Bill Cessna is a Chicago based pianist paying homage to the great tradition of jazz piano- playing iconic repertoire, as well as presenting original material in the same idiom, with a mission to present memorable musical experiences for listeners of all ages and nationalities.
In 2009 Bill began his jazz piano studies on scholarship at Columbia College
Chicago. After graduating he quickly became part of Chicago’s Jazz and Salsa scenes, while also working as a chorale director, educator and clinician – conducting numerous jazz/improvisation master classes in Chicago, China, Korea, Myanmar and Singapore.
Since then he has become highly in-demand both as a sideman and bandleader performing in venues and festivals such as The Jazz Showcase, Andy’s Jazz Club, The Green Mill, Winter’s Jazz Club, Merriman’s Playhouse, Chicago Theater, Blue Note Beijing, JC Club, Old Town School of Folk Music, Hard Rock Café, House of Blues, Grant Park, the Chicago Jazz Festival, Hyde Park Jazz Festival and more.
While still working as an in-demand sideman, Bill has also begun leading his own trio throughout the Midwest.  He just recently graduated from Western Michigan University with his masters’ degree in music.

“Doug n Jim from Small Town”

Doug n Jim are with the Tribute band Small Town “A John Mellencamp Experience”

When they are not on the stages performing the hits of Mellencamp, they are doing upbeat, fun acoustic shows all over the Midwest!

With over 20 years in the music industry, Doug n Jim have put together an acoustic show that will have everyone singing a long and or dancing along to their favorite hits from all genres!!

This acoustic show is an engaging fun experience for all ages!!

I have been playing live music for over 30 years and have been a member of some popular local cover bands including, Phil Hornet, Piehole and I am currently the rhythm guitarist / singer for Dixie Way South. My solo acoustic show covers a wide array of music by artist from a lot of different genres, from rock and alternative rock to country, country rock and Americana.  

Guitarist Marco Villarreal is based in the Chicagoland area.  Marco started playing professionally at 16.  Guitar Player magazine describes his music  as “very beguiling and beautiful.”   Marco is a sought after guitarist that has performed at the Chicago Jazz Festival, Elkhart Jazz Festival, Miles Davis Birthday celebration in San Francisco. 

Tracy Boucher from Logansport IN and

Angell Morgan from Carmel IN

Play a variety of music, spanning decades. Music from the 90s through modern rock and pop country of today. Inspired by bands. Such as Matchbox 20, Oasis, The Cranberries, Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell, Luke Combs, Britney Spears. And many more

The 80’s Prom Party begins with DJ H2 when the doors open at 7 p.m. Eastern and will feature live music from the band, My 80’s Band from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.!  $1,000 in prizes will be awarded to the best costumes of the night.  First place will receive a $500 Four Winds Gift Card!  A $300 Four Winds Gift Card will be awarded to second place and a $200 Four Winds Gift Card for third place!

Costumes should not have masks, face paint, weapons, or props that look like weapons.

I began studying piano at 12 years old and studied Jazz Piano at the National School of Music in Mexico City. Gabriel has had the opportunity to play in the Mexican spectacular “10 Pianos”. He has also accompanied several famous Mexican artists as well as be their Musical director. In 2014, Gabriel played in the pit of SHREK the Musical. Since moving to South Bend in June 2015, he has played in the Elkhart Jazz Festival and has the privilege of playing the piano at the famous Tippecanoe Place as well as several Notre Dame Functions.

The band Gemini combines original music, interesting covers, with an easy going attitude to create serious music that makes you smile and want more! 

It’s karaoke time at The C Bar South Bend. Showcase your talent or just have fun with your favorite songs just steps off the gaming floor.

Andrew Berger is the owner of ABKey Music. He has been DJing since he was in college. He is a graduate of Indiana University South Bend and is currently based out of La Porte, IN. When he’s not DJing, Andrew enjoys acting, musical theater, watching NASCAR, and playing piano. His company, ABKey Music, specializes in mobile DJing and Karaoke.

Jason Curtis is a Northern Indiana acoustic guitarist and singer transplanted from Panama City, Florida. Jason’s southern roots center on the emerging country music genre performing cover songs from; 

Morgan Wallen, Jelly Roll, Zach Bryan as well as all of your favorites like Kenny Chesney, Lee Brice, Garth Brooks and many more. You may catch an original song from Jason on the right night, or he might just introduce you to an original song from the vibrant Key West Singer-songwriter scene where he likes to hang out.

Requests are always welcome and a good sing along is for sure in store if you’re ready 🙂

Donald Neale brings an unusual variety of musical influences into his solo and group performing. He has performed with many of the top latin jazz bands in the Chicago area including the Frontline Latin Jazz Ensemble, Conjunto, Sueños, Crosswind and many others. His solo piano repertoire focuses on Latin American classical music, especially the music of Villa-Lobos, Ernesto Nazareth, Astor Piazzolla, Manuel Ponce and other lesser known composers from Columbia and the Caribbean. He has made an extensive study of seminal Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona, recording a compact disc of Lecuona’s piano music entitled “Pieces of Night”. In addition his other main focus has been on early jazz piano literature, particularly the music of Fats Waller, Jelly Roll Morton, James P. Johnson and Pete Johnson, combined with a growing body of advanced original piano arrangements of songs by The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Radiohead and many others. 

