Matt Miskie

Serves Harrisburg, PA

35244

Hired 1 time

1 employee

23 years in business

Not yet available

5.0

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

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Credentials

Background Check

John Miskie
Completed on 8/4/2024

Introduction

Folk/rock & singer/songwriters of the 60's and 70’s - family friendly repertoire, instantly recognizable and enjoyed by audiences of all ages. A typical performance will include selections from John Denver, James Taylor, Simon and Garfunkle, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, CCR, Joni Mitchell, The Beatles, Gordon Lightfoot, Van Morrison, Neil Young, Peter Paul and Mary, The Byrds, Jesse Colin Young, Jim Croce, Eagles and many more. Ideal for Venues, Festivals, Cocktail Hour, Rehearsal Dinner, Corporate Events, Dinner Parties, House Parties, Reunions, Birthdays. A dedicated performer, Matt is in high demand with many return clients, and performs on average over 180 dates annually throughout his home state of Pennsylvania and beyond, His engaging, family-friendly song selection will have the audience singing along and sharing memories. "Matt’s down-to-earth presence and style of communicating is an audience favorite…" “I felt like I was just sitting in his living room and he was talking to me like I was family.” – Barbara, Sugarloaf Your music made the weekend really special for us. Your amazing repertoire, beautiful arrangements, precision of your finger picking and soulful voice are a magical combination. I hope we cross paths again and I can't wait to get home to listen to your CDs. Thanks again, Justin Wilner - Sugarloaf Festivals vendor - DannyK Handbags - Los Angeles CA Old Annville Day - Annville PA By Lee Smedly Matt has sung for us at the Historic Old Annville Day for the past two years and I recommend him highly. His repertoire is vast and varied, including some of his own compositions. And, his arrangements of popular covers make you want to listen like you’re hearing that favorite song for the first time.   He offers that wonderful combination of business professionalism, musical ability and audience interaction we who book talent always yearn for but only sometimes get. He is prompt, he’s a joy to listen to, and he is not fazed by the little glitches that always pop up. Community of Lebanon Association Music Week - Lebanon PA By Theodore K. Umble Matt Miskie is a natural. He plays with a keen self-awareness revealed through both his music and his general demeanor: he is sensitive to the environment in which he plays; this speaks to honest musicianship. Matt is kind, receptive, and gentle with his music and with people. I hope to hear him again! Haycreek Festival - Morgantown PA By Jeremiah Wright Matt is a great performer. He shows up on time, delivers a great set of awesome covers and well written originals. We've had him at the "Haycreek Festival at Joanna Furnace" in Morgantown, for 4 years in a row now, and have him booked already for next year for this event. We never fail to get compliments from people for having him back. His performance is easy to listen to and relate to, and his style is timeless, appealing to young and old alike. Pennsylvania Firefly Festival - Allegheny National Forest - Tionesta PA By Peggy Butler The Annual Pennsylvania Firefly Festival has had the privilege and benefit of Matt's talent and generosity for 3 years. He consistently delivers an entertaining and engaging show. He uses his musical talents to revive the old standard folk/rock covers, and yet his originals seem like old favorites. Fall Foliage Festival Weekends - Jim Thorpe PA By Daniel Hugos Matt is obviously an excellent performer, but is very flexible and a great person to work with. I'd highly recommend him in a festival setting, and as the music coordinator for our town's Fall Festival, it's always nice that I've received many kind words about Matt's performances. Private event - Chester Springs PA By Carol J. Matt entertained for my father-in-law 80th birthday party. I can't say enough about what a wonderful job he did. Everyone at the party has been talking about his great singing and the selection of music he played. He was very personable and we definitely would recommend him to anyone that is thinking of having him perform at a special event/occasion. We will definitely be calling him again. We want to thank Matt for making a special day even more special. He was everything we were hoping for and more. Private event - York PA By Melissa C. My guests absolutely loved Matt and his music! Everyone enjoyed getting up to dance as well! He was perfect for our parent's 50th anniversary! He even took requests and played their favorite Elvis love songs! Contact to request a sample set list

Q&A

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

My base price is $400 for up to three hours. Beyond 3 hours add $150 per hour Liability and equipment insurance is included. For our mutual protection- a contract is required for all events. A 50% deposit is required with the signed of contract Deposits are refundable up to 30 days prior to booking date.

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

Working with customers is a friendly conversation in whatever medium you feel most comfortable with - I prefer phone conversations, but will work with whatever you are most comfortable with - text, email, messenger. We will review repertoire, sound system requirements, location specifics and any questions you may have. Once agreed upon - i will send you a contract. The signed contract is to be accompanied by a 50% deposit

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

I have been performing professionally for over 40 years. My repertoire in this genre is deep and contains over 1,100 songs I average 175 live performances annually, have many repeat clients and add new clients on a regular basis.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I started learning guitar and singing along at about age 8 when the family moved to an isolated sub-division with no other kids around. I was somehow able to convince my folks to get me a cheap guitar that came with a book of basic chords, and taught myself to play over the course of that summer of 1967. I had my first professional gigs at age 13 and never looked back.

What types of customers have you worked with?

Festivals Restaurants Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries Corporate clients Private events including: Wedding services Cocktail hours Rehearsal dinners Reunions Anniversaries Birthdays House parties Workshops and clinics School programs Special causes Concert supporting act Concert featured act Showcases Gallery events

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

In the summer of 2022 I put together and performed music for a combined class reunion of a major university - classes of 1970, '71 and '72. The repertoire selection was a real undertaking and great fun - researching music from 1966 through '72 to include songs that would evoke great and powerful memories for those in attendance. I also researched what major concerts happened on campus during those years, and when applicable included repertoire from those artists. The research process took several days, and resulted in a set list of incredible depth and variety that otherwise could never have been imagined A sample song list was submitted to the committee for review well in advance of the event. The music was a tremendous success. The event was attended by over 300 alumni who often sang along at their dinner tables. When I played Bill Withers 1972 classic "Lean on Me" everyone in the room - at their tables - spontaneously put their arms around each other, swayed back and forth and sang along to the chorus. It was a moment i will never forget.

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

First - thank you for hiring live music. For those not familiar with the process - please don't feel intimidated. I am here to have a friendly conversation with you and to answer your questions. I have done this for decades and genuinely enjoy working with folks. I appreciate that each event is unique in its own way. Let's have that conversation to have your event meet and exceed expectations.

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

There will always be questions that come up as you go through the process... Here are some basic things that you should be ready to provide: Date, time and location of the event. Approximately how many guests What is the dress code for me as a performer What is the demographic of your guests Do you have any specific repertoire requests Is the event indoors or outdoors If outdoors will there be cover If outdoors in the event of inclement weather is there an indoor option Size of the venue - this determines sound reinforcement requirements Are there multiple locations: for example I have done numerous events with a cocktail hour in a foyer or hallway outside of a banquet room, and then music during or after dinner in the main hall. This requires additional logistics and sometimes additional equipment. Sound reinforcement - am I to provide sound reinforcement (If you are providing sound reinforcement you should be prepared to define specifically what that is. I will provide an equipment rider with the contract in this case.) Parking and access -an often over-looked but very important question. Where is parking for load in and load out. Parking lot or on street parking. Are parking permits required. Is there a fee for parking (parking garage, metered parking etc.) If the event is not at ground level is there an elevator in the building.