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Jaik Willis
- Chicago, IL
- One Man Band
- Travels up to 3000 miles
- $200-600
Overview
Jaik Willis is a nationally touring performer based in Chicago, executing 300+ shows per year. He has a repertoire of literally thousands of songs in wildly varying genres from Folk to R&B to Metal to Jazz to Classic Rock to Blues to A Capella Beat-Box & beyond, whatever the situation calls for.
He can play drumset with his feet while playing guitar & harmonica while singing & beatboxing simultaneously.
He has shared bills with artists such as Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg, Wilco, Bela Fleck, MMW, Del McCoury, NIN, Big Brother & the Holding Company. Jaik Willis got a shout out in Rolling Stone magazine for his vocal contribution to the Bassnectar album “FreeStyle” that debuted at #1 on iTunes
45 Reviews
Jaik's authentic approach to music brought a lot to our event at McCormick Place. He was great to work with and even greater to listen to.
Guitarist, Harmonica Player, Multi-Instrumentalist, One Man Band
Jaik Willis is an exceptional performer who made our company Christmas party at Schillings unforgettable. His unique ability to play multiple instruments at once, combined with his vast repertoire across various genres, impressed everyone. Jaik’s energy and connection with the audience created a lively atmosphere that had people raving, including our CEO! Feedback from employees was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting how much they enjoyed his music. Jaik’s talent and professionalism were key to the success of our event. Highly recommend—five stars!
One Man Band, Acoustic Band, Blues Band, Folk Band, Folk Singer, Guitarist, Multi-Instrumentalist, Singing Guitarist
Jaik was absolutely Kick ass! He was the perfect vibe for two music lovers for a forest preserve wedding. He came with everything needed and communication and song choice was smooth and stress free. Not to mention he's just a badass performer with a really cool look! We are so happy and it made our wedding perfect.
One Man Band, Folk Singer, Guitarist, Singing Guitarist
Jaik was very punctual and got set up in plenty of time for his set. He was well received and turned some heads. Got a lot of positive feedback.
One Man Band
I hired Jaik for an acoustic set and he rocked it! His voice and guitar skills are great. He added some flair to some classic rock hits, which was appreciated by all. Highly recommend booking Jaik!
One Man Band, Acoustic Band
Jaik did a great job at my daughter's reception!! We received many compliments on our choice of entertainment. I would hire him again in a heartbeat!
One Man Band
Jaik was professional and wonderful to work with and such a great musician. We received many compliments and our guests really enjoyed the atmosphere he created!
One Man Band
Everyone had a blast! Jaik is such a GREAT musician who is able to play a variety of songs and instruments without missing a beat! We will be booking him again!
One Man Band
Super flexible and great to work with. This man is talented! Two years later and I’m still talking about his performance at my wedding reception!
One Man Band
Jaik was a delight. AT the last minute we made him move the whole 'one man band' set up from one location at the party to another. The venue was smaller than we had thought and he was easily able to adjust his volume accordingly. You can book him with confidence! He won't disappoint.
Jazz Guitarist, Jazz Singer, Multi-Instrumentalist, Rock Band, Singing Guitarist, One Man Band
First of all, Jaik is one of the nicest guys! Found him on GigSalad and he performed last night. So humble even after a night of blowing everyone’s mind! He is INCREDIBLE!!! Professional, on time, sweet as can be! It’s hard to believe he can stay so on rhythm and is seriously doing all that! Soo worth it! I’ll be collaborating in the future with him 100%
One Man Band
Jaik came to the event on-time, was hospitable, and of course is talented beyond belief! Thank you Jaik for coming in and capturing the attention of all of our guests and staff - your voice is beautiful and the ability to bring in and play multiple different instruments was amazing to watch! You definitely will want to consider Jaik to come and entertain your next gathering! Stand up act.
One Man Band
Jaik is an amazing performer. From beat boxing to Billy Jean to Whitney Houston, Jaik absolutely blew us away! He is a professional, ridiculously talented performer I will absolutely be booking again. Truly one of a kind! Thank you again Jaik.
One Man Band
I would use him for every event, every time, if he is available. SUPER TALENT right here! Everyone loved him and wanted more!
One Man Band
Jaik performed “imagine” by John Lennon beautifully and soulfully. He’s an amazing artist and I’m grateful it was so perfect. Thanks Jaik!!
Guitarist
Working with Jaik was nothing but positive. He significantly added to the experience for our event participants. His communication was great, he arrived on time, and we were blown away by his talent! He was very kind and enjoyable to work with. Our team would love to have him back for more events in the future!
