Ken Rothacker-80+ Gigmasters Bookings!

• Ken Rothacker - Guitar

I believe that live music creates a unique feeling, a special energy, and an ambience that simply cannot be duplicated. I have played at hundreds of weddings,concerts,special occasions, corporate events, and church functions. My playing has been featured on Chicago radio stations WMBI and WGN, and I have performed my solo acoustic guitar version of the National Anthem before Cubs and White Sox games.

My clients appreciate the fact that, while I play my own unique arrangements of both familiar classics and pop, jazz, and Beatles tunes, I also have the experience and ability to learn and arrange their special favorites upon request. I hope that you can take a moment to look at some of the feedback that my Gigmasters clients have posted regarding working with me.

I have recently created original solo acoustic guitar versions of tunes like "Beautiful Day" (U2), "1234" (Plain White T's), "Change the World" (Eric Clapton), and many more. Additionally, I have a repertoire of original compositions.

For wedding couples, my goal is to be your easiest-to-work-with, lowest-maintenance wedding vendor.

From experience, I know how to work with you to understand your musical goals for your wedding, and how to develop a customized solution that you will remember for a lifetime.

In addition to performing as a solo artist, I frequently play in a duo with either violin, cello, or reeds.

• Eight Days a Week - The Beatles
• Here Comes the Sun - George Harrison
• Beautiful Day - U2
• I'll Be There for You - The Rembrandts
• Time After Time - Cyndy Lauper
• Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - Bach
• Canon in D - Pachelbel
• Spring - Vivaldi
• Morning - Grieg
• Trumpet Voluntary - Stanley
• Wave - Jobim
• Happy Together - The Turtles
• Sunshine of my L:ife - Stevie Wonder
• Fields of Gold - Sting
• Psalm 33 - Ken Rothacker
• Your Song - Elton John
• Just the Way You Are - Billy Joel
• Sailing - Christopher Cross
• Traces of Love - The Classics IV
• I Can See Clearly Now - Johnny Nash
• Just the Two of Us - Bill Withers
• And I Love Her - The Beatles
• Blackbird - The Beatles
• Viva la Vida - Coldplay
• 1234 - Plain White T's
• Change the World - Eric Clapton
• Rodeau (The Masterpiece) - Mouret
• Air on the G String - Bach
• Sheep May Safely Graze - Bach
• It Had To Be You - Harry Conick, Jr
• Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Judy Garland
• Rainbow Connection - Kermit the Frog
• Lean on Me - Bill Withers
• Friday's Child - Ken Rothacker
• Prince Patrick's Return - Ken Rothacker
• Hard to Concentrate - Red Hot Chili Peppers

Anniversaries, Awards Nights, Bachelor Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Banquets, Birthday Parties, Children's Birthday Parties, Celebrations, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Funerals, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Picnic, Private Parties, Proms, Restaurants, Reunions, Weddings, Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Cocktail Hours, Wedding Receptions...and more.

