Melonbelly Acoustic Guitar Duo
Overview
2008 Rising Star Award Winner and Voted Favorite Wedding Entertainment for Three Years Running in The Brides Book, Melonbelly specializes in high quality live music for events: from oldies, blues, bluegrass, beach music, country and classic rock to present day hits. Shows are fun for all ages and feature intricate guitar playing, vocal harmony, harmonica and percussion. Melonbelly is available for weddings, corporate parties, anniversaries, birthdays, festivals, grand openings and all special events. Melonbelly is a perfect fit for smaller venues where a large band would not be appropriate. More info including song samples, song list and client testimonials on our website.
Reviews
10 reviews
John V.
February 7, 2022GREAT BAND!
Absolute gentlemen! And played some amazing music!
Hired as: Acoustic Band
Melonbelly Acoustic Guitar Duo
Thank you John! Looking forward to next time.👍
Adam W.
June 26, 2021Birthday party
Clifton was a fantastic addition to our event and was punctual (even though I gave him the wrong initial address!), responsive, friendly and talented!
Hired as: Guitarist
Meg D.
May 2, 2018Melonbelly made it a special night
Melonbelly played at our rehearsal party at Jimmy V's in Raleigh. Our guests loved them! They entertained our group with a range of live music while people mingled and enjoyed themselves. Plus they were so easy to work with which made this duo doubly nice for me.
Hired as: 1970s Era Entertainment, 1990s Era Entertainment, 2000s Era Entertainment, Bluegrass Band, Guitarist, Party Band
Melonbelly Acoustic Guitar Duo
Thank you Meg!!
Lauren N.
October 2, 2017Reception Music
We had Melonbelly for our wedding reception in downtown Raleigh last night and they were amazing! It was important to us to have live music at our wedding and they did not disappoint! As soon as we got to the reception guests were raving about the music during the cocktail hour. Clifton and Burke even learned a song for our first dance and we keep bringing up how special that was. They had everyone enjoying themselves the whole night. Melonbelly played a huge role in our wedding and we feel lucky to have had them!
Hired as: Wedding Band
Mark L.
August 7, 2017Perfect!
Burke and Clifton were an excellent match for the venue and audience of 500! Playing inside a tight venue can present lots of challenges, however they were very accommodating and sounded great! Very professional as well as talented - lots of compliments from many of our guests. Look forward to working with them again!
Hired as: Corporate Entertainment
Booking information
Price range: $1200 and up
Languages: English
Gig length: 15 - 360 minutes
Insurance: $500,000 - General Liability Coverage
Unions: ASCAP And BMI
What to expect
From large outdoor festival stages to an intimate gathering of friends and family, Melonbelly combines male vocal harmony (think Everly Brothers meets Simon and Garfunkel), intricate guitar playing (with influences like Eric Clapton, James Taylor, Jimi Hendrix and Dave Matthews), plus harmonica, tambourine and shaker (Neil Young, Bob Dylan) to create music that is memorable and fun. Prepare for a huge variety of music from Motown, oldies, beach, country, blues, bluegrass, early rock and roll and classic rock to current artists' hits or make specific requests to suit your special occasion. Songs by Elvis, Van Morrison, CCR, Eric Clapton, The Allman Brothers, Jimmy Buffett, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Alison Krauss, Norah Jones, James Taylor, Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, U2 and many many others. Many clients appreciate that Melonbelly can easily control their volume so that guests can have a conversation while enjoying the music. This makes Melonbelly a perfect fit for smaller venues where a large band would not be appropriate. All sound equipment, DJ music in any style during breaks or as a portion of the event, MC service (announcing the wedding party and working with event planners to assist in the flow of the event), a microphone for announcements and toasts are all included at no additional charge. For more information please also visit our website.
