Header photo : Little Car Photography
If you are considering live music for your special occasion, the simplicity of instrumental solo guitar could provide the perfect backdrop.
Ken Cooke is an experienced and professional musician. He has been providing guitar music for weddings, cocktail hour receptions, birthdays, anniversaries, fundraisers, vow renewals and corporate events around South Australia for over 20 years.
Ken has played consistently at venues across South Australia, including : Ayers House, Intercontinental Adelaide, Adelaide Convention Centre, Botanic Gardens, Mount Lofty House, Glenelg Golf Club, Bridgewater Mill, Stamford Plaza, National Wine Centre, Golding Wines, Adelaide Zoo, Sunnybrae Estate, Marybank Farm and many venues in the McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley regions.
With a wide variety of music - from classic pop, classical, jazz / blues, latin, traditional wedding favourites and even movie themes, Ken's vast repertoire can be tailored to suit any occasion.
(Above) Ken was excited and honoured recently to see that U.S. guitarist Bill Piburn had shared a video (on Facebook) of Ken playing Bill's arrangement of the Billy Joel song "Just The Way You Are".
Bill Piburn is a highly respected musician, author and teacher and has written several guitar books for Mel Bay and Hal Leonard publications..
He is also the editor of the online magazine "Fingerstyle Guitar Journal".
Bill Piburn is a highly respected musician, author and teacher and has written several guitar books for Mel Bay and Hal Leonard publications..
He is also the editor of the online magazine "Fingerstyle Guitar Journal".
"Hi Ken,
Just wanted to reach out and thank you for playing at our wedding (and for congratulating us when we had a quiet moment!). I loved the music and especially my entrance song. All the best! "
Teresa & Anthony
Married 19/10/24
Ayers House, Adelaide
'Hi Ken,
We just want to thank you again for your lovely music and presence and Tom and Alexx's wedding ceremony
this morning. Everyone really enjoyed your music; it added such a lovely atmosphere to the process.
I will have no hesitation in recommending you to other people, and in contacting you again if something similar
arises."
Warmest regards,
Jane "
Jane F. (ceremony co-ordinator)
13/01/24
Walkerville Memorial Gardens
"If you're looking to create an inviting and chilled vibe with a live act, I thoroughly recommend
guitarist Ken Cooke ! Everyone appreciated the warm ambience created by his tunes and it helped
to make my birthday celebration super memorable. Thanks Ken ! "
G. Enright
"Ken has a professional attitude and is able to connect with guests and his environment easily. Ken is always punctual with his arrival and is dedicated to his passion, music. This is displayed through his work and how adaptive he is pending on the space and the environment he is working in. We value the time and effort Ken contributes towards our events and is always our first preference when seeking a musician to attend our private functions.”
The Hospital Research Foundation
("Home Lottery" launches, 2014-present)
31/1/26
On Saturday 31/1, I played solo guitar and accompanied vocalist Susan Shillabeer at the wedding of Emily & Dan,
held at Paxton Wines, McLaren Vale.
It was a warm day, and slightly windy as you can tell from my hair in the picture below !
Emily walked down the aisle to Susan and I playing "Truly, Madly, Deeply".
4/1/26
On Saturday Jan. 4th, I did an acoustic duo gig with vocalist Tania Savelli, at the Strathalbyn Racing Club.
It was an enjoyable day - we played music between each race. The local punters enjoyed our good vibes,
playing a mix of soul, pop, blues and classic tunes.
Thanks for having us, Strath Raching Club, it was fun !
27/12/25
On Saturday 27/1 I played solo guitar and also accompanied vocalist and friend Susan Shillabeer at Rachel & Tarquin's wedding ceremony, held at Woodburn Homestead, Langhorne Creek.
I played "Can't Help Falling In Love", "Blackbird" and "Isn't She Lovely" as solo guitar pieces, and Rachel walked down the aisle to Susan singing "Im Kissing You" (Kevin Simm)
Congrats to the newly weds !
7/12/25
Last night Dec. 7th, I played solo guitar for a private function. It was a vigil for families who have lost their loved ones due to tragic circumstances. There were also some members of the Police band performing.
Obviously, I couldn't take any photos to share, due to privacy and confidentiality. It reminded me of what music can give to people.
One of those special gigs for me that I'll always remember.
Obviously, I couldn't take any photos to share, due to privacy and confidentiality. It reminded me of what music can give to people.
One of those special gigs for me that I'll always remember.
16/11/24
On Saturday 16/11, I played at Matthew and Samantha's wedding ceremony, held on a farm property up at Mount Pleasant.
Samantha and her bridesmaids/family walked down the aisle to 'Edelweiss". I also provided 1 hour of pre dinner drinks
music. I wish them all the best !
7/9/24
On September 7th I played at Angelique & Con's wedding ceremony at Ayers House.
Agelique walked down the aisle to my arrangment of Bob Dylan's "Make You Feel My Love".
The celebrant was Aphrodite Anderson whom I always enjoy working with.
(below pIc by Karyn Kent)