• Ken was awesome. Just EXACTLY what we were looking for. He interacts very well with the guests as well. I have already recommended him to a friend for their reception. And they loved him as well. A true professional and a pleasure to work with. -- Ryan K, Chicago, IL, 9/17/2011
• Ken was an amazing guitarist for my daughters wedding. His music selections were just perfect and set a beautiful tone for the service. He then also played during dinner and truely added to the ambiance of the evening. 5 stars all the way around!!! -- Suzanne D, Chicago, IL, 9/24/2011
• Ken's music and talent was perfect for our daughter's wedding cocktail hour - so many of our guests commented on how beautifully he played and a wonderful set of songs. Highly recommend! -- Pat B, Park Ridge, IL, 10/15/2011
• Ken Rothacker was wonderful, he was the perfect addition to our employee appreciation event. The atmosphere in the room was complimented by the music Ken played. I would recommend him to family and business associates looking for an elegant addition to any event. I look forward to working with Ken again when an opportunity arises. -- Beth N, Oak Brook, IL, 9/8/2011
• Ken's music added the perfect flavor to our event. He was great to collaborate with and provided many options to help the evening be unique and special. -- Scott S, Highland Park, IL, 7/2/2011
• We had a great experience with Ken. He was playing for a surprise party in our home. He was timely and very concerned that he be all set so that the suprise would go off without a hitch. He had contacted me ahead of time to touch base. He really honed in on the crowd and provided the perfect backdrop to our party. Several guests commented on how nice his playing was...not too loud. I even asked him to say longer than previously agreed which he did with no hesitation. I would definitely hire Ken again and certainly recommend him. Wonderful experience! -- Lisa J, Chicago, IL, 6/11/2011
• We hired Ken Rothacker to play guitar at our wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. We were happy with him from the start. He was really responsive via email and phone calls. He had no problem with several special requests that we asked him to play for the ceremony.He was the easiest person to work with regarding planning my wedding day. On the day of, Ken was amazing!! We were so happy with all his musical selections! He really went above and beyond what we were hoping for. We received so many compliments on his music! We would love to have him play for us again if we ever had an opportunity.We would highly recommend Ken for any wedding or event that you might need. -- Jennifer M, Chicago, IL, 5/6/2011
• Ken was fantastic for our corporate holiday party. He played everything I requested and was very professional and accommodating. He is an incredibly talented guy. I would absolutely recommend him in the highest regard. -- Haley C, Chicago, IL, 12/9/2010
• Ken gets an A+++++++++ from us to be sure! Not only were we pleased with his talent and ability, we were pleased from the day we hired Ken with the way he communicated with us promptly and accomodated our wishes. Ken is definitely a great guitarist, a stand up guy and a class act! -- Mary T, Schaumburg, IL, 11/20/2010
• Ken was great to have! The party would not have been nearly as good without him! -- Brian H, Geneva, IL, 11/6/2010
• Ken is a fantastic musician with a great repertoire of modern and classic songs. He required very little instruction for our wedding ceremony, and was easy as could be to work with. He played an appropriate assortment of music during the reception, and it all really sounded beautiful. He received many compliments from my family and friends, and I personally highly recommend Ken. He really just made the music entertainment aspect of my wedding one thing that I didn't have to worry about at all. And on top of that he's just a really cool guy! Thank you very much Ken you were great! Rachel & Devin =] -- Devin K, Glenview, IL, 9/26/2010
• WE WERE VERY PLEASED WITH MR. ROTHACKER CONTRIBUTION TO THE SUCCESS OF OUR SPECIAL BIRTHDAY PARTY. HE MIXED VERY WLL WITH OUR GUESTS, OUR FAMILY AND, HIS SELECTION OF MUSIC BLENDED WELL WITH THE MOOD OF THE EVENT. THANKS KEN AND MANY KUDOS -- Len L, Mundelein, IL, 8/21/2010
• Ken was a true professional from the start! He always responded promptly to emails and every song that we requested for during the ceremony he was able to play wonderfully. He was gave us excellent recommendations on what songs work well at what times during the ceremony and had a microphone on hand for use as our officiant didn't have one. His music helped us create the intimate feeling that we wanted for our ceremony and an upbeat atomsphere for our cocktail hour. I will recommend Ken to anyone who is looking for instrumental music as part of their wedding or any other celebration or event! -- Jennifer C, Chicago, IL, 7/30/2010
• Ken was a great guitarist to have for our cocktail hour. His music was a delight to listen to and he was very professional. Our wedding reception site had told us that he was great to work with and very friendly. Our guests also mentioned how much they loved listening to him. I would highly recommend anyone using Ken for their event. -- Carrie H, Lincolnshire, IL, 6/19/2010
• Ken's music was amazing, and really MADE our ceremony. His music was gorgeous, and everyone LOVED it! Our day would not have been the same without him! -- Katie T, Naperville, IL, 5/21/2010
