Live music makes a special event even more special. Michael brings your favorite songs (or an appropriate original or two) to a wedding, party, birthday celebration or even a wedding proposal. If it's a more solemn occasion, such as a celebration of life, ask him about his tribute song, "Good Souls".
With his background as a radio DJ, emcee and trivia host, he can also double as an announcer and work with your wedding coordinator or event person to help keep your event on track. A sliding-scale rate is available for any project/event.
Responsive; excellent communication pre-event; reliable & talented
Michael was so great to work with! Planning a memorial is a difficult thing to do so having a flexible and genuine musician who can work with you when you are having trouble knowing what you need is extremely precious. Thank you Michael!
Michael went above and beyond for my engagement surprise! He spent a month learning an obscure new song, and then positioned himself on a hiking trail where we happened to run into this musician working on a new song - which of course was our favorite song. Excellent communication and execution throughout, he really cared about making it special and went out of his way to accommodate several special requests, even when I changed the venue on him last minute. Look no further, Michael is the man.
Michael is a great entertainer and an all around nice and generous guy. His songs are fun and meaningful.
Michael was incredible at our small intimate wedding ceremony / reception. He is a great musician and took on board all of our suggestions for music. He even learned how to play "slowed down" a Darius Rucker song so that we could dance to it for our first dance. Michael was great at communication throughout the whole process, and is just an all around wonderful person. I highly recommend him!
He really made it a party.
Our family have used Michaels group and him personally for a couple of our parties. In most recent we had Michael play for a memorial service for my father in law. The music was spot on and would recommend him.
Less than a month before my wedding, the musicians I had lined up cancelled. I called Michael and he was more than willing to step in. He did a beautiful job on both songs I asked him to sing, even though one of them was new to him. Michael is a great guy, easy to work with and very talented. I highly recommend him!
Cannot recommend Michael enough!!!!! I don't write reviews often but, felt compelled to write one on him.
I planned a surprise marriage proposal where Mike was playing the part of a random guitarist sitting on the beach. I walked up to him and "talked him into playing us a song or two." He did an amazing job, was totally natural, a very good musician and my fiancé loved him.
I had coordinated with him ahead of time and Michael took it very seriously and really cared about it going well which put me at ease.
I highly recommend him and am sure we will provide the same high quality performance with class that he gave us.
Price Range: $100-$150 hour (sliding scale available)
Gig Length: 20 - 240 minutes
Languages: English
Here are a few quotes from folks who regularly book Michael:
“Michael played for us again at Satori last weekend to an extremely happy full house. He mixed many of his wonderful original songs with classics from groups such as the Dead, Tom Petty, Neil Young and more. He played several requests and everyone had only great things to say. We can’t wait to have him back again soon!” (Tom at Satori Cellars, Gilroy CA)
“Michael was our introduction to the world of professional musicians when we opened Discretion Brewing, and nearly seven years later he remains a favorite. He is reliable, emotionally generous, observant, and melodic. His songs brim with gentle snark and keen wit, and his kind heart is always on display.”
(Kathleen Genco, Owner, Discretion Brewing, Capitola CA)
“You’ll want to invite this guy over to your house for drinks. Michael Gaither is a friend in an entertainer. His small talk during sets is charming. His musical talent is engaging. We enjoy his company at our wine bar. He is a delight to book!” (Ann Marie Conrad, Owner, Capitola Wine Bar & Merchants)
Probably best known as an award-winning songwriter, Michael was raised on the central California coast and takes the “write what you know” idea to heart, crafting songs that showcase both the nostalgia of small-town life and the foibles of modern technology. Always with plenty of humor in the mix. He turned to songwriting after a background in journalism and a narrow brush with standup comedy. (He even sold jokes to Jay Leno in a previous life. ) Michael has released five CDs of original material, all of which have received international airplay.
