Pete Smyser's quintet performing a concert at Souderton's "Concert Sundaes" series.
Guitar and upright bass for a private event at a Rehoboth Beach winery
Performing duo, in concert, with saxophonist Ted Lis.
Pete Smyser Trio performing the music of Jerome Kern in concert (video of this performance is available on YouTube)
Setting up for a jazz trio concert at Moravian College.
Performing in Skippack, PA at Parc Bistro!
Pete Smyser leads his quartet at The Kimmel Center (Phila., PA)
Live concert (trio) at Moravian College (Bethlehem, PA)
Pete Smyser is an accomplished 7-string guitarist with over three decades of experience. From intimate gatherings to grand stages, Pete's repertoire of over 1500 hit songs, spanning from the 1900s to the 1980s and beyond, promises an evocative journey through time and genres (including pop hits, standards/ swing, easy listening, rock, Latin, bossa nova, classic country, folk, ragtime, patriotic, etc.). Clients are invited to select the songs and style(s) that best suit their vision for the event.
28 reviews
Julie M.
July 3, 2025Pete is easy and professional to communicate with. He wasn’t available for the 4 day options I offered for my dad’s 80th at a rehab center. He was booked with other gigs, apologized, and said he likes to do events like I was seeking. I thought that since he wasn’t available he must be good! So we found another day. And I wasn’t worried that he’d be flaky or marginal. He was great!
Hired as: Guitarist
Anna J.
October 3, 2022Pete did a wonderful job playing for our cocktail party. He kept the music at the ideal volume, so people could hear him or carry on a conversation with the guest across the table from them. He’s very friendly and talented!
Hired as: Guitarist
Pete Smyser - solo guitar, duos and ensembles
Thanks so much Anna! It was a pleasure to be included for your wonderful cocktail party!
Elaine H.
September 30, 2021I don't have adequate words to express what a great experience our family had with Pete and saxophonist, Ted Lis. They played one evening for a small gathering of family and friends at the apartment of my elderly parents, who adore music but are unable to get out for it. The music was lovely, but just as importantly, Pete and Ted really connected with my folks. They are kind, authentic, caring and they saw to it that my parents felt very special. It's now been several weeks since what my mom calls her "musical soiree", but my folks talk about it all the time and re-live the happy memories. It was a pleasure to correspond with Pete and making the arrangements was a breeze -- he is responsive and easy to work with. Everything about our evening with Pete and Ted was magical and meaningful.
Hired as: Guitarist
Pete Smyser - solo guitar, duos and ensembles
Thanks so much for these kind words Elaine! It was a pleasure to meet your family & friends, and to provide music for such a special lady (your mom)!
Charlyn R.
June 4, 2019We could not be happier with the music Pete played for our sons wedding. He was very professional and also helped us with music selection and all the details to make everything perfect. The music was phenomenal and filled with love. We highly recommend Pete to add music to your wedding - the music was sweet icing on the cake!
Hired as: Jazz Guitarist
Ryan P.
June 3, 2019Pete was very professional and gave us a lot of information and support making song choices. The music was beautiful and helped make our day extra special! We would recommend Pete to anyone looking for live music at their ceremony and/or reception!
Hired as: Classical Guitarist, Guitarist, Jazz Guitarist
Pete Smyser - solo guitar, duos and ensembles
Thank you Ryan! I absolutely loved being at your wedding and am honored to have been invited to provide the music. Oh, and the venue was amazing too!
Price range: $175 and up | private events are $300 and up
Languages: English
Gig length: 60 - 240 minutes
Insurance: $1,000,000 - Commercial General Liability Insurance
I offer my clients a variety of choices that spans decades and multiple genres. One client might request that I perform instrumental guitar versions of contemporary popular songs from the 1960s, 70s & 80s. The next day, I might be booked to perform jazz, highlighting standards from the Great American Songbook (1920s through the 1960s) with my sax & guitar duo. I pride myself on the wide scope of music that I perform. Please listen to samples on my personal website and view my YouTube channel to get an idea of my various styles and abilities.
Concert performances often include brief, entertaining talking points about the songs, style or composers. Background musical services are designed to be appropriately audible to create the desired ambiance but not so loud that the music would interfere with guest's conversation.
Pete Smyser is a virtuoso, instrumental, seven-string guitarist with 30+ years of professional, full time experience. Along with maintaining a full private teaching roster at his home studio, Pete performs approximately 20 concerts & events each month. Most are for prominent retirement communities throughout the region (more than 30 senior venues book him regularly). Whether performing solo, duo or with a larger group, Pete is in high demand at these spots and thrives on bringing joy and connecting with his audience through music.