• Ken performed at our library (Julia Hull District Library, Stillman Valley, IL) as part of a program series sponsored by our Friends of the Library group. We had a mixed audience of children, teenagers, adults and seniors in attendance. Everyone (including a two year old!) seemed engaged for the whole of the concert. Afterward, those in attendance expressed only compliments of Ken: that he memorized the pieces he performed instead of playing from sheet music; that he interacted with the audience; that he played a variety of styles. Ken was not only talented in his performance, he was easy to work with professionally. Highly recommended. -- Joanna K, Stillman Valley, IL, 4/12/2010
• Ken was very professional and his music was the perfect background to our party! -- Julie T, Chicago, IL, 3/27/2010
• We hired Ken for a bat mitzvah. He provided background music during the meal and to wrap up the event, and performed 2 pieces with our daughter (violin/guitar). We made a great choice! Ken is a wonderful gig musician and truly understands how to use music to complement the event without having the music overpower the event. He was incredibly flexible about the timing/flow for the day and we found him extremely accommodating, reliable, and professional. We would recommend him without hesitation! -- Jackie L, Northbrook, IL, 1/30/2010
• We received many compliments on Ken's performance at our company party. His repertoire suited our group with a wide range of ages. -- Ken J, Schaumburg, IL, 2/6/2010
• Ken was exceptional in every aspect. He entertained my guests and I with his both personality and musicianship. He was able to play just about any song upon request. I would highly recommend him to others who are looking for that special touch for their party or event. -- Jake W, Great Lakes, IL, 12/15/2009
• Ken was great! He met with us before our wedding and we planned the entire ceremony and cocktail hour music out together. He was very accomodating and if there was a song he didnt know, he learned it. He was wonderful to work with. We would definitely recommend him to friends. Maybe we'll even dream up an event to have an excuse to hire him again! Thank you Ken, for everything. -- Jennifer K, Lemont, IL, 9/26/2009
• He was an amazing guitarist and incredibly patient and flexible with rehearsing with the singers. We were lucky to have Ken play at our wedding. Only wish we could have another event to invite him to play at (maybe an anniversary party ?:) Thanks Ken! kelley & matt -- Kelley L, South Bend, IN, 8/29/2009
• Our wedding requests were a bit unusual - from the songs to the far-off location, to our soloist coming in from New York. In every way, Ken was fabulous. He graciously took over the management of the music and the soloist, keeping me in the loop at every step. When you're planning a wedding, there's so much chasing that goes on-with Ken, that chasing stopped. And he was awesome on our wedding day - we can't speak highly enough of the entire experience with Ken. We will absolutely call him for our next need and recommend him to anyone in search of a true professional with exceptional talent. Nancy and Jim Beall -- Nancy B, Green Lake, WI, 8/22/2009
• Ken performed at our wedding and did an outstanding job! He was very personable when our guests made requests and his arrangements are simply beautiful! I would highly recommend him to anyone for any type of celebration! -- Gretchen O, Oak Brook, IL, 9/12/2009
• He was so nice and easy to work with. Very professional and friendly to everyone. We loved him !! Ken is very talented ! Solita Murphy -- Solita M, Skokie, IL, 8/30/2009
• Thanks Ken Rothacker and Gigmasters! From the beginning contacts with Ken, I knew that we would have nothing to worry about! He is what you want if you are looking for a classical guitar player. His music was perfect for our outdoor wedding! Please call him and you won't be disappointed! Our June 20th outdoor wedding at Fishermen's Inn in Elburn was perfect, and Ken's playing was a big part of that! Thanks, Lynn, Dan Cara and Garrett!!!! -- Lynn N, Elburn, IL, 6/20/2009
• We feel so grateful to have had Ken Rothacker perform classical guitar at our wedding ceremony. From start to finish, Ken was reliable, helpful and a pleasure to work with. Our goal was to create an intimate, relaxed and romantic atmosphere for our guests. Ken exceeded our every expectation and truly set the tone for the evening... our guests loved it and we could not have been more pleased with his performance! We strongly recommend booking with Ken Rothacker; he is a brilliant and talented musician! Micca & Zach , July 2009 -- Micca W, Bartlett, IL, 7/18/2009
• We were so pleased with every aspect of Ken's performance - from the planning to the music selection guidance to the care and joy he displayed at our wedding to his interactions with our guests. He is truly a professional - and very talented musician. -- Ed P, Buchanan, MI, 6/27/2009
• Ken is a really nice guy and everything went great the day of the wedding. I couldn't have asked for better ceremony music. -- Janine K, Calumet City, IL, 7/11/2009
• Ken was so easy to work with! He is full of great ideas and is extremely talented! If you need a guitarist, he's your guy!!!! Thanks Ken! -- Meghan G, Oak Brook, IL, 3/21/2009
