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Nick Straccini Band
(36)
-
Ottawa, ON -
Wedding Band
-
76 Verified Bookings
Neal H. said “Nick and the 7-piece band were terrific! Great music, great musicians!”
Back to Singing Guitarists
David Leask
- Morin-Heights, QC
- Singing Guitarist
- Travels up to 200 miles
- Contact For Rates
Overview
He'll move you and groove you with traditional Celtic tunes, soulful roots-rock originals and high-energy covers that he makes his own. His seamless combination of looping and effect pedals deliver an amazingly rich, big sound.
• 20+ years experience as a full-time musician and over 2500 gigs at theatres, festivals, house concerts, bars, clubs, weddings, parties and corporate events
• World-class stable of side musicians to best suit your event
• International award-winning songwriter and experienced songwriting teacher who can write a custom song for special occasions or present a collaborative songwriting workshop
• Entertaining Scottish sense of humour and a force to be heckled with :)
7 Reviews
Sarah E. •
September 10, 2023
David played a great set and we had a very enjoyable event!
Hired as:
Singing Guitarist
Singing Guitarist
Stephanie M. •
June 11, 2021
David was so personable and professional for our virtual performance. He took special attention to every detail and set up a pub scene for us in his virtual performance. I would highly recommend David and will be excited to book him again for any future events!
Hired as:
Celtic Music, Singing Guitarist
Celtic Music, Singing Guitarist
Peter M. •
January 22, 2018
We had first seen David at the Fergus festival in the Tea Tent. We were absolutely blown away by his style of music and the way that he interacted with the audience so full of care and compassion. We then spoke with his wife after this venue to inquire if he could be the entertainment for our wedding. It was the best choice that we made! David’s style of music was exactly what we wanted for our wedding. His voice was so soulful and created an amazing experience for everyone that attended our special day. We cannot recommend David enough. He’s an incredible entertainer, has a wide range of music repatoire and really reads an audience well to know what would best entertain them and give them a place of comfort and enjoyment by the music that he plays. We are so thankful to know David Leask! He made our day even more special than we ever thought it could be. Seek him out for your next venue. You will not be disappointed!
Hired as:
Celtic Music, Singing Guitarist
Celtic Music, Singing Guitarist
Dj B. •
June 10, 2015
David Leask has performed at many annual events of our corporation for a decade already. From performing at staff recognition events, Christmas performances and at barbecues, David always plays the right mix of celtic, folk-rock, pop and his own brilliant songs to the delight of our staff. He sounds great every time. People even enjoy waiting in line at staff barbecues because they get to listen to him play.
Hired as:
Acoustic Band
Acoustic Band
Leigh A. •
May 19, 2015
We had the pleasure of having David perform at our wedding last year at the Steam Whistle Brewery. After seeing him play live at a local pub we knew his music was exactly what we wanted for our wedding day. He totally got the vibe we were going for and we completely trusted him to come up with an awesome playlist - which he did. He played during our reception and cocktail hour and it was perfect. Everyone loved him!
Hired as:
Acoustic Band, Singer/Songwriter, Singing Pianist, Singing Guitarist
Acoustic Band, Singer/Songwriter, Singing Pianist, Singing Guitarist
Kay M. •
May 15, 2015
David has entertained at the National BIA Conference and has been booked by many BIA (BIDs, BIZs) across Canada. A consummate professional, a phenomenal musician and entertainer. I would highly recommend him. His music has mass appeal, performing covers or his own multi-award winning songs. David is the whole package!
Hired as:
Singer/Songwriter
Singer/Songwriter
Kelly M. •
May 15, 2015
We have had the pleasure of having David perform during Summer Streetfest for a few years. He is a true professional and a pleasure to work with. Having him with us year after year is an integral part of our event – he opens our event and his performance always deliver a captivating sound.
Hired as:
Singing Guitarist
Singing Guitarist
Booking Info
Price Range: Contact For Rates
Gig Length: 30 - 240 minutes
Languages: English
Insurance: $2,000,000 - Commercial General Liability
Unions: AFM
What to Expect
Soulful vocals. Passionate playing. Great sound. A musical journey that perfectly intersects with the atmosphere of the occasion filled with pleasant surprises that create moments to be remembered for years to come.
