The Shalalas
Overview
J.P. Shalala is available as a solo singing guitarist, or together with Deanna as The Shalalas acoustic duo.
Performing since 2007, J.P. combines vocals and acoustic guitar with harmonica and foot percussion for a full, engaging solo sound. As The Shalalas, Deanna adds piano, vocals and rich two-part harmonies.
Their wide-ranging repertoire spans decades of pop, rock, folk and country, from relaxed background music to upbeat favourites that get guests singing along.
Available for weddings, corporate events, private parties, wineries, restaurants and other special events throughout Southern Ontario.
Reviews
11 reviews
Anna K.
September 2, 2024Beautiful music at the wedding
We hired J.P. to perform during our outdoor wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, and he exceeded all our expectations! Many of our guests complimented us on how fantastic he was and how much they loved the songs he played and sang. His talent and performance truly added to the atmosphere of our special day.
J.P. was incredibly flexible and accommodating, smoothly transitioning from one location to another within the venue while staying perfectly on schedule.
He brought a great vibe to the event and was super friendly and personable with everyone. Since we weren't planning to hire a DJ, we asked J.P. to play our dance music list from his iPod and speakers at the end of the evening. It worked out wonderfully, keeping the energy high and the dance floor full.
We highly recommend J.P. for anyone looking for an exceptional musician to enhance their wedding or any special event.
Hired as: Singing Guitarist
The Shalalas
Anna, thank you so much for having me perform at your wedding and for the glowing review! Hope to see you and Keith soon, all the best!
Katherine K.
August 29, 2022Best find!
The Shalalaa (J.P. & Deanna) couldn't have been better and we received rave reviews from our guests. From first contact, to meeting them at one of their performances, to planning their role in our event, they could not have been more professional and nice. They learned new music for us and were spot on in execution for items in ceremony that were timed. Great range of music from oldies to contemporary. Easy listening for pre-ceremony to sing-a-longs to dancing, they handled it all. Thank you GigSalad for connecting us with this great duo. Could not be happier and we plan to continue to see them at some of their regular gigs. Great find!!
Hired as: Folk Singer, Guitarist, Singer/Songwriter, Singing Guitarist
Trish S.
July 27, 2026Great experience!
We had J.P. play at our small backyard reception…his music was great and he played such great songs that everyone knew and loved! Our neighbors have even been commenting how great the music was🤗
So nice having you J.P. Thanks for making our special day perfect!
Hired as: Singing Guitarist
The Shalalas
Thank you so much for the nice words, Trish! Hope to see you at the Irish Harp Pub sometime soon, all the best!
Anna R.
October 8, 2025Shalalas are a Dynamic Duo!!
The Shalalas sang at our 25th anniversary celebration years ago, and we continue to follow them at local venues since. Their music is amazing… instruments and vocals … the harmonies … wow!! Listening to The Shalalas is transcendental … it quite literally takes me to another place … nostalgic, carefree, fun, romantic… all the feels!!
Hired as: Singing Guitarist, Wedding Band
Ruth A. M.
December 31, 2023Surprise 80th Birthday Party
I hired J.P. for my husband's Surprise 80th. He is such a Great vocalist & entertainer. He was a delight to work with! He helped create a special song 🎵 which he sang along with my 4 teen grandchildren (which was devoted to their grandfather- Bubba). I highly recommend J.P. - he is the Best!!!
Hired as: Singing Guitarist
The Shalalas
It was such a pleasure working with you Ruth Ann! Thanks for everything and I look forward to seeing you again.
Give my best to the birthday boy!
Booking information
Price range: Contact for rates
Languages: English
Gig length: 20 - 240 minutes
What to expect
Whether you book J.P. solo or The Shalalas duo, you can expect an experienced, professional performance tailored to your event.
We know when the music should take centre stage and when it should provide the right atmosphere in the background. Song selection, volume and interaction are adjusted to suit the setting and the guests, from relaxed ceremonies, dinners and cocktail hours to more upbeat parties and events.
