Solo Musician For Hire in Moraga, CA

Looking for high-energy, up-to-the-minute music for a spirited party? Or an elegant performer with over twenty years of experience performing at weddings and functions from San Francisco City Hall to Google HQ and with notable artists from Andrea Bocelli to ODESZA, the Eagles and Michael Buble to Josh Groban? A highly skilled musician who has been playing since the age of two, conservatory educated, who appears with almost every orchestra and many chamber ensembles throughout the Bay Area and far beyond? As one of the area's leading violinists, whether at a lavish wedding or a beachfront proposal, I can perform for you on acoustic or electric violin as soloist, with cello, electric guitar, or other instruments. My repertoire spans everything from classical to current R&B, pop, rock, and blues. Sometimes, I appear backed by iPad tracks or a DJ if that's the aesthetic you're looking for, usually a higher energy 'full band' feel. I am also a passionate teacher, accommodating all ages and levels from young children through adults at my East Bay home studio. My students will tell you that I'm a very fun, patient, and inspiring teacher who gently encourages students with an experiential and sometimes playful approach to learning that emphasizes excellent technique along with self-directed choices of goals and repertoire. I enjoy the rapport with audiences large and small, just as I enjoy the dialogue in every violin lesson, whether I'm teaching an adult or a two year old. I hope to meet and connect with you.

Experience a one-of-a-kind performance that blends exceptional fingerstyle guitar with intimate, engaging vocals, creating a unique and unforgettable vibe every time. Whether delivering soulful instrumentals or singing hits across genres—I craft tailor-made sets that resonate with every audience. Taking requests and reinventing popular songs with my own arrangements, I make sure there’s something for everyone, turning each show into the perfect soundtrack for the moment.

“We had the pleasure of having Mike play for our wedding ceremony on the beach and cocktail hour at a nearby house. We actually enjoyed the ambiance so much we extended our time with him through our dinner, which he was happy to do. Highly recommend booking him for your next event!” - Carly Contract 8/26/24 “Exceptional performance by Mike. His country and bluegrass tunes were soothing and engaging. All of our guests and our team loved having Mike be part of our day long event. Can’t wait to have him join at one of our community events again!!!” - Christina Hollingsworth 10/13/24 🌞Hello! I'm a singer-songwriter-guitarist available to play your special event. I play a wide repertoire of songs from the 50's to now. From Elvis, Rolling Stones, Otis Redding, The Eagles, Willie Nelson, and the Beatles to Tom Petty, Amy Winehouse and Chris Stapleton. (Ask for a songlist!) I'm happy to cater to the clients needs, learn new song requests, and offer flexibility.. I have over 15 years experience performing live music. Whether its solo-acoustic, duo or a full band, you can find me playing a variety of events to a wide age range. Weddings, birthdays, corporate events, Holiday events, anniversaries, festivals, and more. I have my own equipment and usually play between 1-4 hours. Covers and originals. Ask for a quote today!

Musical solutions for your corporate event, cocktail hour, restaurant, company & private celebration [...] : Not your 'daddy’s cocktail piano' - more along the lines of a post modern jukebox; from blues and jazz to the Beatles, The BEach Boys, David Bowie, Radiohead, Nirvana, Paramore [...] - guitar edition, including custom arrangements for themed events. For same day music consultation, quick turnarounds and available discounts - find our homepage and a direct line to our team via the Youtube videos (links in description). Our musical styles blend popular music and the intricacies of jazz harmony - 40s, 60s, 90s, and contemporary repertoire - arranged for one guitar, as well as ensembles of your choice: The sonic nature of the guitar allows to seamlessly merge songs and elements of Pop, Jazz, R&B, Alternative, or Neo Soul; to create soulful and melodic musical ambiences. The palette can go from Brian Wilson 'The Beach Boys meet Bach' to Kurt Cobain's 'Nirvana's songwriting vs. High-brow jazz'. About the musicians: We are professionally-trained (jazz) musicians with 20 years of experience in live performance, music publishing and research. Working together with the most sought-after musicians in the Bay Area, we cater towards tailoring your unique, desired musical experience. Yancy Ashby (solo guitar, arrangement, musical director) received classical training, a bachelor's degree in Jazz and Popular Music, and studied and worked as teaching assistant for his master's degree in Jazz and Improvised Music at the University of Washington - School of Music. Please feel welcome to ask for specific songs or themes to be arranged to match your event. Solo perfomance advantages: + only requires a conveniently small gear / space footprint, + the ‘band’ is always flexible to adjust the music, to meet the moment. Recent customers: Auberge Resorts - Calistoga; Palette Tea House - San Francisco; Billion to One - Awards Reception; Northeastern University - Mills College, Oakland "Lead By Learning"; Ritual at Manresa Restaurant, Los Gatos - Electro Tango for a Michelin Star Chef; Hayes Mansion - San Jose, cocktail hours; Stone Brewery; Jazz Nights - Langenau (CH); WTC Seattle; Northwest Meetings + Events Magazine 'Meeting'; University of Washington - Foundation Board Dinner; wedding receptions, Santa Rosa; Bay Clubs San Francisco; Acumen Winery - Napa; California Jazz Conservatory - Berkeley; [...]