- Athens, GA
- Classical Guitarist
- 10 miles from
- $150$ and up
Will James
Overview
Versatile solo guitarist for your small to medium sized event. Virtuosic instrumental guitar skills for occasions like wedding ceremonies, cocktail hour, parties - specializing in classical, jazz, and folk music.
Also available as a singing guitarist who is great with banter and requests - I have a large repertoire of pop hits from classic rock, soft rock, country, folk, and bluegrass!
Reviews
2 reviews
Carri A.
June 22, 2021Very satisfied
Our gathering even though we got rained out and had to come inside was perfect! Will was very accommodating and the crowd loved him! We’d definitely recommend him!!!
Hired as: Guitarist
Rhonda B.
May 30, 2021Guitarist for rehearsal dinner.
Will James was so professional and provided everything to make sure we had a wonderful experience. He played classical/pop music background during the cocktail and dinner portion of our event. Exceptional experience and would recommend highly.
Hired as: Classical Guitarist, Guitarist
Booking information
Price range: Contact for rates
Languages: English
What to expect
I bring my own equipment and sound system. This usually includes a PA, mixer, microphone/stands, and I have it down to a science. All I require is a power outlet somewhere nearby (I bring extension cables) and a stool/chair.
Many clients enjoy that I have a full PA and are more than welcome to use my microphone to emcee, make announcements, or (if you want!) do some live karaoke with me! I am very accommodating and, within reason, am comfortable sharing my equipment to help make the event go smoothly.
Dress: Usually button down with slacks and nice shoes. Sometimes bowtie or tie. I like to roll my sleeves up as it allows me to better play my instrument, and if playing outside I like to wear a hat to shield my increasingly bald head from the sun!
All of the above is subject to the clients' needs and I am very accommodating with requests and am quick to offer suggestions!
About
Classically trained at the University of Georgia Hugh Hodgson School of Music, I studied with the iconic John Sutherland for a degree in Music Performance in classical guitar. After graduation I began playing with an assortment of bands and artists in the North GA area. After years of teaching and performing I decided to take to the high seas and begin work in the cruise industry. I began as a member of showbands, performing night after night with many different theater, cabaret, and music headliner acts. One thing led to another and I discovered my gift of the gab as a solo performer and singer- I found my trained guitar skills compliment a bubbly and comedic personality and can definitely entertain a crowd!
I have left the cruise industry post- COVID and now work as a solo singer, guitarist, and entertainer with the rare gift of being a versatile guitar instrumentalist as well when the occasion calls for it. I now reside in Athens, GA and love traveling and performing in Athens, Atlanta, and the Carolinas!
Additional booking notes
Solo guitar act. I like a small space to set up, around 6'x8'. Require power outlet for PA and effects pedals (if any). I have extension cables, power blocks, and mic/music stands so you won't have to worry about any of that. If playing outside, a cover is preferred but not mandatory.
Guitar works best amplified. You would be surprised how quickly the sound of an acoustic guitar gets swallowed up by the ambient sound of any event, even an occasion such as a wedding ceremony!
Services offered
Past booked events
July 2021
08
Thursday
Wedding Ceremony
9:30am - 10:30am
•
Cleveland, SC
June 2021
19
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Roswell, GA
May 2021
29
Saturday
Rehearsal Dinner
6:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Athens, GA
Influences and inspiration
Tommy Emmanuel, Chet Atkins, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, Dave Matthews Band, Fleetwood Mac, Bill Withers, Bruce Springsteen, Mark Knopfler, Doc Watson, Billy Strings, Tony Rice, Elton John, James Taylor, Glen Campbell, Peter Gabriel, Johnny Cash
Classical repertoire: Villa-Lobos, Bach, Fernando Sor, Andres Segovia, Augustin Barrios, Leo Brouwer, Andrew York, Francisco Tarrega
Setup requirements
Stool/bench, cover (if outside), power outlet
Report Will James
Classical Guitarist
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