The Will O’Connor Band
Quality Music That Keeps You On Your Toes
The Will O’Connor Live Acoustic Show is dedicated to thoughtfully performing great music from the ’50s to the present. The band’s acoustic covers range from Van Morrison to the Barenaked Ladies, Pink Floyd to Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye to the Talking Heads. Our songlist has been described as “the best radio station you could find on a road trip, performed live.” At the same time, the songs become new, given a fresh musical interpretation.
The band aims to provide acoustic music that makes for great listening any night of the week, and that could be either an atmospheric backdrop to conversation or a reason to get out of your chair and start dancing.
The Band
Jeff Sassaman
Bassist Jeff Sassaman is a native of Philadelphia, PA. Jeff has a music degree from Berklee College of Music and studied with bass icon Whit Browne. An integral part of the Live Acoustic Show’s sound, Jeff also performs regularly across the country for Broadway, orchestral, and jazz engagements. He has had multiple performances at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, and Alice Tully Hall, just to name a few.
Will O'Connor
Known for driving guitar rhythms and expressive vocals, Will has been gigging in pubs and restaurants in New York and New Jersey for two decades. Will has a broad taste in musical styles, and his guitar and vocals guide the group through their expansive playlist. His talents have brought him to Germany and Ireland, where he performs annually as part of the Ardmore Pattern Festival in Co. Waterford.
Nick Wight
Nick grew up near Scranton, PA. His dad, a full-time musician, loved to nurture his son’s passion, even having Nick, then a kid, sit in on drums with his trio. After earning a music degree from Temple University, Nick came to the NYC area and now teaches and performs in a variety of projects, ranging from jazz to early rock n’ roll, country/folk to pop and R&B. He also frequently travels abroad as sideman and co-leader of the jazz trio, Pericopes+1.
June 2026: Events
Friday, June 12, 2026
CLOVERLEAF TAVERN
8-11pm
395 Bloomfield Ave
Caldwell, NJ
973.226.9812
cloverleaftavern.com
Seating may be limited. Reservations are recommended.
Sunday, June 14th, 2026
Irish Sports Expo Afterparty @
THE SHILLELAGH CLUB
6-8:30pm
648 Prospect Ave
West Orange, NJ
(973) 325-9338
essexshillelagh.com/sports-expo
Event starts @ 12:30p. Hurling Match @ 3:30p
Saturday, June 27th, 2026
EMBER & EAGLE
6:30-9:30pm
2000 Lowther Dr
Eatontown, NJ
732.443.3008
emberandeagle.com
Seating may be limited. Reservations are recommended.
July 2026: Events
Saturday, July 4th, 2026
July 4th @ BATTELLO
6-9:30p
502 Washington Blvd
Jersey City, NJ
201.798.1798
battellojc.com
Special Guest: Noel Sagarman
Saturday, June 11th, 2026
St. Baldrick’s Fundraiser Afterparty @
THE SHILLELAGH CLUB
8-11pm
648 Prospect Ave
West Orange, NJ
(973) 325-9338
shillelaghclub.com
August 2026: Events
Thursday, August 13th, 2026
ROUND TOWER HOTEL
9pm
Upper College Road
Ardmore, Co. Waterford
Ireland
+353 (24) 94494
roundtowerhotel.ie
Our 2026 Ardmore homecoming performance!
Saturday, August 15th, 2026
BERTIE’S BAR
8pm
157 North Main St,
Youghal, Co. Cork,
Ireland
+353 (24) 93298
facebook.com/bertiesyoughal/
Monday, August 17th, 2026
ROUND TOWER HOTEL
9pm
Upper College Road,
Ardmore, Co. Waterford
Ireland
+353 (24) 94494
roundtowerhotel.ie
Thursday, August 20th 2026
URCHIN
9pm
Duffcarrick
Ardmore, Co. Waterford
Ireland
+353 (83) 374 3889
urchin.ie
Friday, August 21st, 2026
ROUND TOWER HOTEL
9pm
Upper College Road,
Ardmore, Co. Waterford
Ireland
+353 (24) 94494
roundtowerhotel.ie
Saturday, August 22nd, 2026
THE MARINE BAR
9pm
Pulla, Ring
Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
Ireland
+353 (58) 46520
marinebar.ie
Thursday, August 27th, 2026
EMBER & EAGLE
6:30-9:30pm
2000 Lowther Dr
Eatontown, NJ
732.443.3008
emberandeagle.com
Seating may be limited. Reservations are recommended.
Past Events
IRELAND TOUR 2019
Mid-July to Early August
Co. Waterford & Co. Cork
willoconnor.com/ireland2019
Planning a party?
Got a wedding, cocktail hour, or other private event coming up on your schedule? Why not make live acoustic music a part of it?
The band has a wide range of songs to entertain all generations, and we’re just as comfortable providing background atmosphere as we are taking center stage.
Over the years the band has played hundreds of private events, ranging from house parties and backyard barbecues to raucous birthdays and weddings. We’ve also played corporate events, charity fundraisers, and even a classy U.N. cocktail social.
Let us know how our acoustic cover band can make your next event the one that everyone remembers.
Testimonial:
“I just hosted the most amazing birthday celebration for my husband. The best decision I ever made was having the Will O’Connor Trio perform. They were outstanding! The talent level in this group is top-notch!
Will and his bandmates read the room and immediately knew how to play to the crowd. They were all quite personable too. They were extremely kind to my three-year-old granddaughter and even involved her in the singing and dancing. Our friends responded so well to the band. Everyone was dancing and singing along with Will and company!
My phone hasn’t stopped ringing with rave reviews! Will was lovely to deal with throughout the planning process of the party. He was patient, responsive and professional. His talent is matched by his wonderful personality. Hiring Will O’Connor is your guarantee for a party that will exceed your expectations.”
Sharon M.
Marlboro, NJ
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