Warm-lit recording studio with a mixing console and vintage microphone

Musician · Pro Tennis Coach · Connecticut

AndreDanford

Also known as Dre Charles — professional on-court tennis instruction / live music for your event (duo, trio, or full band).

Andre coaching on the tennis court
Coach Dre

About Andre

Whether it is late nights in the studio or big moments on stage, Andre brings warmth and energy to everything he touches. Known to some as Dre Charles, he shares his love of music in everyday life with people around him.

Music is only half the story — Andre is also a talented pro tennis coach, spending as many days and nights on the court as on the stage. Two passions, one very busy guy.

No forms, no inboxes. If you want to chat, just call.

On the Stage

Pro Musician

Andre Danford is an American born soul artist with roots tied to many genres of music. He was raised on R&B and 70's funk but spent countless hours listening to the musings of Monk, Coltrane and many others of his Dad's favorite Jazz artists.

Andre is a silky/smooth vocalist and as a cover artist has a catalog of over 400 songs ranging from Soul to Jazz to Southern Rock and anything in between.

He is also a talented multi-percussionist with a great love of Afro-Cuban and Latin rhythms.

He is a seasoned professional with a bevy of experience on stages large and small throughout the US and abroad.

Meinl PercussionLatin Percussion

Upcoming Shows

  • Sat, Nov 14 · 7:30pmAndre & Friends at Tusker's
  • Sun, Nov 22 · 5:30pmRohn Lawrence All-Star Tribute

Live for Your Event

Booking Andre for an event is easy — he can bring the show to your venue as a duo, trio, or with a full band, whatever the room calls for.

Andre on congas with the band and singer performing on a spotlighted stage

Duo

Andre paired with a guitarist for a fuller sound — smooth enough for cocktails and lounges, lively enough to get a crowd swaying.

Trio

Three players, rich harmonies, and a warm acoustic sound — perfect for dinner sets, patios, and events that want depth without the volume.

Full Band

The whole crew — guitars, keys, drums, and percussion. A high-energy show built for festivals, clubs, and events that want the room moving.

Book a show — call (860) 857-3636

Weddings · parties · festivals · private events

Andre coaching a young player on the tennis court
On court
Racquet Sports Professionals — TennisLyme Shores Racquet ClubUSTAUSTA Coaching Professional

On the court

Pro Tennis Coach

A seasoned pro tennis coach, Andre has spent 50 plus years competing, coaching, and sharing the game with players of every level. From first timers to elite college players.

RSPA and USTA coaching certified, Andre has interacted with some of the top coaches and players worldwide and brings a wealth of knowledge to the game.

  • USTA New England Youth Tennis Committee Chairman
  • Lyme Shores Racquet Club Junior Competition Director
  • USTA High Performance Coach

Want a lesson, hitting partner, or just talk tennis. Hit the call button.

Andre in his US Open shirt with a friend on the tennis courtsAndre with Billie Jean King at a USTA New England tennis event

The Vibe

Music, tennis, and good company — the two biggest passions, and the people who share them.

Andre performing with Rohn Lawrence on acoustic guitar
Rohn Lawrence
Andre with Charlie Neville, Jeanne, and Jeff Pitchell
Charlie Neville, Jeanne, Jeff Pitchell
Andre with Ty Marshall seated in studio control-room chairs in front of a rack of audio gear
Ty Marshall
Andre backstage with Trombone Shorty
Trombone Shorty
Andre with Marion Meadows backstage
Marion Meadows
Andre with four friends standing together outdoors, one holding a saxophone
Andre & Friends
Andre with Ivan Neville by the water
Ivan Neville
Andre performing at Toad's Place with Tony Cintron and Porter Carroll
At Toad's Place with Tony Cintron & Porter Carroll
Andre with Patrick McEnroe on the tennis court
Patrick McEnroe
Andre with the Mpossible Studio Music Production crew in the recording studio
Mpossible Studio Music Production crew
Andre in a USA Tennis polo with Nick Bollettieri
The Great...Nick Bollettieri
Andre with Eddie, posing with a striped electric guitar and a conga drum
Andre & Eddie
Large group of friends posing together at the Rohn Lawrence gathering
Rohn's Friends
Andre and four band members standing together outside The Haven with their instrument cases and gig bags
Touring Band
Andre laughing with a friend on the sidewalk outside Toad's Place under the yellow marquee at night
Mo Pleasure

Get In Touch

One tap to book a show, a lesson, or just say hi — or follow along on social media.