Jonathan Laird

Interested in hosting a show with me? Submit your info and let me know about your space & location. I've worked hard to make hosting a show fun & easy. I can use a PA, if you'd like. If not, that's cool, too.

These are a few suggestions to make your booking event as smooth as possible.

I will arrive at least 1 hour before showtime.

BEFORE THE SHOW

You may want to talk to your neighbors and warn them about the extra cars that will be parked on the street on the night of the event. The show may be amplified, but I love to play at conservative volumes, so it's unlikely that the sound level will disturb them.

Don’t forget to promote the event. Leading up to showtime, you’ll want to make sure you’re spreading the word to your friends and family. Social media is a great way to spread the word. Sending out personal text messages and emails tends to be even more effective.

FOR THE GUESTS

Consider rearranging the furniture to maximize the space. Though it isn’t required, you may choose to get some extra chairs for the night, whether they're from friends or rentals. It’s also totally fine (and certainly easier) to have people sit on the floor, which can sometimes make room for an extra 10-15 people. This is entirely up to you.

Refreshments for guests are not required, but always welcomed. Some people choose to do an array of appetizers, or wine/beer and small snacks.

If you have pets, you can always prepare to keep them in an area of the house where they won’t disturb the guests or disrupt your party.

You want to make sure that you have enough paper supplies for the bathrooms as well as trash bags for your kitchen.

FOR ME

I keep things fairly simple. I just need a space to stand, plus an extra 2-3 feet of real estate, in case there's a PA involved. If you have a small table that I could have nearby to place a few small items on, that would be very welcome, as well.

If I could have access to a designated 'green room' somewhere in the house, whether it’s a guest room or bonus room, I would always appreciate a private space to prepare before the show. If possible, some water would be a very nice touch, too.

I can also set-up merchandise before the doors open, and the table runs on the honor system.

AFTER THE SHOW

Once the show is over, I will typically go back to the 'green room' for just a few minutes to rest before coming back out to greet any guests that are still around, and pack up shop. You may want this to be kept to a maximum of 30 minutes in order to be respectful of your own time. (I'd hate to overstay my welcome.) ; ) This should allow your house to be clear approximately 45 minutes after the end of the show.

FAQ's

Q: What if my song isn't on your set list?
A: No problem! I love growing and learning new material. Just say the word!

Q: Why are the price ranges so different?
A: Prices are determined by the package a client wants, as well as the cost of doing business. For instance, a wedding 90 minutes away with a middle-of-the-road setup will be more cost effective than a full-package, cross-country gig involving airfare, travel, and lodging.

Q: Is my deposit refundable?
A: All deposits are non-refundable. While price quotes are negotiable, deposits insure that the requested calendar date for your event is blacked out for you, and you alone. As a result, all other potential offers to play are rejected outright.

Q: How much will my deposit be?
A: I accept agreed-upon payments in two installments: half upfront, and half on delivery.

Q: How soon should I follow-up with you to let you know where I stand?
A: The sooner the better. 48 hours is optimal. Although I would love to insure your slot will be set in stone, the reality is that my calendar will fill up, and I can't guarantee that the date will remain open.

Q: What types of events do you play?
A: You name it. Graduations, birthday parties, conferences, festivals, etc. The sky's the limit! The one exception would be the occasional request for something like a 15 minute appearance. At my price point, I couldn't, in good conscience, justify taking that gig for the amount I charge.

Q: Why should I use you?
A: I am very passionate about establishing good relationships with my clients. The best way I can do that is to treat others the way that I want to be treated, undersell and over perform, and provide each client with a quality performance worth their time and money investment. Be sure to check out the reviews to see what my past clients have said about their experiences.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask me.

Hi, there! Let me tell you a little bit about myself.

Over the years, I've established a brand as a solo Adult Contemporary musician, but I have many loves including rock, jazz, pop, country, and classical. I've never considered myself to be good enough to remain in one place for too long musically, and there's always something else I can learn from other musicians.

Although I could be considered a multi-instrumentalist, guitar is my first love, and more specifically, acoustic guitar.

I have a Promotional E.P. consisting of three original songs, and have recently finished my first full-length recording. Songs from the recording have been aired on 104.3 WZYP, and independent podcasts from the U.K., New York, and Germany.

I've recently performed with Alabama Music Award winner, Robert Abernathy, and also served as producer on Robert's debut album, "Sticks and Stones."

In addition, I've shared the stage with numerous independent artists, and written, produced and composed for indie film, ad spots, and actors reels.

I currently perform as a solo artist, am a supporting session musician for other groups, and am a member of the Eagles tribute band, Eagle Sunrise. I'm currently in the studio working on my second full-length album.

I've played several benefits, fairs, college performances, and festivals.

I throw myself into every aspect of what I do because I'm exceedingly passionate about it, and when people invest their time, energy and resources into hearing me perform, they deserve my absolute best.

I want to insure that they get it.

If the show is within a reasonable driving distance, I tend to bring my own equipment. The gear itself can change depending on what a client wants.

The list of gear includes:

Ibanez V70-CE Acoustic Guitar
Taylor CE-614 12-String Acoustic Guitar
Yamaha CG-1 Classical Guitar
Aria Pro II Hollowbody Guitar
Gibson SG Electric Guitar
G&L Telecaster
Fender Squier Stratocaster
Shure SM58 Microphone
1/4" Instrument Cables (2)
XLR Microphone Cable (1)
Presonus Firestudio Mobile Interface with 6 pin Firewire Cable
13-inch MacBook Pro
Boom Stand
Bose L1 Model 1 System
Eliminator Lighting LTS16 Stage Light Accessory -

2 x T-Bars
4 x Side Mount T-Collars
1 x Center “I” Support Bar
2 x Center Posts for Tri-Pod Stands
2 x 5” Truss I-Beam Sections
2 x 9” Tri-Pod Stands
6 x Safety Pins

American Dj P36 Led RGB Led Wash Light
EKOSTORE 3-Watt Led Stage Light Blue Water Wave Effect Rapple Projector Lighting
TSSS XL94 Magic Pattern Change 64 LED RGBW Stage Light Projector
GBGS 3W LED Pinspot Light Projection Lighting Effect (Blue, 4)
Chauvet Lighting Hurricane 1101 Fog Machine
Mini LED DJ Disc Red & Green stage lighting Light Projector Spotlight Sound/ Music Active for Disco DJ Party-Black

If the show is only accessible via plane ride, I will need ample time to coordinate with the client to find a well equipped music store to provide their needs, and discern who needs to pick up the equipment and when.