 
He has been a staple of Chicago’s society orchestra scene for 25 years now, but has also worked extensively in Chicago’s world music, jazz, blues and gospel worlds. He worked for many years as music director for the Wellspring Christian Center on Chicago’s south side and was nominated for song of the year by the Black Theater Alliance for his gospel song “Weep No More”. He also worked for fifteen years as music and choir director at the Third Unitarian Church of Chicago. 

 
He is currently on the faculty of Columbia College Chicago where he teaches contemporary piano and keyboards. 

Born and raised in southern Indiana, Marta sang in church growing up, accompanied by her Mom, Joyce, the church pianist. Her family moved to Georgia when she was in high school and in college, she & her brother, Joe, formed The Porch Dawgs. She became a demo singer and female vocalist in bands around Atlanta. Upon joining the house bands at The Buckboard and Cowboys, venues for national country acts, she was discovered by Bruce Burch of EMI Music Publishing – Nashville and got signed to a songwriting and artist development contract. After moving to Nashville, songwriting, working with incredible producers, singing demos for amazing writers, and generally living the dream for several years, she and her husband, Kipp, settled down in northern Indiana. In 2011, Marta completed her first album, “Come Away”, available on iTunes and Spotify. Currently, she is available for booking in the Michiana area and is part of the Worship Ministry of Granger Community Church. 

Scott and Amy Hicks are an acoustic duo from NW Indiana and have been performing in the music industry for many years. In 2023, they joined forces in both marriage and music to perform acoustic “Gen X” rock from the 80s, 90s and 00s. Their song list is ever growing and includes artists such as Natalie Merchant, Green Day, Peter Gabriel, U2, Radiohead, and Alanis Morissette. Scott and Amy enjoy performing all over the Region of NW Indiana, and can often also be found at several venues in SW Michigan and NE Illinois.

Molly Abraham grew up playing hockey in the Detroit Area. Her love for the piano originated from listening to her father play a baby grand piano at their home. She is a self-taught vocalist and pianist.

The DISTANCE is a solo acoustic project that blends an eclectic mix of his own personal musical influences that range from modern rock to rock and roll’s earliest days. His crowd-pleasing performances include popular singalongs from genres throughout multiple decades including pop, rock, grunge, Motown, country, and classics.

I discovered the hammered dulcimer in the 1980s, but it wasn’t until 1998 that I finally owned one, thanks to a surprise gift from my wife using our wedding money. During the first decade, the dulcimer was just one of several instruments I played, which slowed my learning progress. I managed to learn a couple of songs to share with others, but it wasn’t until 2008 that things began to change. I decided to pursue music full-time and realized the hammered dulcimer was my love and instrument of choice.

I created a YouTube channel where I shared videos of Rich Mullins songs and documented the making of my first album, “Hymns.” I performed at assisted living facilities, churches, coffeehouses, and street festivals that welcomed me. I released my first album in 2009 and before long, my weekends were filled with gigs, and my day job felt increasingly unfulfilling.
In 2010, I gained recognition by winning the U.S. National Hammered Dulcimer Championship. Just a week before the competition, I lost my job, which motivated me to focus on YouTube. I launched a weekly series called “Fan Fridays,” where I took song suggestions from my email list, learned them in a few days, recorded them live—mistakes included—and uploaded them for Friday release.
For the next six years, I traveled across the country with my family, embracing the musician’s lifestyle and exploring our beautiful nation. In 2016, my backyard video of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” went viral, leading to newfound recognition.
Now, with countless miles, stories, videos, and recordings behind me, I continue to learn, entertain, teach, and compose, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Won’t you join me in seeing what’s next?

NAWTY Lite is a trio that will rock your socks off while you dance the night away. With a continually changing setlist of over 150 songs ranging from Motown on up to current chart toppers and everything in between,  Nawty Lite can easily accommodate your night out with a Fun Energetic Vibe!  

Kevin Fort has established himself as one of the most in demand pianists on the Chicago jazz scene. Known for his warm touch and virtuosic yet lyrical improvisations, Kevin is a champion of the straight-ahead jazz tradition while embracing modern influences. He has performed and/or recorded with artists such as Bob Brookmeyer, John Clayton, James Moody, Ira Sullivan, Slide Hampton, Phil Woods, Steve Turre, Bill Watrous, Louie Bellson, Harry Allen, George Fludas, Andy Brown, and Makaya McCraven.

Kevin was inspired to pursue a career in jazz by his father’s love of alto saxophone. Eavesdropping on jam sessions at the house and regularly listening to his dad’s classic jazz record collection helped to refine Kevin’s ear and develop his appreciation for the music.

After high school, Kevin enrolled at the DePaul University School of Music, where he graduated with highest honors, earning both his BA and MM in Jazz Studies. While there, he studied piano with Chicago jazz legend Larry Novak.

