Kevin Barrett 0ne Man Band I’m Kevin Barretta one man band across Galway, Clare, and nationwide

Requirements from Venue / Promoter:
• Safe performance area with adequate space for sound equipment
• Minimum 2 standard electrical power sockets close to performance area
• Shelter and weather protection for outdoor performances
• Secure parking/loading access near venue where possible
• Access to venue at least 60 minutes before performance time for setup and soundcheck
• Suitable lighting in performance area

When discussing a booking with a venue, I normally like to know a few important details beforehand to make sure everything runs smoothly on the night.

I would usually ask about:
• The type of event and expected crowd size
• Performance start and finish times
• Size and layout of the venue or stage area
• Whether the event is indoors or outdoors
• Availability of power sockets near the performance area.

• Parking and loading access for equipment
• Whether accommodation is required for longer-distance events
• What type of atmosphere/music the venue is looking for
• Break arrangements and finishing times
• Whether the venue has sound or volume restrictions
• If any additional announcements or background music are required

As a professional one-man band, I provide my own high-quality sound equipment and aim to make setup and performance as smooth and stress-free as possible for every venue and event.

I use professional sound and lighting equipment tailored to suit different venues and event sizes. For tighter spaces, smaller pubs and intimate settings, I use a Yamaha column PA system which delivers excellent clarity while taking up very little space. For larger venues, marquees and outdoor events, I also have larger speaker systems capable of comfortably covering crowds of approximately 150–200 people.

I use a professional mixer which allows me to connect directly into house sound systems when required, giving flexibility for hotels, function rooms and larger events. My setup also includes professional microphones, wireless systems, quality guitars and performance lighting to create a polished live experience.

I pride myself on providing a clean, reliable and professional setup with high-quality sound for every performance, whether it’s a small local pub or a large function or marquee event.

Yes I have a Bluetooth enabled system and can provide tailored Spotify music

One of the best gigs I’ve ever performed was in a large marquee in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, playing to a crowd of well over 150 people. From the moment the night started, there was an incredible atmosphere in the tent — the place was buzzing with energy, excitement and anticipation.

As the crowd grew, the atmosphere became electric. People of all ages were singing along, dancing, clapping and fully involved in the night from start to finish. The combination of live guitar, vocals, backing tracks and a powerful sound system really filled the marquee and created the feeling of a full live band performance.

What made the night special was the connection with the audience. Every song seemed to land perfectly with the crowd and there was a fantastic sense of enjoyment and positivity throughout the venue. The dancefloor stayed busy, requests kept coming and the audience response after every set was tremendous.

The feedback afterwards was hugely satisfying. People commented on the sound quality

My favourite type of event to perform at is a busy marquee, hotel function or packed pub where the crowd are there to genuinely enjoy themselves and get involved in the night. I love events where there’s a real buzz in the room — people singing along, dancing, shouting requests and creating a great atmosphere together.

For me, the best nights are the ones where the audience and performer connect naturally and the energy keeps building as the night goes on. I enjoy reading the crowd, changing the tempo when needed and keeping people entertained from the first song to the very last tune.

There’s nothing better than finishing a performance and seeing a full dancefloor, smiling faces and hearing people say they had a brilliant night. That’s what live music is all about for me.

I started out the same way many musicians do — playing free gigs, guesting with other performers and taking every opportunity possible to gain experience and improve. In the early days, it was never really about the money; it was about learning the craft of live performance, understanding crowds and becoming more confident as a musician and entertainer.

Over time, I gradually moved into paid gigs, built strong contacts within the music scene and developed solid working relationships with venues, musicians and event organisers across the West of Ireland. Every performance taught me something new, whether it was about sound, stage presence, song choice or connecting with an audience.

One thing that has never changed is my attitude towards learning. No matter how many gigs I play, I still believe there is always something new to improve on — whether it’s vocals, guitar playing, sound production, equipment, performance techniques or building a better experience for the audience.

I’ve been influenced by a wide range of artists over the years because I genuinely love music across so many genres. I grew up listening to Irish ballads, country, rock and soul, so artists from all of those styles have shaped me in different ways.

From the Irish side of things, artists like , and had a huge influence on me because of the storytelling, honesty and emotion in their music. In country music, I’ve always admired artists like and , while rock artists like , and showed me the power of great live performance and musicianship.

If I had to pick one favourite artist, it would probably be Bruce Springsteen because of the passion, the songwriting and the connection he creates with an audience.

For me, the greatest song of all time is by Paul Brady. It’s an incredible piece of songwriting — powerful, emotional and timeless. The lyrics, melody and the message of that song is timeless.

My typical setup time is usually between 30 and 40 minutes depending on the size of the venue and the type of event. For smaller pubs, hotel bars and intimate venues, I can usually be fully set up and soundchecked within that timeframe thanks to an efficient professional setup.

For performances, a standard pub or venue booking would normally be around 2.5 to 3 hours of live music with short breaks included. Wedding drinks receptions and private functions are often between 2 and 3 hours, while larger corporate or marquee events can vary depending on the schedule and requirements of the organiser.

I always aim to arrive well in advance to ensure everything is running smoothly and professionally before performance time.

Yes, I’m very happy to perform at outdoor events and have experience playing at marquees, beer gardens, festivals, private parties and outdoor functions. I can provide suitable sound equipment for both small and larger outdoor gatherings depending on the size of the event.

For outdoor performances, I would normally require adequate shelter, access to electricity and suitable weather protection for both equipment and performance area to ensure the best possible sound and experience for everyone attending.

Absolutely. I always want clients and venues to enjoy the night and feel involved in the atmosphere of the event. I’m very happy to discuss preferred styles of music, favourite artists, special songs or the overall vibe people are looking for beforehand.

Over the years I’ve built up a wide-ranging setlist covering Irish ballads, country, rock, pop, soul and modern favourites, so I can usually tailor the performance to suit the audience and occasion. I also enjoy reading the crowd on the night and adjusting the setlist to keep the energy and atmosphere flowing naturally.

If there are particular songs or styles that are especially important to a client, I always do my best to accommodate them where possible.

Previous clients most commonly describe my performances as energetic, professional and great fun. A lot of people comment on the atmosphere I create, the variety of music I play and the fact that I can keep a crowd entertained throughout the night.

I’m fortunate that many venues and clients book me repeatedly, which I always take as the biggest compliment. Repeat business and word-of-mouth recommendations have been a huge part of building my reputation over the years.

People often mention the quality of the sound, the wide-ranging setlist and the ability to read a crowd and adapt the music to suit the room. Whether it’s a lively pub, wedding, marquee or private function, I always aim to make sure people leave having had a genuinely memorable night.

I play a wide range of music including Irish ballads, country, rock, pop, soul and modern favourites. My aim is to have something for everyone and create the right atmosphere for each event.