Frequently asked questions

Rachel is a professional East Yorkshire singer based near Beverley, performing across Hull, Beverley and the wider Yorkshire region. She regularly sings at festivals, weddings, parties and events throughout: • Hull • Beverley • East Yorkshire (including coastal towns and rural villages) • North, South and West Yorkshire As a popular Hull singer, Rachel also travels further afield for special bookings. Previous performances have taken her to London, Leicester, Cambridge and even onboard P&O Ferries. Travel within 10 miles of her Beverley base is included. Beyond that, journeys are charged at 50p per mile. If you’re unsure whether your venue is covered, just send an enquiry and Rachel will confirm availability. You can also explore her full list of locations on the locations page.(/locations)

Rachel Makena performs acoustic covers and a Taylor Swift Tribute Her repertoire spans pop, rock, indie, country and modern chart hits — perfect for weddings, parties, corporate events, festivals and community celebrations. Her repertoire appeals to all ages and can be tailored to suit relaxed daytime sets or upbeat evening performances. Acoustic Covers Her acoustic setlist features timeless favourites such as Jolene, Country Roads, A Thousand Years and Hero, alongside modern hits including Royals, Shotgun and other popular chart songs. Rachel can also include her own original music for events that want something unique and personal. Taylor Swift Tribute Rachel offers a full Taylor Swift Tribute Show, combining live acoustic guitar with professional backing tracks. The show covers every era — from Love Story to Anti‑Hero — and includes costume changes, themed props and fun audience interaction. For full details of Rachel's repertoire see: Acoustic Covers Set List(/acousticoverssetlist) Taylor Swift Tribute Set List(/taylorswifttributesetlist)

If you want the celebration to continue after Rachel’s live performance, she offers several add‑on options to keep the atmosphere lively and fun. These extras are ideal for weddings, parties and themed events where you want the energy to stay high right through to the end of the night. Post‑performance options include: • Speaker hire, allowing you to keep music playing for the rest of your event • A custom playlist or DJ‑style set, perfect for keeping guests on the dance floor If you’ve booked the Taylor Swift Tribute Show, you can also add themed extras such as: • A Taylor Swift quiz, complete with a prize for the winner — a brilliant ice‑breaker or mid‑evening boost • Taylor Swift selfie props, including a life‑size Taylor Swift cut‑out, feather boas and sunglasses for unforgettable photo moments These add‑ons help you extend the party seamlessly after Rachel’s performance, ensuring your guests stay entertained and engaged.

Booking Rachel for your event is simple. Just get in touch to check her availability and share a few key details so she can tailor the perfect performance for you. Event details to provide • Date and time • How long you’d like Rachel to perform • Location or venue • Type of event (wedding, party, corporate event, community celebration, etc.) Choose your performance option • Acoustic Covers • Taylor Swift Tribute Show Optional add‑ons • Costume changes • Post‑performance speaker hire • Post‑performance custom playlist or DJ‑style set If you’ve booked the Taylor Swift Tribute Show, you can also add: • Taylor Swift quiz, complete with a prize for the winner • Taylor Swift selfie props, including a life‑size Taylor Swift cut‑out, feather boas and sunglasses for unforgettable photo moments Rachel is flexible and can tailor her performance to suit your event perfectly. If you’re unsure which option is best, she can recommend the ideal setup based on your plans. To book: Phone or text: 07396639644 Email: contact@rachelmakenamusic.com(mailto:contact@rachelmakenamusic.com) Or use the contact form.(/contact)

To help Rachel deliver the best possible live music performance, your venue will need to provide a few simple essentials. Performance space • A suitable area for Rachel and her equipment (speakers, mixer, pedal, mic stand) • Additional space for optional props or dance routines if you’ve booked them Power and safety • Access to electricity for her sound equipment • If no power is available, Rachel can bring a battery‑powered amp • If electricity is being used, the performance area must be fully dry and protected from any risk of water for health and safety reasons Changing space • A private area for costume changes if you’ve booked them Weather considerations (for outdoor events) • Wind protection, as strong gusts can affect sound quality or damage equipment Rachel is always happy to discuss your venue setup in advance to make sure everything runs smoothly on the day.