While most musicians specialize in a single genre, Smyser has spent decades exploring, learning and compiling an ever expanding, wide scope of music. This uniquely enables him to be somewhat of a musical chameleon, offering a seemingly limitless repertoire full of delightful, nostalgic surprises for audiences (particularly mature audiences). Musical Categories include...
* Hit Songs from every decade of the 20th century (the 1900s, 10s, 20s, 30s, etc.)
* Standards (These are the songs of Broadway, the movies & radio composed by the likes of Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, etc.)
* Christmas Music
* Christian Music (hymns, gospel and songs of praise)
* Blues
* Brazilian Bossa Nova (Antonio Carlos Jobim, Luis Bonfa, etc.)
* Calypso (i.e. Harry Belafonte)
* Classical
* Classic Country (Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, etc.)
* Cowboy & Western (Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Sons of the Pioneers, etc.)
* Various Nostalgic Dance Music (Big Band Era, Swing, Latin, Waltz, Early Rock & Roll, etc.)
* Vintage Folk (Pete Seeger, Peter Paul & Mary, The Weavers, The Kingston Trio, etc.)
* French, Irish, Italian, Mexican or Jewish Music
* Jazz (Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, etc.)
* Marches (i.e. John Philip Sousa)
* Patriotic American Songs
* Polka Music
* Ragtime
* Russian
* Nostalgic Sing Along
* Seasonal Themed Songs (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter)
* Soul Music, Rhythm & Blues
* Southern Songs
* Train Songs
* TV Theme Songs
I aim to arrive approximately 45 minutes to an hour prior to the designated musical "start time." I supply all of my own equipment with only the need for an armless chair (two if a duo is hired) and access to a nearby electrical outlet. My required space depends on the size of the ensemble. A space allowance of 5 feet by 7 feet is appropriate for a solo guitar performance.
Monday
Retirement Community Event
2:30pm - 3:30pm
•
Reading, PA
Thursday
Birthday Party
4:30pm - 5:30pm
•
Center Valley, PA
Friday
House Party
2:30pm - 3:30pm
•
Allentown, PA
Saturday
Wedding Reception
11:30am - 2:00pm
•
Center Valley, PA
Friday
Cocktail Party
4:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Trenton, NJ
Friday
Solo gtr wedding (ceremony & cocktail hour)
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Tuesday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Thursday
Guitar & Sax (private concert)
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Tuesday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Saturday
Solo Guitar (wedding ceremony & cocktail hour)
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Sunday
Wedding Ceremony (solo guitar)
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Tuesday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Tuesday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Saturday
Solo Guitar (wedding ceremony & cocktail hour)
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Friday
Solo Guitar (wedding ceremony & cocktail hour)
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Tuesday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Thursday
Guitar & Sax (private concert)
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Tuesday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony (solo guitar) & Trio Cocktail Hr
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Saturday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Tuesday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Tuesday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Friday
Birthday Party
7:30pm - 9:30pm
•
Macungie, PA
Thursday
Guitar & Sax (private concert)
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Tuesday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Saturday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Friday
Wedding Ceremony & Cocktail Hour (solo guitar)
5:30pm - 8:30pm
Wednesday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
1:00pm - 7:00pm
Tuesday
Jazz Trio (private concert)
7:15pm - 8:00pm
Sunday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Friday
Pete Smyser & Larry McKenna at The Cafe
7:00pm - 9:30pm
Tuesday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Saturday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Tuesday
Pete Smysere Quartet (private concert)
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Monday
Guitar & Sax (private concert)
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Saturday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Friday
Pete Smyser Trio (gtr, bass, drums) at The Cafe
7:00pm - 9:30pm
Thursday
Guitar & Sax (private concert)
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday
Guitar & Sax duo (private Concert)
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday
Guitar & Sax (private concert)
7:45pm - 8:45pm
Tuesday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Sunday
Guitar & Sax duo (private N.Y.E. event)
4:30pm - 6:00pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax at The Cafe (Bethlehem PA)
7:00pm - 9:30pm
Friday
Solo Guitar (wedding ceremony & cocktail hour
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Wednesday
Guitar & Sax (private concert)
7:30pm - 8:30pm
Tuesday
Guitar & Sax (private concert)
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Sunday
Guitar & Sax duo (private event)
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony & Cocktails (solo guitar)
5:45pm - 7:45pm
Thursday
Guitar & Sax duo (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Wednesday
Guitar & Sax duo (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Tuesday
Solo Guitar (corporate event)
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Tuesday
Guitar & Sax (private concert)
