Solo, duo or trio: how do we choose?

Start with the room and the number of guests. One instrument suits a ceremony or a small dinner. A duo or trio fills a larger reception without getting loud. We will suggest a size once we know the space.

Which parts of an event suit a soloist or a small group?

Ceremonies, cocktail receptions and dinners most of all. They set the tone of a room without taking it over. Planning music for a wedding ceremony and cocktail hour? One enquiry covers every part of the day.

Can they play a particular piece for the ceremony?

Usually, with notice. Send the piece with your enquiry so the musicians can confirm and prepare it.

Can a soloist play outdoors?

Often, yes. Tell us whether there is shade or cover and power nearby. Some instruments cannot be out in direct sun, rain or cold, and we will say so before you plan around it.

Do the musicians need a piano or power at the venue?

Tell us whether there is a piano on site and whether power is nearby. A pianist can play the venue's grand or bring their own keyboard, and a bigger reception may need a trio and a little amplification.

Solo musicians and small groups in Calgary

Shaw Entertainment books solo musicians, duos, trios and small groups for ceremonies, cocktail receptions and dinners in Calgary and across Canada. They set the tone of a room without taking it over.

Looking for something more intimate?

Solo performers, duos, trios, and smaller musical groups can create the perfect atmosphere for cocktail receptions, dinners, ceremonies, lounges, and private events.

Plan the night (403) 861-5958

A violinist leaning against a brick wall, holding her violin

One player, or a few

A violinist playing as she walks down an outdoor staircase

Strings: Solo violin or cello, a duo, a trio or a string quartet. Classical repertoire, or pop songs arranged for strings.
Electric violin: A violinist with a wireless instrument who can play from the stage or move through the room. It turns heads at a reception.
Piano: A pianist on the venue's grand or on their own keyboard, for a foyer, a reception or a dinner.
Jazz duos and trios: Piano, bass and guitar in whatever combination the space allows, played at a level people can talk over. It is what we would suggest for a client appreciation event.
Acoustic guitar and voice: A singer with a guitar, playing songs people recognise. It suits a patio, a lounge or a small dinner.
Harp, saxophone and others: If one instrument would make the moment, ask. We will look for the player.

A violinist playing on stage in front of a wall of lights

Occasions it suits

What to tell us

Four things let us match the act to the event. If you don't know one of them yet, say so and we will work with what you have. Booking more than one act? See how we plan the entertainment around your agenda.

The room: Indoors or outdoors, and whether there is a piano on site or power nearby.
Guest count: A soloist carries a small room. A bigger reception may need a trio and a little amplification.
The mood: Classical, jazz, acoustic covers. Tell us what the room should feel like.
The programme: Which parts of the event need music, and any moment that needs a specific piece.

What affects the cost of a solo musician or a small group?

How many players you want, which parts of the event they cover and for how long, the date and the season, any travel, and whether the space needs amplification. Tell us about the event and we will come back with a quote for it.

Questions people ask

Solo, duo or trio: how do we choose?: Start with the room and the number of guests. One instrument suits a ceremony or a small dinner. A duo or trio fills a larger reception without getting loud. We will suggest a size once we know the space.
Which parts of an event suit a soloist or a small group?: Ceremonies, cocktail receptions and dinners most of all. They set the tone of a room without taking it over. Planning music for a wedding ceremony and cocktail hour? One enquiry covers every part of the day.
Can they play a particular piece for the ceremony?: Usually, with notice. Send the piece with your enquiry so the musicians can confirm and prepare it.
Can a soloist play outdoors?: Often, yes. Tell us whether there is shade or cover and power nearby. Some instruments cannot be out in direct sun, rain or cold, and we will say so before you plan around it.
Do the musicians need a piano or power at the venue?: Tell us whether there is a piano on site and whether power is nearby. A pianist can play the venue's grand or bring their own keyboard, and a bigger reception may need a trio and a little amplification.

Tell us about your night

Choose the occasion and what you are looking for. It takes a few minutes and gives us a proper brief to work from.

Plan the night (403) 861-5958