Hire Dave Holmes | Guitarist in Stevenage

Q: Which venues have you performed at in the past?

I've played at festivals in UK such as Womad and Rhythms of the World, and countless other gigs, community events, private parties and parades all over Europe and Brazil. I've performed a lot of Samba percussion shows and many gigs as a solo guitarist/singer. I started off my performing on the streets, which honed my skills greatly, as you are more exposed.

Q: Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Brazilian Bossa and MPB Artists - Tom Jobim, Roberto Menescal, João Gilberto, Caetano Veloso and so on. Early influences were UK/US 60s music: Hendrix, Beatles, Cream..all the usual suspects! Then a mix: Bob Marley, Jamiroquai, REM, Funkadelic, Prince, Stevie Wonder... I was influenced by electronic music too, from ambient to techno and drum n bass.

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

Some of the festivals I have played were quite big, but I prefer the gigs with captive audiences in smaller venues, market squares and home concerts, where you have a connection with people up close..and the biggest gigs are not always good! I turned down the London Olympics, as musicians were required to mime for an audience of (pretty much) the whole world

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

We always try our best to be flexible to help ensure your event runs as smoothly as possible. If timings change slightly in the run up to the event just let us know.

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

Absolutely. This is a really popular request and we actually offer this service for free. If you'd like a DJ service via our PA after the final set until the venue closes, we provide this for an additional £100

Q: How much time do you need to set up?

We usually set up about 1 to 1.5 hours before the performance time. As soon as our PA is set up we can provide a free playlist service to help set the atmosphere and get your guests ready for our live performance!

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

Our set lists are crafted from countless performances and learning what works best to ensure guests dance and have an amazing time. However, we're definitely happy to chat through and make sure we find what works for your event.

Q: Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes, absolutely! I bring my own instruments required to play my set. If you use my backing musicians, they'll also bring what they need.

Q: Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

If a song isn't included in our song list there may still be a chance we already know it. If there is a special song you'd like us to learn we are happy to do this for you. There is a fee of £40 for this service to take into account rehearsal times etc.

Check availability and get a free quote now - no commitment to book

From£240

1 hour

Like Dave?

Watch & Listen

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Listen

1-3 of 5 videos

Dave Holmes - The Girl From Ipanema - A Garota da Ipanema - Poço das Artes, Recife, Brasil

Andrea Amorim - "Rio" and "Vagamente" , live at Quebramar Beach Club, Praia da Costa Nova, Portugal

Dave Holmes - Sevilla Mia, London, UK - 15th October 2019

About Dave

Singer / Guitarist, specialising in Brazilian Bossa Nova & English / American covers. Involved in all types of music, acoustic to electronic

3 of 5 photos

Guitarist

Stevenage

Public liability insurance of £10 million

Verified profile

DAVE HOLMES specialises in Brazilian Bossa Nova (singing in Portuguese and English) and also includes english language covers and originals in his set. He is the owner of the Soul Tonic label, which has currently has 6 international artists from Brazil, UK and Japan. Dave obtained his BTec National Diploma in Popular Music and Sound Recording from Chichester College of Arts, Science and Technology and followed this up with Foundation and Advanced Audio studies at the renowned London audio college, Alchemea, and is a skilled Digital Audio editor, proficient in using programs such as Ableton Live. Brazilian Music Dave has performed Brazilian Samba percussion since 2007 at corporate events and shows, and in 2014 Dave released two well received Bossa Nova demo albums of covers called 'Born To Bossa', recorded live with just his guitar and vocals. Over the next couple of years these drew attention from around the globe. He has since played live on UK, Peruvian and Dutch radio, received glowing reviews from Jamaica to USA to Japan, and regularly toured with shows in Mainland Europe and UK. This eventually led to Dave being approached with projects by other established artists, such as the Brazilian vocalist and songwriter Andrea Amorim, taking on the role of Producer, guitarist and backing vocalist on her European Tours, and performing with her in Brazil. He collaborated as a songwriter and artist on some of Andrea's albums, one album of which also features a track by Andrea with Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement award winner, Roberto Menescal, who once commented "Dave's Bossa Nova swing is better than that of many Brazilian musicians." Dave is also working on his debut album of original songs. Recorded in Brazil, UK and Portugal it blends Brazilian music with folk, blues and soul. Dave is already releasojg tracks and playing songs from the album in his shows. Electronic Music In 2012, under the alias Damon Breakz he initiated Cosmic Core, an international electronic music project which he directs, featuring over 40 artists and producers, from over 20 countries around the world, including top NZ DJ/producer Tom Cosm whose forum the Cosmic Core crew use. They have released 6 albums to date.