Even solo, David uses a seamless combination of looping and effect pedals to create grooves and rich textures that make the audience wonder how many people are in the band. And access to a wide variety of world-class side musicians means that an ensemble can be tailored to the size and sonic feel you're looking for - from high energy Celtic to ambient acoustic to roots-rock.
But as a world-class songwriter and veteran songwriting instructor, David can bring something extraordinary to your event. He can custom compose songs for special occasions, collaborate and co-write music and lyrics with particular clients or provide a powerful creative experience for your group with his interactive songwriting workshops. Performance, education and composition - all customizable to make your event unforgettable.
Advancing the show with David is a pleasure. His professional and courteous business style and his wealth of experience in delivering outstanding sound to a variety of challenging setups, means the details get put in place efficiently and he provides a great resource to maximize the impact of the music at your event.
About
Originally from Jedburgh, Scotland, David is a powerful performing songwriter, who has built an artistic bridge between the influences of his birthplace and the fresh possibilities of his adopted Canadian home to produce four critically-acclaimed CD's and numerous international songwriting awards in different genres. Songwriters Magazine called David, "the most consistent Canadian songwriting competition winner." He was also awarded the Mississauga Established Performing Artist of the Year.
A seasoned and commanding performer, having played over 2500 gigs in the last 20+ years, David’s music draws from roots rock, Celtic and country, topped up with a pop sensibility that brings to mind the talents of Van Morrison and Jack Johnson. David’s live show is always musically rich, high energy and heart-felt, whether he’s playing solo, in a trio or backed by his 5-piece band. He has developed the ability to connect with a wide range of audiences and is as comfortable playing traditional material at a Celtic Festival as he is playing contemporary favourites at a Street Festival or funky country pop at a Civic Canada Day Celebration. David has shared the stage with such artists as the Waterboys, the Irish Descendants, Barra MacNeil's, and Natalie MacMaster at venues across the country where he continues to captivate audiences with the intensity of his performance and his Scots charm.
A gifted songwriting teacher, David has been a songwriting mentor for 10 years with the School Alliance of Student Songwriters, on the songwriting faculty for Guitar Workshop Plus, and has conducted numerous songwriting workshops at Folk Festivals and on behalf of the Songwriters Association of Canada (including the Folk Alliance International conference in Toronto in Feb. 2013), with students ranging in age from 7 to 70. David has the experience, passion and people skills to motivate any individual to write a song and to adapt his workshops to many different settings and needs.
"David Leask is a quadruple threat on stage with an outstanding voice, original songs, and stellar guitar and piano playing. His songwriting skills are second to none. There are few solo performers who can capture and hold an audience as well as Leask. I’ve presented him several times secure in the knowledge that he will deliver an outstanding show. David drew rave reviews and a double standing ovation at his last sold out show in Sudbury to an audience of 350."
Bob Bale, Sudbury Concert Promoter
“We have had the pleasure of having David perform during Summer Streetfest. His performance and style are perfect for our afternoon festival-goers. We had an extraordinary amount of positive feedback from merchants and partakers of the festival about his performance.” Kelly Morrison, Manager, Woodstock B.I.A
"Dave was such a rare treat to discover - one of those genuine talents with a truly natural connection between his guitar, his voice and his lyrics - a rare original."
Shari Ulrich, Songwriters Association of Canada
"Allowing these individuals to experience the thrill of creating, writing and recording music is something they will never forget."
Kevin Collins, Executive Director, Friends of We Care Foundation Inc.
"Leask brings to his music a compellingly honest baring of the soul"
Toronto Star
"Leask writes great songs... I've added him to an amazing group of talent that includes John Prine, Joe Henry and John Hiatt."