• Ken played acoustic guitar for our wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. We hired him a year in advance (to get it done with) and he immediately got in contact with us to get an idea of what we were looking for. He has a wide range of songs he can play and is willing to learn any song if you ask. Ken even agreed to play a duet with my relative who sang. It turned out excellent! He was very professional, talented, and made the entire experience very easy. I recommend him for any event. -- Katie L, Oak Brook, IL, 5/24/2009
• Ken Rothacker was a complete professional, prompt,and his musical abilities and range of numbers is superb. He helped provide a wonderful atmosphere for the kick off banquet for a large conference at Loyola University. I would recommend him highly. -- William F, Chicago, IL, 5/31/2009
• Ken was an excellent performer and very easy to work with. He showed up on time as expected and all of the guests loved listening to him play. Would highly recommend to other friends and family! -- Rachael W, Countryside, IL, 5/30/2009
• Ken's music added the right touch to a perfect event! He was very attentive and accommodating before the evening in making sure options were available to us. Ken was on time and playing before guests arrived. His music selections were numerous, appealing to all tastes. There was even audience participation! It was a very positive experience working with Ken! -- Judy K, Geneva, IL, 9/5/2008
• Ken, was great! He really worked with us to make sure that the music we chose was exactly what we wanted. When we were not sure what we wanted, he was ready with suggestions and examples that helped us make our decisions. After the ceremony we had many of our guests comment on how great the music was and that they really enjoyed it. -- Shannon K, Willow Springs, IL, 10/18/2008
• Ken is a very talented and humble musician. He was truly accomodating to our every request and willing to do whatever would make our event the best it could be. As a musician (pianist) myself, I would recommend Ken for both intimate and upbeat events. As a vocalist, he was flexible and worked with me on accompaniment like a true professional. Thank you Ken for everything! -- Michelle M, Elk Grove Village, IL, 12/21/2008
• Ken helped make our party a success. I heard numerous compliments from those who attended the party and I would recommend him to others. -- Matt B, Chicago, IL, 5/1/2009
• I was very reluctant to hire someone off of the internet for my wedding ceremony music, but when my other arrangements fell through I didn't feel I had any other choice. We hired Ken to play our wedding ceremony and he was awesome to work with! We had a special request, to have Ken accompany a friend of mine for a solo. Ken was so accomodating and worked with my friend - it was a lovely performance! Ken was easy to talk to and really seemed to understand what my fiance and I wanted for our wedding ceremony. He also kept in touch with me prior to the wedding. I really can't say enough good things about Ken as a musician, as a professional or as a person. -- Jill H, Gurnee, IL, 10/11/2008
• Ken was great and the music was perfect at our wedding! -- Laura W, Oak Brook, IL, 9/19/2008
• Ken was great. He showed up on time and dealt well with the confusion that became our processional. He played everything we requested. Our musician friends loved talking to him. One of our guests even joined him as an improptu vocalist for a few songs. If you choose Ken, your music will turn out great. Thanks! -- Joe B, Milwaukee, WI, 10/11/2008
• Everyone was so impressed with Ken's music, it was wonderful -- Jessica D, Tinley Park, IL, 6/21/2008
• Ken did a fantastic job! He is so truely talented! Everyone commented on how impressed they were. We would definitely use him again! -- Angela K, Lake Geneva, WI, 8/2/2008
• We were very pleased with Ken. He was so kind as to learn two songs to play at our ceremony. His price was very reasonable and he brought an obvious talent and great attitude to his performance. We would absolutely recommend him. -- Rose C, Vernon Hills, IL, 6/7/2008
• We couldn't be happier with our experience with Ken. Ken played solo for our wedding ceremony and through the cocktail hour. Although we did all of our preparations with him via email/phone, he was incredibly helpful, professional and accomodating. Due to the weather we had to switch ceremony locations at the last minute, but he was unflappable. His playing was fantastic and our guests really enjoyed it. I will happily be a reference for Ken if anyone would like to hear me rave some more. -- Sarah B, Baroda, MI, 7/19/2008
• Both Ken and the violinist exceeded my expectations! I never knew how good my selected songs could sound acoustic. Than you so much! -- Kimberly H, Chicago, IL, 5/10/2008
• From the day we hired him, Ken was accessible and accomodating. We really did not even know what we wanted or needed, and Ken walked us through every step. He was helpful with suggestions about what would work and sound the best, and he asked lots of questions that were helpful in determining the overall outcome of our wedding and reception. His responses were all timely, he showed up right when he said he would, on time and professionally dressed. We were happy, our guests were happy, and he made the evening memorable and enjoyable. Thanks, Ken! -- Kathleen M, Chicago, IL, 3/15/2008
