Dana Starkell

• Dana Starkell - Guitar

Dana Starkell performs as a solo guitarist. His range of music services include wedding ceremonies, receptions, cocktail hours, and background music for private events. Dana coordinates events throughout the United States and you will appreciate his prompt and professional service. Dana has a great passion for music, extensive performing experience, and a large repertoire of enchanting and beautiful romantic classical guitar music to compliment your event, large or small.

Dana began his solo career while undertaking a Guinness world record 12,000 mile canoe trip from Canada to Brazil -- soon to be a major film based on the best selling book Paddle To The Amazon which details the adventure. During a break in Port of Spain, Dana was befriended by Philip Keiler (Student of famed New York guitarist, Alice Artz). This friendship led to Dana's first formal concert at The University of the West Indies in Port of Spain, Trinidad and followed by an informal performance at a small resort in Belem, Brazil. After returning from South America, Dana won the Senior Classical Guitar category of the Canadian held Manitoba Music Festival. Since that time, Dana has attended master classes held by world renowned classical guitarist Christopher Parkening, and taken lessons from John Sutherland, David Brandon, and Norbert Kraft. Dana’s six recording’s include “Fantastic Voyage”, a three CD collection of Renaissance, Spanish, and Baroque classical guitar masterpieces. Having lived in Hollywood, San Diego, Phoenix, and Austin-TX, Dana has performed at a wide variety of venues.

• ***Wedding Favorites - Ceremony Music
• Bridal Chorus - Wagner, Richard
• Wedding March - Mendelssohn, Felix
• Canon in D (Pachelbel's Canon) - Pachelbel, Johann
• Prelude (BWV 846) - Bach, Johann Sebastian
• Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Bach, Johann Sebastian
• Minuet in G - Bach, Johann Sebastian
• Largo - Vivaldi, Antonio
• Gymnopedie I - Satie, Erik
• Ode To Joy - Ludwig van Beethoven
• Kemp's Jig - Anon.
• Greensleeves - Anon.
• ***Repertoire - Spanish
• Recuerdos De La Alhambra - Tarrega, Francisco
• Lento - Tarrega, Francisco
• Cajita De Musica - Tarrega, Francisco
• Lagrima - Tarrega, Francisco
• Maria - Tarrega, Francisco
• Adelita - Tarrega, Francisco
• Spanish Romance - Traditional
• ***Repertoire - Baroque-Classical
• Praeludium; Presto - Bach, Johann Sebastian
• Allemande - Bach, Johann Sebastian
• Courante - Bach, Johann Sebastian
• Sarabande - Bach, Johann Sebastian
• Bouree - Bach, Johann Sebastian
• Gigue - Bach, Johann Sebastian
• Prelude - De Visee, Robert
• Allemande - De Visee, Robert
• Courante - De Visee, Robert
• Sarabande - De Visee, Robert
• Gavotte - De Visee, Robert
• Minuet I & II - De Visee, Robert
• Bouree - De Visee, Robert
• Gigue - De Visee, Robert
• Sonata in D - Cimmarosa, Domenico
• Sonata in C#m - Cimmarosa, Domenico
• Sonata in A - Cimmarosa, Domenico
• Prelude - Bach, Johann Sebastian
• Loure - Bach, Johann Sebastian
• Gavotte En Rondeau - Bach, Johann Sebastian
• Minuet I & II - Bach, Johann Sebastian
• Etude Sencillos - Brower, Leo
• Gymnopedie II - Satie, Erik
• Gymnopedie III - Satie, Erik
• ***Repertoire - Renaissance
• White Flower - Negri, Cezare
• Saltarello - Galilei, Vincenzo
• Danza - Anon.
• Galiard - Anon.
• Se Io MAccorgo - Anon.
• Madrigal - Anon.
• Gallarda - Sanz, Gaspar
• My Lady Hunsdon's Allemande - Dowland, John
• Mistress Nichols Almand - Dowland, John
• Mistress Winters Jumpe - Dowland, John
• Dee - Rhoads, Randy

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, Studio Session, Temples, TV Soundtracks, Weddings

