All Musicians

Derrick “Suede” Stout

Our spotlight Artist, Suede is a Chicago North Shore native who has become a legend on the Chicagoland music scene. He is the Founder of DARWIN RECORDS , located on Chicago's North Shore. Grammy-considered seven times, he has sold over 80,000 CDs.

Whether you’re looking for an engaging show, lovely background music, or a combination of both, he can provide you with exactly the right music for your needs with his wide-reaching network of professional, top-tier musicians.

Lyric & Lecture is proud to be the exclusive representative of Suede Stout.

Suede's Variety of Musical Incarnations:

Solo Piano or Guitar
Derrick "Suede" Stout built his career on the success of his first CD, entitled Deerpath. This solo piano album was pressed five times, which gave the foundation to Deerpath Music as its own record label, as well as Darwin Records recording studio and record label. The piano music was compared to Eric Satie & George Winston, and evoked a theme of the North Shore of Chicago where Derrick grew up. He can play his original music as well as jazz and pop standards for your group.

Vocal Acoustic Duo
The perfect solution for a more relaxed event, restaurant, bar, or private party setting, Suede's variety of Vocal Acoustic Duos can be a stand-alone engaging performance as well as a pleasant background musical experience. Suede performs with such varied artists as: Dave Steffen, David Lenef, Warren Beck, Lynette Foss, Scott Bennett, Suzanne Cross, Susie McMurray, Louie Zagoras, Bobby Remington, Dana Lawrence Gillis, Daniela Sloan, and many others...

Trio/Quartet
Suede encourages our clients to pick a wide variety of instrumentation to assemble his Trio or Quartet, depending on whether you want rock/pop, jazz/standards, or a mix. With the highest quality of musicianship and a wide-reaching network of professionals, we can guarantee that there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

The Love

The Love is a Beatles band made up of some of Chicago's most talented players and fronted by Suede Stout. Where other tribute bands might have to settle for lesser players to "get someone who looks like Ringo", these guys don't wear wigs or costumes, they just reproduce the music of this incredible band with immaculate warmth and groovy precision. Think “Beatles with an edge”, and know that if The Beatles were still touring today, THIS is how they would play their iconic music! Because "in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make."

t h e t u r n s t y l e s

The Turnstyles are a supergroup of some of the Chicago area’s best musicians. Fronted by the brilliant Suede Stout, they command a huge catalog of rock, pop, and jazz classics spanning decades, as well as Suede’s originals. They can tailor their set lists for any type of event and any demographic. They are in high demand for weekends, especially in the summer, so book them early!

The Derrick Stout Orchestra

The Derrick Stout Orchestra will make you feel like you have Harry Connick, Jr. and his band at your event. They are one of the few musical groups in the Chicago area who can truly transport your audience back to the Big Band era, and then seamlessly propel them forward to any other decade, all in one set. For the upscale corporate event or formal wedding, this is the group you want!

The Stares

This musical incarnation fronted by Derrick "Suede" Stout highlights the virtuoso guitar skills of Dave Steffen. Rocking through decades of rock and pop classics, deep tracks and originals, this band has made an instant splash in the North Shore club scene. Perfect three-part harmonies add an ethereal dimension to your favorite songs from yesterday and today. The groovy rhythms of Joe Bertram on drums, the smooth precision of Gary Schaffel on bass, and the keyboard and vocal embellishments by Lynette Foss give this group its distinctive sound.

Suede Diamond Band

Suede is well known as a vocal doppelganger for Neil Diamond! After much urging from his fan base, he has put together a 90-minute tribute comprised of 15 of Diamond’s greatest hits. This show is complete with sparkling wardrobe and white silk scarves to hand out to a few lucky ladies. The show can stand alone, or can be combined with another set of rock and pop covers from Neil’s heyday (or from any and all decades).

Darwin Records

Suede has been GRAMMY considered 7 times for not only his engineering but for his producing as well. The fact is, his albums sound and feel rich and amazing. His vast musical knowledge and connections to some of the greatest musicians in the world, means your songs sound better than if they would have been done anywhere else. In fact, if time and budget allow, he can get some of these fabulous players and singers involved in your project.

Suede says, "Bring your songs and recordings here. We can listen together and dissect and learn about the process and discover how your music can be made better!"

Solo/Duo/Trio Artists

Luciano Antonio

Luciano is a master of Brazilian, Mexican and Spanish guitar who can transform any event into a magical night in Rio or an adventure south of the border. Also a member of the Brazilian samba ensemble Maracujaz Maracujaz (see below), Luciano is highly regarded in the music community for his virtuosity as well as his charming personality.

