Yep. I can play at your Wedding or Union Ceremony!
From playing pretty background music while your guests arrive, to composing an album, recording it, duplicating 250 copies so everybody gets one, hand-making linocuts to stamp the custom on-cd art, playing processionals, learning hymns that your mother-in-law likes - I am quite versatile. Get in touch using the Contact page, and we'll talk!
Testimonials from past wedding clients:
“Will's ability to capture the room and stun the guests with his Kora playing is just downright magical. The sound that he is able to create with his Kora translates into peace and transcendence through the vessels of the the ears and the heart. To say we were thrilled, and overjoyed would be a huge understatement. I cannot express enough how vital his spirit, his presence and his music made our day uniquely special. I would highly recommend his music for any occasion. Will, thank you, for being such a musical staple in our very special day.” - Austin and Liayn McCall, September 5, 2015, Chapel Hill, NC.
"Will - Thank you so much for not only filling our wedding with your beautiful music, but helping coordinate it all. From the beginning planning stages you listened to our ideas and vision and helped pull it all together. Your music was our soundtrack for this special time in our lives; we would listen to your CD for months leading up to the wedding and there was nothing like walking down the aisle to your sweet song - it was PERFECT. Thank you for making beautiful music and thank you for playing it on our special day; you truly helped make the day as beautiful and memorable as it was. Love, Sarah and RK Pai." May 14, 2016
"Man oh Man, what can't I say about Will? We approached him with some popular songs in mind that we hoped he could transform onto his Kora for our wedding ceremony and he exceeded our expectations. One of my favorite memories of the ceremony was as we left, I heard Macklemore's "Same Love" singing on all those strings beautifully balanced with a spanish guitar that was accompanying him. Will was fantastic to work with and I'd highly recommend him to anyone looking for elegant, personalized, and unique music for their next event. (P.S. He wears costumes when necessary. In our case, he looked phenomenal!)" - Laurel Shulman and Rob Davis, May 2015, Chapel Hill, NC.
"Will, we were so very happy with your kora music at our wedding. The kora had this magical quality to it that fit perfectly for our romantic outdoor ceremony. So many of our guests commented on the music, and we loved that they approached you after the ceremony to ask questions and see the kora up close. Not only was the music just beautiful, but you were professional and easy to work with, and you brought such calm, friendly energy to our event. Thank you again!" - Alexandra and Alex Marano, April 2013, Saxapahaw, NC.
"Will, thank you so much for providing the reception music at our wedding! The Kora music was so soothing and beautiful. I had never heard of the Kora before; I'm so glad I was introduced to you and your music early on. It was nice to have something different and worldly instead of a typical wedding band. A few of my guests told me they enjoyed the music and the earthiness of the instrument, and wanted to know where I found you! Thanks also for playing during the ceremony when we lit the Unity candle - it added a great touch. Peace and Blessings."" - Terri Carson, August 19, 2006, Rougemont, NC.
"I just wanted to say thank you again for playing Kora for our wedding reception. Your music is beautiful and the Kora was the perfect unique and romantic touch for our dinner under the stars. Even now, months later, guests still bring up how wonderful and interesting the instrument and music was. Hiring you was one of the best decisions and I can't wait until the next big event we throw so we can have you back!" - Crystal Genes, October 2011, Burgaw, NC.
Testimonials for other types of events:
"I have invited Mr. Ridenour to give a guest lecture/demo in my non-western music course each semester for the past two years, and he continues to be an excellent and rare source for West-African music and culture, specifically considering the Kora. My students have gone out of their way to comment on Mr. Ridenour's demonstration of the Kora, the relation of his experiences in West-Africa, and the interesting and engaging atmosphere he creates within the class time." - Dr. Gavin Douglas, Department Head and Associate Professor of Music, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
"Mr. Ridenour came to my class with an array of fascinating African instruments and had the students charmed from the first moment. His knowledge and experience of West-African culture and music was related in a kindred fashion, engaging the students to participate and leave the class with a heightened interest in cultures different of their own." - Van Garrison, Independent Higher Education Professional, Raleigh, NC.
"Mr. Ridenour provided the music for my Grand Opening event, and it was the perfect addition to a pleasurable evening. The Kora music was lively yet serene, giving the area a beautiful background of sound while at the same time attracting comments from the guests. He was a delight to work with." - Leisha Dooley, owner, 'The King's Inn at Segefield' Bed and Breakfast, Greensboro, NC.
"I have invited Mr. Ridenour to give a guest lecture/demo in my non-western music course each semester for the past two years, and he continues to be an excellent and rare source for West-African music and culture, specifically considering the Kora. My students have gone out of their way to comment on Mr. Ridenour's demonstration of the Kora, the relation of his experiences in West-Africa, and the interesting and engaging atmosphere he creates within the class time." - Dr. Gavin Douglas, Department Head and Associate Professor of Music, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
"Mr. Ridenour came to my class with an array of fascinating African instruments and had the students charmed from the first moment. His knowledge and experience of West-African culture and music was related in a kindred fashion, engaging the students to participate and leave the class with a heightened interest in cultures different of their own." - Van Garrison, Independent Higher Education Professional, Raleigh, NC.
"Mr. Ridenour provided the music for my Grand Opening event, and it was the perfect addition to a pleasurable evening. The Kora music was lively yet serene, giving the area a beautiful background of sound while at the same time attracting comments from the guests. He was a delight to work with." - Leisha Dooley, owner, 'The King's Inn at Segefield' Bed and Breakfast, Greensboro, NC.
