A Jewel in Joliet

For many years now, we have regularly performed at all the most prestigious locations in the Chicagoland area: the Drake Hotel, Chicago Hilton & Towers, Peninsula, Ritz-Carleton, the Field Museum, Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium, Planetarium…the list goes on.  Each of these places has a particular elegance, charm or unique quality.  When you think about a… Read more »

The View from the Stage.

Last Saturday night, we performed on Soldier Field.  Yes, ON the field, not in the Stadium Club, as we usually do.  Our music was for the Make A Wish Foundation wish.org, as we have had the privilege of doing, for many years now.  They had a huge tent set up, fabulous lighting, sports style snacks & our… Read more »

A well kept secret downtown Chicago spot for your event!

We had such a pleasant surprise last weekend, when we performed at the Holiday Inn Merchandise Mart martplaza.com   It had been a long time since we were there–so long that my memory was a bit fuzzy, but for some reason, I had been previously underwhelmed by it.  However, last Saturday night, I was pleasantly impressed… Read more »

What is everyone listening to & the music that moves feet.

As a Bandleader, I have spent my entire professional career analyzing music & it’s effect on an event.  Technology has irrevocably changed not only the availability of music, but the infinite variety & accessibility, all at the touch of a key on your telephone or the keyboard that sits all day in front of most of… Read more »

Even the bad weather doesn’t deter guests for the Mayoral Ball! They knew it was worth fighting the elements for a Great Party!

We’ve been doing this Mayoral Ball for many years now.  No one knows what Mother Nature is going to throw at you, but that’s especially true in Chicago in March!  However, this past weekend, She challenged people with cold, blowing snow early in the evening.  I wouldn’t have blamed people for staying home.  Yet, we… Read more »

How important is the Right Music for your Wedding Reception? Maybe THE most important element!

I talk to Brides & Grooms everyday.  For the majority of them, their Wedding Reception is the first major social event they’ve ever planned.  In fact, if they’re in their 20’s (which most of them are) they may have only attended two or three Wedding Receptions in their lives.  Now, they’re planning a “once in a lifetime” event.  It’s… Read more »

Why do you want LIVE music at your event?

Every client I talk to, whether it is for a Corporate Event or for a Wedding, has to decide: do I want to invest in a Band?  It’s an important economic question, to be sure.  Often times, it is a perception problem, based on your own experience.  Have you ever been to an event with… Read more »

The Polar Vortex got you? How about the perfect Party Vortex!

What makes a great party?  You may think the food, the facility, the decorations.  These are great ingredients, but from decades of experience, I can tell you what is the essential element in making a party great:  unity.  That means, as many guests as possible are engaged & joining in the fun.  The great unifier:… Read more »

Choosing the Right facility for your event

When planning a Special Event in a large Metropolitan place like Chicago, you are awash in choices of location.  There are a few things common sense criteria to consider:  First: Do you have a lot of out of town guests?  If you do, then a hotel may be at the top of your list of… Read more »