Steve Gibons Solo/duo/trio/quartet

• Steve Gibons - Violin

I'm a classically trained violinist who, over the 30 year span of my career, has traveled extensively and absorbed music from a host of different cultures: Roma (Gypsy) and folk music from Southeast Europe, Klezmer from Central Europe, Classical Arabic Music from the Middle East, Gypsy Jazz from France and Belgium, and Blues and Jazz from my home town, Chicago.

I can come to your event as a solo violinist, or with a string duo, trio or quartet. You may also mix and match from the following: guitar, cimbalom, double bass, accordion and percussion/drums. All the musicians I play with are very experienced professionals, and have diverse educational backgrounds.

I offer groups that play Gypsy Jazz, Middle Eastern Music, Klezmer and East European Music.

One of my specialties is to bring music of different cultures to the same event, contact me for more info.
I also play the American Songbook- Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, to name a few, French and Italian songs, and of course, classical repertoire from Bach to Mozart to Vivaldi.


I listen carefully to you and the people at your party to understand your needs, and whether performing solo or leading an ensemble, I always find the right tone for your event.

• - - This is a sampling of the music I play; I know many songs and classical pieces not listed here.
• - - If you request a tune I'll be happy to learn it!
• ========= Recordings Available - =========
• Avant De Mourir - Georges Boulanger
• Pachelbel Canon in D - J. Pachelbel
• Somewhere Over the Rainbow - E.V. Harburg/Harold Arlen
• Simple Gifts - Traditional
• Ravelnikov (Original) - Steve Gibons
• Autumn Leaves - Joseph Kosma/Johnny Mercer
• Taqsim Nahawand (Middle Eastern) - Classical Middle Eastern
• -
• =====Christmas tunes - ======
• The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) - Mel Tormé
• Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Fred Coots
• Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Ralph Blane
• Winter Wonderland - Felix Bernard
• White Christmas - Irving Berlin
• Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! - Sammy Cahn
• Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer - Johnny Marks
• Jingle Bell Rock - Joseph Carleton Beal
• I’ll Be Home For Christmas - Walter Kent
• Little Drummer Boy - Katherine K. Davis
• Sleigh Ride - Leroy Anderson
• It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year - Edward Pola
• Silver Bells - Jay Livingston
• Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree - Johnny Marks
• Feliz Navidad - José Feliciano
• Blue Christmas - Billy Hayes
• Frosty The Snowman - Steve Nelson
• A Holly Jolly Christmas - Johnny Marks
• Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane) - Gene Autry
• Carol Of The Bells - Peter J. Wilhousky
• Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McCartney (PRS)
• ========= Classical - =========
• Jesu - Joy of Man's Desiring
• Humoresque - Dvorak
• Water Music - Handel
• The Four Seasons - Vivaldi
• Postcard to Purcell (Abdelazar theme) - Henry Purcell/Jean-Yves Thibaudet
• Air on the G String - Bach
• Ave Maria - Bach/Gounod
• Czardas - V. Monti
• Czardas (A minor) - Liszt
• Romanian Rhapsody - George Enescu (Romanian)
• Hungarian Dance #6 - Brahms
• Hungarian Dance #5 - Brahms
• ========= East European - =========
• Mugur - Mugurel
• Balada - Porubescu (Romanian)
• Horas - Romanian Folklore
• Sirbas - Romanian Folklore
• Ochi Chornia (Dark Eyes) - Russian folk
• Ciocarlia (The Lark) - Romanian Folklore/Dinicu
• Karsilamas - Greek
• Kopanitsa - Bulgarian
• ========= American Songbook - =========
• Blue Moon - Mel Torme
• Dream a Little Dream of Me - Mama Cass
• I Love Paris - Ella Fitzgerald
• I Want to be Your Everything - Keith Urban
• Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlisle
• Through The Years - Kenny Rodgers
• ========= Gypsy Jazz - =========
• 'S Wonderful - George and Ira Gershwin
• Anouman - Django Reinhardt
• Babik (bi-bop) - Django Reinhardt
• Begin the Beguine - Cole Porter
• Black Cat - White Cat
• I Love Paris - Cole Porter
• Body and Soul - Thelonius Monk
• C'est Magnifique - Cole Porter
• Dark Eyes - Russian Trad.
• Django's Tiger - Django Reinhardt
• Harlem Nocturne - Earl Hagen
• It Don't Mean A Thing - Duke Ellington/Irving Mills
• Place de Broukere - Django Reinhardt
• Just One Of Those Things - Cole Porter
• Manoir Des Mes Reves - Django Reinhardt
• Mélodie au crépuscule - Django Reinhardt
• Micro - Django Reinhardt
• Nature Boy - Eden Ahbez
• Nuages - Django Reinhardt
• Oh Lady Be Good - Cole Porter
• On a Slow Boat to China - Frank Loesser
• Petite Fleur - Sidney Bechet
• Rhythme Futur - Django Reinhardt
• ========= Rock - Pop
• Have I Told You Lately That I Love You - Rod Stewart
• Almost Like Being In Love - Natalie Cole
• So Happy Together - Beatles
• All You Need Is Love - The Beatles
• How Deep Is Your Love - Bee Gees
• I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You - Elvis Presley
• Just Like Heaven - The Cure
• Love Me Tender - Elvis Presley
• Michelle - The Beatles
• My Heart Will Go On - Tiatnic theme
• Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
• You Are So Beautiful - Billy Preston and Bruce Fisher
• You Are The Sunshine Of My Life - Stevie Wonder
• A Song For Mama - Boyz II Men
• The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack
• Tech Romance - Her Space Holiday
• Time After Time - Cindy Lauper
• From This Moment - Shania Twain
• I Don't Want to Miss Thing - Aerosmith
• Unchained Melody - The Rightous Brothers
• I Got You Babe - Sonny and Cher
• - - This is only a sampling of the music I play; I know many songs and classical pieces not listed here.

