DAN HAYES

Musical Education: He began classical piano studies at age eight. He studied & played trumpet, guitar & drums through high school. He studied voice for 20 years with Inez Crofts of Riverside, IL. He has an Associate Degree of Music from the College of DuPage.

Professional Education: Degree in Medical Technology, American Society of Clinical Pathologists.

Theatre Background: Besides playing in countless bands & musical projects, Dan began performing in the Chicago Musical Theatre, appearing in principal roles of popular Broadway shows such as Fiddler on the Roof, Hello Dolly, Cabaret, Jesus Christ Superstar, Music Man, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Godspell, Everything you Wanted to Know About Business, Bells are Ringing, and Carousel, just to name a few

He performed as Lead singer of Mariah, a 12 piece Show Band performing 250 shows annually throughout the United States. This outstanding Variety Show opened for such celebrities as Bob Newhart, Barbara Mandrell, Glenn Campbell, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Milton Berle, and Helen Reddy, just to name a few.

He performed with Donna Fargo & Roy Clark internationally, including concerts with Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Larry Gatlin, Don & Phil Everly, Marty Robbins, to name a few.

Present: He has produced & performed with the Dan Hayes Orchestra, Chicago's Premier Dance Band. Since inception, Dan Hayes & his musicians have performed & produced shows with: Bob Hope, George Burns, Kool & the Gang, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Spinners, Marie Osmond, Air Supply, Jack Jones, David Brenner, Jeff Foxworthy, Bobby Vinton, Roger Miller, The Diamonds, Three Dog Night, The Drifters, The Platters, The Coasters, The Buckinghams, Jerry Reed, Steppenwolf, Johnny Rivers, Harry Blackstone, Captain & Tennille, Robert Merrill, The Chicago Symphony, Nelson Riddle, Morey Amsterdam, Tommy James & the Shondells, Jan & Dean, The Four Lads, The Four Freshman, Del Shannon, Chubby Checker, The Crystals, Gary Pucket, Paul Revere & the Raiders, Martha & the Vandellas, Pete Fountain, The Fifth Dimension, Marshall Tucker, Joan Rivers, 38 Special, Dennis Miller, Richard Jeni, Tom Dreesen, Marvin Hamlisch, The Supremes, Martin Short, Dana Carvey, Jay Leno, Michael Bolton, Dennis DeYoung to highlight a few. Since 1982, The Dan Hayes Orchestra has played approximately 2000 weddings, 700 conventions & corporate events & 250 concerts throughout the country.

The musicians that make up The Dan Hayes Orchestra have worked together for over twenty years! This longevity is unique, as is the warmth & friendship of the group. This is self-evident when you watch them perform. Following is a brief summary of their individual professional experience (keeping in mind that they have all appeared with the myriad of Stars that Prism Entertainment has produced throughout the years, as well as their productions of Spectrum, Frat Boys & Future Stewardesses, Chikago II & Flashback Fever):

NANCY HIXON
(Soprano)

Nancy has her Degree in Music & Psychology from the University of Florida. She began singing professionally at the age of 16 in a nationally touring Show, made up of eighteen Singer/Dancers. They opened for such stars as Bill Cosby, Bob Hope, Rowan & Martin, Jerry Reed, to name a few. While in school, she had leads in countless musicals & Opera productions. She has studied Opera for over 20 years & still performs private concerts & recitals in this genre, most recently at Symphony Center & the Civic Opera House. Her Pop credentials include 20 years with The Dan Hayes Orchestra, Frat Boys & Future Stewardesses, Spectrum & Flashback Fever, encompassing all the various experiences of these popular productions.

DAVID VEASEY
(Tenor)

Dave has a deep seated love of performing, which dates back to his childhood. He has sung all his life with choirs of varying styles, a contributing factor to his innate ability to blend, in addition to his Lead Singing. His experience includes many clubs & concert appearances prior to joining The Dan Hayes Orchestra & the various performing & recording projects associated with Prism Entertainment. His voice is often compared with the styling of Luther Vandross. He's handsome with sweetness & charm all blended into a very lovable character!

FRANCINE SMITH
(Alto)

Francine studied both music & medicine in school, attaining her Nursing Degree & Master of Science from the University of Illinois & at the same time studying at the American conservatory of Music in Chicago. Her performance background is various & impressive, including national & local television appearances, radio commercials & industrial films for the past 20 years. She performed back up for Herbie Hancock & Jon Lucien in concert at Carnegie Hall in New York. She has appeared on WTTW's Soundstage with The Marshall Tucker Band & most recently with Michael McDonald. She sang & appeared in a video for pop/country singer B.J. Thomas. She sang on the soundtrack for the movie Hoods produced by Bill Dukes & starring Vannesa Williams & Lawrence Fishbourne.

