Austin Ellis
- Nashville, TN
- Singing Guitarist
- 262 Verified Bookings
Michael T. said “Besides being a fantastic singer and musician, Austin related well to the audience and captivated all. We went into this event hoping our guests would…”
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Singing Guitarist & Singing Pianist. Have performed over 1000 concerts. Will add your favourite song to my repertoire, which includes hits from 60's, 70s, 80's, 90s and today. I'll bring a warm, vivacious, and feel-good vibe to your event. I'm also a composer & recording artist, so if you prefer this 'one of a kind' approach, then I'll sing songs from my latest 4 albums. (Mostly mid-tempo sentimental songs). I offer end of the driveway concerts, use a clear plastic roll-up for Covid protected/permitted indoor concerts, and I offer virtual concerts, which I do either solo or w/multi-instrumentalist musicians. Pro-lighting, pro-sound, & hardwired ethernet cable 50Mpbs upload internet speed.
Music was great. Melanie is very personal and also business like
No issues at all.
Wonderful and would recommend her to all.
Not only was she talented and professional, a total charmer, our guests loved her ...but additionally she went out of the way to make it a good event. She came well prepared, stayed in touch before and after, filled a lot of tables at the bar with her following - we'd love to have her over again!
Melanie was wonderful!!! She showed up on time, very cheerful and had a lovely voice.
Melanie's voice is out of this world. She is engaging, professional and never disappoints. Perfect selection of songs for our event. This is not the first time we have booked Melanie, and would definitely book her again!!
Hired Melanie for a triple retirement party. Her choice of songs were so appropriate and her timing was impeccable as Melanie really knew how to read the audience. Received so many compliments on the entertainment.
Would definitely hire Melanie again if the occasion arises and definitely recommend Melanie Dekker.
Melanie provided an evening of pure enjoyment. Her music was well-suited to the theme of the event and everyone was very impressed. We all would highly recommend Melanie.
Response from Melanie Dekker - A Voice Like Chocolate:
Dear Fran, You are a caring and top notch organizer - so that certainly makes for a good performance platform!(whether background or featured)
We had a cocktail party in a limited space. Excellent singer. Fit in with crowd. Added spectaculor atmosphere. The party goers loved her music. Strongly recommend
Melanie and her team were fantastic. The members loved the music. What a talent . We will definitely have her back for other functions.
Melanie and her team were outstanding!! As a last minute decision, I needed live music at an event and not only did Melanie respond quickly, she provided the perfect music for our event. Her voice is beautiful and style so cool! Will definitely hire and recommend again.
House party.
Melanie communicated well and was a pleasure to work with. Melanie was kind enough to quietly set up early and back later with her band mates. Put on a high energy, interactive event with fantastic vocals, acoustics and electric. Melanie is not only a talented musician, she's a joy with her lovely personality and ability to connect with the crowd. Absolutely give high marks and recommendation.
Melanie and her back up duo Eric and Allan were fantastic. They played a great mix of Christmas, original music and feel good covers. Melanie was personable with our crowd and super accommodating with anything we needed.
Great performance at our Zoom Corporate Event! Thank you Melanie!
Melanie was such a pleasure to work with. Her communication was excellent, her personality lovely and she sings beautifully. My parents loved it and so did we. Thank you for making this special event happen!!!!
Wendy
Melanie performed for a small family event in our backyard and was even better than we expected! Her voice and musical ability is fantastic, but more importantly, she has high energy and a warm personality which made everyone comfortable with the intimate event. She played a wide range of music to appeal to every age group. Highly recommend!
Melanie’s performance was perfect for my parents‘ 50th anniversary party. Her song choices were perfect for the occasion, and her singing was charming. She arrived on time, interacted with my family and the guests in a friendly and respectful manner, and her equipments worked flawlessly. Everyone had a marvelous time. Thank you so much Melanie!
Melanie was absolutely amazing. I needed to find someone to sing I and my husband's song so I could propose him a new ring.
We both felt Melanie truly sing from her heart and soul which made everything magical and perfect ❤️
I can't thank her enough for her beautiful performance!!
She has helped me but the biggest smile on my husbands face, he even shed a few happy tears on our way home that day.
We both love what you do Melanie ❤️ keep up the amazing work, sending hugs!!
