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Weddings

About

James takes great delight in playing for wedding ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, corporate events and similar occasions. He has performed in most major venues for weddings in NC, SC, GA, FL, and Eastern TN, including state museums, concert halls, and attractions. He is on the A+ list for BILTMORE ESTATE, Grove Park Inn, Old Edwards Inn, etc.

He currently focuses on the areas of Hilton Head, Bluffton, Savannah, Charleston and Beaufort, SC.

James has played professionally since his early teen years, in styles ranging from swing, classical, folk, jazz, rock, theater, blues and even square dance.

After two years with a rock group, James settled in Manhattan for 21 years, where he first played in avant-garde groups and finally came full circle to compose and play on dozens of TV/radio commercials, records, corporate films and documentaries. During this time, he was musical director for LIFE magazine's 50th birthday gala at Radio City Music Hall.

James has played with diverse recording personalities such as Luther Van Dross and Gil Evans, as well as on many cabaret, folk and rock recordings. Paul Bley, Hal Overton, and Gerard Saulter were among his coaches. His film scores, as well as his compositions, were performed by New York's top studio and classical musicians. He has also worked in Copenhagan, Paris, Seville and London.

After a foray into film making, advertising, and marketing in Florida, James returned to music, focusing on classical guitar repertoire, as well as pop music played in his unique style, influenced by his jazz, classical and Indian studies.

James is a member of the The New York Classical Guitar Society, and a past or current member of AFM#802 NYC, SAG, AFTRA and other professional associations.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the starting price for wedding ceremony music?

$450

What is the price of your most popular wedding package?

$500

Which of the following are included in the price of your most popular wedding package?

Ceremony Music
Cocktail Hour Music
Microphones
Sample Music
Sound/PA System

What ceremony music arrangements can you provide?

Instrumental - Solo
Instrumental - Duo
Instrumental - Trio
Soloist / Vocalist

How many musicians are in your band(s)?

1 - 3

What instruments does your group play?

Cello
Flute
Guitar
Viola
Violin

What services do you provide?

Ceremony Music
Learn New Songs
Music During Breaks
Reception Music
Rehearsal Dinner Music
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5.0 out of 5 rating
12 Reviews
  • Quality of service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.8 out of 5 rating
100% Recommended by couples
E
Emily Sent on 12/30/2016
5 out of 5 rating
My fiance is a professional musician (as are many of our friends) so music was a very important part of our wedding. We were so lucky to be able to work with James Barr. He helped us plan a beautiful ceremony and worked with us to accompany our friend on a song as she sang and the groom's father as he played the trumpet. Both of us and all of our guests loved the music. On top of being a great musician, James was so easy to work with and we could not recommend him more!
S
Sarah Sent on 06/02/2014
5 out of 5 rating
Wonderful classical music (with a lovely modern touch) for our wedding ceremony and cocktail reception. Low maintenance - I provided a very few details on our preferences and James chose the perfect music. We are very pleased with his services!
S
Sharon Sent on 04/20/2014
5 out of 5 rating
James exceeded every expectation that I had for my wedding day music. He is a masterful classical guitarist - I loved the more formal pieces he played, as well as the more upbeat contemporary songs! My guests LOVED James. We had such a fun time at the reception. We even had an impromptu first dance to a song that James played! I recommend James without hesitation -- I am 100% confident that you will be as happy as we were! Thank you so much, James!
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Awards

12

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Professional Network & Endorsements

1 Endorsement
Reverend Jacqueline Weiks Reverend Jacqueline Weiks Wedding Officiants

I am very honored to endorse James as a talented, easy going professional.

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Reverend Jacqueline Weiks
4.9 out of 5 rating , 157 Reviews
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