• Hello Dana: Thank you for your performance at Monticchio's Valentines Day Dinner in Chicago. The music was outstanding and we greatly enjoyed your performance which set a perfect background for the evening. We hope to have you return for a future engagement. All the Best. Jim Delelio Owner Monticchio -- Jim D, Chicago, IL, 2/14/2009
• Dana, Thanks again for another great performance at Below Brady. Your guitar playing creates a perfect atmosphere for our martini bar. Our clientele really enjoy listening to your music and watching you play. We appreciate all the compliments we receive for having you perform here and look forward to having you back again soon. Willis Dean, Entertainment - Below Brady -- Will D, Davenport, IA, 1/24/2009
• Dana was perfect and exactly what we had in mind for our wedding. His playing was soft and romantic. He listened to our ideas of what we wanted and came up with the perfect play list for our big day. He was polite, well-mannered, well dressed and we would choose him again for a next special event and we recommend him to anyone looking for an acoustic guitar sound; he has a wide variety of selections and we even got a CD of his music. Just awesome. Thanks Dana! -- Richard C, Saint Paul, MN, 10/4/2008
• Thanks again for the beautiful music you played at our wedding reception! We heard so many people that evening mention how blown away they were with your talent and skill with the classical guitar. It made our entire evening extra special. We are so glad you were able to come play for us and pleased that you enjoyed your time spent with us during our special day. -- Michelle M, Cedar Rapids, IA, 9/20/2008
• I found Dana with Google, called him on the phone & after speaking with him could tell that he was well qualified to entertain the guests at the rehearsal dinner for my son's wedding. Dana provided us with a clear & reasonable written contract. He communicated with the restaurant people regarding technical details. His appearance at the event (tuxedo) excellent. His guitar playing, top notch. The high point of the evening was when he dedicated a song (Romanza d'Amor) to the bride & groom-to-be. Unforgettable. -- George S, Chicago, IL, 9/19/2008
• The beautiful music was the best part of our wedding day, it really added a great vibe throughout the day. We also recieved so many compliments for having such a talented and personable musician. It was definitely the greatest and most memorable day of my life. -- Ninoska F, Baraboo, WI, 8/16/2008
• Dana, performed at two different weddings for us. At both he proved to be both professional and cooperative. He  played not only his own beautiful classical selections, but also learned some modern tunes in order to accompany our vocalist. He communicates well both before and at the wedding, shows up looking good in his tuxedo,  and does his performance in a quiet and unassuming manner while lending a touch of elegance to the wedding. I wish to personally thank him for his participation, and wholeheartedly recommend him to any one looking for a quality wedding performer. Sincerely Bob Rohner -- Bob R, Long Grove, IA, 7/12/2008
• Dana, I was thrilled with your punctuality, professionalism, dependability, and performance at our wedding. So many of our guests asked where we found you and agreed with us that your music was the finishing touch on our day. Your prompt communication with us before the wedding, including the phone call we received to let us know you were on your way, helped to ease my nerves, and your follow-through was impeccable. The music was beautiful, and I cannot imagine our wedding ceremony or reception without it. Your music helped to make our day exactly the way we envisioned it. Sarah and Vince Salvia -- Vincent S, Appleton, WI, 6/20/2008
• Dana, We want to thank you so much for performing at our wedding ceremony. Our wedding would not have been the same without you. The music was absolutely beautiful and you were delightful to work with. We had many lovely compliments. Thank you for adding that extra touch to our big day. You were wonderful! Thanks so much!!! Haley and Brent -- Haley T, Davenport, IA, 6/14/2008
• We were so thrilled and fortunate to have Dana back at our restaurant. This is the third time we have had Dana play in the Lakes area and the second time at my restaurant. He is even starting to get a following with some of my customers. Dana's music is the perfect accompaniment to our dining experience. We look forward to having him back again and again. Jennifer Rettig owner, Fresh Bistro Spirit Lake, Iowa -- Jennifer R, Spirit Lake, IA, 6/6/2008
• Dana provided music at our wedding. The music was absolutely beautiful and Dana is very talented. I would highly recommend Dana for any event. He was very professional and enjoyable to work with. He made the planning process so easy and took care of everything. We can't thank him enough for being a part of our day!! -- Heather P, Bonaparte, IA, 5/31/2008
• Dana's guitar added a lovely atmosphere to our reception causing us to receive innumerable compliments from our guests. Dana was very friendly and helpful, and he was very easy to work with. We used an uncommon hymn at our wedding, but Dana set and played a very nice four-part setting of it as an accompaniment for our congregational singing. We were very pleased! -- Hannah S, Ames, IA, 5/10/2008