We provide professional Bose sound equipment and take care of our own setup. A microphone can also be provided for speeches or announcements when needed, and recorded music can be played between sets.
Most importantly, we arrive prepared, read the room and make the musical side of your event easy to enjoy.
About
J.P. Shalala is a professional singing guitarist from Niagara Falls, Ontario, who can be seen playing at popular night spots, weddings, private parties, casinos and special events.
J.P. also performs in a duo with his wife, Deanna, as “The Shalalas”. Their piano/guitar/vocal arrangements of popular songs are the perfect fit for special occasions.
J.P. has had many memorable gigs, including:
- Performing for all the majors of Canada in Niagara Falls at the FCM
- Casino Niagara and The 365 Club in the Fallsview Casino
- The Niagara Wine Festival
- Legendary venues in Toronto, such as The Horseshoe Tavern and Lee's Palace, as well as The Rivoli
- Many corporate gigs at The Art Gallery of Hamilton, Blue Mountain in Collingwood, Arta Gallery & Boiler House in Toronto's Distillery District, as well as Henry of Pelham, Inniskillin, and Chateau des Charmes wineries
- Many festivals such as The Paris Fairgrounds Festival and Hamilton's "It's Your Festival"
- Many restaurants, pubs and night spots such as AG Inspired Cuisine in Niagara Falls, The Irish Harp Pub in Niagara-on-the-lake, Mercer Hall in Stratford, Strada West in Niagara Falls, The Spicy Olive in Niagara Falls, etc.
- The Lazy Flamingo in Hamilton's Hess Village as a house band for years
- The Orillia Classic Car Show
- The Candlelit Stroll in Burlington (Christmas themed)
- The Out To Lunch Series at Market Square in St. Catharines
- Numerous wedding proposals, ceremonies and receptions
Additional booking notes
J.P. brings all necessary sound equipment, microphones and instruments, as well as recorded music for between sets.
All that must be provided is:
- Standard electrical power near the performance area
- Adequate shelter for outdoor performances
- A reasonable amount of space for setup
Past booked events
October 2024
03
Thursday
Corporate Event
6:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Niagara on the Lake, ON
August 2024
23
Friday
Wedding Reception
4:30pm - 7:00pm
•
Lincoln, ON
December 2023
29
Friday
Birthday Party
3:00pm - 4:30pm
•
St Catharines, ON
July 2023
08
Saturday
Dinner Party
6:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Fenwick, ON
June 2023
02
Friday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
5:00pm - 6:30pm
•
St Catharines, ON
August 2022
27
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Toronto, ON
July 2022
30
Saturday
Dinner Party
4:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Fort Erie, ON
15
Friday
Wedding Ceremony
3:00pm - 3:30pm
•
Niagara-on-the-lake, ON
November 2021
27
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
2:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Jordan Station, ON
February 2019
23
Saturday
AG Inspired Cuisine (Niagara Falls)
8:00pm - 11:00pm
14
Thursday
Cambridge Mill (Duo with Deanna Shalala)
6:00pm - 10:00pm
09
Saturday
Myst Lounge (in the Hilton in Niagara Falls)
8:00pm - 11:00pm
January 2019
26
Saturday
AG Inspired Cuisine (Niagara Falls)
8:00pm - 11:00pm
18
Friday
Cambridge Mill
6:00pm - 10:00pm
November 2017
