John Friday

Description

Singer/songwriter and cover artist, performing both original and cover songs in a wide range of genres, including but not limited to:
Rock, folk, country, Americana, reggae, Oldies, swing, jazz and instrumental.
I primarily play guitar and harmonica, and sing. I also play bass, Celtic bouzouki, mandolin and percussion.
I am equally at home in an intimate setting or onstage before thousands. I have opened and headlined as a solo act, in duos, trios and bands.

Set-List

A partial sample of songs I perform can be found at http://www.johnfriday.com/Song_List.html

Biography

Just the Facts, Ma'am. . .
John Friday is a singer/songwriter originally from Maryland, now living in western North Carolina. John put full-time music aside for an Army career, after which he worked as an engineering technician and high school teacher.
An eclectic set of interests led John through the gamut of college majors, including biology; education; engineering; mathematics; business ("I'd always made fun of business majors, and suddenly I was one!"); computer science; classics (the most useful part of a classics degree is that you can say "Do you want fries with that?" in Latin!); ... and finally, one that combined many of John's interests, History. It only took twenty years to complete his baccalaureate, as little things like raising children and going to war kept him busy. John's love of History is readily evident, as he will discuss historical
events at the drop of a fin-topped hat.
John got his first guitar when he was 13, and for years was never far from it. He took it backpacking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire; while working on a crabber in Chesapeake Bay; even while skiing in Maine & Colorado. He still has that guitar, although his collection has grown somewhat over the years.
Moving back to the Mid-Atlantic region, John shortly realized that (1) he'd never really grown up and never would, and (2) his childhood dreams of making music were still powerful. Those dreams led to a move to Florida in 2004. John missed the changing seasons after a while (in Florida, the seasons are Hot, Summer, Surface-Of-The-Sun, and Snowbird), and in 2020 he moved to Asheville, NC.
He has released four CDs of mostly original music and is currently at work on a fifth.All four albums were nomiated for Trop Rock Music Awards. Read More

Reviews     (no reviews)

Experience

Performing artist (part-time/full-time) for over 40 years. Trop Rock Music Awards winner (Horizon, 2013) and nine-time nominee. BMI- affiliated songwriter with over 50 songwriting/co-writing credits, including four albums and three singles nomiated for TRMA Album Of The Year/Song Of The Year.
Top Ten Finalist in the Great Lakes Songwriting Contest (for "The Voice")
Honorable Mention (2x), Dallas Songwriters Association Contest (for "The Voice" and "One Day You Don't")
Honorable Mention, American Songwriter Magazine Lyric Contest ("The Voice")
Tailgate Opener for Jimmy Buffett at three sepa ... rate venues.
Opened for Jimmy Buffett in Dublin, Ireland. Read More

Previous Clients

John has played for a wide variety of events and special occasions. Since 2017, he has been the Music Director for Phins To The West, a Trop Rock festival held annually in Mesquite, NV. In 2019, he opened for Jimmy Buffett in Dublin, Ireland. He has performed at numerous music festivals and trop rock events, including the annual Meeting Of The Minds in Key West (the official Jimmy Buffett fan convention). He has performed in Europe, Canada, and Mexico as well as throughout the United States.

Suitable for

Anniversary Party Awards Ceremony Bachelorette / Hen Party Birthday Party (Adult) Bridal Shower Casinos Charity / Fundraising Event Christmas Party Club Party Cocktail Party / Drinks Reception Community Event Concerts / Tours Conference / Meeting Corporate Event Cruise Ships Dinner Party Engagement Party Festival / Outdoor Event Grand Opening Party Halloween Party Holiday / Theme Parks Hotel Event New Year's Eve Party Nightclub Event Nursing / Care Home Event Private Party Product Launch / Promotion Restaurant / Bar / Pub Event Retirement Party Social Club Trade Show / Exhibitions University / College Event Virtual Event Wedding Ceremony Wedding Cocktail/Drinks Reception Wedding Reception

Meet the Act

I became a full-time musician in 2008, after almost 30 years as an engineering technician and teacher. I was a founder/member of several bands during high school, but chose to enter the technical field and relegate music to a part-time job. I have performed in settings ranging from an intimate gathering for a few, to festivals drawing over 10K attendees. I have had gigs that went flawlessly, and gigs that provided opportunities to overcome adversity. Drawing on my Army experience, I have always been "mission first" and ensure that the show goes on without a hitch.
I tend to tell stories and ... jokes during a show, especially when introducing a song. However, I am equally adept at remaining "background music" in the appropriate setting. Read More

Additional Information

I am a member of BMI performing tights organization.
I carry liability insurance.