Bookings

It need not cost the earth to hire a professional musician for your function, to make it really special!

I have an extremely wide-ranging repertoire of popular standards from the 1890's to the 1980's.
I have some popular classics arranged by myself for accordion, and also a repertoire of folk tunes, including representative medleys from Ireland, Wales, Greece and Russia.

I also offer the following specialities, if you want a themed entertainment:

French, English, Italian and Scottish

Singalongs
For any of the four themed specialities, by prior arrangement only, I can provide song sheets for the relevant theme, and lead a singalong.

Dancing
I can play live for ballroom dancing and a limited amount of rock, pop, and disco styles. If a session of modern disco dancing is required, by prior arrangement only I can replay cd's or cassettes with excellent reproduction and volume.
I can play solo for Barn Dancing and Scottish Dancing, if people know the dances. That is feasible and economic if you are wanting just a short session of dancing.
However, for a full evening of Barn Dancing or Scottish Dancing, it is much better if I bring along my fiddler and caller for the real thing.

Strolling and Stationary
I am prepared to stroll while playing, for a short while. For the best quality and variety of sounds, I prefer to plug into my amplifier and accompaniment synthesiser. The equipment is compact and neat, and I am an excellent judge of the appropriate volume levels.

Space required
The ideal playing position would have a commanding view of the audience and a single mains plug or extension within 8 metres. The minimum space I need to play is just 4 feet x 4 feet. Except in a tiny restaurant, more space would ordinarily be available and would be appreciated!

Some odd venues where an accordionist is the best choice!

Trains
I have played on trains, in the Dining Cars. Recent bookings included black tie dinner parties on the North Yorkshire Moors steam railway, and the Northern Belle, the Pullman dining train.

Outdoor events... using just the acoustic accordion
I can play out of doors for farmers' markets, continental markets and the like. This is suitable for quiet environments, involving just the acoustic accordion, played under an umbrella if necessary! I aim to deliver a cheerful ambiance, whatever the weather!

Outdoor events... using amplification and accompaniments
Where there is a reliable mains electricity supply, and some contigency shelter, I can play out of doors for county shows, village fętes etc. Engagements successfully fulfilled in this manner have included vintage car rallies, city centre events, and promotions at railway stations and shopping centres.