JOHN DOWNING
ACOUSTIC MUSIC FOR CORPORATE EVENTS, COUNTRY CLUBS, AND CONFERENCES.
BASED ON RALEIGH-DURHAM, WORKING ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST
PINEHURST RESORT - BALD HEAD ISLAND CLUB - WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME - BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD - TITLEIST - CAMPBELL'S - JOHN DEERE
I'm John Downing. I've played acoustic sets at country clubs, corporate events, and private parties across North Carolina for the past twenty years.
My goal is simple: serve your event, not put on my own show.
That's why the set changes depending on the room — an easy background set through cocktail hour and dinner, a full sing-along later once the room's ready for it.
My song list runs from the 1950s to today, which covers most rooms and most guest lists.
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, get in touch.
I'm based in Raleigh-Durham and travel regularly for bookings.
More about how I work is in the "About" section below.
WHY CHOOSE ME FOR YOUR EVENT?
Whether it’s a club dinner or a corporate event at a hotel, resort, or conference center, here’s how I work:
Professionalism
I’ve played events for about twenty years, so I know how they actually run. You’ll hear from me before the date, I’ll be loaded in early, and I’ll be set up and quiet before your first guest walks in.
Versatility
I watch the room and adjust as the night goes. Background during cocktails and dinner, then more energy once the program is done and people are ready for it. You won’t have to come find me to turn it down.
Broad Repertoire
Over 300 songs, from the 1950s to today. And the list is organized so I can move between eras on the fly when I see what’s landing with your guests.
Reliability
I bring my own sound system and need about twenty minutes to set up. No AV coordination, and no extra production line on your budget. One less thing for you to manage.
Travel
Based in Raleigh-Durham. I play events across North Carolina and the Southeast, and travel terms for anything outside the Triangle are clear before you book.
SELECTED CLIENTS
John is trusted by clubs and clients like the following:
