Nick James

Top Performer

Allen Park, MI

$1000+

Travels up to 90 miles

Get a free quick quote
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Nick James Entertainment

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Take it Easy @ The Soundboard Theater opening up for Michael McDonald

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Opening up for Michael McDonald at the Soundboard Theater singing "Crazy"

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Original song "The Sand and the Sea"

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Opening up for Michael McDonald at the Sound Board Theater singing "Heard it through the Grapevine"

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Performing at the Ceremony and Reception at a local Metro-Detroit wedding

Overview

Nick James has provided entertainment services for the Detroit Lions, Mercedes Benz, Community Choice Credit Union, Rocwall Construction, etc., and has opened up for national touring acts such as Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers. Nick is a highly skilled and experienced musician who brings a soulful twist to your favorite pop hits. Nick has a proven track record of delivering electrifying performances at a variety of events, including weddings, corporate functions, graduations, birthdays, and more. With over a decade of experience and over 1000 performances under his belt, Nick is the perfect choice for any occasion - book him today and take your celebration to the next level!


Reviews

15 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Adam D.

Adam D.

April 19, 2025

Perfect wedding entertainment!

We found Nick while searching for Folk/Americana music for our wedding. We were having a small wedding and we didn't expect dancing so quality music for guests to enjoy was key.

We gave Nick a handful of songs to help him gauge the vibe we were going for, and left the rest up to him, and everything was perfect. He played a mix of songs we liked, songs we knew audience would recognize/enjoy, and even sprinkled in a few originals at our request. Almost every attendee at our wedding came up to one of us to say how great the music was, even multiple people assuming we knew him because "how else would we have gotten someone this good to play our wedding".

Communication skills were off the chart, and his ability to work with limited information in the moment was amazing, as we had a handful of audibles we had to make in real time.

In the end, we could not have imagined a more perfect set of music for our wedding - he went over and above, and everyone enjoyed their time.

We look forward to when he's out and about and we can go see him play again!

Hired as: Singing Guitarist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Katie M.

Katie M.

October 30, 2024
Verified review

Wow!

Nick blew us away! We were so happy to have him as our wedding musician and he did not disappoint. He made the whole process so easy and went completely above and beyond. He sang at the ceremony and at our cocktail reception, which were back to back and he never skipped a beat. Every single person had nothing but compliments on how wonderful the music was throughout our celebration! Nick was absolutely one of the best choices we made for our big day!

Hired as: Singing Guitarist


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Cheryl O.

Cheryl O.

August 23, 2024

Intimate Wedding

So hard to describe how fantastic Nick was for our wedding. Considering it was just our children, grandchildren and a few sibling...he catered to every age and genre imaginable. From our entrance song, the kids dance party (which was improvised on the spot) and then the adults dance party, he exceeded all our expectations! Everyone kept commenting on how fabulous and talented he was.
Thanks Nick for helping make our wedding everything we had dreamed it could be!!

Hired as: Singing Guitarist

Small thumbnail image for Nick James

Nick James

Cheryl thank you so much for your kind words and review!!! It was my pleasure and honor!! Please stay in touch:)


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Cassandra J.

Cassandra J.

July 28, 2024
Verified review

Amazing!

Nick was awesome. Very talented and a great personality to interact with the guests.

Hired as: Singing Guitarist

Small thumbnail image for Nick James

Nick James

Thank you Cassandra!! It was a great party!!


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Kody B.

Kody B.

January 5, 2024

So talented! He nailed our wedding reception!

Nick is absolutely incredible! We hired Nick along with his bassist and drummer for our wedding reception. We gave him a couple genres that we preferred (country/classic rock) along with a few artists we liked and he nailed it. We trusted Nick for all of our music and our guests’ entertainment and he far exceeded all of our expectations. Nick quickly became the talk of the reception because nobody could get over how talented he and the band were. Even weeks after our wedding, our guests continue to mention how talented the band was. Our guests also loved the personal touch that a banded added over a DJ. Some have even asked about hiring Nick for their own future events.

We are so grateful for Nick and cannot recommend him enough! His ability to learn new music and keep guests entertained is second to none! We wish Nick all the best!

Hired as: Wedding Band

Small thumbnail image for Nick James

Nick James

It was an absolute honor to play your wedding and I so appreciate your kind words!!! We had such a great time thank you!!

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Booking information

Price range: $1000+

Languages: English

Gig length: 30 - 300 minutes

What to expect

Whether you are looking for a full band or a solo musician, you can trust that your event is in good hands!

As an experienced performer, I understand the importance of clear and consistent communication in ensuring a successful event. With over a decade of experience in the industry, I have developed a thorough process for gathering all necessary information and understanding the specific needs and expectations of each engagement.

