A seasoned professional, bringing that heartfelt elegant performance to your event!
Jeff Hatley provides five star rated live music to add a unique and memorable touch to any event! Specializing in solo cello performance and DJ services for weddings, private occasions, restaurants, country clubs and worship services, Event Cello delivers a customized and affordable experience. Repertoire is focused upon romantic contemporary themes as recorded by many past/present popular artists, with religious and classical songs added upon request for a customized experience. From a memorable ceremony entrance, energetic recessional, to relaxed background music for a reception, corporate or dinner party, Event Cello works closely with clients to create the perfect musical setting elevating the day/evening. Jeff is also hired by other musicians for cello and bass tracks via his home studio or on location. Event Cello also collaborates with Hendrick Studio to provide very affordable bundled live painting and music for the special day! Please refer to the Services page for full details!
Bio/Background: Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and is retired from 44 years in product development, now performing full time as a professional musician. His musical education began early in elementary school and following on various wind instruments, adopting bass in high school. Collegiate musical studies continued while in pursuit of his engineering degree. Jeff learned cello as an expansion of capabilities in his mid 20’s including private studies with a staff cellist from the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.
As a performing musician, Jeff has played in numerous groups including semi-professional orchestras, string ensembles, big bands, theatrical pit orchestras, variety bands and worship teams. His career has included several amazing opportunities as a bassist opening for national acts such as ZZ Top, Styx, Leon Russel, Sixpence None the Richer, Aaron Neville and others. His solo focus began in 2023 and quickly flourished thereafter including 48 weddings performed in 2025 throughout the Southeastern US.
Instrumentation includes acoustic and electric cellos, 4, 5 and 6 string fretted and fretless bass guitars, and upright 6 string electronic bass. Three PA systems can be incorporated at various locations to ensure smooth transitions as the event progresses.
Typical repertoire includes popular movie themes, pop, Bach suites, contemporary Christian songs, hymns and original works. Selections are performed with publicly available backing tracks or those created in his studio, or solo depending upon the song. Upon request specific songs can be prepared for your special occasion with sufficient notice. Details are available on the “Playlist” page.
Jeff resides with his (amazing and talented) artist wife Sherry on a secluded 10-acre farm north of Spring Hope, NC, home of our art (hendricstudio.com) and music studios. Event Cello serves primarily the southeastern US, have motorhome will travel! We hope to be of service to you, please reach out via the Contact page.
Event Cello is a Limited Liability Company. Professional liability coverage is arranged per event by request.
