Neil Dixon Smith

I am a solo classical guitarist, specializing in Latin American styles (especially music of South America), but I do also play works within the Spanish classical canon. I love playing weddings, and I'm also familiar with traditional wedding music, and I'm open to learning anything in that context by request. People also hire me for background music for private dinner parties, corporate parties, banquets, anniversaries, etc.; or any event that calls for a lively and elegant ambience. I can play for up to 4 hours (50 minutes on, w/10 minute breaks). You'll be impressed with my professionalism, friendliness and commitment to making your event truly special!

• Canon in D - Pachelbel
• Bridal Chorus - Wagner
• Wedding March - Mendelssohn
• Over the Rainbow - Arlen
• Recuerdos de la Alhambra - Tarrega
• Lagrima - Tarrega
• Romanza - Yepes
• La Malagueña Salerosa - (traditional)
• Son de la Loma - Matamoros
• Lagrimas Negras - Matamoros
• La Flor de la Canela - Granda
• Granada - Lara
• One Note Samba - Jobim
• Girl from Ipanema - Jobim
• Desafinado - Jobim
• Manha de Carnaval - Bonfa
• La Cumparsita - Matos Rodriquez
• El Choclo - Villoldo
• Andreina - Lauro
• Seis por Derecho - Lauro

Anniversaries, Apres Ski Parties, Awards Nights, Bachelor Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Banquets, Bar Mitzvahs, Bat Mitzvahs, Birthday Parties, Children's Birthday Parties, Casinos, Celebrations, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Coffee Shops, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Country Clubs, Cruise Ships, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fraternity Functions, Fund Raisers, Funerals, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Hotels, Jingles, Movie Soundtracks, Picnic, Private Parties, Proms, Resorts, Restaurants, Reunions, Showers, Sorority Function, Studio Session, Temples, TV Soundtracks, Weddings...and more.

• I can't thank Neil enough for truly creating the atmosphere and ambiance of our party. I hired Neil as a surprise for my girlfriend's 30th birthday party at her photography studio. Everyone was extremely impressed with Neil's music. He is extremely talented and professional. I HIGHLY recommend him for a private event or party. -- Trey B, Chicago, IL, 10/23/2010
• It was wonderful! All the people at the party loved his playing and hopefully he will get more gigs out of the party. Thanks, Richard Tribble -- Richard T, River Forest, IL, 6/20/2010
• Neil Dixon Smith provided exactly what we wanted for our wedding ceremony! He helped us chose the right songs for our event and attended our rehearsal in order to be sure he understood exactly what we wanted! We were impressed with his talent and received lots of positive feedback from our guests. We look forward to seeing Neil perform again sometime soon! -- Jennifer D, Oak Park, IL, 10/16/2010
• Neil is one marvelous guitar player! Very accommodating! Highly recommended! -- Tad S, Chicago, IL, 10/15/2011
• We were so fortunate to have Neil Dixon Smith perform at my mother's memorial service. As soon as I heard his samples online, I knew he'd bring the right spirit to our event: thoughtful, emotional, pure. Not only was Neil a wonderful player, but he "read the room" beautifully and adjusted his performance on the fly to match the mood. Neil told me that he actually enjoys the fine art of being a "background" performer, helping to create an emotional tapestry for each event. That's true... but he's also a magnificent "foreground" performer when the spotlight falls on him. We experienced both "Neils" at our family event, and we're deeply grateful to both of them. -- Christy K, Highland Park, IL, 10/29/2011
• It was a pleasure to work with Neil. He came about 45 minutes ahead of starting time, set everything up and played continuously, only stopping when I insisted that he have something to eat. He selected just the right type of music, and I heard many positive comments from the guests. -- Leora D, Chicago, IL, 12/11/2011
• We had a great time with Neil. All our guests loved him. He is nice, talented and very professional. He helped to make the event special. He would be highly recommended by us. -- Basia G, Kildeer, IL, 4/21/2012
• Our event was in an art museum, Neil's beautiful playing added the ambience we were looking for amongst the art collection. I highly recommend Neil, he was very professional and I received nothing but complimentary comments. Thanks Neil! -- Cynthia B, Milwaukee, WI, 5/16/2012

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