Apasianado Duo/Trio

Combining two or three virtuoso string artists who can play anything from classical to Latin to Pop music is the perfect solution for upscale yet lively ambiance at your next event. Violinist Emi Tanabe is well known as a member of The CoverGirls Violin Show, Don Cagen Orchestra and Apollo’s Fire-Cleveland Orchestra. Guitarist Gabriel Datcu brings his intricate and sublime style to several Chicago area groups, including Lyric & Lecture's Nascent Jazz Project (below). They can work as a duo or add a cellist to round out their remarkable sound.

Mick Archer

A lifetime professional musician, Mick Archer can carry a solo piano and vocal show on his own, pair with jazz/soul virtuoso John Talmadge for the smoking hot dueling blues piano act The Blues 88s, or provide Irish music in his group Chicago Rovers. You may know him as long-time dueling pianist at Baja Beach Club in the 1990s, or perhaps you took lessons from him at the Old Town School of Folk Music. In whatever capacity you may have seen him, you would remember his incredible multi-instrumental skills and fantastic showmanship!

The Badass Librarians

Badass Librarians are an acoustic rock duo featuring musicians John Siegle and Erin Brush. John’s masterful rock ‘n roll guitar riffs, and Erin’s steady rhythm guitar and percussion, back-up their vocal harmonies in an eclectic mix of classic and alternative rock tunes ranging from The Beatles and Kinks to Jack White and Cage the Elephant, with several of John’s own originals mixed in. John Siegle has an impressive history in the Chicago music scene, starting with his band Screams in the 70’s, Insiders in the 80’s and 90’s, Mike Jordan and the Rockamatics, and various other Chicago bands throughout his musical career. Erin is a classically trained pianist and singer turned rock bassist and acoustic guitarist. She plays regularly on the North Shore with John in the bands See Alice and Live Wires. When they’re not rocking the band scene, they unplug as the Badass Librarians and together they’ve taken their acoustic interpretations of a wide and varied selection of rock songs and made them uniquely their own.

Bill Chapin Jazz X-tet

Bill's wondrous jazz interpretations will transport your audience to another era whether he performs as a solo pianist or as part of a jazz ensemble. Bill’s main project is the X-tet, a jazz group of two to six pieces performing modern jazz with energy and sensitivity. Whether you want swing, blues, or Latin jazz, the X-tet finds the groove you love.

A regular performer at Center Cut in Grayslake, The Lake House in Lake Bluff, and Italian Kitchen in Deerfield for years, Bill also plays with the CLC Jazz Ensemble. The X-tet is perfect for upscale dining and lounges, classy cocktail hours and receptions, fundraisers and galas, and corporate events.

Michael Cohen

Michael Steven Cohen has been singing and entertaining audiences around the area since the mid-1980s. Michael has taken his musical experience and his love for melody and has put together a novel re-imagining of classic American Jazz and Pop Standards from late 1920s to 1950s. Most of these songs have been interpreted with Big Bands and Orchestras over the years, sung by the greats…from Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Michael Buble to name just a few. He peppers the set with found and amusing stories about the songwriters, the songs, the artists who have covered them, making for an extremely romantic evening. Featuring the very best of Depression Era, WWII and Post-WWII Love Songs, Michael’s program has been described as “Michael Buble-meets-James Taylor” and “Big Band Music on a Little Guitar”.

Al Day and Bob Long

The sublime, original jazz of Al and Bob make them the perfect musical accompaniment to any truly artistic event. Bob’s inventive and inviting piano, combined with Al’s expressive, gravely vocals and emotional guitar musings, create an atmosphere that can be compared to the jazz clubs of the mid-20th century. They perform at several clubs in the city, including the famous Green Mill, whose poet-in-residence, Marc Smith, has performed spoken word with them. If you’re looking for a pure jazz experience, then this duo is exactly what you need.

Elliott Delman

Elliott is an acoustic guitar player who has accompanied such artists as Bonnie Koloc, Megon McDonough and David Hawkins. His solo act features his lead guitar played live to prepared backing tracks. These are thoughtful arrangements produced in his studio, and range in style from jazz and pop standards to Beatles and bossa nova. It is an ideal musical setting for restaurants, private parties, weddings and gatherings of all sizes.

Cover Story

Andy & Lisa, both respected musicians in their own right, team up to create a treat for the senses. As a duet, they love taking songs you know and breathing new life into them. They weave lush harmonies and interesting rhythms into fascinating arrangements that bring out the essence of the song in new and delightful ways.

Dana Lawrence Gillis

Dana is a unique singer-songwriter in the acoustic folk-rock genre. She performs as a solo act at drinking and dining venues all over the North Shore, as well as outdoor festivals such as the Long Grove Art Fest and Chicago's Festa Italiana. She is known for her alternative style and catchy originals, as well as her dazzling smile!

Lauren Gottshall

Lauren Gottshall is a singer-songwriter based in the Chicago area. She has a level of maturity in her songwriting that captivates and moves audiences of all ages. Featured many times as an up-and-coming artist to watch, she has played local festivals, local restaurants, and private parties. Whether she is singing an original or a cover, Lauren has the talent and charm to win over any crowd.

Paula Lipson

Paula is a singer/songwriter with a recently released (May 2017) EP, "I Love You Big Time". Indiana University School of Music trained, she is a skilled vocalist with a versatile, sweet soothing contralto. If you mixed KD Lang/Karen Carpenter/Shawn Colvin together that would be her sound. Paula’s style has a contemporary feel with a classic vibe. She performs both creative covers and originals. Her music is uplifting, soulful and evocative. There is always something for everyone, all ages and styles of music. Click on her name above for a sample of her beautiful music.

Terry Moran

Terry brings an honesty and soulfulness to his music that is rooted in his rich life experience. A lyrical interpreter of folk and country covers, he also performs his original work, which is available on his CD titled, "Lost Coast, Safe Harbor". Terry is a founding member of the popular Americana-style band Hellhounds.

Nascent Jazz Project

The Nascent Jazz Project (NJP) is a collection of highly talented, professionally trained Chicago-based musicians specializing in modern & standards jazz, Latin and popular music. The collective includes the core rhythm section of Marc Malitz on bass and Ed Kriege on drums and, depending on the venue and clients’ needs, adds virtuoso guitarist Gabriel Datcu, tenor and alto saxophonist Mike Block, pianist Benjamin Krause, and vibraphonist Anthony Jay Houston. The Nascent Jazz Project can be configured for background music for restaurants and rehearsal dinners, or be the featured act at clubs and outdoor venues. NJP has proven to be one of Chicagoland’s most popular musical ensembles for all types of venues and occasions.

Prairie Station Acoustic

Joe Anselmo and Jen Weeks have been fronting the band Prairie Station since 2012. Together their vocals and warm harmonies have helped contribute to their signature sound.

Prairie Station is a modern country band but the acoustic duo side allows Joe and Jen to stretch out and not only perform the songs the band is known for but also include some of their personal favorites and influences.

During their shows Joe and Jen have a warm and unmistakable chemistry treating their audiences to sing-alongs along with their humor and intimate harmonies.

Cover and Originals Bands

Big Brother's Vinyl

There was a reason your big brother kept his precious LPs hidden away from you--their grooves carried the greatest music ever written. Those classic songs from the '60s and '70s come alive once again at a Big Brother's Vinyl show. BBV's locomotive rhythm section and dueling guitars will pull you off your barstool and onto the floor, and their tight harmonies will inspire you to sing along with lyrics you know like your own name. Big Brother's Vinyl features Rick Fobes on keys, Ryan Aiello on drums/vocals, Joe McMichael on bass/vocals, George Lemperis on guitar/vocals, Naveen Prashantham* on guitar/vocals and John Petitt on guitar/vocals.

Derrick Procell and the Redeemers

Derrick Procell is a lifelong career musician who brings a cool rock, soul, and blues vibe wherever he plays. His vocals are most often compared to Joe Cocker and Van Morrison, and his original music blends in seamlessly with popular covers to create the perfect show. The Redeemers have played Chicago's Blues Fest and Milwaukee's Summerfest, as well as countless clubs and private events. Derrick can also appear as a solo act.

The Jay Goeppner Band

Jay Goeppner of The Beatles Brothers brings his charismatic, high-energy, front-man persona and psychedelic original tunes to every memorable performance. Also an adept cover band, this group is the perfect main act for any party, or opener for major headliners as they have been for Cliff Johnson (Off Broadway). They are in high demand, so book them early!

Live Wires

Live Wires is a dynamic 1960’s British Invasion era cover band, a true crowd-pleaser with their set list of familiar tunes from the early 1960s. Featuring John Siegle on lead guitar, Lewis Schwartz on lead vocals, Chris Moore on guitar, Erin Brush on bass, and David Lutrey on drums, this group has had the local pubs rocking out on many occasions. You can view some video clips on their Facebook page.
www.facebook.com/chicagolivewires/videos/1763698280605982/

The Mosquitos

This popular jam band has been together for almost 20 years, and continues to fill the dance floor with their eclectic mix of songs from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s. Featuring the irrepressible Mike Orfanos on a variety of percussion instruments (including the washboard!), his cousin Eli Orfanos on guitar and lead/backup vocals, Jill Chapman on lead vocals, Glenn McHenry on bass and backup vocals, Ray Kirschner on keyboards and backup vocals, Ron Hoshizaki on guitar and backup vocals, Walter Klein on drums, and Jeff Ambrose on percussion—nobody doesn’t have fun at a Mosquitos show!

NOUVEAU

NOUVEAU is a preeminent dance band, offering a wide variety of R&B, Soul, Funk, Pop, Jazz and Classic Rock music. They are known for their constant outpouring of upbeat music that includes live brass, with dance tunes that will have you moving and grooving to some of your favorites from the past and present.

Prairie Station

Prairie Station is the Chicago suburbs' most exciting and talked about modern country band, playing covers of the hottest music from today, as well as yesterday’s country staples you miss and love. At one of their interactive and energy-filled shows, you’ll hear favorites like Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean, right on up to Miranda Lambert, Sugarland, Lady Antebellum, even some Johnny Cash and so much more! In 2011, they were selected Suburban Nite Magazine’s “Best Country Band”. Book them and find out why!

Roger That

GRAB YOUR SURFBOARD AND LET'S ROCK! It's no wonder that this new group has been booked every weekend since they formed because it hardly gets more fun than when these guys are playing! An energetic combination of surf rock and rockabilly will keep you dancing long past the time you thought you would sit down and rest. They also play songs by The Beatles, Monkees, Credence, Carl Perkins, Johnny Rivers, Eddie Cochran, Johnny Cash, and Elvis. Featuring Roger Underwood on lead guitar, Ira Sussman on bass, David Shamrock on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, and Will Wiegler on drums. Check out a video here:
www.facebook.com/RogerThat.RockAndRoll/videos/932780107098707/

See Alice

This (mostly) 1970’s rock, pop, and soul cover band will have you dancing and singing along to songs you forgot you loved. They cover James Gang, Chaka Khan, Paul McCartney, Led Zeppelin, The Police, The Pretenders, Three Dog Night, and so many more great artists from the 70s, but then might surprise you with a Foo Fighters, Living Colour, or other more modern tune. Featuring John Siegle on lead guitar and vocals, Lynette Foss on lead vocals and keys, Erin Brush on bass, Scott Gilbert on rhythm guitar, and Mark “Zuck” Zucker on drums. They are a popular choice for 50th & 60th "milestone" birthday parties since everyone remarks about how the See Alice set list evokes so many great memories. They have played many outdoor festivals such as Shedfest and Highwood's Pumpkin Fest, and nightclubs such as 210 Live, The Humble Pub, The Curragh, Norton's and The Alley.

Shelter Dogs

The party doesn’t begin until Shelter Dogs start howlin’ at the moon! You’ll want to jump up and dance, shake your tail, or do anything but roll over and play dead. Featuring a strong focus on Funky arrangements of classic favorites, it’s high energy on a long leash. Shelter Dogs are all adopted veterans from a deep roster of the North Shore and Chicago Area music notables, known for being loyal to the groove. This musical depth allows for customized theme shows fetching musical surprises from Sinatra to The Pretenders, Santana to Van Morrison. While sociable, they do add an aggressive twist to the music you love.

“The Dawgs” are also companioned by the Marketing and Production engine of Coffee Cup Productions, making The Shelter Dogs Band great for fundraising and awareness campaigns along with adding that extra flair of video backdrops and enhanced lighting packages.

Plus, they are mostly housetrained...

Snake Oil Barons

The Snake Oil Barons are a Chicago area cover band that are sure to keep your feet moving and your fingers tapping all night long! They are known for soulful vocals, tight harmonies, and explosive instrumental passages. Best of all, their broad variety of music provides something for everyone! Whether you like to rock out and dance the night away, hang in a smoky blues club (without the smoke!), or party New Orleans Carnival style, the Snake Oil Barons can deliver. Every show is a rockin', bluesy Mardi Gras party! They've played a multitude of bars, clubs, festivals, and private events. If you’re looking for rock revelry, this band is perfect for you!

Soundtracks of a Generation

You’ve seen music documentaries, or read about artists, albums and rock concerts…for the ages. Now you and your guests can relive those magic moments of music history with Soundtracks of a Generation! Every show is culled from a part of the Rock n’ Roll legacy and performed by top-notch professional musicians who deliver incredible performances of this music that defined a generation. As you read this, new shows are being recreated to bring you the real life experiences. These shows have wowed audiences at dozens of venues, festivals and special events all around Chicagoland and the entire Tri-State area! Live in the Moment of Rock n’ Roll History!

Shows include:
70's FM Rock (see video insert here)
Woodstock
Summer of Love 1967
The Soul Commitments/Van Morrison
Soul Bliss: Joe Cocker and Aretha Franklin
Have a Cigar: Pink Floyd Tribute

Taylor & Mane

This band has something for everyone since they cover songs from the 1970's through current rock and pop. Hailing from Lake Forest, the band features Scott Taylor on guitar, Nick Perrone on drums, Erin Brush on bass, and Paul Manelis on vocals.

Urban Twang

Urban Twang is known for their compelling songs and their gorgeous three-part harmonies. Shades of folk, alt-country, Americana, and roots music come together through their dynamic vocals.

Founded by Trish Clausen and Max Twang, the band has been producing their brand of Americana for over two decades garnering a fan base that is as indiscriminate as their music. With a resumé that boasts opening for nationally touring acts, songs appearing in indie films, and numerous performances for radio and Television, Urban Twang is still gathering a new generation of fans to enjoy their music.

Urban Twang is:
Trish Clausen / Lead and Harmony Vocals, Mandolin, Harmonica
Max Twang / Acoustic Guitar, Dobro, Mandolin
Linda Babiak / Harmony and Lead Vocals
Meaghan Hurley / Harmony and Lead Vocals
Molly Rife / Cello
Niles Frantz / Acoustic Guitar

Specialty Musical Offerings

A Tribute to Old Blue Eyes: The Music of Frank Sinatra

Bill Pantle has been entertaining crowds for close to 10 years now in Chicagoland's premiere Frank Sinatra Tribute act - "A Tribute To Old Blue Eyes". Bill's baritone voice and quick wit make you feel like you are in front of The Voice himself. The show covers many of the classic Sinatra selections from The Great American Songbook and other popular Sinatra hits. Bill's appreciation of standards of the 40's & 50's has turned into a Vegas-style show highlighting The Voice and his antics while on stage. The big band sound is recreated by a heart pounding 17 - 20 piece big band orchestra. Chicago's very own Big Band Boom! or Shout Section Big & Mini Band can be found creating the music for Bill's show on any given night. Bill can also perform with a smaller group of musicians, or with a pianist, depending on your event needs and budget.

Los Perros Cubanos

Los Perros Cubanos features the music of Cuba’s Golden Age of the 1940s and 1950s. Since its inception in 2009, Los Perros Cubanos has become one of the Midwest’s hottest Latin acts. The band’s music combines the traditional Cuban music styles of Son Cubano, Salsa, Cha Cha, and Charanga with modern instrumental prowess to produce a captivating sound that moves your feet. Los Perros Cubanos take the influences of such Latin music immortals as Buena Vista Social Club, Beny Moré, Arsenio Rodriguez, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, and Compay Segundo, and blend jazz, blues, rock and country into the mix to create a totally unique sound. You’ve never heard anything like Los Perros Cubanos! Prepare to dance the night away!

Maracujaz

From mellow bossa novas and upbeat sambas to jazz classics, Maracujaz is a musical journey to Brazilian jazz and will put you right in the heart of Carnaval! Maracujaz (available as a duo, trio, or quartet) includes some of Chicago’s finest jazz musicians and has played at some of the top events and venues in the Chicago area, including WDCB Jazz in the Bistro, Windy City Rib Fest, the Crystal Ballroom, Brasil Fest Chicago, the Uncork Illinois Wine Festival in Oak Park and Tuscany with special guests like Neal Alger, Luciano Antonio, Neusa Sauer, and Geraldo de Oliveira. Hailing from Sao Paulo, vocalist Cecy Santana grew up in a musical family headed by her father, legendary Afro-Brazilian trumpeter Carlos Santana, who is known for his collaborations with Roberto Carlos, Gal Costa, and also played first trumpet for the Sao Paulo and Rio Symphony Orchestras. Vocalist Neusa Sauer, best known for her work with Som Brasil, one of the most popular Latin bands to make a name for itself in the Windy City, and appearances at the Chicago Jazz Festival and the Jazz Showcase, continues to cast a musical spell as only the finest practitioners of Brazilian music can. Vocalist Leanne Araya took Master classes with Bobby McFerrin and produced and performed on the Oprah show, at the Lincoln Center, and with the Chicagoland Pops Orchestra. Vocalist-bassist/pianist Jo Raymond has performed with Arturo Martinez, Otis Day, Luciano Antonio, Chicago Samba and members of They Might Be Giants and Lisa Loeb’s Nine Lives and composed the music for the film, “A Batalha dos Anjos Malditos.” Multi-instrumentalist Adam Haus has played guitar and bass with a variety of Latin music groups in Chicagoland, including Chicago Samba and Bossa Saravah at venues like Cafe Ciao, Coobah and Chant. Percussionist Sean Jelinek leads the ensemble Common Tones and performed with jazz greats, Orange Alert.

Jazz Spectrum

This is an energetic, jazz influenced vocal quartet backed by 5 swinging musicians. From lush ballads to hip renditions of big band music...from good-time 50's R & R and Doo Wop to lightening fast vocalese lyrics, Jazz Spectrum lays down a dazzling performance of rich harmonies and tight ensemble work.

They salute their predecessors with updated versions of hits made famous by the fabulous vocal groups of the 40's like The Modernairs, King Sisters and Pied Pipers plus those 50's groups like The Four Freshmen and Four Aces as well as The Manhattan Transfer. Lambert, Hendricks and Ross of the late 50's is also a favorite. All arrangements are written be Bob Zaun, leader, including his vocalese lyrics in the style of Jon Hendricks, the poet laureate of jazz!

The Frozen Robins

The Frozen Robins are exceptional musicians, with a well-rehearsed and extensive repertoire of seasonal music, from the great traditional carols like “Silent Night” to the popular standards like “White Christmas” to this year’s trending songs. They’re all professional entertainers, with lots of experience in theater and improv comedy. They know how to work a crowd, and that can be as important to the success of your event as the music. They know how to make a room light up with a seasonal glow. Whether you want to delight a room full of children, provide a festive ambiance for your town’s holiday walk, entertain a company party, or add sparkle to a private Christmas party, the Frozen Robins are the right Christmas caroling choice for you.

Fermata D'Aria

If you are seeking a classic barbershop quartet, then look no farther. Fermata D'Aria has performed all over, including Chicago City Hall for the Mayor and Aldermen to celebrate the 75th adversary of the Barbershop Harmony Society. They have been pitchmen for a live television spot and media campaign by the Johnsonville Sausage company.

They love to sing and perform the songs from the Golden Era of music, hits from the 30's to the 60's and beyond. They encourage sing along songs and provide lyrics for the audience.

The Last Word

Here is a union of song, jazz, and poetry--a collaboration into a single voice via this Chicago jazz supergroup! Bob Long’s inventive and inviting piano, Al Day’s expressive, gravely vocals and emotional guitar musings, Doug Lofstrom’s smooth bass, and Brian Gephart's smoldering saxophone support Marc Smith’s evocative poetry. Smith created and has been hosting the weekly Poetry Slam at The Green Mill in Chicago for 35 years. They are known for creating an atmosphere that can be compared to the jazz clubs of the mid-20th century. They’ll share with you some secrets about how to make a jazz piece your own while still respecting the integrity of the original music, and also how to invent your own music using jazz elements.

The Lake Forest Civic Orchestra

If you need a classical ensemble for your event, we can connect you with any combination of talent from the Lake Forest Civic Orchestra! String quartets, brass quintets, and solo violinists are all very popular options.

Highland Park Pops Big Band

The Highland Park Pops Big Band is a 17-piece jazz band that plays swing tunes, jazz favorites, dance music and big band standards. For almost four decades, the Highland Park Pops Big Band has maintained large ensemble jazz on Chicago's North Shore, playing classic and popular arrangements that celebrate the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton and many other renowned artists.

The music is timeless; and the full, brassy sound is enjoyed by music lovers of all ages at outdoor programs, civic functions and dances. With a repertoire of over 500 tunes, the music and performance style are adaptable for settings as diverse as galas, festivals, fairs, event programs, and auditorium concerts.

Our Musicians