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Overview
Hey, thanks for dropping by - Ben Cottrill here. Let's make your event the best it can be with some great live music!
Whether you need an exciting live looping show with a soulful groove, a gentler heartfelt serenade, or perhaps even a bit of both, I'm there to make sure your event has an unforgettable live soundtrack with piano, guitar and singing.
After playing for hundreds of events, you can expect a professional & versatile performance, spiced with subtle humour and old-soul personality. Looking forward to meeting you & sharing some music.
- Featured on CTV's "The Launch" music series working with Bryan Adams
- Full band available for certain events
16 Reviews
We had Ben play at our wedding and he created such an amazing atmosphere!!! Very talented person and we’re so happy we found him. Greatly recommended!!!
-Lubo & Simona ❤️
One Man Band
I hired Ben for a client of mine having a backyard wedding. From the get go, Ben was so flexible to work with. Having a backyard wedding is not an easy thing, there's a lot of logistics to work with and Ben my ready for anything. On top of that, my clients had a custom request for a song and he absolutely killed it!!
Looking forward to working with him again! Thanks Ben :)
Pianist, Singer/Songwriter
Response from Ben Cottrill:
Appreciate your amazing work! Thanks Vinelli!
Ben was absolutely incredible! Our venue had a lot of hiccups the day of and Ben was so professional, kind, easy to work with and SO TALENTED. Our family and friends kept coming up to us to tell us how amazing he was. My bridesmaid had already decided who she’s going to hire one day to play at her wedding!! That should speak volumes! Thank you for everything Ben! You helped make our big day so memorable!!
Singing Guitarist, Wedding Singer
Ben played cocktail hour at our wedding and was the highlight of the day for most of our guests - they were blown away! We changed the order of our photos and rushed through them so we could get to cocktail hour to see him play. His voice gives me shivers and he played the perfect combo of classic slow and soulful songs. His version of Tennessee whiskey made me drop what I was doing and just watch him. He was very responsive, worked with us to figure out budget and timing and was so flexible, kind and made booking him so easy. Cannot recommend him enough. One of the musically talented guests at our wedding said “the way he harmonizes with himself with his pedals is so impressive!”
I don’t have photos of him back from our photographer yet but hopefully I can add it after.
Acoustic Band, Americana Band, Folk Singer, Keyboard Player, Multi-Instrumentalist, Pianist, Singer/Songwriter, Singing Guitarist, Singing Pianist, Soul Singer, Wedding Singer, One Man Band
Response from Ben Cottrill:
You've got this ol boy blushing! So glad it worked out, thank you Stacey. Congrats and take care! xo
Ben sang and played piano for a group of 40 ppl at a 50th birthday party I hosted and he absolutely read the room perfectly and had everyone singing along and dancing up a storm.
What a great talent !
Singing Pianist
Response from Ben Cottrill:
Had to be one of my favourite gigs this year - thanks for having me out Jullianna! Take care
Ben played beautifully and seamlessly. Everyone enjoyed his performance and we wouldn't hesitate to ask him back to perform again someday!
Singing Pianist
Response from Ben Cottrill:
Thank you so much Teresa, great to work with you and your team.
Martini Film Studios recently hired Ben to provide live music for our industry open house and family day. He exceeded our expectations. Without a doubt he is a natural musician, with a magnificent voice, wonderful crowd interaction and a great "look". He brought our event to life.
From the initial quote request, through to booking, and the days leading up to the event, he provided excellent communication.
I highly recommend Ben, and as an event planner myself, I will book him again.
Folk Singer, Keyboard Player, Singing Guitarist, Singing Pianist
Pulled of an exceptional show for our wedding. All the music nerds were geeking out over his incredible talent and great sounds, and everyone was just loving the tunes and dancing. Absolutely a perfect evening.
Folk Band, Folk Singer, Keyboard Player, Multi-Instrumentalist, Pianist, Singer/Songwriter, Singing Guitarist, Singing Pianist, Soul Singer, Wedding Singer, One Man Band
Response from Ben Cottrill:
My pleasure Todd, it absolutely was a great time! Thanks again for having me out.
Our residents absolutely adored him. He will defs be invited back.