To secure Rachel for your event, a 25% deposit is required at the time of booking. Once the deposit is received, your date is officially reserved in her diary. Rachel will then be in touch in the run‑up to your event to confirm final details, timings and any special requests, ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day.

Yes — Rachel provides her own professional sound system for all live performances. She can bring a full PA setup with high‑quality speakers suitable for most venues and event sizes. Speaker specs: 2 x 200W Alto Trouper PA speakers If your venue doesn’t have access to electricity, Rachel can also supply a battery‑powered amp, allowing her to perform indoors, outdoors or in more remote locations where power isn’t available.

Ideally, yes — Rachel normally uses mains electricity to power her full PA system. If electricity is available, the supply must be safe, dry and in an area that cannot become wet to meet health and safety requirements. If your venue has no power, don’t worry — Rachel can still perform using her battery‑powered amp, making her suitable for indoor, outdoor and more remote locations.

Yes — Rachel can still sing at outdoor events with no electricity. For venues or locations without power, she uses her battery‑powered amp, allowing her to perform in almost any outdoor or remote setting.

Rachel can perform live music outdoors as long as she and all her equipment remain completely dry. A sheltered, weather‑proof performance area is essential if electricity is being used. For safety reasons, Rachel cannot perform if she or her equipment is exposed to rain, snow or any risk of getting wet. This is to comply with health and safety regulations around using electrical equipment outdoors. If you can’t guarantee a fully dry area, Rachel can switch to her battery‑powered amp, which is suitable for outdoor setups where weather protection is limited. You’ll just need to let her know before booking so she can plan the right equipment. If you’re unsure whether your outdoor space is suitable, Rachel is happy to advise on simple ways to keep everything safe and weather‑proof.

Yes — Rachel can use your venue’s speakers and sound system for her live music performance as long as it provides clear, reliable audio. If the quality isn’t suitable, she may recommend using her own professional equipment to ensure your guests enjoy the best possible sound.

Yes - all of Rachel’s electrical equipment is fully PAT tested and was most recently certified in September 2025 ensuring it meets current safety standards for public performances.

Yes - Rachel holds full public liability insurance with the Musician's Union covering up to £10 million, giving venues and event organisers complete peace of mind.

Possibly — Rachel is often able to learn special requests. She has previously learnt songs such as: • You’ll Never Walk Alone • September Song • The Flood • …and other meaningful choices selected by clients Whether she can learn your song depends on a few factors: • Vocal suitability — the song must sit comfortably within her vocal range • Time required to learn it • around 10 weeks if performed with guitar • around 4 weeks if performed with backing tracks • Her schedule — availability to learn new material depends on her workload leading up to your event Because learning a new song takes dedicated rehearsal time, there is an additional fee, which covers rehearsal, arrangement work and ensuring the song is performance‑ready. This typically ranges from £50 to £100, depending on the complexity of the song. If you have a special song in mind, just let Rachel know — she’ll happily check whether it’s possible and give you a clear timeframe and quote.

Rachel can perform comfortably in a 2.5m x 2m space when using her sound system for standard acoustic sets. If you’d like her to include dance routines or more movement, a space of around 3.5m x 3m is ideal to give her room to perform safely and confidently. If you’re unsure whether your space is suitable, Rachel can advise during booking.

Yes — Rachel can include costume changes as part of her live music act. She has a wide range of outfits to suit different themes and performance styles. All she needs is a little time between sets and a private changing area so she can switch costumes comfortably and discreetly. Just confirm your requirements at the time of booking.

Rachel tailors her set length to suit your event. Popular options include: • 30 minutes • 3 × 30‑minute sets • 2 × 45‑minute sets If you need something different, Rachel is happy to discuss timings that work best for your celebration.