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Sunday
Guitar & Sax duo (private event)
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Saturday
Solo gtr wedding (ceremony & reception)
5:00pm - 10:30pm
Thursday
Guitar & Sax (private concert)
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Sunday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Saturday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Friday
Solo Guitar (wedding ceremony)
4:30pm - 5:45pm
Tuesday
Solo Guitar (private event)
4:30pm - 6:30pm
Sunday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Saturday
Guitar & Sax duo (wedding cerermony & cocktails)
3:30pm - 5:30pm
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony & Cocktails (solo guitar)
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Thursday
Solo Guitar (private event)
6:30pm - 9:00pm
Tuesday
Solo Guitar (private event)
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Tuesday
Guitar & Sax (private concert)
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Sunday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony & Cocktails (solo guitar)
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Friday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Saturday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Friday
Solo Guitar (private event)
4:30pm - 5:30pm
Wednesday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Saturday
Solo gtr wedding (ceremony & reception)
3:30pm - 8:30pm
Friday
Guitar & Upright Bass at The Cafe in Bethlehem
7:00pm - 9:30pm
Thursday
Jazz Trio (private event)
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Sunday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Saturday
Guitar & Sax duo - wedding cocktail hour
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Friday
Wedding Ceremony & Cocktail Hour
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:30pm - 5:30pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Sunday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Saturday
Guiar & Sax at The Cafe in Bethlehem
7:00pm - 9:30pm
Saturday
Solo Guitar (wedding ceremony)
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Thursday
Guitar & Sax - private concert
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday
Guitar & Sax (private concert)
6:15pm - 8:30pm
Sunday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Saturday
Solo Guitar (wedding ceremony & cocktail hour)
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Monday
Solo Guitar (private event)
1:30pm - 6:00pm
Sunday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony (solo gtr)
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Thursday
Guitar & Sax (private concert)
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax at The Cafe in Bethlehem
7:00pm - 9:30pm
Thursday
Jazz Quartet (private concert)
7:30pm - 8:30pm
Saturday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Thursday
Guitar & Sax Duo (private concert)
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday
Jazz Quartet (private concert)
8:00pm - 9:00pm
Sunday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Saturday
Wedding Cocktail Hour (solo guitar)
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony & Reception (quintet)
5:30pm - 10:00pm
Sunday
Solo Guitar Wedding Ceremony & Jazz Trio Cocktails
2:00pm - 6:00pm
Saturday
Wedding
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax duo (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Sunday
Wedding Ceremony (solo guitar) & Quintet Reception
12:00pm - 4:30pm
Saturday
Solo Guitar (wedding ceremony & cocktail hour)
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Friday
Wedding
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Wednesday
Jazz Trio (private concert)
7:30pm - 8:30pm
Saturday
Wedding
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony & Luncheon (solo guitar)
11:00am - 1:00pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax (jazz at The Cafe in Bethlehem)
7:00pm - 9:30pm
Thursday
Guitar & Sax Duo (private concert)
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday
Solo Gtr (private performance)
1:30pm - 6:00pm
Sunday
Guitar & Sax duo (private event)
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Sunday
Solo Guitar - wedding brunch
9:00am - 11:30pm
Saturday
Wedding
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax duo (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Tuesday
Guitar & Sax (private event)
1:30pm - 4:30pm
Sunday
Guitar & Sax duo (private event)
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Saturday
Wedding
3:30pm - 5:30pm
Sunday
Wedding Music (New Tripoli, PA)
3:30pm - 6:00pm
Saturday
Solo Guitar @ The Cafe (Bethlehem, PA)
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax duo (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Monday
Jazz Trio (private concert)
7:15pm - 8:15pm
Saturday
Wedding (solo ceremony, duo w/ sax for cocktails)
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Friday
Wedding Ceremony & Reception (solo guitar)
4:00pm - 7:00pm
Thursday
Jazz Trio (private concert)
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony & Cocktails (solo gtr)
4:30pm - 6:30pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax duo (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Wednesday
Guitar & Sax duo (private event)
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Sunday
Guitar & Sax duo (private event)
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Saturday
Wedding
4:45pm - 9:15pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax duo (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony (solo guitar)
5:00pm - 6:00pm
Saturday
Solo Guitar (private event - HS Reunion)