Folk Singer, Pianist, Singing Guitarist, Singing Pianist
Response from Ben Cottrill:
I appreciate it Lauren. Hope to see you folks again soon!
Ben did a phenomenal job of entertaining everyone. Very professional and a great musician- I'd highly recommend.
Multi-Instrumentalist, Pianist
Response from Ben Cottrill:
Beautiful spot to play, thanks for having me Todd!
Ben was an absolute hit at our wedding, everyone loved his music and many guests asked for his contact info as they would like to hire him for future gigs.
Ben was an absolute pleasure to work with going above and beyond our expectations, learning new songs at our request for our ceremony and first dance. Ben's creativity and natural ability to capture the feel of the celebration through his music speaks to his incredible talent. Thank you for making the vision of our wedding come to life Ben.
One Man Band, Folk Singer, Keyboard Player, Singer/Songwriter, Singing Guitarist, Wedding Singer
Response from Ben Cottrill:
It was my absolute pleasure Mike! Had a great time being a part of your special day. Best wishes to you guys.
Wouldn’t hesitate to hire Ben again, if an occasion arises. Ben was entertaining and very versatile. Loved the acoustic guitar and his mixed repertoire from easy listening to music to get you up on your feet and dancing.
Folk Singer, Keyboard Player, Singer/Songwriter, Singing Guitarist, Singing Pianist, Wedding Band, One Man Band
Response from Ben Cottrill:
Thank you for having me Gwynne! Congrats on retirement!!
Hired Ben for 40th birthday party at our house. His communication was positive and very fast!
He listened to our requests for song choice and put together music for us. We hired him for an hour....but next time it will be 2 hours! At the event he was very friendly and professional. I would have attached a photo, but everyone was dancing and enjoying it.
Thanks Ben for making our event very special!
Singing Pianist
Response from Ben Cottrill:
It was a really lovely time to share with you guys - thanks for having me, Namik. Hope to play for you all again soon! 🤝
Ben was very professional and did a great job. I would definitely recommend Ben for your event and was more than happy with his performance.
Thanks again Ben.
Keyboard Player
Response from Ben Cottrill:
Thanks a lot Brandon, glad I could be apart of it!
Ben was amazing to work with, did two shows, great price, super talented!
Acoustic Band, Folk Band, Keyboard Player, Singer/Songwriter, Singing Guitarist, One Man Band
Response from Ben Cottrill:
You're the best Rick! I'll be back to play for you guys as soon as I can.
Had the pleasure of hosting Ben a couple times at my establishment. His original style, and honesty as a performer really resonated with the audience. He brings a whack load of covers, but also some genuine original songs that deserve to be heard. I'm always impressed when I see him play. Highly recommended.
Singer/Songwriter, Singing Pianist
Response from Ben Cottrill:
Thanks so much Steve - looking forward to many more great nights of music with you guys!
Booking Info
Price Range: $400 and up
Gig Length: 30 - 150 minutes
Languages: English
What to Expect
You can expect a professional, exciting performance featuring the best songs of the last 50 years, guaranteed to match the vibes in the room and keep the event alive. Ben is friendly, enthusiastic and can engage the crowd with upbeat songs, or play more chilled music in the background. If you lay out exactly what you need for your event, Ben will work to fit that.
About
They say “Storytelling isn’t about the truth, it’s about what the truth should have been”. For Ben Cottrill, a decade of performing on streets and stages across Canada has given him a story that defines his gritty Folk-Rock style and resonates with the west-coast romantic in everyone.
Ben Cottrill has kept busy in recent times - chosen from 20,000 applicants across Canada to appear on CTV’s music series “The Launch”, he was one of few select artists working with both Canadian legend Bryan Adams and industry mogul Scott Borchetta on the program. Ben also toured BC, Alberta, & Ontario with performances at the Richmond World Festival and Vancouver Shipyards Festival. His latest EP collection "Velvet Regrets Vol. 1&2" was released Fall 2020, and he continues a steady performance schedule around Canada, being named the 2021 Folk Artist of the Year from the Fraser Valley Music Awards.
Additional Booking Notes
- AC power, appropriate lighting, safe performance area with adequate space, free of hazards and suitable for electronic equipment
- Parking needed within a reasonably convenient distance, for a minimum period of 1 hour before the Event and 1 hour after the Event.