I am a versatile and adaptable musician, able to provide a range of musical styles and genres to suit the occasion, and am happy to accommodate requests for specific songs. I am skilled at creating and maintaining a cohesive and enjoyable atmosphere through my musical selections and performance.

I offer comprehensive consultation to my clients in the lead-up to the event, and am always available to address any questions or concerns. Please don't hesitate to contact me to discuss how I can contribute to the success of your event.

About

Nick James is an experienced singer-songwriter and performer based in Michigan. With a musical career spanning over 20 years, he has honed his skills on the guitar and has written a diverse range of original songs. One of his compositions, "This Old Town," was featured in the indie film "Kalamazoo?"

Nick is a versatile performer, having played at a wide variety of events, from intimate lakeside parties and birthday celebrations, to large corporate events and weddings. In 2018, he had the opportunity to open for Michael McDonald at the Sound Board Theater in Detroit, performing to a crowd of over 1000 people.

Nick continues to play live events around metro Detroit, and is available for hire for any occasion, whether it be a small backyard party or a major corporate event. If you want to add the perfect musical touch to your special occasion, Nick James is the musician for you.

Upcoming booked events

June 2026

27

Saturday

Retirement Party

7:30pm - 8:00pm

Livonia, MI

August 2026

28

Friday

Cocktail Party

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Northville, MI

Past booked events

October 2024

13

Sunday

Wedding Cocktail Hour

2:00pm - 5:00pm

Port Clinton, OH

July 2024

26

Friday

Graduation

6:00pm - 11:00pm

Rochester, MI

April 2024

30

Tuesday

Corporate Event

5:00pm - 9:00pm

Flat Rock, MI

December 2023

02

Saturday

Birthday Party

5:00pm - 8:00pm

Dearborn Heights, MI

September 2023

28

Thursday

Corporate Event

3:30pm - 5:30pm

Troy, MI

09

Saturday

Dinner Party

6:00pm - 8:00pm

South Lyon, MI

June 2023

17

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

10:30am - 11:00am

Woodhaven, MI

April 2023

29

Saturday

Dinner Party

6:00pm - 9:00pm

Saline, MI

March 2023

23

Thursday

School Assembly

1:00pm - 2:30pm

Dimondale, MI

September 2022

17

Saturday

Corporate Event

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Southfield, MI

July 2020

22

Wednesday

Children’s Birthday Party

5:00pm - 7:00pm

Grosse Ile, MI

June 2020

25

Thursday

Birthday Party

5:00pm - 7:00pm

Grosse Pointe Farms, MI

December 2019

31

Tuesday

Dinner Party

9:30pm - 11:30pm

West Bloomfield, MI

Set list

Take It Easy (ver 2)
The Beatles
Let It Be
Van Morrison
Moondance
Oasis
Wonderwall (ver 3)
Bill Withers
Aint No Sunshine
Sublime
What I Got
The Rolling Stones
You Cant Always Get What You Want
The Rolling Stones
I Cant Get No Satisfaction
Radiohead
Creep
Tom Petty
You Dont Know How It Feels
John Lennon
Imagine
Eagle-Eye Cherry
Save Tonight
Bob Dylan
It Aint Me Babe
Eagles
Lyin Eyes
Bob Dylan
The Times They Are A-Changin
The Beatles
Ive Just Seen A Face
John Denver
Leaving On A Jet Plane
David Gray
Sail Away
Bob Marley
No Woman No Cry
Tom Petty
I Wont Back Down
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Have You Ever Seen The Rain
The Band
The Weight
The Band
Up On Cripple Creek
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Teach Your Children
Dave Matthews Band
All Along The Watchtower
Bob Dylan
Knockin On Heavens Door (ver 2)
Marvin Gaye
I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Bob Marley
Jamming
Phish
Waste
Van Morrison
Into The Mystic (ver 2)
The Marshall Tucker Band
Cant You See
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
Over The Rainbow What A Wonderful World (ver 2)
Bob Marley
Three Little Birds
Ray Charles
Hit The Road Jack
Don McLean
American Pie
Ray LaMontagne
Trouble
Jeff Buckley
