Singer

Kaz Lester

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About Kaz

Jazz, Boogie Woogie, Classical, most styles covered - working solo with backing tracks or in a duo with Adam Gibson on keyboards.
Singer
Stockton-on-Tees
Public liability insurance of £10 million

I work either solo with backing tracks or in a duo with a very talented keyboard player, Adam Gibson and I work as a 'vintage tea band' covering material from the 1930's onwards, some songs with ukulele. Perfect for any occasion and with a wealth of experience between us, we are professional, punctual and reliable. We are both members of the Musicians' Union and, as well as performing, we work as music/singing teachers. I can offer different styles of music such as gospel, blues and can perform requested classical/opera songs for special occasions (including weddings and funerals). I also do some foreign language songs - French, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian. As a solo singer, I have a wealth of experience and can provide vintage style material/smooth jazz ideal for a drinks' reception. I am a trained singer (with Distinction at Grade 8). Do feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss any requirements and I will do my very best to make your special event a wonderfully, memorable one.

Kaz
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5 out of 5
3 verified reviews

Kaz's Reviews

From customers:

TC
Trevor C
5 years ago, for a Charity event in Bishopton Village Hall
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5 out of 5

I have known Karen in a professional capacity for approximately 5 years when she came to sing her special brand of music at a secret cinema event we held in a barn. She has gone on to delight us with her music at various gigs, including three times performing with friends at breakfast for 100 people in our local village hall, singing as a member of a band three times at Music Festival and we have also enjoyed listening to her when she sang at a friend's wedding anniversary. She came to give a surprise ukulele lesson to a group of old pensioners, some of whom had never picked up a ukulele, and they all enjoyed the experience, even learning a chord or two. Whenever we have employed Karen, as well as being a lovely singer, she has carried out her work in a professional and competent way. Karen is always our go-to person when we need music.

KA
Karen A
8 years ago, for a Birthday party in Wynyard
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5 out of 5

Karen Lester and Adam Gibson performed at my 50th Birthday celebrations at Wynyard Hall. Their music and songs are a brilliant accompaniment to any event in my opinion. All my guests loved them. Karen and Adam were professional and friendly and went out of there way to make my Birthday extra special.

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8th Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over 8 years

Kaz's Song list

Example of songs:
All of me
Makin' whoopee
You belong to me
Can't help lovin' dat man
Sentimental journey
Cry me a river
Fine and mellow
Ain't nobody's business
Can't buy me love
Come fly with me
St. Louis blues
Bei mir bist du schon
La vie en rose (French)
Mas que nada (Portugese)
Girl from Impanema (Portuguese)
Stormy weather
At last
Hallelujah, I love him so
As time goes by
Route 66
Has anybody seen my gal
Ain't she sweet
Yes, Sir, that's my baby
Hallelujah, I love him so!
O Mio Babino Caro
Habanera

Kaz'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)£100
Up to 1 hour£160
Up to 2 hours£200
Up to 3 hours£250
Customer questions

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?

Because of our style of music, we are not often asked for this but, if this is something you would like, please do ask us.

How much time do you need to set up?

We need about an hour to set up usually and we understand that this needs to be done before guests arrive so everything is neat and tidy.

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

Our set lists are crafted from many performances and designed to suit our own skills and to provide the best possible ambience for your occasion.

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes, we provide all our own PA equipment.

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

If you would like a particular song, we are happy to learn it and chat with you about the fee for this service, which would take into account rehearsal times etc.

What do your clients love most about your performances?

We are well seasoned performers and understand how to tailor our music to individual clients' occasions. We have benefitted from repeated bookings.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

We have done many private and charity events at small venues as well as Wynyard Hall, Wynyard Chapel (weddings), Music Lounge (Stockton), The Golden Lion, Northallerton, Middlesbrough Football Club, Hardwick Hall, Judges, Redcar/Darlington Jazz Clubs, Guisborough Hall, etc.

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day, Karen Carpenter, Nina Simone and Adam on keyboards would quote so many of the boogie woogie greats including Dr. John and Ray Charles.

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

The duo is quite small scale so more suited to smaller venues. In other bands, Adam and I have played at Stanley Blues Festival, Stockton Riverside Festival, Barnard Castle Festival, the Ellen Timney Charity Ball, Cornshed Festival etc.
Musicianship
Genres:
Classical, Jazz, Folk, Pop, Rock, Electronic, Covers, Soul, Vintage, Motown, Musical theatre, Opera, Film / TV music, Country, Blues, Cabaret, Latin jazz, Postmodern jukebox jazz, Gospel, Swing, Jazz fusion, Ragtime, Modern jazz, Gypsy jazz, Easy listening, Light music, Originals, Americana, Rock 'n' Roll, Spanish music, Latin, Italian music, French music, Brazilian music, World music
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Instruments:
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Event types:
Wedding, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Private event, Corporate event, Recording session, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve
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Other skills:
Singing teaching, Music therapy, Community music worker
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