DAN HUNT

Dan's experience & inspiration is firmly rooted in Gospel, he has a three octave vocal range & has the height for center on the Bulls Basketball Team! He has an active recording career, recently releasing a C.D. of R&B music, many selections written by him & has become an integral part of The Dan Hayes Orchestra, as well as being the tallest member.

MARIANNE ORLAND
(2^nd Soprano)

During her school years, she participated in countless Musical Reviews & productions as a singer, dancer, choreographer and/or vocal director. She has held principal roles in many theater productions such as The Seven Year Itch, The Odd Couple, The Owl & the Pussycat & The Shadow Box. She as developed a successful Voice Over/Jingle business & has been heard as the voice of popular dolls/toys, telephone mail systems, ATMs, promotional & instructional videos & radio commercials, including WXRT promotions, the Voice of Fox Radio & various independent video productions. Prior to her commitment to the Orchestra, she appeared with many different Night Club productions touring the Midwest. She has performed for 20 years with The Dan Hayes Orchestra, Frat Boys & Future Stewardesses, Spectrum & Flashback Fever, encompassing all the various experiences of these popular productions.

STEVE HOLLIS
(Keyboards)

It is difficult to condense the vast experience of this extraordinary musician! Steve received his degree in music from Western Kentucky University. He has traveled internationally on the Queen Elizabeth 2, Scandinavian World Cruises & Royal Viking Cruises both as a Solo Performer & Musical Director of the Shows & musicians. He has been Musical Director for a wide variety of Musical Theaters all over the country, including the Marriott Lincolnshire Theater & Drury Lane Oak Brook locally. His extensive knowledge of all styles of music & his tremendous skill on the keyboards make him the first choice in the extensive Prism roster of Pianists. Being 6' 7 - (second tallest in the production) & handsome as a movie star doesn't hurt either.

HANK HORTON
(Bass & Lead Vocals)

Hank's parents are both music teachers. He received his earliest training as a percussionist & jazz guitarist, performing in large regional theater productions into his teens. He went to Michigan State University and majored in string bass performance, earning a Bachelor's Degree in three years & went on to receive his Masters. He eventually moved to Chicago & has become first call for studio & recording sessions, not only for his tremendous skill as a bass player but also because he's a phenomenal singer! In the Prism production Chikago II, our tribute to the bands Chicago & Blood, Sweat & Tears, Hank sings the Peter Citera numbers (many say better than Peter himself!). He has toured in the past with Styx & is now the bass player & principal back up vocalist for Dennis DeYoung.

DON STEGER
(Drums & Lead Vocals)

Don received his degree in music from the University of Arizona, while on a Gymnastics scholarship. While attending university, he performed in the Jazz Band & various other projects as both singer & drummer. Following graduation, he returned to the Chicagoland area & was recruited for numerous bands, Show Bands & recording projects. He soon joined The Dan Hayes Orchestra, along with being a principal in all the various Prism productions. With Chikago II he sings the Robert Lamb numbers & does an incredible impersonation of David Clayton Thomas! He is also a vocal ringer for Kenny Loggins, as well as looking just like Yanni!

MIKE POWELL
(Lead Guitar)

Mike received his degree in music from Northeastern University. Mike has traveled throughout the country in various music projects, becoming best known amongst his peers for his extraordinary solos in all styles of music: R&B, Jazz, Rock & Country. He has appeared with Stevie Wonder, Kenny Rogers, Rufus, Percy Sledge, The Isley Brothers & Peaches & Herb, to name a few. He is a popular guitar teacher & is also a skilled guitar builder.

TOM FOX
(Lead Trumpet)

Tom is one of Chicago's most well known and respected trumpet players, because of his high notes and incredible power. He toured throughout the 1970's with Dave Major & The Minors, Chicago's most popular show band at that time, in which he played a variety of instruments & sang lead vocals. He currently is one of the top salesmen for Quinlan & Fabish, the Midwest's largest supplier of musical instruments to educational institutions, conducting seminars, workshops & concert series for students. He leads one of the few big bands (19-25 piece) left in Chicagoland, Brass Tracks, specializing in Jazz & Standards.

TOM TALLMAN
(2^nd Trumpet)

Tom is an Associate Professor of Music at the College of DuPage, receiving his Bachelor's degree from Augustana & Masters from the University of Texas. He is currently a candidate for his Ph.D. from U of T. As a performer, he has worked with Woody Herman's Young Thundering Herd, The Spinners, The Four Tops, Dizzy Gillespie, Roger Williams, Milton Berle, Phyllis Diller and many more.

CHRIS LAY
(Trombone/Principal Arranger)