About
About Melonbelly:
An award-winning acoustic guitar duo, Burke Long and Clifton Castelloe perform songs that are fun for all ages: oldies, Motown, beach, country, bluegrass, blues and classic rock to modern day hits. Shows feature vocal harmony, intricate guitar, harmonica and percussion. Melonbelly is available immediately for corporate functions, weddings, colleges, birthdays, anniversaries, festivals, grand openings, and any special occasion!
Melonbelly Performance Includes:
* Exciting and fun live entertainment
* Personalized playlist of favorites by Van Morrison, Elvis, The Beatles, The Temptations, Eric Clapton, Johnny Cash, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Alison Krauss, James Taylor, Jimmy Buffett, The Allman Brothers, Norah Jones, Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson, U2, Ben Harper and many others!
* Professional sound equipment
* Complete DJ service in any style during breaks or for a portion of the night
* Experienced MC service
(announcing the wedding party and working with event planners to assist with the flow of the evening)
* A microphone for announcements and toasts
*More information including song samples, a complete song list, photos from past events, and client testimonials are available on our website.
________________________________________
Burke Long:
Burke Long writes, sings, plays and records music of the American South with influences such as Buddy Holly, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and Tom Petty. His music is melodic and well-crafted
rock. He has opened shows for The Jayhawks, Hootie & The Blowfish, and Patty Loveless. He was selected twice to perform at the BMI Crossroads Showcase in Memphis, TN, once fronting his own band and the second time as a solo acoustic artist. He is currently putting the finishing touches on his new CD, Cold Winter Moon and preparing for a return to Nashville's famed Bluebird Cafe.
Clifton Castelloe:
A life-long student of music and songwriting, Clifton Castelloe also writes, records and performs his own music which can be found online on Amazon, iTunes, CD Baby, Connect, and others.
His songs have appeared in several feature films and in TV shows on A&E, NBC, The Biography Channel, E! Network, HGTV, and MTV. His single, "Unbreakable", won Honorable Mention in the Billboard World Song Contest and his song "Lost in a Cave" was recently featured in an episode of "The Ghost Whisperer" on CBS.
Additional booking notes
For events larger than 500 people, please request Melonbelly official rider and stage plot.
Past booked events
September 2025
01
Monday
Personal Occasion
10:00am - 2:00pm
•
St Matthews, SC
July 2024
03
Wednesday
Holiday Party
12:00pm - 1:30pm
•
Winston-Salem, NC
September 2022
16
Friday
Corporate Event
6:30pm - 10:00pm
•
Charlotte, NC
August 2022
26
Friday
Cocktail Party
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Charlotte, NC
January 2022
08
Saturday
Cocktail Party
7:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Fort Mill, SC
June 2021
25
Friday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 9:30pm
•
Charlotte, NC
May 2021
09
Sunday
Dinner Party
11:00am - 1:00pm
•
Charlotte, NC
December 2019
11
Wednesday
Corporate Event
1:00pm - 3:00pm
•
Charlotte, NC
May 2019
03
Friday
Birthday Party
7:30pm - 9:30pm
•
Charlotte, NC
February 2018
22
Thursday
Corporate Event
6:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Charlotte, NC
July 2017
28
Friday
Corporate Event
5:30pm - 10:30pm
•
Charlotte, NC
Team
Set list
Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay -- Otis Redding
Crazy Love -- Van Morrison
Wonderful Tonight -- Eric Clapton
January Wedding -- The Avett Brothers
Loves Me Like a Rock -- Simon and Garfunkel
Ring of Fire -- Johnny Cash
Brown-Eyed Girl -- Van Morrison
When I Saw Her Standing There -- The Beatles
Crazy -- Willie Nelson
Free -- Zac Brown Band
Making Memories of Us -- Keith Urban
My Girl -- The Temptations
Stir It Up -- Bob Marley
Ain't Too Proud To Beg -- Rolling Stones
Sweet Home Alabama -- Lynyrd Skynyrd
Landslide -- Fleetwood Mac
Come Away With Me -- Norah Jones
Crash Into Me -- Dave Matthews Band
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) -- Carole King
Under the Boardwalk -- The Drifters
The Joker -- Steve Miller Band
Melissa -- Allman Bros
Don't Be Cruel -- Elvis
Let's Get It On -- Marvin Gaye
Sweet Home Chicago -- Robert Johnson
How Sweet It Is -- James Taylor
Save The Last Dance For Me -- Michael Buble
And over 200 More Great Songs!!
