Lindsay Straw: Celtic, Folk & Classical Guitarist

Instrumental - Duo, Instrumental - Solo, Instrumental - Trio, Soloist / Vocalist

Guitar

Black or navy blue dress or slacks and button-down shirt, with black, heeled shoes.

Absolutely! We can arrange a time for me to come by and play for you, and I frequently play gigs where there is no cover charge, so you could stop by and listen and chat. Check my schedule!

At least 30 minutes, though I like to have an hour to get set-up, warm-up and be ready without rushing.

At least 5 feet by 5 feet if I'm using sound equipment, less if I'm not.

Generally I factor travel expenses into my total performance fee, but for locations that take longer than 2 hours to drive to, I will charge an additional $25-50 to cover the gas expense (luckily my car is very fuel efficient!).

Q: Do you generally set up a contract with clients?

A: Yes. It’s optional, but with events that are far off in the future, that require travel or a fair amount of prep time (such as weddings), I myself prefer to have the peace of mind and assurance of an official contract. I have a contract that I use for most events that I can send to you for review and can be altered to your preference.

Q: Do you require a deposit?

A: For weddings and for events far in advance, requiring travel or a lot of preparation, I ask a 50% deposit to confirm the booking, due along with the signed contract at least two weeks before the event date.

Q: What is the booking process?

A: Once you’ve decided to hire me, we’ve established the basics, discussed your musical desires, and we’ve agreed on the fee, I email you a sample contract to review. Once we’ve agreed on that, I mail you two signed, completed copies of the contract with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. You then sign both copies and send one back to me. I ask that you pay a deposit (50% of the total fee) a minimum of two weeks before the event to confirm the date. You can send the deposit with the contract, or I can send you a reminder a month before the event. There’s no rush to get your musical choices made before the booking is completed. I will work with you up until the day of, though preferably your choices will be made at least a couple of weeks before the date! The balance must be paid the day of your wedding or sooner.

Q: Do you take requests?

A: Sometimes. Due to an increasingly busy schedule with my band and other Irish and folk music projects, as of February 2012, I can no longer take new soft-rock, pop or classical requests. I will still consider new requests for Irish, Scottish or folk songs - simpler pieces can be learned for free, complex ones for a nominal fee.

When first contacting me with an inquiry, I’d greatly appreciate knowing any special requests you might have upfront so I can give you a more accurate quote.

Q: Do you meet with clients in person before confirming the booking?

A: If a client would like to meet beforehand, fantastic! It’s easier to discuss musical preferences and choices in person, and we can take care of contracts and deposits at that time as well. However, everything can be done via email or phone, as well.

Q: Do you have your own sound equipment?

A: I have everything I need for small to medium gigs and weddings. I have a PA system, mics and stands as well as a guitar amplifier.

Q: Can I hire just two or three members of the Irish quartet, The Ivy Leaf?

A: Yes, of course. Just tell me what instrumentation you prefer.

Q: What would happen if you had to cancel?

A: If I needed to cancel, I would let you know as soon as possible and do everything I could to find you a replacement if you so desired. If you’ve already paid a deposit, I would completely refund the money ASAP.

Q: What would happen if we the clients needed to cancel?

A: If you wish to cancel, just let me know as soon as possible. Deposits that have been paid are non-refundable.

Q: What do you typically wear to a ceremony?

A: I like to go with a simple black or navy blue dress or black pants with a button-down shirt with heels. If you have any preferences or concerns, just let me know!

Q: Do you sing at weddings?

A: If requested, yes. Click here for a more or less complete list of songs that I perform. Many of these or similar songs can be performed either instrumental or with vocals.

Q: Do you charge extra for overtime or late starts?

A: As long as any late starts and endings are within 30 minutes of the previously agreed upon time, I don’t charge extra. If the delay is more than 30 minutes and you would like me to play for the full time slot, then I ask that you pay me accordingly (pro-rated based on the hourly fee we’ve agreed on). If the schedule has changed prior to the date of the event, just let me know in advance. Most of the time I keep my schedule before and after a gig pretty clear so any changes in start and end time are no problem.

Q: What do you usually play for ceremonies? What about before as guests are getting seated? Or for cocktail hours?

A: Basically whatever I play that you like! I’ve done a lot of ceremonies where the couple wanted the standard classical pieces for the processional, bridal march and recessional. But you can also go with something a little different, perhaps a couple Irish or Scottish pieces or instrumental versions of folk or popular songs. Combinations of the different styles are nice as well. I play your chosen music during the ceremony (typically three or four different pieces). During the seating period and as guests are exiting, I play songs and pieces in the same genre(s) as your selections. You can also make requests for the cocktail hour.

An example of a standard, classical programme might be:

Processional: Air On The G String (Bach) or Prelude In C Major (Bach)

Bridal March: Canon In D (Pachelbel)

Recessional: Jesu, Joy Of Man’s Desiring

Prelude music: any of the above not chosen for the ceremony, Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach), I Saw Three Ships (Traditional), Planxty Irwin (O’Carolan), Sheebeg and Sheemore (O’Carolan), The South Wind (Traditional), etc.

An example of an Irish/Celtic programme might include:

Processional: Twisting Of The Rope (Traditional) or Laureen’s Tune (Shooglenifty) or The South Wind (Trad.)

Bridal March: The Eagle’s Whistle (Trad.) or I Saw Three Ships (Trad.) or Merrily Kissed The Quaker’s Wife (Trad.)

Recessional: Fisherman’s Lilt (Trad.) or Inion Ni Scannlain (Lunasa)

Prelude music: any of the above not chosen for the ceremony, plus any previously listed traditional pieces or those written by O’Carolan, etc.