Whether you need an entertainer who can engage with your audience, or just some great background music that mixes covers and originals (and/or requests in advance), consider booking Michael for your next event. A sliding scale is available for all clients.
| April 05, 2024 • 12:30pm - 2:00pm | Surprise |
| May 20, 2023 • 6:00pm - 8:30pm | Corporate Event |
| April 29, 2023 • 11:00am - 2:00pm | Corporate Event |
| April 01, 2023 • 1:00pm - 3:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
| February 14, 2023 • 4:00pm - 5:30pm | Surprise |
| November 01, 2020 • 12:00pm - 1:30pm | Restaurant/Bar Event |
| July 25, 2020 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Wedding Reception |
| July 28, 2018 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm | Steel Bonnet Brewing, Scotts Valley CA |
| June 24, 2018 • 2:00pm - 4:00pm | House Party |
| October 16, 2016 • 11:00am - 12:00pm | CSL Santa Cruz |
| October 08, 2016 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Vintage Wine Bar - Redding CA |
| September 25, 2016 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm | A Taste of Morgan Hill |
| September 24, 2016 • 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Octoberfest at Pacific Crest Apiaries |
| September 18, 2016 • 7:30pm - 10:00pm | Kuumbwa Jazz Center |
| September 16, 2016 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | American River Music Festival |
| September 11, 2016 • 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Private House Concert - Alameda CA |
| August 25, 2016 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Private House Concert - Stanley ID |
In addition to originals, here are some of the covers Michael typically performs:
"California Stars" (Wilco)
"Cruela de Ville" ("101 Dalmations" Soundtrack - Disney)
"Drive" (The Cars)
"Fly Me to the Moon" (Willie Nelson)
"Forever Young" (Bob Dylan)
"Heart of Gold" (Neil Young)
"Heroes" (David Bowie)
"I Wanna Be Like You" ("The Jungle Book" soundtrack - Disney)
"King of the Road" (Roger Miller)
"Lodi" (CCR)
"Man On the Moon" (REM)
"Mary Jane's Last Dance" (Tom Petty)
"Pancho and Lefty" (Willie Nelson)
"Purple Rain" (Prince)
"Ripple" (Grateful Dead)
"Tear Stained Eye" (Son Volt)
"Tupelo Honey" (Van Morrison)
"Under the Milky Way" (The Church)"
"Wagon Wheel" (Dylan, Old Crow Medicine Show, Darius Rucker)
"What's So Funny ('bout Peace, Love and Understanding)" (Elvis Costello)
"The Weight" (The Band)
"Who'll Stop the Rain" (CCR)
"Willin' (Little Feat)
"You're Sweet and Shiny Eyes" (Bonnie Raitt)
"You've Got a Friend In Me" ("Toy Story" soundtrack - Disney/Pixar)
And...LOTS of additional Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Tom Petty
Van Morrison, Tom Petty, Warren Zevon, Louden Wainwright III
Instrumentation: Michael primarily plays acoustic guitar, plus harmonica. He can also add a few cover tunes on banjo, for variety.
Power Requirements: Have PA, will travel. All you need to do is provide power. Or if your event is outside and a bit more rugged, Michael can either play completely unplugged or with a battery-powered amp and mic.
Nashville, TN 
Singing Guitarist
29 Verified Bookings Johny R. said “Stefan took on a tough job singing for my friend at her birthday trail ride. He could not have handled the challenges any better and the music was great.”
San Jose, CA
Singing Guitarist
9 Verified Bookings Ed H. said “We had a party of 30 at Stella's in Burlingame, and at first I was concerned because it was a mixed group (both in terms of age and musical tastes),…”
Los Gatos, CA
Banjo Player
6 Verified Bookings Devona F. said “This was the second time I've hired BanjerDan and he did a great job, everyone enjoyed the music and variety of songs. I also appreciated he was…”
Santa Cruz, CA
Singing Guitarist
Francisco B. said “James Durbin, who has graced the stage for several shows hosted by FAB Entertainment Group, delivered an unforgettable performance that left the audience…”
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