Multi-Instrumentalist, Singing Guitarist, One Man Band
Jaik was absolutely amazing. He was entertaining, talented and a great addition to my birthday party in Chicago. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a great talent to add to their event. Thank you Jaik!
Acoustic Band, Guitarist
Jaik is the real deal. He learned every song we asked!! Wonderful talent!! The ultimate one man band who kept our crowd smiling and loving the mood of the reception. People were raving about him all night. His renditions of songs were from the heart and for a moment we were all connected through love and hope. I enjoyed every moment of the evening thanks to Jaik setting the tone. Much love and best wishes. Cheers to you Jaik and may our lives cross paths again. Sam & Andra
Multi-Instrumentalist, Singing Guitarist, One Man Band
Jaik was great to work with Very talented
One Man Band
This was the second year in a row that I hired Jake for our 4th of July parade. He was great and the people loved his music. Perfect choices for a day celebrating America!
Harmonica Player, Singing Guitarist, One Man Band
Jaik was amazing! Fun, kind, and an amazing musician! We can’t wait to have Jaik again!
Blues Band
Thanks Jaik for a great night of music
Guitarist
Jail was amazing!! My customers loved the vibe he brought to our shop and it definitely provided a unique shopping experience for my guests! Def will be hiring for next year 💪
One Man Band
Hired Jaik to perform at my husband's outdoor 50th bday party and it was just what we needed. We are big music people and have been missing live music and Jaik was a real treat! All our guests loved him as well. He is a very talented and gracious artist definitely do not hesitate to hire him!
Blues Band
Jaik was great. Amazing talent perfect for our backyard party. Everyone enjoyed the music and have already asked when we are having him back.
Jaik performed at my dad's memorial. He was so professional and played the most beautiful rendition of our requested song. So grateful.
Blues Band
Jaik is an extremely talented, hard working performer. He played a 3 hour set of solid songs that were exactly right for our event (outdoor happy hour at our cafe). We look forward to having him return.
Singing Guitarist
Absolutely amazing, The party starts when this guy begins, he really knows his stuff,It’s amazing how many instruments He put on stage . Stage was located in the middle of nowhere he never complained.Don’t even hesitate, he’s the best. You better get him before you can’t afford them anymore!
Guitarist, Reggae Band
Jaik played my backyard for a small group last week. All of my guests loved seeing and hearing his talent! He played a wide variety of songs and seemed to have one ready for every single thing that happened (rainbow outside—how about “Somewhere Over the Rainbow?”; police show up—how about the theme from Cops?). Highly recommend Jaik for his versatility and musicianship.
Singing Guitarist
Jack, was everything we expected and more....arrived on time, music selection was great, engaged our guests and he was as professional as he could be. We could not be more pleased with his services and hope to have him back!
Guitarist, Singing Guitarist, One Man Band
We have had Jaik play in our barn venue several times. He is one of the most talented musicians out there. Each show is different as he can adapt to any crowd and can create the party atmosphere you want. His wide range of musical talents are unique and refined. I guarantee you will not be disappointed in his performance.
Acoustic Band, Blues Band, Folk Band, Folk Singer, Guitarist, Jingle Singer, Multi-Instrumentalist, Reggae Band, Rock Band, Singer/Songwriter, Singing Guitarist, Street Performer, One Man Band
Fantastic musician! Prompt, professional, he made the process very easy. Highly recommended for any event that someone wants a very versatile and talented artist.
Acoustic Band, Blues Band, Guitarist, Multi-Instrumentalist, Singing Guitarist, One Man Band
What a fantastic entertainer. One man band. Endless catalog. Absolute professional. Highly recommend!
Guitarist, One Man Band
It was a pleasure working with Jaik. Everyone loved him and had a great time. Jaik made the whole process very easy.
Multi-Instrumentalist, One Man Band
Jaik was unquestionably the hit of our parade. He was prompt and understood the right tone to take with his playlist and just made the whole thing effortless.
One Man Band
I Had Jaik perform in my backyard for a small intimate party. He was very professional and personable and the music was wonderful. I can't wait until my next gathering.
Blues Band, Singing Guitarist
Jaik was amazing. Very talented. We had him come out for a townhouse courtyard event (socially distant!) this past weekend, and to say he was well-received is an understatement. Would definitely recommend him and hopefully have him out again!