She was very talented, meshed well with the guests and would certainly hire her again. Would highly recommend.
- Did not use microphone (which was available) in open air (field) setting where sound dissipates and audience was spread far apart
- Chose NOT to go with client's song suggestion and chose one of her own compositions which audience was not familiar with and could not relate to
- Did not build/create connection with audience to illicit any emotion
Response from Melanie Dekker - A Voice Like Chocolate:
This was shocking feedback.
Here’s the clients email sent 2 days before the event the : “Apologies for not getting this to you sooner. No power source so please bring battery mic (if you require.)
2:45 (@ gravesite) VOCALIST Background instrumental &/or vocals
3:00 CLERGY Welcome followed by Opening Prayer: “23rd Psalm”
3:05 VOCALIST Amazing Grace OR How Great Thou Art (suggestions)
3:10 CLERGY Eulogy
3:20 VOCALIST You Raise Me Up OR Time to Say Goodbye (suggestions)
3:25 CLERGY Prayer of Commendation followed by final prayer “Our Father”
3:28 VOCALIST The Prayer (suggestion)
Hope this helps & hope I/we haven’t over-stepped any boundaries.”
I liked the “suggestions“ as she wrote them so included some. She’d previously asked for Rock of Ages & a sing along but said she no longer wanted that song. What I sang:
The prayer (as the Hearse was unloading) & After opening prayer
1. Amazing Grace
2.We’re the angels (I wrote that)
3. Give a little bit (as sing along) though singalong isn’t what folks were into at a graveside funeral)
4. Instrumental combined w/song Crazy love (lowering Caskit)
Event started 20 min late & went 15 min longer than scripted. It wasn’t a problem for me. I started on time, adding 25 minutes to my service. Played instrumentals & the songs : Bird On A Wire. Norwegian wood. Dust in wind.Gonna make me lonesome. Killing me softly. Heart of gold. To: 3 early/on time guests & minister. The service was very formal, minister was covid conscious & had mic 🎤. Doing my job w/ grace, preparedness, plenty of volume (I’m trained by an opera singer & can fully project to 20 persons standing in a circle), & appropriateness were the goals I achieved. I didn’t think it was a good place To focus on a Connection with an “audience”; Other than have the songs memorized and look into their eyes when appropriate. I was sorry to hear this feedback as at the event Doree and her guests
Melanie is a gifted artist. She has a beautiful voice and can play guitar.
Response from Melanie Dekker - A Voice Like Chocolate:
Thank you Andy. Your wedding was wonderfully organized, and your family is gracious and spirited.
We had a great time, Melanie is a great singer and very professional about her business, and she has such a lively personality, everyone at the party enjoyed her performance
Price Range: $350 and up
Gig Length: 20 - 180 minutes
Languages: English, Dutch And Some German
- Well dressed for your occasion, and if your event has a theme, I'll be sure to get in on it, both with musical choices and attire.
- Timely. I like to be early and when possible, set up before the guests arrive.
- I can bring 2 different size PA's. 1. For events under 50 persons, and 2. Event with a larger # of guests from 50-150.
- Though most commonly hired as a feature performer, background is easily attained with extra attention to volume and vibe, and song choice carefully chosen.
- I will liven up the room!
- I am typically hired to specifically make people dance, though when the CCR, and LADY GAGA tunes com out , they sure do anyway:)
MELANIE DEKKER
An authentic roots-pop sensation from Vancouver, BC, Canada with Dutch roots. Her world-class strumming & voice like chocolate earned her the radio hit "I Said I” and 1000’s of tour dates. Many in the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany & Switzerland. Weaving between bluesy-folk & rootsy-pop, emotion and power, she tugs on your heart and leaves you smiling. While on tour again next spring with her new ‘Secret Spot’ album, her 'Barnstormer, take on' album and her 'New Old Fashioned Way' Christmas album, one cannot ignore that her past 6 CDs have fabulous songs & accolades: “Distant Star” sold 13,000 copies & "Revealed' was produced by David Kershenbaum (Tracy Chapman) and “Lekker eh” is deliciously live and Dutch/Canadian. She’s opened for Bryan Adams (also in Neu-Ulm!), Diana Krall, Faith Hill & Chaka Khan. Both as a solo performer and with a full band. Dekker’s vivacious character is best experienced at a live show, though can also be witnessed on her popular youtube videos which include the Polar Bear Swim, her own tooth removal, concerts in Afghanistan, and a romantic run-in with a mannequin.