Anniversaries, 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, Sweet 16 Parties, Weddings, Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Cocktail Hours, Wedding Receptions...and more.

• Steve was by far the best vendor I have ever worked with. He is easy to get in touch with, he is very talented, so very professional and lovely to talk to. I enjoyed all of our conversations leading up to the wedding. Steve is definitely a five star musician and professional. Everyone at our wedding enjoyed his music. Steve played for our wedding ceremony and for our cocktail hour. I have people complimenting our violinist still 6 months after the wedding. Thank you Steve for your WONDERFUL service. 6 out of 5 stars. Thank you so much. -- Therese D, Rockford, IL, 7/23/2011
• Steve Gibons was wonderful! He worked with me throughout the music coordination process, helped recommend song placements, and even learned a new song for the ceremony. It was a joy to have him and I'd definitely recommend him to anyone! Thanks Steve! -Dave and Abby Jacobs Wedding -- Abby L, Dyer, IN, 7/15/2011
• We are so pleased with Steve's performance and professionalism. We would definitely recommend him to others and will be contacting him for any future events! -- Nicole C, Rosemont, IL, 7/22/2011
• Steve is very professional. He was performing at our wedding ceremony in Wrigley Square, and everything went extremely smoothly. He knew exactly when and what to do. We also appreciated the quality of his performance. We would highly recommend Steve without any reservations. Thanks Steve! -- Volodymyr L, Chicago, IL, 6/9/2011
• Steve was an absolute professional. Although I hired him for a one hour proposal he treated the gig as if it was a long and lucrative engagement. He spoke with me several times in advance, until I was satisfied that he knew my surprise proposal plans as well as I did. Furthermore, he took the time to learn songs that had special meaning to my now fiance and I. He played beautifully and transitioned between different genres masterfully. The best part is that his rates are very reasonable, making a broke romantic like myself look great. If your event must go perfectly, then there is no other option... book Steve! -- Daniel N, Chicago, IL, 10/16/2010
• I didn't have too much of an idea in mind for music when it came to my ceremony, the only thing I requested was the song for me walking down the aisle. I was very pleased with what he choose to play. He was on-time, great communication before hand, everything was great! -- Jamie S, Schaumberg, IL, 5/22/2011
• Steve was gracious, talented and creative. He took time to accommodate our special ceremony request, and performed beautifully. We got so many compliments on his rendition of Make Me Smile. His strolling violin for cocktail hour was a hit, too! He even took requests. So pleased, highly recommend! -- Ami G, Woodridge, IL, 10/9/2010
• Steve Gibons is an extremely talented musician and I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone. He was extremely professional and accommodating. He was on the scene early and played on time and kept playing through even though we were well over 30 minutes past the scheduled start time due to the bride's limo being a late. He played through the whole ceremony without a hiccup and the music was beautiful. I am so glad that Mr. Gibons was available for my wedding and if I have any nice events in the future, I will definitely give him a call. Once again, highly recommended. -- Martin Z, Chicago, IL, 8/29/2010
• Steve Gibons was wonderful and our guests loved his music. We will definitely be recommending him to our friends! -- Christie U, Lake Geneva, WI, 9/3/2010
• Steve was always available via email to answer any questions right away. He was able to accommodate everything I asked in terms of the music for our ceremony, even taking the extra time to coordinate with my other hired musicians. Our guests really enjoyed the strolling violin music during cocktails. It was unique and elegant. Highly recommended. -- Thea D, Chicago, IL, 8/7/2010
• Steve arrived on time, well dressed and immediately started to work the party .He was very friendly , and even gve my grandaughter a quick violin lesson!! He played solid for three hours, took short breaks ( don't know how he does it), and took requests. The party attendees all commented on his talents and what a great atmosphere developed once he started to play. He took the lead and played inside and outside working the deck and the canopy. I would hire him back in a minute for my next get together. -- John L, Palos Heights, IL, 8/8/2010
• From start to finish, Steve proved to not only be a great performer and professional, but also an outstanding individual. I highly recommend him and will always remember him as an integral part of my engagement. -- Dave W, Chicago, IL, 5/21/2009
• Steve helped make our gathering a hit!! A must for many different occasions. Would highly recommend. -- Rachel M, Sugar Grove, IL, 7/31/2010
• Having Steve perform at our wedding was a big weight lifted off our shoulders. He was able to handle all our requests and never missed a beat during the ceremony. Our guests were so impressed with his music and his interaction with everyone was above and beyond. Thanks to GigMasters and especially to Steve! Job Well Done! -- Alex W, Lake Geneva, WI, 5/22/2010