One Man Band
We invited Jaik to come and play at our wedding after watching his videos online. It was fantastic! We had a small backyard wedding and he was able to play all our favorite songs that we had picked from his repertoire. All the guests loved his singing style and song selections.
Acoustic Band, Blues Band, Folk Singer, Multi-Instrumentalist, Singing Guitarist, One Man Band
We had Jaik perform at a corporate reception and the feedback we got from our team and all the guests was phenomenal! He is a fantastic entertainer and we will certainly book him again the next time we are in Chicago!!!
Blues Band
Would definitely use him again, and would highly recommend him.
Acoustic Band
Need someone who can shred a harmonica? Jaik's your man.
This was for a studio session, and he was able to record parts within his own studio and send me the tracks. The timeline he communicated was spot on, and the tracks were of the highest quality.
I'll be using him again.
Harmonica Player
He was even suffering with laryngitis, let me know the day before and even set up a back up just in case. We decided to just have him play regardless without singing. He showed up, sang as much as possible and made the event memorable.
I will be definitely using him again for my next event.
We had a great time. He played great music and had great vibes!!!
Singer/Songwriter, One Man Band
I LOVED THIS GUY WHEN HE PLAYED AT HOODILIDOO MUSIC FEST EPIC PERFORMER WITH SOME OF THE BEST GUITAR AND BEATBOXING SKILLS COMBINED WITH A RYTHMIC FUNK THAT SURE TO PLEASE ALL AUDIENCES I LOVED THIS GUY
One Man Band
Booking Info
Price Range: $200-600
Gig Length: 2 - 360 minutes
What to Expect
I have a very wide skill set and I'm perfectly happy to adapt to whatever setting is appropriate. On the one hand I can create a very engaging show playing drumset with my feet and guitar with my hands, while singing and beatboxing at the same time as a very active & entertaining One Man Band ; but I am also just as happy to lay back and play gentle background music when that is what is called for.
I have thousands of songs in my repertoire covering any genre or era you could want.
I also have all of the Sound Equipment necessary for most settings, and can provide that when needed.
About
Jaik Willis - ( solo acoustic / human beatbox )
Jaik Willis is a wildly unique One Man Band ; playing an 11 piece drum set with his feet while singing, playing guitar, harmonica, and beatboxing all simultaneously without any electronic trickery. He has 1000s of songs in his repertoire covering an incredibly wide range of genres and eras. Playing 300 shows a year with appearances at Bonnaroo, Summer Camp Music Fest, Dunegrass, the Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Fests etc; Jaik Willis got a shout out in Rolling Stone magazine for his vocal contribution to the latest Bassnectar album “FreeStyle” that debuted at #1 on iTunes.
Jaik Willis is a nationally touring independent performer based in Chicago, executing in the vicinity of 300 shows per year. He has shared bills with artists such as Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg, Wilco, Bela Fleck, MMW, Del McCoury, NIN, Big Brother & the Holding Company, Leftover Salmon, Justin Townes Earle, Digital Underground, Blueground Undergrass, Garaj Mahal, EOTO,The Schwag, Ekoostik Hookah, Tea Leaf Green, Split Lip Rayfield, and performed on stage with acoustic blues dynamo, Corey Harris, and Chicago blues legend Billy Branch as well. He has performed at innumerable festivals and major venues around the US including Bonnaroo in TN, Summer Camp Music Fest in IL, Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Fest, Schwagstock in MO, Dunegrass in MI, Terrapin Hill Music Fest in KY, Wuhnurth/Stable Studios in IN, Michigan Peace Festival, Tall Tree Lake Music Fest, and dozens of others per season.
Jaik has moved well over 15,000 CDs by hand with no outside assistance. His song “Leaving Vancouver” was featured on the front page of the Chicago Sun Times website accompanying an article and a 2 page photograph in the paper itself. Chicago Tribune ran a feature article on him in their Arts section. His song Checks & Balances was featured on Neil Young's website for over a year. He recently recorded with Stephen Perkins of Jane's Addiction, Rob Wasserman of Ratdog, Willie Waldman, & DeVante Swing of Jodeci.
His 4-octave voice stretches out in vocal solos, scatting and beatboxing; over his high-energy acoustic guitar work on original songs that are accessible and lyrically intriguing. The focus is on keeping the show fun for the audience.
Jaik trained at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Illinois and California State Universities' music departments, and in Hollywood's Musician's Institute as their youngest student when he was 16 years-old. He spent all of his teen-age years practicing 10-16 hours per day. After studying jazz and Euro-classical music, Jaik received an ethno-musicology/ anthropology degree with a thesis on microtonal guitar music from Mauritania. He is always seeking performance opportunities and new avenues forward for his music.