Festival Highlights - Headlined the Viru Folk Music Fest in Estonia || Skagen Music Festival, the Ebeltoft Music Festival & Nibe Music Festival in Denmark || Hildesheim Jazz Festival, the Dresden Stadt Fest, Tollwood Munich & the Rudolstadt World Music festival in Germany || and at home in Canada you’ve heard her at the (link hidden)ncouver Harmony Arts Festival, the Shambhala Music Festival, Filberg Folk Music Festival, & White Rock Sea Fest.
My goal is to take your event from good to great.
And you can request a fabulous GIFT PACK, w/fanny packs and hippie t-shirts and LPs as part of the surprise and/or prizes and/or gifts at your event.
Quotes/Reviews:
"Pure love of life packed into her own songs"
"This musicians charm and musicality leaves you in the best mood"
"She owns an infectious smile and makes every stage her living room"
"A voice like chocolate & a magical evening"
"Not just a voice, a radiant fountain of good humour"
"Greets the audience with sparkling eyes and enchanting songs - sometimes in depth, sometimes cheeky, sometimes rockin', but always authentic, direct, and powerful. With that certain something extra"
"Melanie Dekker's slightly smoky and warm voice moved virtuously and multi-faceted through a wide variety of musical styles"
I can bring what you / we need. Including nice ambient 'stage' lighting.
Need - ONE power outlet :)
If I am crossing the border to the USA from Vancouver, CANADA, then the rental cost is $150USD. (only!)
If there is a sound technician, please place me in direct contact. Avoids confusion and it's a better experience all round.
July 14, 2024 • 3:30pm - 6:30pm | Birthday Party |
September 16, 2023 • 5:00pm - 6:30pm | Anniversary Party |
August 25, 2023 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Restaurant/Bar Event |
August 16, 2023 • 7:00pm - 11:00pm | Sporting Event |
July 28, 2023 • 5:30pm - 7:30pm | Restaurant/Bar Event |
April 20, 2023 • 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Corporate Event |
April 18, 2023 • 5:00pm - 9:00pm | Retirement Party |
October 18, 2022 • 6:00pm - 10:00pm | Sporting Event |
September 28, 2022 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
September 24, 2022 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Cocktail Party |
August 10, 2022 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Sporting Event |
July 30, 2022 • 12:30pm - 4:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
June 11, 2022 • 3:00pm - 4:30pm | Birthday Party |
May 14, 2022 • 6:00pm - 8:30pm | House Party |
December 10, 2021 • 7:30pm - 11:30pm | House Party |
January 17, 2021 • 3:00pm - 3:15pm | Birthday Party |
December 18, 2020 • 2:00pm - 2:30pm | Corporate Event |
December 16, 2020 • 1:00pm - 1:15pm | Personal Occasion |
December 12, 2020 • 7:00pm - 8:00pm | Birthday Party |
October 18, 2020 • 2:00pm - 2:15pm | Personal Occasion |
September 05, 2020 • 5:30pm - 7:30pm | Personal Occasion |
July 26, 2020 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Anniversary Party |
July 08, 2020 • 8:30pm - 9:15pm | Birthday Party |
July 04, 2020 • 7:00pm - 8:30pm | Birthday Party |
June 19, 2020 • 3:00pm - 3:45pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
February 20, 2020 • 6:00pm - 6:15pm | Cocktail Party |
December 24, 2019 • 7:30pm - 8:30pm | Dinner Party |
This can be requested. I don't like to post it.
Tracy Chapman
Willie Nelson
Sheryl Crow
The Cars
Fleetwood Mac
Bob Dylan
Aretha Franklin
Michael T. said “Besides being a fantastic singer and musician, Austin related well to the audience and captivated all. We went into this event hoping our guests would…”
Justine N. said “Jeff played at our wedding, and it was great. Everyone kept asking "where I found him".”
Carolyn R. said “We hired Mike to play our wedding ceremony in the summer of 2019, and we are so incredibly happy we did!! Mike met with us prior to our wedding day to…”
Sue R. said “I've hired Dean so many times and i'm more than satisfied. He is a great musician and an excellent human being.”