Here’s what you can expect on the day when Rachel performs at your event: • Arrival update: Rachel will message you to let you know she’s on her way. • Set‑up check: On arrival, she’ll work with you to confirm the best place to set up her equipment and where the speakers should go. • Sound check: A 15-30 minute sound check to make sure everything is balanced and ready. • Performance: Rachel delivers your chosen set(s) • After‑party playlist (if booked): Music continues to keep the atmosphere going. • Pack down: Rachel will take down her equipment efficiently and discreetly. • Goodbye: A quick farewell before she heads off. Everything is designed to be smooth, simple, and stress‑free so you can focus on enjoying your event.

After the performance, Rachel will get in touch to kindly ask for a review. Your feedback is incredibly valuable — it helps her grow, showcase her work to future clients and secure more performances. Once you’ve submitted your review, some of the platforms Rachel is listed on may send a quick request asking you to verify that your review is genuine. This is a standard step to keep reviews trustworthy and helps Rachel build a strong, reliable reputation. Your support makes a real difference to independent performers like Rachel, and she’s always deeply grateful for every review shared. If you enjoyed the show, Rachel would also appreciate your support on her social media channels, as festivals often ask how many followers she has. And if you have any friends looking for a live singer, please consider recommending Rachel — personal referrals mean the world to independent artists.

Between sets, Rachel provides background music free of charge to keep the atmosphere flowing. If you’d like a specific song included — or prefer to play music from your own device — that’s fine.

Yes - Rachel can switch into a DJ‑style set after her performance. She’ll even chat with your guests to gather their song requests and keep the dance floor buzzing.

Yes - Rachel can bring disco lights and fun Taylor Swift‑themed items to enhance the atmosphere and add an extra touch of sparkle to your event. Just confirm your requirements at the time of booking.

Rachel has experience performing at a wide range of occasions, bringing the right atmosphere to each one. Events she regularly performs at include: • Weddings (singing the couple back up the aisle, drinks receptions, evening entertainment) • Birthday parties • Hen parties • Corporate events and celebrations • Community events and festivals • Charity fundraisers and awareness events • Seasonal celebrations (Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve events, festive gatherings) • Private garden parties and home events • Themed nights, including Taylor Swift‑themed parties Whether you’re planning something intimate, lively, formal or fun, Rachel can tailor her performance to suit the occasion perfectly.

Rachel is flexible and can perform in a wide variety of venues, including: • Hotels and function rooms • Wedding venues and barns • Restaurants, bars and pubs • Community halls and social clubs • Outdoor spaces such as gardens, marquees, courtyards and festival areas - as long as the performance area remains fully dry during rain or snow to meet health and safety requirements when using electrical equipment. If electricity isn’t available, Rachel can use her battery‑powered amp instead. • Private homes • On P&O ferries • Corporate venues and conference spaces If there is a safe, dry space for her and her equipment — or room for her battery‑powered amp if there’s no electricity — Rachel can adapt to almost any location

Rachel’s main microphone is a specialist, high‑sensitivity piece of equipment that she relies on for her performance, so she can’t let others use it for announcements. It’s extremely valuable, easily damaged in busy environments, and used very close to the mouth — which also makes it a hygiene risk. If Rachel becomes unwell, she can’t perform, so protecting her microphone and her voice is essential. If you’d like to make announcements at your party, you’re very welcome to use your own microphone if you have one, or Rachel can provide an alternative mic that’s suitable for general use. Just let her know when you’re booking so she can bring the appropriate equipment.

People often search for Rachel using lots of different spellings — for both Rachel and Makena. Common variations include: Rachel spellings: Racheal, Rachael, Rachele, Raychell, Raychel, Rachell, Rachelle, Rachyl, Rachil, Raechel, Raichel Makena spellings: McKenna, MacKenna, Makenna, Mackenna, Mckenna, Makena, McKena, McKenah, Makenah, Mackena, Makennah For reference, her name is spelled Rachel Makena. The name Makena has a Hawaiian influence and was inspired by Makena Beach in Maui — a place known for its beauty, creativity and calm energy. It’s a fitting reflection of Rachel’s artistic style and the warm, uplifting atmosphere she brings to her performances.