"Whether playing progressive folk music on his acoustic guitar, beat boxing while singing at the same time, shredding an electric guitar for a jazz project or yodeling for Bassnectar, Jaik Willis always has tricks up his sleeve and the ability to impress in so many ways." -J-man (MusicMarauders: News, Reviews & More)
"The standout set of the day was Jaik Willis. As a one man band, this guy’s energy alone is astonishing. He doesn’t just sing, he belts his lyrics out, all while hammering on his guitar, dancing around, and stomping his feet as if the energy of his music is just flowing out of every end.” – (Soundfuse Magazine)
"Jaik is a hardcore troubadour somewhere in between Steve Earle and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. He has wandered around the USA like a modern minstrel, surfing sofas, car camping, and paying dues to sing the blues. It is a high energy solo show featuring Jaik's horn-like voice darting around a blistering broken-string approach to his acoustic flying V guitar, with original songs that are accessible, and message driven" - (Chicago Jams)
“He has a most unique soaring falsetto and a wild eyes rolled in the back of his head fierce guitar style. He writes original songs, including a fantastic song about Freedom (the gas station). Jaik's sound is somewhere between Anti-Folk and The Band and it is unlike anything I've heard from anyone else. His energy is fierce, his vocal range is inhuman, his beard is long. You've gotta check this guy out.”- ( Independent Music Center )
Additional Booking Notes
I can adapt to any situation.
Past Booked Events
December 11, 2024 • 3:30pm - 6:00pm | Christmas Party |
November 14, 2024 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Corporate Event |
October 25, 2024 • 7:00pm - 9:30pm | Cocktail Party |
October 05, 2024 • 4:00pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Reception |
September 21, 2024 • 6:30pm - 7:30pm | Festival |
September 21, 2024 • 9:30am - 11:30am | Bachelor Party |
June 06, 2024 • 4:00pm - 5:30pm | Cocktail Party |
May 25, 2024 • 4:00pm - 6:00pm | Personal Occasion |
May 19, 2024 • 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Anniversary Party |
May 18, 2024 • 7:00pm - 11:00pm | Wedding Reception |
November 10, 2023 • 7:30pm - 9:30pm | House Party |
October 28, 2023 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
September 13, 2023 • 4:30pm - 7:00pm | Birthday Party |
August 31, 2023 • 5:30pm - 9:30pm | Restaurant/Bar Event |
August 02, 2023 • 4:00pm - 9:00pm | Corporate Event |
May 27, 2023 • 6:30pm - 8:30pm | Personal Occasion |
February 05, 2023 • 12:00pm - 2:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
October 22, 2022 • 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
September 17, 2022 • 10:00am - 4:00pm | Festival |
July 03, 2022 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | House Party |
June 24, 2022 • 7:30pm - 10:30pm | Dinner Party |
June 11, 2022 • 4:00pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Reception |
June 10, 2022 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
May 30, 2022 • 12:00pm - 1:30pm | Studio Session |
May 21, 2022 • 11:30pm - 11:45pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
May 14, 2022 • 8:00am - 11:30am | Corporate Event |
May 13, 2022 • 4:30pm - 5:30pm | Anniversary Party |
April 20, 2022 • 4:30pm - 6:00pm | Corporate Event |
January 13, 2022 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Birthday Party |
October 15, 2021 • 6:00pm - 10:00pm | Rehearsal Dinner |
October 10, 2021 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Wedding Reception |
October 09, 2021 • 7:30pm - 10:00pm | Wedding Reception |
August 22, 2021 • 9:00pm - 11:30pm | Wedding Reception |
July 13, 2021 • 8:00pm - 10:00pm | Festival |
July 04, 2021 • 12:00pm - 2:00pm | Parade |
June 06, 2021 • 3:00pm - 4:30pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
May 22, 2021 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Dinner Party |
May 15, 2021 • 2:30pm - 5:30pm | Birthday Party |
April 24, 2021 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Birthday Party |
April 20, 2021 • 3:00pm - 8:30pm | Holiday Party |
March 06, 2021 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