Brandon Sun
PREVIOUS PERFORMANCES
National Arts Centre, Ottawa, ON, The Rose Theatre, Brampton, ON, Nathan Phillips Square Summer Concerts, Toronto, ON, Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, Oakville, ON, Hammerson Hall, Living Arts Centre, Mississauga, ON, Canada Day, Mel Lastman Square, Toronto, ON, Sean O' Sullivan Theatre, St. Catharines, ON, Home County Folk Festival, London, ON, Summerfolk Festival, Owen Sound, ON, Owen Sound Celtic Festival, Owen Sound, ON, Live From The Rock Folk Festival, Red Rock, ON, Summer Music In The Park, Village of Yorkville, Toronto, ON, Unionville Concert Series, Unionville, ON, Summer Streetfest, Woodstock, ON, Engineered Air Theatre, Calgary, AB, West End Cultural Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Empress Theatre, Fort Macleod, AB
Additional Booking Notes
Details vary from gig to gig. Contact for more details.
Services Offered
Past Booked Events
| September 09, 2023 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Personal Occasion |
| June 05, 2021 • 8:30pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
| September 26, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | The Feathers Pub, Toronto, ON. 8pm. |
| September 20, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Harvest Chili Cook-Off Celebration, Port Perry, ON. |
| September 18, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Glencairn Golf Club, Milton, ON. |
| September 14, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto, ON. |
| September 12, 2015 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Taste of the Kingsway, Etobicoke, ON. 3pm |
Set List
This is a broad sample song list customizable to your occasion. One of my strengths as a performer is the ability to select a set list that fits for your occasion. But I also have the experience and flexibility to respond to unexpected factors with the audience or the circumstances and adapt my set list. For a lot of my shows, I perform a blend of Celtic traditional, popular music and original songs.
Celtic/Traditional Music
Wild Mountain Thyme
Raglan Road
Carrickfergus
The Mingalay Boat Song
Flower Of Scotland
Skye boat song
Wild Rover
Star of the County Down
Black velvet band
Irish Rover
Tell Me ma
Caledonia
Mull of Kintyre
Finnegan's Wake
Donald Where's Yer Trousers
Fields Of Athen Rye
The Green Fields Of France
My Love Is Like A Red Red Rose
Ae Fond Kiss
Rattling Bog
The Unicorn Song
Dirty Old Town
Loch Lomond
Mary Ellen Carter
Maries wedding
Farewell to Nova Scotia
Field Behind The Plough
Northwest Passage
Sonny's Dream
Barrets Privateers
Song For The Mira
When will we be married
Whiskey in the jar
Cockles & Mussels
Irish Heartbeat
Great Song of indifference
When I'm Up: Great Big Sea
Consequence Free Great Big Sea
Fishermans Blues: The Waterboys
Bang On the Ear: The Waterboys
The Whole Of the Moon: The Waterboys
Popular Music
One - U2
Into The Mystic - Van Morrison
These Are The Days - Van Morrison
Still Haven’t Found What I’m lookin for - U2
Drops Of Jupiter - Train
Babylon - David Gray
I'm On Fire - Bruce Springsteen
Daughters - John Mayer
Gravity - John Mayer
The Cave - Mumford & Sons
The Scientist - Coldplay
Living Years - Mike & The Mechanics
If I had $1,000,000 - Barenaked Ladies
Brian Wilson - Barenaked Ladies
Lovers In A Dangerous Time - Barenaked Ladies
Crazy Love - Van Morrison
Mrs Robinson - Simon and Garfunkel
Cecilia - Simon and Garfunkel
Bridge Over Troubled Waters - Simon & Garfunkel
Kiss - Prince
Through the Grapevine - Marvin Gaye
Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding
Crazy - Gnarls Barkly
Rolling In The Deep - Adele
Don't Let the Sun Go Down - Elton John
Candle in the Wind - Elton John
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
Before You Accuse Me - Eric Clapton
Making Memories Of Us - Keith Urban
Free Falling - Tom Petty
Can't Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley
Desperado - The Eagles
Pinball Wizard - The Who