• Wow what can we say? We felt a little funny picking someone from the internet with out a recommendation. After we talked to Ken on the phone and then got to meet him in person, we then knew we had the right guy!!!! Ken is a very talented guitarist. He played every song we asked for and others that were requested by our guests. Ken has an extensive song list, which includes everything from Latin, Beatles, 70’s 80’s and 90s so and also all of the church and wedding songs. He blended in the background so well that you could not see him but only hear his soft and spectacular music. Ken is a pro and we would recommend him for any event. Thanks Ken Jim and Jen Rouzan -- Jim R, Oak Park, IL, 1/12/2008
• Ken is an extraordinarily talented artist. He did a phenomenal job playing at our wedding ceremony & reception. He eagerly learned new songs to play, stayed late at our wedding reception, and added a great dynamic to the party. Ken was a true professional. His music was one of our favorite memories of our wedding day. -- Kristin S, Lisle, IL, 10/6/2007
• We were lucky enough to find Ken available for our neighborhood coctail party, without booking him months in advance. His response was quick and the logistics were handled smoothly. All contact with Ken prior to, during, and following our event - was professional and gracious. EVERYONE commented on what a treat it was to have his music as part of our event. It is not unusual for there to be live music at our local gatherings - but Ken's style and presence among us was perfect. His talent was an obvious addition but not intrusive. His personality was warm without being "showy". His range of musical ability is vast and ideal for any age. Thanks Ken! J- Winnetka -- Jennifer S, Winnetka, IL, 9/16/2007
• Ken was all I could ask for and much more. Ken is a true professional, with his expertise in helping you, making sugestions, keeping you informed at all times, and always acessable to your needs or questions. It was a pleasure to make Kens acquaintance, I hope to use Ken again in the future. Everyone I talked to at the wedding had nothing but praise for Kens musical talant, both during the ceremony and the cocktail hour. My only sugestion to you on your rating system is to raise the highest mark to 10 for Ken. I'd like to thank gigmasters for the great website, you made it easy for me to find what I wanted with a great selection to choose from. Thanks Again, Dan -- Dan G, Geneva, IL, 8/31/2007
• Ken did a fantastic job playing at our wedding reception, and provided just what we were looking for! Many of our guests commented to us about how much they enjoyed the music. The violinist he arranged to have join him was great as well. -- Christine S, Crystal Lake, IL, 8/25/2007
• Ken was awesome! He played at our wedding reception on Saturday and our guests loved him. They were throwing out requests and he was playing them without missing a note. He started playing while my soloist started singing and it was amazing. The crowd hushed and everyone just sat and listenhed because it was so beautiful. I would highly recommend him to anyone for any occasion. -- Brenda C, Elgin, IL, 8/11/2007
• Everyone at our party loved Ken. Not only does he have true talent, he is a great person and did everyting to make our evening extra special. We will definately use him again. And many of our guests also were interested in using him at their events as well. -- Alyssa S, Lake Forest, IL, 8/4/2007
• We asked Ken to play at the cocktail hour at our wedding. I was not able to be there during his performance and only got to hear him play when he impromptuly played for my mother and I before we walked down the aisle. He was fantastic. Not only that, I had numerous people come up to me to complement his playing during the cocktail hour. We are very happy with his performance and would highly recommend him to others. Thanks, Ken! -- Cristen L, Chicago, IL, 7/7/2007
• Ken's performance during our reception at the Redfield Estate was perfect. His sound filled the space wonderfully, allowing our guests to converse comfortably while still enjoying some great tunes, just as we requested. He's an excellent musician who can read the crowd well. Sandra & Isaac -- Isaac O, Glenview, IL, 6/30/2007
• Ken was professional, friendly, and did wonderful work! He was easy to work with and played beautifully. Thanks, Ken! -- Marita B, Chicago, IL, 5/26/2007
• it was great to work with Ken, the process of scheduling and receiving information was very easy and not confusing. Ken was an excellent musician and I recieved many comments from my guest about how enjoyable the music was. ken played music that did not inhibit from socializing or conversation. I would hire Ken again if I have another event. Debbie O'Connor -- Deborah O, West Dundee, IL, 2/17/2007
• Ken was very helpful through this entire process, and he truly made our wedding special. He also went above and beyond to find special Polish and Spanish music to play for our relatives. He worked well with our DJ, and was a joy to have around. We would highly recommend Ken for any special occasion. -- Kenneth M, Geneva, IL, 2/3/2007
• It was a pleasure to have Ken Rothacker at my daughter's wedding. He is a very professional musician, an did a wonderful job for the occasion. -- Alberto B, Elgin, IL, 9/16/2006
• Ken did an excellent job. He was quiet accomodating and interacted well with the guests. We received a number of compliments regarding his playing. I would hire him again for an event. -- Mark J, Inverness, IL, 8/26/2006
• Very professional. I would highly recommend Ken. -- Marie B, Batavia, IL, 12/15/2007

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