Thanks for stopping by. Here you will find the answers to some of my most frequently asked questions about booking and show specifics.
If you're thinking of booking a date, you may want to check my schedule to see if I'm already booked that day. Frequently I'm able to do a show in the afternoon as well as one later in the evening, so be sure to check the scheduled show times. And, when in doubt, just give me a call.
You may be surprised to know that not all musicians are entertainers. Well, maybe not so surprised. Have you ever gone out for the evening and discovered that, although the guy on the stage was a brilliant musician, he still bored you to tears? Happens all the time.
Anyone who gets paid to entertain an audience owes it to employer to be… ah, well… Entertaining! The best of us know how to adapt our show to the ebb and flow of the audience’s mood. We have the right songs at the right time to help everyone have a great time. We’re always reading the crowd, sometimes leading, sometimes following, but always paying attention.
Sometimes that means just playing softly in the background while people talk to their friends. Other times it means cranking out a rowdy chorus of Sweet Caroline so everyone can yell “So Good!”, but whatever the occasion calls for, we always give the audience what they want. Now that’s entertainment!
Many local bars and taverns would like to have entertainment for their patrons, but the cost of hiring a full band is prohibitive, and the neighbors complain about the noise. Solo acts and duos aren’t as expensive, but they’re not as exciting either.
Summerhill bridges the gap between a full band and a solo singer/guitar player. Using the latest technology (and countless hours in my home studio) I can bring the sound of a full band to your customers for the price of a solo act. The volume is always kept under control and so is your budget.
If the audience is in a dancing mood, they can mix it up with the full-band sound of Skynyrd or Wild Cherry (Play that Funky Music, White Boy)! And if they just want to sit and listen to some guitar classics I’ve got lots of mellow Neil Young and Garth Brooks tunes. With a one-man-band in the house, there are no limits to the kind of music your customers can enjoy.
Bars and taverns traditionally look for weekend entertainment, so Fridays and Saturdays (after 9 pm) usually book up several months in advance for me, so please call early if you’re looking for a specific date. You can always check my show schedule to see if I'm available.
Have you considered entertainment for Happy Hour? Even if I’m already booked later in the evening, I still may have time to play for your “after work” patrons. Give me a call and we’ll talk about it!
Over the years I’ve had some of my best shows at private clubs. Everyone’s heard of The Elks, The Moose, the American Legion and The VFW, but have you ever heard of Saint Stan’s Polish Hall? Yep. I’ve played there. Happily, I’ve played them all.
In the past, many clubs have had a traditional “dance night” once or twice a month, hiring a band for their members. In recent years, however many clubs have found the turnout for these events to be disappointing and difficult to recoup the cost of the band.
Now might be a good time to change the tradition. Why not hire a one-man-band for the job? At a fraction of the cost of a 5-man band I can offer your members all their dance favorites and they’ll never miss the other four guys! It’s live singing and guitar playing in front of a full “invisible” band.
Never too loud and always the right mix of music, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t think of this before.
I could ‘a had live music!
Don’t wait till after your party to slap your forehead and say this; you can arrange for live music right now. Forget the DJ, leave the CD player in the bedroom and tell your friends Steve Summerhill is playing for MY party. Here are just a few of the parties I’ve done in the past…
- Birthday parties
- Graduation parties
- Wedding rehearsal dinners
- Family reunions
- Boat parties
- Ski lodge get togethers
- Pig roasts
- Frat parties
- Employee appreciation parties
- All holidays (yes, I work on holidays)
There are lots more, but you get the idea.
Friday and Saturday evenings usually book up several months in advance, but if you’re looking for one of these nights you can always check my show schedule to see if I’m available. Sat and Sun afternoons are more readily available and, as long as I can make it to my evening show in time, I‘d love to play for your afternoon party. Sundays are nearly always available with little notice.
Okay, maybe I’m indulging in a little wishful thinking. I’ve never played on a cruise ship before, but I’d like to.
I’d also like to play on the deck in front of the volleyball net at some resort town hotel.... sigh.
Listen, if you book entertainment for either of these things, PLEASE give me a call!
...How was that? Did it sound desperate enough? Huh, didi it?
Always professional, always entertaining, you can be confident that Steve Summerhill will positively represent your company at any corporate event. In fact, having worked for many years as a manager and corporate trainer for a large company, I’ve drawn the assignment of planning such events, and I know how important it is for you to look good for your intended audience as well as your… well you know, your BOSS.
Here are some other things to consider...
Summerhill shows are never vulgar and carry a mild PG rating.
When your guests are enjoying a meal and, more importantly, having conversations, they won’t have to compete with the music to be heard. When they’re ready to dance or sing along, the show simply shifts gears from soft and casual to party time!
With nearly 300 songs in the repertoire, there’s music for nearly every age and taste.
Song selection, volume and space requirements are easily adjusted for any size event. From an intimate gathering of several people to a ball room filled with partying production managers, the show is easily adapted to your agenda.
So whether you’re planning to schmooze customers or entertain your employees, I’m your band.