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax duo (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Thursday
Guitar & Sax Duo (private concert)
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Wednesday
Solo Guitar at Talamore Country Club
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Friday
Jazz Trio - The Cafe (Bethlehem, PA)
7:00pm - 9:30pm
Saturday
Guitar & Sax duo (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Thursday
Solo Guitar (Private Event - luncheon)
12:00pm - 1:30pm
Wednesday
Solo Guitar - private function
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Sunday
Guitar & Sax duo (private event)
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony & Cocktails (Violin & Guitar Duo)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax Duo @ The Cafe (Bethlehem)
7:00pm - 9:30pm
Monday
Solo Guitar (private event)
1:30pm - 6:00pm
Sunday
Guitar & Sax duo (private event)
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Saturday
Solo Guitar (wedding ceremony)
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Sunday
Solo Guitar (wedding ceremony)
10:30am - 11:30am
Saturday
Guitar & Sax duo - wedding cocktail hour
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Thursday
Guitar & Sax Duo (private function)
10:30am - 11:30am
Wednesday
Solo Guitar (private Country Club event)
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Tuesday
Guitar & Sax (private concert)
7:45pm - 8:45pm
Sunday
Guitar & Sax Duo (private event)
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony (solo guitar)
4:30pm - 5:30pm
Sunday
Guitar & Sax Duo (private event)
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax Duo (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Sunday
Solo Guitar @ Crate & Barrel (private event)
9:00am - 11:00am
Saturday
Guitar & Sax Duo (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Friday
Solo Guitar at The Cafe (Bethlehem, PA)
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Thursday
Guitar & Sax Duo (private concert)
6:45pm - 7:45pm
Monday
Jazz Trio (private concert)
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
Guitar & Sax duo (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Friday
Wedding ceremony & cocktail hr (solo gtr)
4:30pm - 6:30pm
Sunday
Guitar & Sax duo (private event)
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax @ The Cafe (Bethlehem, PA)
7:00pm - 9:30pm
Sunday
Guitar & Sax duo (private event)
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Saturday
Jazz Trio (private concert)
7:30pm - 8:30pm
Saturday
Pete Smyser Trio (jazz) @ The Cafe (Bethlehem, PA)
7:00pm - 9:30pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax duo (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Saturday
Solo Guitar (wedding ceremony & reception)
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax Duo (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Thursday
Solo Guitar (private event)
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Tuesday
Jazz Trio (private concert)
7:15pm - 8:00pm
Monday
Guitar & Sax Duo (private concert)
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
Guitar & Sax Duo (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Wednesday
Jazz Quartet (private concert)
8:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday
Solo Guitar (The Cafe in Bethlehem, PA)
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax Duo (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Thursday
Guitar & Sax Duo (private concert)
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday
Guitar & Sax Duo (private concert)
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Sunday
Guitar & Sax Duo (private event)
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Saturday
Solo Guitar (wedding ceremony)
4:30pm - 6:00pm
Wednesday
Guitar & Sax Duo (private concert)
7:30pm - 8:30pm
Saturday
Guitar & Sax Duo (NYE private event)
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax Duo (The Cafe - Bethlehem, PA)
7:00pm - 9:30pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax Duo (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax Duo (The Cafe in Bethlehem, PA)
7:00pm - 9:30pm
Thursday
Solo Guitar (Christmas Party - private event)
4:45pm - 6:15pm
Wednesday
Guitar & Sax Duo (Christmas Party - private event)
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday
Guitar & Sax Duo (private event)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Wednesday
Corporate Event
6:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Wilmington, DE
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
5:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Philadelphia, PA
I offer my clients a choice of songs from several repertoire lists that are available on my website (or via email as PDFs). These lists contain well over 1500 songs in a variety of styles.
I can learn new songs for an event, but I limit it to two new songs for any single event. There is an additional charge for the time involved. There are some requests that I will decline if I feel that the requested song will not work well with the instrument combination hired. If there are certain “must play” requests for your event, then it is important to discuss them prior to booking.
When I perform a song, it will be my interpretation of the song and not an attempt to sound exactly like another artist or rendition.
My influences are varied throughout many genres (classical, rock, jazz, etc.) and too numerous to list. I don't aim to sound like anyone else. I have my own unique approach and musical style that is demonstrated through my various videos on my YouTube Channel.
Armless chair
Access to a nearby electrical outlet
A 5 foot by 7 foot space is required for a solo guitar booking (larger for a duo, trio, etc.)
Guitarist