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Ben Dain-Smith

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About Ben

Offering sing-along fun with some flair, covering well-known songs from the 60s through to now. Look no further for amazing entertainment
Singer
Barry

Hiya! I'm Ben, an experienced acoustic entertainer from South Wales and I'd love to perform for you! I played my first professional gig aged 16, and haven't looked back since. My career so far has included a football stadium, an opera house, some television, and countless pubs, bars, and private events. I offer acoustic covers with plenty of energy and sing-long ability. If you want to sing the night away, I've got just the set for you, but, equally, if you're after some chilled-out background entertainment, just let me know, and I'm happy to add that extra touch to your desired atmosphere. I LOVE my job and do my best to entertain and please my clients! Thankfully I'm re-booked in 9/10 venues I play so I must be doing something right. If you're interested or have any questions at all, I'm always happy to chat and will do my best to accommodate any requests you may have. I promise I'll give it my all and we'll have an excellent night!

Encore badges
10 gigs
Experienced: 10 bookings through Encore
Saved the day!
Booked for an Encore gig with less than 24 hours’ notice
4th Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over 4 years
Member of the Encore community forum
Musicianship
Genres:
Indie, 1950s era music, 1960s era music, 1970s era music, 1990s era music, Rock, Alternative rock, Britpop, Classic rock, Pop rock, Rock 'n' Roll, Acoustic, Vintage, Pop, 1980s era music
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Instruments:
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Event types:
Private event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Wedding, Hotel / Restaurant event, Corporate event, Cruise, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve, Virtual event
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Other skills:
Songwriter, Producer
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Ben's Song list

Hound Dog/ Jailhouse Rock Medley – Elvis Presley
Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond
Rehab – Amy Winehouse
Ain't No Sunshine – Bill Withers
Stand By Me – Ben E King
Rocket Man – Elton John
Teenage Kicks – The Undertones
Half The World Away - Oasis
Waterloo Sunset – The Kinks
Hey Jude – The Beatles
Knocking On Heaven's Door – Bob Dylan
Mr Brightside – The Killers
Where Is My Mind – Pixies
Melancholy Hill - Gorillaz
Take Me Out – Franz Ferdinand
I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor – Arctic Monkeys
Don't Look Back In Anger - Oasis
Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Queen
Valerie – The Zutons/Amy Winehouse
She's Always A Woman – Billy Joel
Help! - The Beatles
Creep - Radiohead
Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve
Wonderwall – Oasis
Back To Black – Amy Winehouse
Johnny B Goode – Chuck Berry
Deadbeat City Blues – Original Song
I Wanna Be Like You - Jungle Book
Dakota - Stereophonics
Sunny Afternoon – The Kinks
Whistle For The Choir – The Fratellis
Delilah – Tom Jones
Crocodile Rock – Elton John
Trouble Town – Jake Bugg
Maybe Tomorrow - Stereophonics
Superstition – Stevie Wonder
Folsom Prison Blues – Johnny Cash
Starman – David Bowie
Crazy – Gnarls Barkley
Lawdy Miss Clawdy – Elvis Presley
She’s Electric - Oasis
Under The Bridge – Red Hot Chilli Peppers
I Saw Her Standing There – The Beatles
Lightning Bolt – Jake Bugg
Customer questions

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

Just let me know! These things happen and I'll always do my best to accommodate.

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

I can indeed. I regularly work as a DJ over the Christmas period so know what I'm doing in that regard. It will often affect the price a little though so make sure you let me know if you want this.

How much time do you need to set up?

It takes me 15 mins to set up but for new venues I always give myself 45 mins to an hour just to be sure. As a solo musician, I don't have too much equipment so don't be alarmed by my quick set-up time. It's just practice.

Can I pick the pieces you play from the set list?

You can of course pick and choose from the setlist I will offer you and I will learn 2 songs for you free of charge. Anything more than that and it will affect the price a little but I always try to make life as easy as possible for all involved.

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

I have everything I need! All I need from you is a source of electricity and maybe a pint of water (no ice)

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

As previously mentioned in another FAQ, I can indeed learn some pieces for your event. I'll learn 2 free of charge but after that it will start to affect the price.

What do your clients love most about your performances?

I hope they enjoy the quality of my playing, my energy and song choices. Thankfully, I'm often told that I handle the crowd well and keep everyone entertained, whatever the situation.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

Some of the highlights include the Cardiff City Stadium, Welsh Millenium Centre, Cardiff's Winter Wonderland and Beach On The Bay event though I'm just as at home in a small bar or energetic pub.

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Artists such as Oasis, Bowie, The Beatles and Elvis are probably my main inspirations but my music taste is vast and I love to throw a bit of everything in.

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

As previously mentioned, I've played at a BBC premiere at the Millenium Centre in Cardiff and pre-game at the Cardiff City Football Ground.

Ben's Prices

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
Performance durationPrice
Short performance (up to 15 min)£150
Up to 1 hour£200
Up to 2 hours£260
Up to 3 hours£300
Ben
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5 out of 5
9 verified reviews
Satisfaction
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5.0
Professionalism
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5.0
Communication
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5.0
Punctuality
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5.0

Ben's Reviews

From Encore customers:

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Verne F
2 years ago
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5 out of 5

Excellent, Ben certainly made my birthday party go with a swing. Thank you so much Ben !

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VICTORIA F
2 years ago
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5 out of 5

Booked Ben for my partners 30th birthday. Ben was great, excellent communication from the start. Would definitely recommend.

SS
Sophie S
2 years ago
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5 out of 5

Ben was brilliant! Everyone enjoyed every single song! We were gutted when it was time for him to go! Definitely be recommending him to friends and family

JP
Jocelyn P
2 years ago
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5 out of 5

Ben was lovely, very friendly, sang well , everyone was happy . A great day

Read all 5 reviews

From other customers:

SD
Sue D
4 years ago, for a Birthday party in Cardiff
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5 out of 5

Ben played at my birthday party in August and I was super pleased. He arrived on time and played a great variety of tracks. My absolute favourite was "Stand By Me"! I'd definitely recommend him if you're looking for some birthday entertainment. Thanks ben! X

SH
Sharon H
4 years ago, for a Bar / Club / Venue event in 11 Nolton St
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5 out of 5

Ben's voice is superb and he never fails to engage his audience. Here at The Book Club we always know it is going to be a good night when Ben is on the program, in fact people often book tables to see him perform. Because of this we have happily recommended him to other venues.

Read all 4 reviews