• Dana, Thank you so much for playing at our wedding. We could not believe how beautiful your playing was. Your music provided the perfect environment for our ceremony and your selection was impeccable. We appreciated the time you took to discuss the arrangements that worked for us and even playing samples over the phone so we could choose the perfect songs!. Everybody in attendance commented on your skills and we will surely tell others of you. Both Meredith and I wish to thank you again and let you know how wonderful it was to have you play at our wedding.   Thank you and best wishes..   Donnie and Meredith -- Donnie G, Memphis, TN, 5/9/2008
• We had the pleasure of having Dana Starkell entertain our members and guests on New Year’s Eve. His music was a perfect fit for an elegant evening. The different style he played made his performance noticed while remaining unobtrusive. As people were leaving at the end of the night, several people commented on how much they had enjoyed the music. We look forward to having Dana back soon! Marc Struelens, CCM General Manager/COO Crow Valley Golf Club -- Marc S, Davenport, IA, 12/31/2007
• We were so impressed by Dana's talent. He provided such great music for our wedding and reception-his music and style fit just perfectly with our wedding. Dana was very flexible and helpful during the planning process as well. We would highly recommend Dana, and were so happy to have him join us on our special day. -- Sally D, Ames, IA, 10/14/2007
• Dana added an truly elegant touch to my daughter's wedding. He easily handled a request to play classical Spanish guitar for the entire 1 1/2 hr coctail reception. My guests have all commented on both his performance and professionalism. It was wonderful. -- Janet K, Chicago, IL, 8/18/2007
• Dana is an exceptional talent! His heart plays through his music and stories - it is truly a delight to work with him. His music set just the right mood for our events both in the restaurant and off-site. We look forward to bringing Dana back to Spirit Lake again and again! -- Jennifer R, Spirit Lake, IA, 7/19/2007
• Very good indeed. -- Tarlac W, Austin, TX, 8/26/2006
• Dana is a very talented guitarist and it was wonderful for us to have him perform at our wedding and reception. He was very helpful as we went through the process of selecting which peices would be played and at what time. He went the extra mile by working with our soloist as well. I am confident that we would choose Dana again to perform at any future events. Thanks a lot Dana -- Phil -- Phil S, Austin, TX, 7/8/2006
• Dana was willing to do anything to accomodate our needs. He was extremely professional and flexible with last minute changes. He made sure to make our wedding a warm and wonderful experience. We had a small church wedding, and his classical guitar playing was a perfect match for the "feel" we wanted for the ceremony. He was laid-back and friendly. He made a great impression on the guests, as well. Dana is talented, patient, and easy to work with. We would recommend Dana to every single one of our friends without reservation. - Trey and Shannon Smith -- Shannon O, Sour Lake, TX, 6/24/2006
• Dana was absolutely perfect for the dinner party wedding rehearsal for my son and his fiancee at the Ft. Worth Blue Mesa Restaurant on June 9, 2006. His music was very elegant as well as his performance and mannerisms. I would highly recommend Dana Starkell for any occasion that needs beautiful, soft romantic guitar classical music. I can't compliment him enough. He simply added a gentle romantic atmosphere for our family's evening and we thought he was just great! He added the perfect touch to a beautiful evening! Carolyn May, Arlington, Texas -- Carolyn M, Fort Worth, TX, 6/9/2006
• Dana, Thank you for playing at Beth's wedding. You helped to make her special day complete! God bless you! Brenda & Bob Harrison -- Brenda H, Pflugerville, TX, 6/3/2006
• We were more than pleased with Dana's involvement in our wedding. He provided outstanding customer service and professionalism throughout our working relationship. He made a good impression with his initial phone call which immediately sold me on his services. In the planning stages he was prompt in returning calls, patient while assisting us with music selection and accommodating during the last-minute, on-site planning of the ceremony. During the time leading up to the ceremony and through the ceremony, he provided an excellent performance that helped to create a serene atmosphere. We highly recommend Dana to others who want a talented, personable and reliable performer. -- John B, Fredericksburg, TX, 6/1/2006
• Afternoon outdoor wedding for Adrienne and Chad at Lillian Farms near Chapel Hill, Texas. Classical guitarist Dana Starkell performed for the ceremony and entertained guests before the dinner reception. -- Lynn B, Chapel Hill, TX, 5/20/2006
• Perfect musician for a cocktail reception, not overpowering, just adds to the event. -- Stacie S, San Antonio, TX, 5/15/2006
• Dinah and I wanted to thank you for the outstanding job that you did playing at our wedding on May 8th! Your playing was stylish yet simple and was the perfect touch to our wedding. The sound samples on your web site do not do you justice! We will recommend you to anyone looking for that special something to add to their event. Kevie and Dinah -- Kevie and Dinah B, Austin, TX, 5/8/2006

Click here for more feedback