FAQ

Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions designed to help answer any queries you may have. If you require further information please contact Jamie McGuire via the contact page...

What can I expect to hear upon booking Jamie McGuire?
Jamie is an acoustic guitarist & vocalist and stompbox user who is able to perform a huge selection of songs to suit all your entertainment needs. Jamie's extensive repertoire of over 420 songs range from artistes of the 1950's through to current day. Please visit the Repertoire page to see a full list of songs available.

Will an acoustic guitarist be suitable for my event?
If you are looking for something classy and original for your event then booking Jamie McGuire to perform for you is ideal, and far more intimate and cost effective than employing a full band. One of the best things about booking Jamie is that he can tailor his act to suit your individual requirements; whether it be a lively atmosphere with everyone singing and dancing, or a chilled out vibe and more of a backdrop to your event. Jamie is more than an 'acoustic guitarist' as he uses a bass drum, harmonising pedal, distortion, and more recently an octave pedal which all combine to produce a unique sound whilst remaining acoustic. Jamie can cater for all events and vibes.

What is it about Jamie that is so different from other acts?
Jamie has a huge passion for his work, he also cares about your event being a success and wants to work with you to make sure that everyone goes home happy, especially you! With Jamie you really get something special, memorable and distinctly different from most other entertainers. This is because Jamie has great showmanship and can deliver the performance of a song which is just as good as the original! Where other acts will not listen to their client, Jamie is happy for you to direct as much as you want. For example, if you are sure you want the music to be of a certain genre, you can request Jamie to play an alternative set of artistes such as The Killers, Kings of Leon, Coldplay, Oasis, The Kooks, Mumford & Sons, and Ed Sheeran. Or if a night of 'classics' is what is required then you can choose to have songs from the likes of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bryan Adams & The Kinks. Or perhaps a little of everything?

What about Insurance?
Jamie has Public Liability Cover of up to £10,000,000. A Certificate can be provided upon request.  Your venue may request to see this as well as a PAT test certificate which can also be provided by Jamie.

What about Audio/Light visuals? 
Jamie does not need a lot of equipment to produce his excellent sound. He has a choice of state of the art speakers to choose from which will cater for up to 200 people. And so you and your guests won't be in the dark, Jamie can also offer excellent state of the art stage and dance floor LED lighting which help to create wonderful light patterns across your venue and also light up Jamie so you can see him too! All very classy whilst maintaining a spectacular effect.

What about Attire?
Jamie's usual appearance is a Jacket, Shirt & Tie, and Jeans but when required to dress very smartly (i.e. a black tie event) this can be catered for. Depending on your colour theme, Jamie will do his best to co-ordinate. 

How much does it cost to book Jamie?
Prices start from £200 through to £300 for individual daytime performances i.e. Ceremony, Drinks Reception, Wedding Breakfast or an afternoon party. Prices for evening entertainment depend on the following factors: date, location, arrival time/finish time, travel & accommodation and number of guests. A full evening performance will consist of up to 3 x 45 min sets, full lighting and a DJ service i.e. the works! Jamie's prices are competitive and all budgets can be catered for. Please contact Jamie to discuss your event and receive a comprehensive quote for your event.

What areas of the UK will Jamie travel to?
Jamie can travel to all locations. Events in the Essex area incur no extra cost but other areas involve additional costs to cover mileage and accommodation.

Can I book Jamie for an event outside the UK?
Jamie has been booked for France, Italy, Croatia & Thailand so all bookings outside of the UK will be considered. Additional costs such as travel & accommodation or the hire of any equipment (if necessary) will be extra.

How much set up time is needed?
30 mins to an hour is all that is needed for Jamie to set up and sound check. Arrival, Set up and Soundcheck is up to 90 minutes before the performance but this can be done earlier if requested.

What happens if proceedings start or finish later?
Jamie is flexible when it comes to starting and finishing as events do over run on the day. The important thing is that your event doesn't suffer so in these circumstances there is an allowance of up to 30 minutes either side of the agreed timings.

What happens if I want Jamie to play longer?
If you are having so much fun and you require Jamie to perform for longer than the agreed time, a charge of £75 for an additional 45 mins set will occur.

Will Jamie learn my favourite song for my event?
Jamie is happy to learn a new song for you if it is not already in his extensive repertoire of 350+ songs.

What about deposits and cancellations?
A non refundable £100 deposit is required at time of booking. The remainder can be paid at the beginning of the month in which your event is held or at least 7 days prior to the event date. If you wish to cancel less than 4 weeks prior to the event then the balance must be paid in full. If you wish to cancel between 4-8 weeks of the event then 50% of the balance must be paid to Jamie.

What do I need to provide for Jamie?
There must be at least one power socket made available in the vicinity of the performance area, and a minimum 7ft ceiling.  This is not because Jamie is freakishly tall, it's because of the RCF tower speaker he uses. If Jamie is requested to be at your venue for a substantial amount of time then food & drink should be made available in some capacity. With regard to space, Jamie is comfortable performing on the stage or in the corner of a room. If you can swing a cat in the chosen area then it will be fine. (Please do not take this method of measuring literally!). A small table is always nice too!

How long are his sets and breaks? 
Timings vary but typically you could have either: 3 x 45 minute sets (with 2 breaks of 30 mins or 15 mins) 2 x 65 minute sets (with 1 break of 30 mins). Packages are available as advertised on the Wedding page so please inform Jamie if your requirements are different.

Will there be music played during the breaks?
Jamie will provide a DJ type service during your event too at no extra charge. Using iTunes to seemlessly mix tracks together (so no gaps between tracks), non-stop party music will be played during the breaks. You can also choose to plan your own playlists via a CD player, iPod or Laptop which Jamie is happy to manage for you.

Can I come to see Jamie McGuire perform live?
Jamie occasionally performs in bars in the London & Essex area and is happy for you to come along to watch him live. Jamie is very approachable and prefers to meet potential clients face to face to discuss plans. It is also a good way for you to establish whether you think Jamie will be suitable for your event, rather than judge a CD. Please contact Jamie for details of where he is playing next.

Has Jamie ever not turned up to a performance?
No, never! Not in over 550 performances in 10 years has he cancelled!! When you book Jamie McGuire you are not only getting a fantastic performer, you can also be assured of a high level of professionalism and commitment.