- PA system depends on event solo or band performance, can be provided by Ben Cottrill (reflected in rate).
*All technical info can be easily discussed before booking, so no stress if you aren't sure what's needed just yet!
Services Offered
Past Booked Events
| December 29, 2023 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Festival |
| August 12, 2023 • 4:30pm - 9:30pm | Wedding Reception |
| May 20, 2023 • 3:00pm - 3:45pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| April 08, 2023 • 8:30pm - 10:00pm | Birthday Party |
| December 10, 2022 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Christmas Party |
| November 01, 2022 • 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Corporate Event |
| September 24, 2022 • 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Corporate Event |
| July 17, 2022 • 4:30pm - 5:30pm | Wedding Reception |
| June 09, 2022 • 1:30am - 2:30am | Retirement Community Event |
| June 08, 2022 • 8:00pm - 10:00pm | Corporate Event |
| May 28, 2022 • 2:00pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| May 26, 2022 • 7:30pm - 9:30pm | Cocktail Party |
| May 05, 2022 • 2:30pm - 3:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| March 31, 2022 • 5:00pm - 9:00pm | Retirement Party |
| February 05, 2022 • 4:00pm - 4:45pm | Birthday Party |
| September 05, 2021 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
| August 28, 2021 • 8:00pm - 11:00pm | Wedding Reception |
| August 13, 2021 • 6:30pm - 7:30pm | Restaurant/Bar Event |
Set List
Set list varies on event, chosen carefully to fit the vibe of your event and will be discussed in detail before booking to make sure your needs are met. Lots of upbeat Folk, Soul & classic Rock songs on piano and acoustic guitar to choose from, with many more not listed. We can discuss if you have specific songs you'd like played that aren't on this list!
Dancing in the moonlight - King Harvest
Ou La La - Faces
Mary Jane’s Last Dance - Tom Petty
Cleopatra - Lumineers
Where Skies Are Blue - Lumineers
Gloria - Lumineers
Have you ever seen the rain - CCR
Proud Mary - CCR
Old Man - Neil Young
Heart of Gold - Neil Young
Harvest Moon - Neil Young
Hopelessly devoted to you - Grease
Tennessee whiskey - Chris Stapleton
You Should probably leave - Chris Stapleton
Friendship - Chris Stapleton
You are the best thing - Ray LaMontagne
Jolene - Ray LaMontagne
Hold you in my arms - Ray LaMontagne
Trouble - Ray LaMontagne
Shelter - Ray LaMontagne
Valerie - Amy Winehouse
Love is a losing game - Amy Winehouse
Tupelo - Jason Isbell
Dancing in the dark - Bruce Springsteen
Hungry Heart - Bruce Springsteen
Yellow Eyes - Rayland Baxter
Desperado - Eagles
Take It Easy - Eagles
Nobody knows you (when you’re down and out) - Eric Clapton
The Weight - The Band
Beautiful Stranger - Marcus King
Wildflower & Wine - Marcus King
The Man In Me - Bob Dylan
Don’t think twice - Bob Dylan
Mr Tambourine Man - Bob Dylan
Tonight I’ll be staying here with you - Bob Dylan
I shall be released - Bob Dylan
River - Leon Bridges
Mr. Bojangles - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
He stopped loving her today - George Jones
Into the mystic - Van Morrison
Sister Golden Hair - America
These Days - Jackson Browne
Maybe I’m Amazed - Paul McCartney
If you ever wanna be in love - James Bay
Hold Back the River - James Bay
Put your records on - Corinne Bailey Rae
Get Back - Beatles
Oh! Darling - Beatles
All You Need Is Love - Beatles
Don't Let Me Down - Beatles
8 Days A Week - Beatles
I Wanna Hold Your Hand - Beatles
Something - Beatles
You’ve got to hide your love away - Beatles
Rocky Raccoon - Beatles
In My Life - Beatles
Angel From Montgomery - John Prine
Hello in there - John Prine
Spanish Pipedream - John Prine
I just want to dance with you - John Prine
Pancho & Lefty - Townes Van Zandt
If I needed you - Townes Van Zandt
A change is gonna come - Aretha
Landslide - Fleetwood Mac
Our House - CSNY
Wild Horses - Rolling Stones
Sweet Virginia - Rolling Stones
My Cherie Amour - Stevie Wonder
Isn't She Lovely - Stevie Wonder
Love’s In Need of Love Today - Stevie Wonder
You are the sunshine of my life - Stevie Wonder
Signed Sealed Delivered - Stevie Wonder
Superstition - Stevie Wonder
Put me Thru - Anderson Paak
Sunday Morning Coming down - Kris Kristofferson
Making Me Look good again - Drake White
When i was your man - Bruno Mars
Drinkin’ Problem - Midland
Jamestown Ferry - Charley Crockett
Good Time Charlie’s got the blues - Charley Crockett
Sitting on dock of the bay - Otis Redding
You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome - Bob Dylan
Girl from North Country - Bob Dylan
Alone Again Naturally - Gilbert o Sullivan
Movin Out - Billy Joel
Crazy Love - Van Morrison
Tupelo Honey - Van Morrison
I Think of You - Rodriguez
Clay Pigeons - Blaze Foley
High Hopes - Kodaline
How i got to Memphis - Tom T Hall
There's a Tear in my Beer - Hank Williams
Jambalaya - Hank Williams
Lovesick Blues - Hank Williams
Cold Cold Heart - Hank Williams
Your Cheatin’ Heart - Hank Williams
I Can’t Help it if I’m still in love with you - Hank Williams
Please Don’t let me love you - Hank Williams
You Win Again - Hank Williams
Southern Nights - Glen Campbell
New Light - John Mayer
Something Like Olivia - John Mayer
Rosie - John Mayer
Daughters - John Mayer
Friends, Lovers or Nothing - John Mayer
Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran
Perfect - Ed Sheeran
You Are So Beautiful - Joe Cocker
Love, Love, Love - Donny Hathaway
Marry You - Bruno Mars
Ruby - Dave Rawlings
Alberta Bound - Gordon Lightfoot
Early Morning Rain - Gordon Lightfoot
Ring Of Fire - Johnny Cash
I walk the line - Johnny Cash
Mama you been on my mind - Johnny Cash
Flushed From the Bathroom of your heart - Johnny Cash
A Song for You - Leon Russell
Dream a little dream of me - Mamas and Papas
Haven’t Met You Yet - Michael Buble
Just the Two of Us - Bill Withers
Piano Man - Billy Joel
Just the Way You Are - Billy Joel
Vienna - Billy Joel
To Make You Feel My Love - Billy Joel
Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis
Your Song - Elton John
Sacrifice - Elton John
Levon - Elton John
Tiny Dancer - Elton John
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - Elton John
Rocket Man - Elton John
Bennie and The Jets - Elton John
Crocodile Rock - Elton John
Somebody to Love - Queen
Love of My Life - Queen
Rich Girl - Hall & Oates
How Sweet It Is - James Taylor
Fire & Rain - James Taylor
Carolina in my mind - James Taylor
Let's Stay Together - Al Green
Dancing Queen - ABBA
Changes - Charles Bradley
Easy - Commodores
My Girl - The Temptations
Let’s get it on - Marvin Gaye
Heard it through the grapevine - Marvin Gaye
Hallelujah I love her so - Ray Charles
[Easy listening/Jazz songs]
Fly me to the moon
All of Me
New York, New York
Feeling Good
Mack the Knife
Cry me a River
Summertime
Georgia on my mind
What a wonderful world
All I Do Is dream of you
Dream a little dream of me
A foggy day
Girl From Ipanema
Misty
Raindrops Keep falling on Head
So Far Away - Carole King
Don’t Know Why – Norah Jones
Influences & Inspiration
Ray Charles, The Lumineers, Elton John, Billy Joel, The Beatles, John Mayer, Stevie Wonder, The Band, Johnny Cash, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran (his early stuff), Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot, Leon Russel
Setup Requirements
Close access to AC plug, performing space must be dry/clean/free of hazards to electrical gear, reasonable lighting dependant on gig
Minimum 2 metres by 2 metres performing floor space (solo), performing floor space with duo/band to be discussed with client
Ben Cottrill can provide a sound system for most events. If client provides P.A, artist requires personal monitor & a sound check prior to performance. Details specific to each performance.
Reasonable cover for weather & temperature conditions if outdoors