Behind Blue Eyes - The Who
Unchained Melody - Righteous Brothers
Walking in Memphis - Mark Cohn
Fields Of Gold - Sting
Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen
Feels Like Home - Chantal Kreviasuk
Are We Human - The Killers
Lean on Me - Bill Withers
Aint No Sunshine When She's Gone - Bill Withers
Fat Bottomed Girls - Queen
Waving The Flag - Kanaan
Imagine - John Lennon
Let It Be - The Beatles
All You Need Is Love - Beatles
A Little Help From My Friends - Beatles
Your Song - Elton John
Rocket Man - Elton John
Twist and Shout - The Beatles
Hey Jude - The Beatles
Angie - Rolling Stones
Can't Always Get What You Want - Rolling Stones
Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond
Superman Song - Crash Test Dummies
You Can't Do That - Beatles
Norwegian Wood - The Beatles
In My Life - Beatles
End Of The Innoncence - Don Henley
Desparado - Eagles
Only Love Can Break Your Heart - Neil Young
More Than Words - Extreme
It's Not Unusual - Tom Jones
Delilah - Tom Jones
Green Green Grass Of Home - Tom Jones
Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison
Blueberry Hill - Fats Domino
King of the Road - Roger Miller
Home - Michael Buble
Home For a Rest - Spirit Of The West
Venice Is Sinking - Spirit Of The West
500 Miles - The Proclaimers
I’m On My way - The Proclaimers
Sunshine On Leith - The Proclaimers
Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana
True Companion - Marc Cohn
Heart of Gold - Neil Young
Don't Let It Bring You Down - Neil Young
Harvest Moon - Neil Young
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
Lost Together - Blue Rodeo
5 Days in May - Blue Rodeo
Bad Timing - Blue Rodeo
Try - Blue Rodeo
Falling Down Blue - Blue Rodeo
Faith - George Michael
City Of New Orleans - Willie Nelson
Sudbury Saturday Night - Stomping Tom
Hey Good Looking - Hank Williams
Ring Of Fire - Johnny Cash
Fulsom Prison - Johnny Cash
Leaving On A Jet Plane - Peter, Paul & Mary
Have I Told You Lately - Van Morrison
Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
Alison - Elvis Costello
Man On The Moon - REM
Wheat Kings - Tragically Hip
Let Her Cry - Hootie & The Blowfish
After The Goldrush - Neil Young
In The Air Tonight - Phil collins
Against All Odds - Phil Collins
Mustang Sally - Wilson Pickett
Take Me To The River - Talking Heads
Sweet Home Alabama - Lynard Skynard
Hotel California - The Eagles
If You Don't Know Me By Now - Simply Red
Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Queen
No Woman No Cry - Bob Marley
One Love - Bob Marley
Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana
Better Be Home Soon - Crowded House
Route 66 - Nat King Cole
Pride and Joy - Stevie Ray Vaughan
You'll Never Walk Alone - Gerry & The Pacemakers
If You Could Read My Mind - Gordon Lightfoot
Peaceful Easy Feeling - The Eagles
Get Here - Oleta Adams
Angel From Montgomery - John Prine
Long December - Counting Crows
Maggie May - Rod Stewart
Forever Young - Rod Stewart
Blowing In The Wind - Bob Dylan
Ziggy Stardust - David Bowie
Original Music
Words
Underneath
Breathing
Ready To Buy
Freedom By The Barrel
You've Got My World
Stronger Back
Photosynthesis
One Second Look
Highway Home
Burdens & Blessings
All My Love
Run Fox Run
All Of The Stars
Flying Home
Cold
100 Camels
I Can Hear Your Voice
Driving On
Made My Bed
The Other Side
Love Of A Mother
Ancestors' Eyes
Swim With The Waterfall
Talking Away
Slip Away
Tightrope Of Dreams
Five Minutes
Stronger In Broken Places
The Lasses
Influences & Inspiration
Timeless Traditional Celtic tunes, Robbie Burns, The Waterboys, Van Morrison, Paul Brady, Big Country, Hothouse Flowers, U2, Queen, Jason Mraz, Neil Young, Blue Rodeo, Eric Clapton, The Robert Cray Band, Bill Withers, Ted Hawkins, Darrell Scott, Marcus Hummon and many many more great songwriters from the past 6 decades.
Setup Requirements
Contact for details as it depends on the event and size of ensemble.
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