Q: How do I make a booking?
A: Send me an email with date, venue event type and approximate timings - I'll then get back to you with a quote. Should you wish to confirm, I'll issue a brief contract requesting 25% deposit.
You can also book me through an agency such as Alive Network if you prefer:
Q: Is the quoted price inclusive of travel costs?
A: Yes, prices are typically calculated based on travel from Buckinghamshire HP6 and are inclusive of all travel, PLI* and equipment costs. For particularly long journeys and international bookings the quote may be inclusive of overnight accommodation. My colleague Ryan can also cover bookings further North from his base in Manchester UK and I have a second base in North Hertfordshire when required.
*certificate available on request
Q: Can I request songs not on your existing repertoire?
A: Yes, but be aware that this will incur a small extra charge of £30 per request in most cases.
Q: How far are you willing to travel?
I am currently based in Buckinghamshire and regularly work across the following counties: Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Greater London, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Essex, Suffolk, Surrey, Kent, Berkshire, Oxfordshire. I have easy train access to central London and the surrounding area. I also welcome enquiries from further afield across Southern Counties such as Sussex, Hampshire, Dorset, Devon as well as being able to offer a competitive rate for overseas bookings. My colleague Ryan can also cover some Northern Counties from his base in Manchester UK.
Q: How do you structure your prices?
My prices are calculated based mainly on travel/distance, time of year (i.e. peak between Jun-Sep), day of the week and playing time required. Song requests are subject to a supplementary charge, and any accommodation/extra waiting time/supplementary equipment required should be agreed prior to confirming a booking. Saturdays during peak season typically start at £300.
Note also that my prices include transport, equipment and PLI insurance; while there are no added fees as such, a little light refreshment post-performance is discretionary and hugely appreciated!
VAT is not applicable.
I have seen people advertising wedding guitar services for as little as £95 and THREE HOURS WITHOUT A BREAK for £165! You'll find my prices are set very competitively alongside recognised, experienced fellow professionals.
Q: How and when do I pay?
A: I ask for 25% deposit BACS payment or cheque on confirmation of date (w/contract), with the rest usually being paid either on the day of the event or beforehand in some cases. Invoices can be issued on request, BACS payments are preferred as it saves dealing with cash/cheques on the day.
Q: What do we need to provide on the day?
A: Armless chair/short stool, parking space and suitable refreshments/meal if at all possible - a private room to change is helpful but not essential. Please also let me know if there will be any professional videographers*, and if I'll need to set up in more than one place.
*This is handy to know in advance, as I can often supply them with MP3s to use and helps decide where best to set up on the day
Q: How long do you usually play for?
A: Typically 90-120 mins in total is recommended, and is usually enough to cover ceremony/drinks reception although I can cover up to 3hrs with appropriate breaks if absolutely necessary.
Q: Do you need mains power?
A: No - I work entirely on (rechargeable) batteries. It's always nice to play outside if the weather allows!
NB Some venues are restricted by a live music license/amplified music restrictions/PAT - however because I don't use mains power this should not be a problem. If in doubt, refer the venue directly to me.
NB. I DO need to use my small portable amp to perform.
Q: Will be you be wearing a suit?
A: Yes I will be smartly presented in suitable wedding attire (waistcoat in summer) unless otherwise agreed beforehand.
Q: What are your favourite songs to play?
A: Definitely the film themes - such as Indiana Jones, Top Gun and Jurassic Park, Take 5 is always a hit and I do enjoy the comedy factor of Taylor Swift and George Michael. Bowie, Beach Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd are all pillars of my personal collection so it's good to bring some of those influences in when the situation allows.
Q: How would you describe your style and why is it unique?
A: Perhaps best described as classical/blues crossover, I am not from a classical background nor am I 'classically trained'. I played in various rock and funk bands until developing a kind of 'pseudo' contemporary classical style over several years. What sets me apart from other performers in my category is that I incorporate a lot of live improvisation into my performance and am able to adapt each piece according to the circumstances. Classical fingerstyle with jazz-blues soloing makes for a unique combination, and I do like to add an element of subtle humour with some surprise song choices 😉
Q: What songs do you recommend for ceremonies?
A: I have played all sorts from Sting and Pachelbel to Huey Lewis and Star Wars, so there's a real range and song choices are ultimately tailored specifically for each couple. Having said that, I would typically choose slow songs for the entrance register signing, followed by something more upbeat for the exit. The traditional Bridal Chorus translates to the guitar really well and Canon is also a popular choice. It's great to be able to personalise the music for a couple, so do come to me with requests regardless of what style of music it is. See my brief guide on choosing wedding ceremony music for further guidance.
Q: Can I have a recording of our wedding song(s)?
Yes; for an extra fee I can record a song for you, captured and mastered to a high quality. This is on a case-by-case basis; if I already have a suitable recording of your song I'll send an MP3 over free of charge and other requests will be subject to a supplementary fee in the region of £50.
NB I can supply music prior to the day for you, to play on your own system enquire here
Q: Do you play in a band as well?
A: Yes - I played in a funk-soul jam band with Myles Sanko for many years, and have produced/featured on singer-songwriter Ian Jeffs' debut EP Last Days at the Farm.
NB If you are looking for a band for your evening entertainment then please ask, as I can offer a variety of duo/trio/full-band options. Keys/guitar duo available also.
Q: Do you have any favourite venues?
A: I've played at some truly spectacular places; many a castle, on a London bus and on various boats... one of the perks of the job! Malcesine Castle on Lake Garda, TV's River Cottage in Devon, the Dorchester Hotel, and Arsenal FC's Emirates Stadium in London immediately spring to mind, plus there are several local venues I am strongly linked with including being a recommended supplier at Chippenham Park and South Farm in Cambridgeshire.
Q: Can you provide background music during your breaks?
A: Yes - either via my iTunes library, or alternatively I'm happy to put an iPod through my amp if you have your own music. Usually though, venues have their own in-house PA system.
Q: Do you play wedding ceremonies as well as receptions?
A: Yes - absolutely - although in most cases I play during the post-ceremony drinks reception leading up to the wedding breakfast.
Q: I've seen your profile on Alive Network as Andy Cherry - it it better to book you independently?
A: Ultimately yes, because the quoted price will not include commission. I'm associated with Freak Music and Last Minute Musicians among others.
Q: What equipment do you use?
A: Perez 630CE electro-classical guitar, Jim Dunlop Jazz III picks, D'Addario Pro Arté nylon strings, Roland AC-33 amp, Boss RC-500 loop pedal (previously RC-2), Cleartone cables and Eneloop Pro rechargeable AA batteries. I take care to be as environmentally responsible as possible in terms of both travel and equipment.
Q: How do you cope with changeable weather?
A: Well, good old England likes to throw a curveball or two when it comes to changeable conditions; fortunately I can move relatively quickly if a shower moves in and can setup indoors or outdoors without the need for mains power. In the event of a heatwave, hopefully, there will be sufficient shade (and cold beer) available!
Q: How can you play without having the music in front of you?
A: I've had no formal musical training and don't read music - it's all done 'by ear' and memory. Improvisation is a key feature in my performance, tailored to the atmosphere and requirements of the situation.
Q: Is this your full-time job?
A: I work full-time for audio engineering/electronics company Focusrite, based in Buckinghamshire. My LinkedIn profile.