expect
You can expect me to be on time, prepared and professional!
About
Originally from Connecticut, I started guitar lessons at age nine. After studying guitar all through high school, I moved to Boston to attend the Berklee College of Music, graduating Cum Laude. After graduation I played extensively at clubs and colleges throughout the New England area including the Boston Garden, Fleet Center and the House of Blues. Other highlights include a tour of Switzerland, playing in New York City, recording an album in Chicago, and performing in a marketing film produced by Bose Corporation.
In addition to playing in bands, I was teaching myself the art of recording and composition. Over many years in the industry, the music I have composed, recorded, and produced has been placed in over 1,600 episodes across 511 different TV series, including The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Shameless, CBS Mornings, and You. My work also includes music for feature films, advertisements, and videos.
Additional booking notes
When performing a smaller private function, sound is provided by the guitar amplifier. It is possible for me to provide a microphone, should the client need one for announcements or speeches.
Services offered
Past booked events
September 2025
13
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Worcester, MA
June 2025
06
Friday
Cocktail Party
6:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Cambridge, MA
November 2023
04
Saturday
Wedding Reception
5:30pm - 11:00pm
•
Stow, MA
July 2021
25
Sunday
Baby Shower
12:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Worcester, MA
September 2019
28
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Beverly, MA
June 2019
01
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
3:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Whately, MA
May 2019
25
Saturday
Cocktail Hour in Hudson MA
6:30pm - 7:30pm
December 2018
29
Saturday
Wedding Reception
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
West Hartford, CT
December 2015
10
Thursday
Cocktail Party
5:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Worcester, MA
Set list
SWING/STANDARD:
A Foggy Day
At Last
Come Fly With Me
Fly Me to the Moon
Georgia
I’m Beginning to See the Light
Nature Boy
Our Love is Here to Stay
Paper Moon
Summertime
The Way You Look Tonight
They Can’t Take That Away From Me
Too Marvelous for Words
BALLAD:
Embraceable You
For All We Know
How Long Has This Been Going On
My Funny Valentine
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Tenderly
The Nearness of You
BOSSA/LATIN/CALYPSO:
Autumn Leaves
Jamaica Farewell
Oye Como Va
The Girl From Ipanema
BLUSEY
Do You Know What it Means
God Bless the Child
Saint James Infirmary
Since I Fell For You
REGGAE
Knockin On Heavens Door
Waiting in Vain
CLASSICAL:
Andante in C
Andantino in C
Pachelbel - Canon In D
Prelude in A Minor
Prelude in C
CLASSIC ROCK/R&B
Ain’t No Sunshine
Baby I Love Your Way
Be Thankful
Eleanor Rigby
Fields of Gold
For What It’s Worth
Hallelujah
I’ll Take You There
Lean on Me
Let it Be
Let’s Stay Together
Little Wing
Lucy in The Sky With Diamonds
Norwegian Wood
People Get Ready
Purple Rain
She’s Leaving Home
Stand By Me
What’s Going On
You are the Sunshine of My Life
You Look Wonderful Tonight
You've Got a Friend
CHRISTMAS:
Feliz Navidad
Frosty the Snowman
Have a Holly Jolly Christmas
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa
I’ll Be Home for Christmas
Jingle Bell Rock
Jingle Bells
Let It Snow
O Christmas Tree
O Holy Night
Rudolph the Red Nosed
Santa Baby
Silent Night
Silver and Gold
The Chipmunk Song
The Christmas Song
The Christmas Waltz
We Three Kings
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
What Child is This
Influences and inspiration
I am influenced by a wide variety of players including Carlos Santana, George Benson, John Scofield and Earl Klugh.
Setup requirements
• Larger performances could require a PA to be provided.
Testimonials
"Thank you so much for everything!...Everyone enjoyed the soft background music and had great things to say about it."
– anonymous
"Once again I have to say thank you for your part in Dan and Michele's wedding at both the wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. Your style and music fit beautifully for both parts of the evening. We received many compliments to pass along to you."
– Doug H.
"...thank you for your wonderful performance at our wedding last month!...Let me assure you that the elegant background music was a perfect complement to our ceremony and reception. It was really wonderful -- Thank you!"
– anonymous
Report Michael Nickolas Solo Guitar Performer
Jazz Guitarist
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