Virginia Kay

As a professionally trained musician with years of experience in touring, working with hosts and music managers, I promise to bring my best show to you and your guests. My motto is that there is always someone there that is hearing a certain song for the first time, and I want everyone to enjoy the entertainment. I do like to arrive about 30 minutes prior to sound check, etc. so I can meet you, set up my equipment (if needed), and confirm details of the gig, but am very flexible on that time frame.

I will arrive with an entire setup including piano, sound system, microphones, power strips, etc. I will need access to electric for any singer-songwriter performance unless am acoustic piano is available and the room is small enough not to require vocal amplification (such as a living room concert).

During my performance, I will request to take about a ten minute break every hour for longer shows. This is for my own well-being, but also a chance for your guests to catch up with each other for a bit before the music starts again. I can bring my own water unless your venue does not allow outside beverages. I am strictly no alcohol, no drugs, and no smoking. ( Though of course, I know your guests might drink alcohol!)

If you book the gig well in advance, say for something like a wedding, I will connect with you about a month before the event to confirm somg choices, and then again as requested, including one week out, and 24 hours before to confirm and hopefully relieve little stress for your big day! I am always happy to work with other musicians for your event - it's always fun!

For my music, I do play quite a bit from memory, and also bring lead sheets, and sometimes actual printed music (especially for formal events, and/or playing with other musicians). If you have music for songs that are new to me, that would be amazing, but if not, I can usually figure out most so gs by ear fairly quickly. If you are requesting alternate lyrics, also just let me know and I will make sure to update my program notes.

Finally, speaking of programs, I usually provide a very nice program for all my smaller concerts. These programs are especially popular when I perform for patients and their families in nursing homes or hospice care. It can serve as a momento of a great time with your loved one, and hopefully help you recall a happy memory in the future.

I can bring an entire set up for singer songwriter performances including my full sized Roland keyboard, sound system, and microphone. If the event is outside, I do request a covered area or small tent. I can bring a small pop up tent as well if needed - please just let me know in advance so I can make sure to pack it in my vehicle!

For formal events like Weddings, private dinner parties, etc. please let me know the required attire. I usually perform opera and classical music in evening gown or formal attire for indoor events, and evening gown or summer florals for outdoor events, but am very flexible. For funerals I will always wear black unless you request otherwise.

Finally, if you have specific song requests, please don't be afraid to ask! I can usually make most songs work for singer-songwriter events. I am always open to doing some genre bending, so if you would like to hear your favorite ska band as just piano and voice, let me know! If you would like neo-classic improv piano, let me know some similar artists, or the "mood" you would like to evoke (i.e. light and happy, reserved and slow, etc.). For classical and opera, I am comfortable with German, Italian, French, and some Russian.