Dave

5 out of 5

1 verified review

Dave's Reviews

5 out of 5

O Poço das Artes teve o grande prazer de receber Dave Holmes em novembro de 2018, em um show que nos proporcionou deliciosos momentos de paz e bem estar. Esse é o sentimento que nos inspira a sua música, seja na Bossa Nova, nas clássicas baladas suaves ou em suas músicas autorais. Nosso espaço receberá sempre com prazer músicos como Dave Holmes, que transita entre culturas, pesquisando e experimentando o encontro de vários gêneros em uma confluência prolífica e fraterna. Clarissa Garcia, Poço das Artes. Translation: O Poço das Artes (The Well of Arts) had the great pleasure of receiving Dave Holmes in November 2018 in a show that provided us with delightful moments of peace and well-being. This is the feeling that inspires his music, whether in Bossa Nova, classic soft ballads or in his own music. Our space will always welcome musicians like Dave Holmes, who transits between cultures, researching and experiencing the meeting of various genres in a prolific and fraternal confluence. Clarissa Garcia, O Poço das Artes, Reife, Brazil.

Dave's Bossa Nova swing is better than that of many Brazilian Musicians

Encore badges

8th Anniversary

This act has been working with Encore for over 8 years

Dave's Song list

many many songs including:

Garota De Ipanema Girl From Ipanema

Eu Sei Que Vou Te Amar

Samba Da Minha Terra

You've got a friend

I'm In The Mood For Love

How Deep Is Your Love?

There's Nothing Like This

Drifting

Estate

Chega De Saudade

Caminhos Cruzados

O Pato

Você E Eu

Os Grilos Crickets sing for Ana Maria

Carol Carolina Bela

Samba De Verão Summer Samba

Mas Que Nada

Samba De Uma Nota Só

Corcovado

Where is The Love?

Norwegian Wood

For No One

Fly Me To The Moon

Under The Bridge

Our House

Dave's Prices

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

Performance duration	Price
Short performance (up to 15 min)	£170
Up to 1 hour	£240
Up to 2 hours	£340
Up to 3 hours	£440

Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

I play with a real Brazilian feel and sing in Portuguese, which is a very rare thing for a 'gringo' (non-Brazilian) musician to do. My music tastes are completely eclectic and I have decades of experience across many musical styles, plus I am also highly skilled in Music Technology / recording which helps me put all the pieces together. People <3 my vibe

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

I've played at festivals in UK such as Womad and Rhythms of the World, and countless other gigs, community events, private parties and parades all over Europe and Brazil. I've performed a lot of Samba percussion shows and many gigs as a solo guitarist/singer. I started off my performing on the streets, which honed my skills greatly, as you are more exposed.

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Brazilian Bossa and MPB Artists - Tom Jobim, Roberto Menescal, João Gilberto, Caetano Veloso and so on. Early influences were UK/US 60s music: Hendrix, Beatles, Cream..all the usual suspects! Then a mix: Bob Marley, Jamiroquai, REM, Funkadelic, Prince, Stevie Wonder... I was influenced by electronic music too, from ambient to techno and drum n bass.

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

Some of the festivals I have played were quite big, but I prefer the gigs with captive audiences in smaller venues, market squares and home concerts, where you have a connection with people up close..and the biggest gigs are not always good! I turned down the London Olympics, as musicians were required to mime for an audience of (pretty much) the whole world

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

We always try our best to be flexible to help ensure your event runs as smoothly as possible. If timings change slightly in the run up to the event just let us know.

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

Absolutely. This is a really popular request and we actually offer this service for free. If you'd like a DJ service via our PA after the final set until the venue closes, we provide this for an additional £100

How much time do you need to set up?

We usually set up about 1 to 1.5 hours before the performance time. As soon as our PA is set up we can provide a free playlist service to help set the atmosphere and get your guests ready for our live performance!

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

Our set lists are crafted from countless performances and learning what works best to ensure guests dance and have an amazing time. However, we're definitely happy to chat through and make sure we find what works for your event.

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes, absolutely! I bring my own instruments required to play my set. If you use my backing musicians, they'll also bring what they need.

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

If a song isn't included in our song list there may still be a chance we already know it. If there is a special song you'd like us to learn we are happy to do this for you. There is a fee of £40 for this service to take into account rehearsal times etc.

Musicianship

Genres:

Latin jazz, Bossa nova, Brazilian music, Samba, World music, Latin, Choro, 1990s era music, 1980s era music, 1970s era music, 1960s era music, Folk, Jazz, Blues, Jazz fusion, Postmodern jukebox jazz, Easy listening, Light music, Pop, Acoustic, Covers, R&B, Vintage, Soul

See all genres

Instruments:

Guitar, Singer, Percussion

See all instruments

Event types:

Concert, Wedding, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Corporate event, Charity event, Recording session, Theatre / Show, Cruise, Burns night, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve

See all event types

Other skills:

Arranger, Audio engineer, Composer, Lyricist, Sound technician, Songwriter, Producer, Ableton Live, Live looping

See all skills