Ryan Shephard

Serves Waukegan, IL

35244

Hired 52 times

1 employee

13 years in business

Not yet available

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.

Next Service

Hours

Sun 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Mon 4:00 pm - 11:59 pm

Tues 4:00 pm - 11:59 pm

Wed 4:00 pm - 11:59 pm

Thurs 4:00 pm - 11:59 pm

Fri 4:00 pm - 11:59 pm

Sat 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Credentials

Background Check

Ryan Shephard
Completed on 6/16/2021

Introduction

PLEASE READ BEFORE CONTACTING ME 👉 My minimum fee is $1,000 for a solo performance (within 25 miles of 60601). If your budget matches, I would love to put a custom quote together for your special event. Videos can be found under "featured projects" or on my website! Thanks 😀👌🙏 Whether it's private parties, weddings, corporate events, or charity fundraisers, I've been performing both original and cover music live for over 15 years! My repertoire includes music from almost all genres and includes endeavors like working with and sharing the stage with bands and artists like Sublime with Rome, Richie Ramone of The Ramones, and Chance McCoy of Old Crow Medicine Show. I play nearly 100 private events a year, and I've played 600+ events that include performances at the homes of CEOs' of Fortune 500 companies, professional sports teams like the Chicago Bears, high-profile politicians, and more! Want to watch a video? Click 'Featured Projects' > 'See all' > Videos are located within! You can also search "Ryan Shephard Music" on YouTube/Google! Professional Accolades: - Past clients include the Chicago Bears, Milwaukee Tool, TD Synnex, Willis Tower, Fresenius Kabi, Ventas Inc, St. Louis Post, and many more - Thumbtack's Highest Rated Solo Acoustic Musician in Chicago for the past 4 years - 2 time Nominee for ‘Best Rock Act’ in the Cincinnati Entertainment Awards. (2018, 2019) - 1st place in the Madison Theater Band Challenge 2018, the largest Battle of the Bands style competitions in the Midwest. - Thumbtack Top Pro 2021, 2022, & 2023 - UK Rock Blog PRNAV's Album of the Year 2017 ("Freak Mythology") - 1st Place in Cincinnati’s Next Big Band Competition 2017. - Featured in numerous films, including the opening scene of award-winning film director Martin Neveu’s short film, “Feeling Station”. - Selected artist to play at Bunbury Music Festival, Jersey Shore Music Festival, OHMSTEAD Music Festival, Rhythm Brew Music & Arts Festival, and many more national and regional music festivals. - Local & national FM radio airplay. - Local, national, & international online radio airplay. - 50,000+ combined streams on all major music platforms. - Thousands of copies of "Freak Mythology" sold Some Press: "Truly stunning varied selection - current and original yet so evocative of years gone by - a true pleasure to have heard it" — 'Donald Strachen on the Radio' - Donald Strachen “For me it is my 2017 Album of the Year and it will take a lot for any band to beat it." — Pete Divine - PRNAV (2017) “Discovering Freak Mythology, a four piece from Cincinnati, is a refreshing breath of Americana-embedded alternative rock and roll." — Charles Frank - The Jamwich Magazine

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

Performances start at a minimum of $1,000, and will vary based on set length, travel time, and the type of event. I play events all over the country, and typically charge an additional $1,000 per 100 miles away from Chicago as rule of thumb, depending on your needs.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

First things first, let's make sure I'm the best fit for you! I offer free consultation calls with every inquiry about my services, and during those calls we can discuss exactly what you're looking for and how to make your event a success.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I’ve been performing live for well over a decade. I’ve played hundreds of shows from crowds of 5 people all the way to 5,000, and have a obtained a long list of professional accolades over the years. I’ve been in dozens of bands ranging all genres, with personal musicianship awards and scholarships from University of Cincinnati's College Conservatory of Music, which is one of the most prestigious music schools in the country. I was the first chair jazz guitarist in Ohio's All-State Jazz Program for 3 years in a row during my teenage years, was selected to receive a full scholarship at age 14 to attend the School of Rock Performance Program and House Band, and received almost a dozen honors Jazz awards through different performance programs. My original music written with Freak Mythology has received numerous songwriting awards from music platforms in the U.S. and U.K., as well as won multiple local, national, and international awards for live performances. I have worked in a corporate environment since college and understand what it takes to communicate at a high level, and have a degree in Marketing from Ohio University.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I began playing the guitar at the age of 10, and performing live at age 12. At age 15, I co-founded a band called Freak Mythology who have been nominated 2x as Cincinnati's Best Rock Act (Cincinnati Entertainment Awards 2018, 2019), the PRNAV Album of the Year Award (2017, UK), as well as 1st place in Cincinnati's Next Big Band Competition, 1st place in the Madison Theater Band Challenge (The largest battle of the bands style competition in the Midwest) as well as features in major television networks.

What types of customers have you worked with?

I’ve worked with customers of all age, event type, and budget ranges! General parties/events, corporate events, weddings, graduation parties, grand opening ceremonies, and many, many more.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

I start every inquiry with the same process - a phone call! I want to know everything about your event. Music selection, ambiance, and the overall 'vibe' you're looking for. I love taking the time to ask questions, and answer your questions, so that we can make your event the best success possible!

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Hiring a musician can be daunting to someone who hasn’t done it before... and finding the right performer can be tough. My biggest piece of advice: Reach out! A quick consultation to see if I can meet your needs is at no cost to you, and could lead to a great night!

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

What do you want your perfect night to look like? Is it an intimate, or high energy solo performance? Folky acoustic duo? Upbeat and fun? Loud, or background music? All of these are options available to you through this page, and finding that perfect medium will make the night the best it can be!