Francisco Xifra

Songs in Spanish, English and Italian fill a Francisco Xifra set, and his acoustic sets move between folk, blues and Latin rhythms, with bossa nova, Argentine folk and tango in the mix. Originally from Argentina, he spent six years busking his way around South America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Covers sit alongside his own songs. Here Comes the Sun, Wake Me Up, Banana Pancakes, Perfect and Can't Help Falling in Love are among the most requested, and he takes requests on the night or learns new ones with notice. The set can stay chilled or pick up the pace to match the room. His battery-powered gear runs three to four hours without mains power, sets up in about 15 minutes and fits in 2 square metres, so a restaurant, a pub or an outdoor spot is easy. He holds public liability insurance.