March 06, 2021 • 4:00pm - 5:00pm | Birthday Party |
November 04, 2020 • 9:00pm - 11:30pm | Weekly/Recurring Performance |
October 17, 2020 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
October 11, 2020 • 4:00pm - 6:00pm | Birthday Party |
October 10, 2020 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Dinner Party |
October 03, 2020 • 11:00am - 12:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
August 14, 2020 • 2:00pm - 5:00pm | Cocktail Party |
August 06, 2020 • 4:00pm - 7:00pm | Restaurant/Bar Event |
August 01, 2020 • 7:30pm - 10:00pm | Cocktail Party |
July 18, 2020 • 5:00pm - 10:00pm | Graduation |
July 11, 2020 • 8:00pm - 11:00pm | Birthday Party |
July 11, 2020 • 11:30am - 12:30pm | Grand Opening |
July 04, 2020–July 05, 2020 • 10:00pm - 12:00am | Parade |
July 04, 2020 • 6:00pm - 10:00pm | House Party |
May 30, 2020 • 4:30pm - 5:30pm | Anniversary Party |
May 23, 2020 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Personal Occasion |
September 18, 2019 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Corporate Event |
September 15, 2019 • 7:00pm - 11:00pm | Corporate Event |
September 14, 2019 • 4:00pm - 9:00pm | Wedding Reception |
August 24, 2019 • 12:00pm - 1:30pm | Festival |
June 28, 2019 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Restaurant/Bar Event |
June 17, 2019 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Corporate Event |
June 07, 2019 • 3:00pm - 6:00pm | Corporate Event |
May 13, 2019 • 5:30pm - 7:30pm | Corporate Event |
May 05, 2019 • 2:00pm - 3:00pm | Studio Session |
April 05, 2019 • 4:00pm - 4:15pm | Personal Occasion |
November 13, 2018 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Corporate Event |
June 02, 2018 • 12:30pm - 2:30pm | Nonprofit Event |
March 16, 2018 • 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Holiday Party |
September 21, 2017 • 11:00am - 2:00pm | Cocktail Party |
August 04, 2017 • 12:00pm - 3:00pm | Product Promotion |
January 07, 2017 • 7:30pm - 11:30pm | Birthday (Adult) |
Set List
Aside from original material where appropriate or Human Beatbox performances, I also have thousands upon thousands of cover songs in my repertoire, literally weeks of material.
Here is a Random Selection of 50 covers from these thousands
If I know one song by an artist I probably know several – I can also learn requests if they are posed in advance.
Carlos Puebla- Hasta Siempre –
Agep – Ela Nao Gosta de Mim
Stevie Wonder – Signed Sealed Delivered
Lucinda Williams – Drunken Angel
Sam Cooke – A Change is Gonna Come
Bob Dylan – Don’t Think Twice & many others
James Brown – It’s a Man’s World
Bob Marley – Get Up Stand Up & much of his catalog
Toots & The Maytals – Sweet & Dandy
Nirvana- Heart Shaped Box
Lauryn Hill – Ex-Factor
Willie Nelson – Crazy, On the Road Again
Muddy Waters – Rollin & Tumblin
BB King – You Lost Your Good Thing Now
Elmore James – Done Somebody Wrong
Ray Charles- I Got A Woman
Metallica – Master of Puppets
Marvin Gaye – Let’s Get It On
Rolling Stones – Wild Horses
Neil Young – Harvest Moon
Beatles – Across the Universe
Paul Simon – Graceland
REM – Losing My Religion
Grateful Dead – Box of Rain
Ani Difranco- Napoleon
Patty Griffin- Sweet Lorraine
Gillian Welch – Everything is Free
Duke Ellington – Sentimental Mood
Thelonious Monk – ‘Round Midnight
Joni Mitchell – Refuge of the Roads
Johnny Cash – Walk The Line
Elvis – Jailhouse Rock
Edie Brickell & The New Bohemians – Picture Perfect Morning
Hank Williams – Hey Good Lookin
Patsy Cline – I Fall To Pieces
Woody Guthrie – Over Yonder in a Minor Key
Police – Message in a Bottle
George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic- If You Don’t Like the Effect
Sly & The Family Stone- Everyday People
Bruce Springsteen – Atlantic City
Martin Sexton – Cherie
Soggy Bottom Boys – Man Of Constant Sorrow
U2 – Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For
Marc Cohn - Walking In Memphis
John Lennon – Imagine
Leadbelly – Midnight Special
Norah Jones – Come Away
Roberta Flack – Killing Me Softly
Aerosmith – Sweet Emotion
Jefferson Airplane – White Rabbit
Wilco – Ashes Of American Flags
Misfits – I Turned Into A Martian
Setup Requirements
I can adapt to any situation