My musical style is best described as soft jazz played on a vintage Gretsch guitar. It is uniquely suited as background music where folks gather for a night out, celebrate a wedding or other special day, relax at a Sunday Brunch with family & friends, or simply enjoying dinner and conversation at a private party, restaurant venues, or corporate events. My playlist is cross-generational covering hits/artists from the '40s to the present day.
Doc played for the Celebration of Life for my father. Not only was he the loveliest man, he was wonderful! He has a true love of his craft of music, a love and a passion for Jazz. I would highly recommend him!!!!! You can not go wrong with him!!!!
Doc was hired to provide background music for our 50th anniversary celebration of our nonprofit organization. He was EXACTLY what we were looking for, the music was perfect. You should hire him, you won't regret it. He was also just a very kind person who our guests enjoyed interacting with. I would definitely hire him again!
Response from Music by Doc:
Thank you for your kind words! It was a wonderful event and I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the celebration!
Doc did a great job for us! All our members loved the music he played and it made the evening all the more enjoyable. We hope to have him back next summer for our conference awards banquet. Thank you!
David Christopher
Executive Director
NYAPT
I unfortunately had to cancel on my selected musician, Doc was incredibly helpful and made sure I was fully refunded. One of the nicest guys I've dealt with in recent memory. Thank you again Doc!
Response from Music by Doc:
Thank you David,
I wish you both the very best.
Doc
Doc played beautifully for my family and friends !!!
Doc played beautifully for my family and friends !!!
Response from Music by Doc:
Thank you Donna! You hosted a wonderful family and friends house warming party and I was happy to be a part of it.
We hired Doc to play several songs during my grandfather's memorial service and then to play background music at the reception and he did a great job. Not only did he know the two specific songs we asked about but he worked to make sure the arrangements were the right ones. He created the perfect atmosphere that we were looking for and it made for a touching tribute for my grandfather!
Response from Music by Doc:
Hi Meg,
Thank you for your kind words and your generosity. I cannot put into words how much I enjoyed being part of your Grandparents Memorial Service and reception. Wonderful gathering of family and friends. As I played for both parts of the service and meeting folks I could not stop the memories of my own similar family gatherings. As I mentioned to you I want to send you some material concerning Johnny Cash. If possible would you please e-mail me Thank you again and please give my best to your dear Mother.
Doc
We just loved Doc's music, it really added the perfect touch to our ceremony and our cocktail hour. He sounded great and was very friendly to us and all of our guests. He was also super easy to work with throughout planning our wedding! We recommend him wholeheartedly to anyone considering live music for their event. Thank you so much, Doc (and Beth)!
Response from Music by Doc:
Hi Rebecca,
Greetings to you both and thank you for your kind review. I've enjoyed my correspondence with you and your wedding planner. I wish you and your husband a wonderful life together and thank you again for the opportunity to play at your wedding.
Jim 'Doc' Dougherty
Doc was very professional, arrived early and he made great suggestions. Doc created a playlist that was classy, relaxed and joyful. He and his beautiful wife made a wonderful addition to my wedding. I would highly recommend him!
We could not have been more pleased with Doc at our event last evening at the Noah's Event Venue in Bedford NH. He arrived early; stayed late, was pleasant, easy-going, self-sufficient..... not needing any assistance to get set up or break down. He clearly was there as background entertainment; and did not portray himself as 'the main act'. He brought everything he needed. He provided a perfect set list, and is a very talented musician. Guests were pleased with his entertainment quietly playing in the background so we could all still have nice conversation without being drowned out with loud music. It was perfect. We would highly recommend Doc and we would not hesitate to use him should we have future events!
Price Range: $150 and up
Music by Doc is a professional wedding entertainment company based in Wilton, New Hampshire. Experienced guitarist Jim Dougherty plays a wide array of songs, specializing in melodies from The Great American Songbook. Jim’s eclectic repertoire includes instrumental and lyrical numbers. His dulcet tones and soothing strings are bound to complement the celebratory and romantic ambiance of your cocktail hour or reception. Guests can get acquainted with one another and dance to the jazz-influenced performance of classic favorites such as Moondance and Autumn Leaves.
Services Offered
Music by Doc provides the ideal segue from dinner to dancing. Jim’s contemporary approach to old-time jazz allows for a unique musical experience. He pays careful attention to detail and ensures his music is audible enough to create an atmosphere, yet subtle enough to blend into the background. Optimum comfort and enjoyment for your guests are paramount to Jim’s ethos. Furthermore, Jim is attuned to tailoring the playlist to suit the mood, opting for rhythmic riffs for cocktail parties and more melodic music during dinner. This talented professional will work with you to match your tastes and preferences.
| August 19, 2022 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Personal Occasion |
| July 12, 2022 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Dinner Party |
| June 09, 2022 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
| July 13, 2021 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Cocktail Party |
| October 05, 2019 • 3:00pm - 6:00pm | House Party |
| September 21, 2019 • 1:30pm - 3:30pm | Personal Occasion |
| August 31, 2019 • 3:30pm - 5:00pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
| December 21, 2018 • 5:30pm - 7:00pm | Cocktail Party |
| October 14, 2018 • 2:00pm - 5:00pm | Private wedding |
| August 15, 2018 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Corporate Event |
Holden, MA 
Jazz Guitarist
6 Verified Bookings Cindy A. said “We hired Michael to perform background jazz guitar at our baby shower. I’m so glad we did. He added elegance and style to our party. He did such a great…”
Jefferson, MA
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5 Verified Bookings Chris A. said “Kate is both a talented performer and a true professional. She perfectly tailored her performance to our event with a blend of acoustic guitar and piano…”
Boylston, MA
Acoustic Band
23 Verified Bookings Kevin S. said “This is my second time hiring this group for an event. They are wonderful. They kept the entire community entertained! I have gotten nothing but positive…”
Concord, MA
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17 Verified Bookings Jarrod W. said “Sawyer was absolutely fantastic! He performed at our company's Christmas party held at Moo Steakhouse in Boston. His performance was not only highly…”
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