For decades Rachel Hayward has been delighting audiences throughout Britain and Europe with her eclectic mix of calypso, soca, pop, ska, jazz, reggae, MOR and popular classics. She performs extensively at a wide variety of corporate, civil and private functions, weddings, agricultural shows, parties, balls and even pirate ships and wakes!

If you are interested in engaging Rachel to play at your event please enquire as early as possible. Summer is the busiest season and gets booked up early! Rachel has extensive experience of performing at weddings — processional music can be provided on request — also during the signing of the register (please enquire for details) and also for cocktail receptions, birthday parties, barbeques, Caribbean events and beach parties of all types, and is always delighted to don her mermaid (or pirate!) outfits to bring a touch of UNDER THE SEA and CARIBBEAN glamour to themed events.

Rachel performs with her own pre-recorded backing tracks, giving the effect of a full acoustic band which is ideal for events and venues where space or budget are limited. These tracks are carefully arranged and produced making use of live percussion and pan multi-tracking, and are of a much higher standard than commercially available backing tracks. The pan is not necessarily loud, and a soloist is ideal for those smaller scale venues when a band would simply be too much, the sound being more akin to that of a cocktail pianist or string quartet. Conversely the pan can be miked up and amplified, to provide music for larger-scale and outdoor events.

Please note that Rachel does not normally perform classical or purely acoustic sets. If you are interested specifically in this repertoire please make this clear in your enquiry.

Playing times are usually 2 x 45 minute or 3 x 30 minute sets, although longer or shorter times can be agreed. 

With over three decades of professional performing experience you can rest assured that Rachel appreciates the importance of punctuality and reliability, and that she consistently offers the highest possible standards in all areas; she will always endeavour to make your event a special event.

Please take a look at the Repertoire page for more information on the music; click for audio clips or visit Spotify to listen to Rachel’s albums Priestess of Pan and Red Head.