Hallelujah (ver 2)
Tim McGraw
Tiny Dancer
Jack Johnson
Upside Down
Jimmy Buffett
Margaritaville (ver 2)
James Morrison
Better Man
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals
Steal My Kisses Live
The Beatles
Here Comes The Sun (ver 3)
David Gray
Please Forgive Me
Joe Anderson
Hey Jude
Ray LaMontagne
Hold You In My Arms (ver 2)
Eric Clapton
Tears In Heaven
Ray Charles
I Got A Woman
Kid Rock
All Summer Long
Counting Crows
Friend Of The Devil
The Temptations
Aint Too Proud To Beg
Jack Johnson
Better Together (ver 4)
Ray LaMontagne
Crazy (ver 2)
The Verve
Bitter Sweet Symphony (ver 2)
John Mayer
Free Fallin
Elton John
Rocket Man (ver 4)
Joe Cocker
With A Little Help From My Friends (ver 2)
Zac Brown Band
Toes
Old Crow Medicine Show
Wagon Wheel
Joe Cocker
The Letter (ver 2)
Otis Redding
My Girl
Kings of Leon
Use Somebody (ver 3)
Johnny Cash
Folsom Prison Blues (ver 4)
Van Morrison
Brown Eyed Girl (ver 4)
Backstreet Boys
I Want It That Way (ver 3)
James Taylor
Something In The Way She Moves (ver 3)
Citizen Cope
Sideways (ver 3)
Jack Johnson
Flake (ver 4)
The Rolling Stones
Wild Horses (ver 3)
Zac Brown Band
Free
The Beatles
Yesterday (ver 4)
Elton John
Tiny Dancer (ver 5)
Donavon Frankenreiter feat. Jack Johnson
Free (ver 3)
Sam Cooke
Ill Come Running Back To You
Stuck In The Middle With You (ver 3)
Ray LaMontagne
You Are The Best Thing (ver 2)
Ray LaMontagne
Beg Steal Or Borrow
Jim Croce
Bad Bad Leroy Brown
Luke Bryan
One Margarita
Lee Brice
One Of Them Girls
Thomas Rhett feat. Jon Pardi
Beer Cant Fix
Blake Shelton
Gods Country (ver 2)
Luke Combs
When It Rains It Pours
Luke Bryan
Huntin Fishin And Lovin Every Day (ver 2)
Dan + Shay
Tequila
Chris Stapleton
Starting Over
Morgan Wallen
More Than My Hometown Acoustic
Led Zeppelin
Hey Hey What Can I Do (ver 5)
The Avett Brothers
I And Love And You
Niko Moon
Good Time
Justin Bieber feat. Chance the Rapper
Holy
Official
Lee Brice
Hard To Love
Sturgill Simpson
You Can Have The Crown
Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers
Mary Janes Last Dance
Dave Matthews Band
The Space Between Acoustic
Dave Matthews Band
Where Are You Going (ver 4)
Dave Matthews Band
Ants Marching Acoustic
Fleetwood Mac
Dreams
Third Eye Blind
Semi-Charmed Life
Matchbox Twenty
3Am (ver 2)
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Suite Judy Blue Eyes (ver 3)
Dave Matthews Band
Crash Into Me
Tab
Misc Soundtrack
A Star Is Born - Always Remember Us This Way
Tracy Chapman
Fast Car (ver 2)
Justin Timberlake
Drink You Away
James Blunt
Youre Beautiful (ver 2)
Grateful Dead
Dark Hollow (ver 2)
Grateful Dead
Deep Elem Blues
Van Morrison
Have I Told You Lately (ver 2)
Jason Isbell
Cover Me Up (ver 2)
Tyler Childers
Whitehouse Road
Cody Johnson
Til You Cant (ver 2)
The Beatles
All My Loving
Simon & Garfunkel
America (ver 6)
Oasis
Champagne Supernova (ver 2)
Semisonic
Closing Time
Matt Stell
Prayed For You (ver 2)
John Denver
This Old Guitar (ver 2)
Morgan Wallen
Sand In My Boots (ver 2)
Morgan Wallen
Whiskey Glasses
Buddy Holly
Everyday (ver 3)
Hootie & the Blowfish
Only Wanna Be With You (ver 2)
The Black Crowes
She Talks To Angels (ver 3)
Sturgill Simpson
Living The Dream
Tyler Childers
Lady May
Tyler Childers
Feathered Indians
Tyler Childers
Nose On The Grindstone
Willie Nelson
On The Road Again (ver 4)
Phish
Farmhouse
The Strokes
Last Nite
Johnny Cash
Ring Of Fire
Bob Marley
Could You Be Loved
Blues Traveler
Hook
Blind Melon
No Rain
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Under The Bridge (ver 3)
Tracy Chapman
Give Me One Reason (ver 3)
Nathaniel Rateliff
Sob (ver 2)
Nathaniel Rateliff
And Its Still Alright
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Otherside
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Scar Tissue
Scotty McCreery
Damn Strait
Tyler Rich
Leave

And MANY many more! Feel free to request any song!

Setup requirements

just need space for a solo or band and electrical

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