I’m John Downing, a solo acoustic guitarist and vocalist based in Raleigh-Durham. For the past twenty years I’ve played country clubs, corporate events, and private parties across North Carolina and the Southeast.
 

My goal is to serve you and your event. I’ll ask what matters most to you about the evening, and then plan the music around that.

 

The music follows the event. Cocktail hour and dinner get an easy background set, and as the evening opens up, the music does too, all the way to a full sing-along when the guests are ready for it.

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My song list runs from the 1950s to today, so there is something for nearly every age group at the table. I arrive early, set up before guests do, and bring backup equipment. That’s one less thing for you to think about.

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I’ve played for clubs including Pinehurst, Bald Head Island Club, and Country Club of the Carolinas, and I work regularly with agencies like East Coast Entertainment on corporate retreats, welcome receptions, and private club events statewide. Whether you’re booking direct, sourcing through a DMC, or working from a preferred-vendor list, I’m easy to slot in and easy to work with.

 

If you’re looking for live acoustic music for a country club dinner in North Carolina, or a solo guitarist for a corporate retreat in Raleigh, Durham, or elsewhere in the region, I’d love to hear about your event.

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I’m based in Raleigh-Durham and travel regularly, including to Chapel Hill, Pinehurst, Wilmington, and Bald Head Island.