11
Saturday
J.P. @ Mercer Hall in Stratford, Ontario
9:00pm - 12:00am (Sun)
October 2017
21
Saturday
Private Even
1:00pm - 4:00pm
14
Saturday
J.P. @ Mercer Hall in Stratford, Ontario
9:00pm - 12:00am (Sun)
September 2017
30
Saturday
Private Event
5:00pm - 11:00pm
August 2017
19
Saturday
J.P. @ Strada West in Niagara Falls
8:30pm - 11:30pm
13
Sunday
J.P. @ Southsides in Fort Erie
4:00pm - 7:00pm
12
Saturday
J.P. @ AG Inspired Cuisine in Niagara Falls
8:00pm - 11:00pm
06
Sunday
J.P. & Stacey @ Mick & Angelo's in Niagara Falls
7:30pm - 11:00pm
04
Friday
J.P. @ Mercer Hall in Stratford
9:00pm - 12:00am (Sat)
July 2017
29
Saturday
J.P. @ AG Inspired Cuisine in Niagara Falls
8:00pm - 11:00pm
22
Saturday
J.P. @ Strada West in Niagara Falls
8:30pm - 11:30pm
17
Monday
J.P. & Stacey @ Mick and Angelo's in Niagara Falls
7:30pm - 11:00pm
15
Saturday
J.P. @ Mercer Hall in Stratford
9:00pm - 12:00am (Sun)
09
Sunday
J.P. @ Southsides in Fort Erie
4:00pm - 7:00pm
02
Sunday
J.P. and Stacey @ AG Inspired Cuisine in Niagara F
8:00pm - 11:00pm
01
Saturday
J.P. @ AG Inspired Cuisine in Niagara Falls
8:00pm - 11:00pm
June 2017
24
Saturday
J.P. @ Mercer Hall in Stratford
9:00pm - 12:00am (Sun)
22
Thursday
J.P. & Stacey @ Mick & Angelo's in Niagara Falls
7:30pm - 11:00pm
16
Friday
Private Event
6:00pm - 10:00pm
10
Saturday
J.P. @ Strada West in Niagara Falls
8:30pm - 11:30pm
03
Saturday
J.P. @ Strada West in Niagara Falls
8:30pm - 11:30pm
May 2017
21
Sunday
J.P. @ 365 Club in Fallsview Casino in Niagara F
9:00pm - 1:30am (Mon)
19
Friday
J.P. @ Strada West in Niagara Falls
8:30pm - 11:30pm
12
Friday
J.P. Shalala Band @ Black Swan in Burlington
9:00pm - 1:00am (Sat)
05
Friday
J.P. @ AG Inspired Cuisine in Niagara Falls
8:00pm - 11:00pm
December 2016
23
Friday
J.P. @ Strada West in Niagara Falls
8:30pm - 11:30pm
10
Saturday
J.P. @ Strada West in Niagara Falls
8:30pm - 11:30pm
November 2016
26
Saturday
J.P. @ Strada West in Niagara Falls
8:30pm - 11:30pm
25
Friday
J.P. @ Strada West in Niagara Falls8
8:30pm - 11:30pm
11
Friday
J.P. @ Strada West in Niagara Falls
8:30pm - 11:30pm
October 2016
28
Friday
J.P. @ Strada West in Niagara Falls
8:30pm - 11:30pm
22
Saturday
J.P. @ Strada West in Niagara Falls
8:30pm - 11:30pm
August 2014
09
Saturday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Cambridge, ON
May 2014
17
Saturday
Other
7:30pm - 7:45pm
•
Niagara Falls, ON
August 2013
17
Saturday
Anniversary Party
4:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Burlington, ON
Set list
AC/DC: Rock and roll ain't noise pollution
Adele: Someone like you
Alabama Shakes: Hold on
Albert King: Born under a bad sign
Bedouin Soundclash: When the night feels my song
Ben Harper: Memories of gold
Ben E. King: Stand by me
Bill Withers: Ain't no sunshine
Billy Joel: Piano man
Black Sabbath: Paranoid
Blind Melon: No rain
Blue Rodeo: Lost together
Bryan Adams: Summer of '69
Bob Dylan: All along the watchtower, Blowin' in the wind, Knockin' on heaven's door
Buffalo Springfield: For what it's worth
Bush: Glycerine
Carole King: Will you still love me tomorrow
CCR: Bad moon rising, Proud Mary
Cat Stevens: Wild world
Coldplay: Clocks, The scientist
Daft Punk: Get lucky
Danny O'Keefe: Goodtime Charlie's got the blues
Darius Rucker: Wagon wheel
Elvis Presley: Don't be cruel, Heartbreak hotel, Hound dog, Love me tender