• Steve was FANTASTIC. He performed a last minute request for us during our wedding ceremony and was perfect. A huge hit, everyone at our reception was talking about how perfect he was. Very professional and arrived early. He just knew what to do - we'd hire him again in a heartbeat and will tell everyone we know about him. Thanks so much Steve, you rock! Julie and Stephen Mendola -- Julie M, Oak Brook, IL, 5/15/2010
• Steve is great to work with! He was so helpful when it came time to choose music, he was accommodating, and he did a wonderful job performing. We strongly recommend this talent! -- JoAnn R, Kenosha, WI, 5/29/2010
• We are very happy to write that it was an absolute pleasure to have Steve play at our ceremony. When we had questions, he quickly followed up with an answer. He's an extremely gifted violinist. He exceeded our expectations and made our day that much more memorable. We will without a doubt, recommend him to all of our friends and family. Thank so much!!! -- Esther G, Oak Brook, IL, 11/14/2009
• Steve is the consummate professional. His encyclopedic knowledge of a wide variety of musical genres raises the bar for any other entertainment you might consider. Because of his wide knowledge he is appropriate for any and all occasions. Aside from his professional demeanor,his affable charm is a real plus in dealing w/ all manner of people. He circulated throughout the entire party blending easily w/some groups and setting the tone for others. While could meet any request imaginable,this was hardly necessary as he intuits the needs of the party dynamic making the need for requests superfluous. We would highly recommend Steve. -- Robert H, Chicago, IL, 8/23/2009
• Steve was extremely helpful during our entire wedding process. He was willing to take our requests while also providing his professional opinion. We felt that everything was exceptional and would absolutely recommend prospective clients to hire Steve Gibons. -- Shaun W, Lisle, IL, 9/25/2009
• What can I say? For hiring someone over the internet Steve exceeded expectations on so many levels. Steve listened to all requests and was punctual, well dressed, and so very talented. He was warm and friendly from our very first conversation to the ceremony and after. His presence added the perfect touch. Days later all my family is still talking about how wonderful the music was at the wedding - Thank you so much!!! -- Carrie S, Chicago, IL, 6/16/2009
• Steve was wonderful! I was extremely pleased from the moment we began communicating via email & voice. He was not only dependable, but wonderfuly talented as well. My friends mentioned if they ever required the services of a violinist, that they would definatley want him. Thank You....the mother of the bride...Inez Fiorentino -- Inez F, Chicago, IL, 8/15/2009
• Steve was great. He showed up early and played beautifully. He even gave a hand setting up the chairs for my outdoor wedding. Everything went smoothly and I couldn't have been happier with his professionalism and performance. Thanks Steve! -- Mike W, Chicago, IL, 8/23/2009
• Steve, It was such an honor to have you play at my wedding. The ceremony was like a fairytale wedding! All of my guests were raving about the music. Several people told me that was the most beautiful version of Ave Maria they had ever heard. I especially loved your version of Bittersweet Symphony. Thank you so much for all your cooperation and advice. I hope to have the opportunity to work with you again! Jinger Sutalo -- Jinger K, Chicago, IL, 5/16/2009
• We were very happy with Steve. He played at my daughters cocktail hour at the wedding. Many of our guests commented on how much they enjoyed the beautiful violin music. I will be sure to hire Steve for my next event. -- Mary C, Chicago, IL, 10/17/2009
• Steve worked very closely with us to arrange for a special request of playing along with the bride's father at our wedding. As he slowed down for tears, Steve did a great job changing pace to stay with him..... -- Carrie P, Alsip, IL, 7/19/2009
• Steve Gibons was very easy to work with in preparing a setlist for our wedding. His valued contributions to the context and content of work to be played allowed us to focus on other parts of the ceremony. Steve's performance was superb. All of our guests, including the officiant, were impressed with his professionalism and musical ability. Steve helped to make our wedding ceremony a beautiful event. Thank You Steve.... We would recommend Steve to anyone looking for a musical accompanist for a ceremony, reception, or formal event. Andrew & Stephanie Crawford -- Andrew C, Kenosha, WI, 9/18/2010
• Great! Thanks so much! -- Melissa I, Chicago, IL, 8/22/2010
• I hired Steve as a solo violinist for my September 2011 wedding. He was professional, courteous and prompt right from the beginning. The guests raved about him, even my snobby musician friends. As the bride, I didn't get to have much interaction with him directly due to all the wedding hubbub. But, I never felt like I needed to. Everything was taken care of. Thanks, Steve! -- Kiana H, Chicago, IL, 9/24/2011

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