Influences and inspiration
Elvis, Buddy Holly, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, The Allman Brothers, Dave Matthews, James Taylor, The Temptations, Otis Redding, Norah Jones, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Marvin Gaye
Setup requirements
Safe dry 12' X 12' area with one power outlet or extension chord
Testimonials
Clifton and Burke: WOW!! David and I can't thank you enough for providing the music for our luncheon wedding reception. It was delightful to work with both of you. Being able to create our own song list personalized our day---there was something for everyone. We know that our guests really enjoyed Melonbelly, and we can't wait to find an excuse to have you play again!
– Cara and David K.
Hi Burke! We just wanted to take a minute to thank you and Clifton for a wonderful day last Saturday. So many guests asked where we found you and had many nice things to say about your talent. Everyone thought you both were great. We also appreciate the fact that you were so flexible and just willing to go with the flow. The entertainment at a wedding reception is so important and can make a huge difference in whether or not the guest have a good time (the alcohol doesn't hurt either). But really, I can't thank you both enough for being so great and for contributing to the success of the day. If you ever need a reference for other brides feel free to send them my way. We only have good things to say. Thanks again and have a great week!
– Jenny and Greg
Melonbelly was the ideal duo for our fundraiser. Burke and Clifton are entertainers, great musicians and sing in wonderful harmony. What a bonus that they were personable and professional. They were attentive to the variety of guests attending the fundraiser and their music selection was perfect for the crowd. Melonbelly was really a brilliant addition to the fundraiser this year. I have shared contact information for Melonbelly numerous times since the fundraiser and look forward to working with them and/or seeing them perform again. Any event, any occasion---Burke and Clifton will impress your guests.
– Beth P.
Melonbelly, Thanks for doing such a great job at our wedding. You played something for everyone. My guests were very entertained. We hope to see you again soon. Thank you!
– Chrystal & Rick A.
Melonbelly recently played at my wedding and they were wonderful. I have received so many compliments on the band. The guys were very accommodating to our needs and created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere by playing a variety of great music that everyone could enjoy. I can not say enough nice things about Melonbelly, they would be a great compliment to any event.
– Crystal W.
Dear Clifton and Burke, Thank you so much for making our most important day so relaxed and so special. We were most surprised and most grateful that you took the time to learn a song very special to us. You both helped our day to be fun, relaxed, and you added such a touch of class to our ceremony and reception. I would highly recommend Melonbelly for any event - you were easy to work with and really took the time to make sure that we heard everything we wanted. It is so nice to work with musicians who are truly interested in the happiness of their clients. Thank you so much for everything!
– Cortney M.
Our corporation consists of a versatile group of people. We vary in range, ethnicity, and music preference. The music selection and entertainment couldn't have been better in that it was enjoyed by everyone. From the cocktail hour, to dinner, to the karaoke... the positive feedback was resounding. Thank you for helping to make our corporate party such a success. We would recommend you without giving it a second thought.
– Cheryl T.
We LOVE the band! Where did you find them? They are perfect! Where can we buy their CD? Oh, and by the way, your wedding was beautiful.â€Â…These are just a few of the comments we heard at our wedding reception, and we still have guests emailing us with similar remarks to this day! From the moment we talked with Cliff and Burke and listened to their music, we knew we had found our guys! They have such a huge repertoire of songs, and they even offered to learn a song or two if necessary. They were extremely professional, yet laid back and went out of their way countless times to make sure we felt relaxed and at ease. More than anything, Cliff and Burke are extremely nice guys who genuinely cared about making our wedding day special.
– Tracy T.