Eric Clapton: Before you accuse me, Cocaine, Layla, Tears in heaven, Wonderful tonight
Filter: Take a picture
Finger Eleven: One thing
Fleetwood Mac: Dreams, Landslide
Foo Fighters: Everlong, Wheels
Foster the People: Pumped up kicks
Franki Valli: Can't take my eyes off of you
Frank Sinatra: Fly me to the moon
Gary Clark Jr: Church
Greenday: Good riddance (time of you life)
Jack Johnson: Banana pancakes, Better together
James: Laid
Jason Mraz: I won't give up, I'm yours
Jimi Hendrix: Hey Joe, Purple haze, Wind cries Mary
Jimmy Buffet: Margarittaville
John Denver: Leaving on a jet plane
John Legend: All of me
John Lennon: Imagine
Johnny Cash: Folsom prison blues, Ring of fire
Kansas: Dust in the wind
Leonard Cohen: Hallelujah
Louis Armstrong: What a wonderful world
Lynard Skynard: Sweet home Alabama
Maroon 5: Sugar
Michael Jackson: Billy Jean
Nathaniel Rateliff: S.O.B., You worry me
Neil Diamond: Sweet Caroline
Neil Young: Harvest moon, Heart of gold, Old man
Nirvana: About a girl, All apologies, Come as you are, Dumb, Jesus doesn't want me for a sunbeam, Polly
No Doubt: Just a girl
Norah Jones: Don't know why
Oasis: Champaign supernova, Live forever, Wonderwall
Old Crow Medicine Show: Wagon wheel
Otis Redding: Dock of the bay
Pearl Jam: Betterman, Last kiss
Pink Floyd: Wish you were here
Queen: Another one bites the dust, Crazy little thing called love
Queens of the Stone Age: Make it wit chu
Radiohead: High and dry
REM: One I love
Red Hot Chilli Peppers: Scar tissue, Snow, Under the bridge
Serena Ryder: Stompa, What I wouldn't do
Smashing Pumpkins: 1979
Stars: Ageless beauty
Steelers Wheel: Stuck in the middle
Steppenwolf: Born to be wild
Stevie Ray Vaughan: Cold shot
Stevie Wonder: Superstition
Stone Temple Pilots: Interstate love song
Sublime: Santeria
The Band: The weight
The Beatles: Blackbird, Can't buy me love, Come together, Don't let me down, Eight days a week, Here comes the sun, I'm only sleeping, Let it be, Long and winding road, Norwegian wood, You won't see me, You've got to hide your love away
The Black Keys: Lonely boy
The Cranberries: Zombie
The Doors: LA Woman, Love me two times
The Eagles: Take it easy
The Lumineers: Ho hey
The Police: Every breath you take
The Ramones: Blitzkrieg bop, I wanna be sedated
The Rolling Stones: Jumping Jack flash, The last time
The Strumbellas: Spirits
The Temptations: My girl
The Tragically Hip: Ahead by a century, Wheat kings
Tom Petty: Mary Jane's last dance, Wildflowers, You don't know how it feels, You wreck me
Tom Waitts: Ol' 55
U2: With or without you
Van Morrison: Brown-eyed girl, Crazy love, Moondance
Violent Femmes: Blister in the sun
Weezer: Island in the sun
X-Ambassadors: Renegades
Note: Some songs require act with a female singer
Influences and inspiration
The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Tom Petty, SRV, The Black Keys, John Mayer, Stevie Wonder, Motown, Rock and Roll, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Queen, Black Sabbath, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Nirvana, Queens of the Stone Age, Ed Sheeran, Bob Dylan, Daniel Lanois, Jack Johnson, Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie, many, many more.
Setup requirements
Standard 3-prong power outlet near the performance area
Adequate shelter if outdoors
A reasonable amount of space to setup