Kevin has recorded three albums as a leader. Red Gold (2014) and Perspectives (2022) proved popular with a global audience, garnering over two million streams across streaming services. All About Jazz described Kevin as “one of the young lions of the piano deserving of attention.” Chicago Jazz Magazine said that he displays “thrilling virtuosity and agile, vibrant improvisations.”

Kevin’s latest album, Twilight, releases on October 5, 2023. Accompanied by bandmates Joe Policastro and Jon Deitemyer, the group pays homage to the classic piano trio albums of the past while incorporating Kevin’s unique take on the art form.

Currently, Kevin serves as a faculty member at the Northwestern University Bienen School of Music, where he imparts his passion for jazz to the next generation of emerging artists.

Kevin Fort is a Yamaha Artist.

“Lepolion – The Unplugged Cover Show”, is an acoustic duo comprised like no other with a unique array of music infused with soul, pop, jazz, Rock, R&B, and top 40’s; beautifully stripped down for that intimate event. A few featured artist include Ed Sheeran, The Weekend, John Legend, Chris Stapleton, Prince, Michael Jackson, Bell Biv DeVoe, Harry Styles, and Tears for Fears to name a few. Lepolion has performed nationally and internationally entertaining thousands through the span of over 15 professional years – in the music industry. Having worked with renown producers including Chicago’s very own Abel Garibaldi who has worked with artists such as Janet Jackson. You will certainly enjoy Lepolion the Unplugged Cover Show singing some of your favorite songs, but as an acoustic duo. Lepolion Henderson Jr. is a Chicago Music Award nominated artist for Best New Entertainer who has also been coined in entertainment by La Port, Indiana Mayor Mark Krentz. If you’re looking for a different, and more intimate experience, – then “Lepolion: The Unplugged Cover Show”, is for you.  

Buddy Pearson has been steadily playing bass for 36 of his 47 years. Hailing from a very musically supportive family. Buddy was given his first upright bass at age nine, and, in one way or another, has never looked back. In addition to playing bass nightly for others, national and local, Buddy also puts his guitar skills in a solo setting at weekly performances at several venues, with his own brand of Soul, Pop, and Jazz. Along with playing, Buddy has been teaching all levels of electric and upright bass privately for the last 20 years, currently teaching at South Bend’s The Music Village.

A professional musician for over 30 years, Angelo performs a wide variety of musical styles from a repertoire of over 1000 songs, while easily accommodating  most any request, Angelo’s command of the guitar and skilled musicianship allows him to improvise intricate guitar solos and syncopated rhythms into the performance Seamlessly blending songs into one another or rearranging songs played instrumental for solo guitar, Angelo interprets the music rather than strictly imitating it, making him one of the most sought after musicians around northwest the Chicago area.  

For 34 years TJ Martin has been a guitar maker with a phenomenal voice. From classic rock to your favorite party songs, TJ will have you dancing in your chairs. You’ve seen him perform with Blammo, Vinylized, PS Dump Your Boyfriend, and Zero, now see him live.

Joe Marcinek is an experience you will never forget. That is because each show features a different lineup of musicians creating a different set of music every night. The music is equal parts Chicago Blues, New Orleans Funk, Grateful Dead Psychedelia, and Jazz Fusion! 

Chris and Lou have been performing throughout the Chicagoland Area together for over twenty years. Their skillful musicianship combined with vocal harmony is the key when it comes to creating acoustic versions of classic music from the 60s and beyond. 

The duo covers all of your favorites from The Beatles to Led Zeppelin.

The best duo around.

Mike DeHays is Imphormal, playing electric cello covers of pop and classic rock hits and more.

Listen Betty is a female fronted alt rock/pop punk band that was formed in March of 2023. The lineup is comprised of Amy Hicks on vocals, Scott Hicks on guitar and vocals, Shawn Michael Farrell on bass/vocals, and Sal Monaco on drums/percussion. With friendships and professional relationships spanning several years, these four individuals come together in music to provide an experience alternative to other bands by performing an uncommon yet familiar setlist. While the band members hail from NW Indiana and Illinois, they look forward to ever growing their fanbase by traveling to wherever they can

Frank Ruvoli is a Northwest Indiana native and has been performing live for over 10 years. His fun, upbeat, unique style has been compared to an acoustic mixture of Dave Matthews, John Mayer, and Jack Johnson. Over his career, Ruvoli has released 3 Ep’s, 3 singles, and most recently a full-length album entitled For Better or For Worse in October 2022. He has shared the stage with national acts such as: Los Lonely Boys, Clayton Anderson, and Robert Rolfe Feddersen, among others; and has performed throughout the Midwest and beyond for various events, venues, colleges and universities, and festivals.

 

The DISTANCE is a solo acoustic project that blends an eclectic mix of his own personal musical influences that range from modern rock to rock and roll’s earliest days. His crowd-pleasing performances include popular singalongs from genres throughout multiple decades including pop, rock, grunge, Motown, country, and classics.

Mike DeHays is Imphormal, playing electric cello covers of pop and classic rock hits and more.

The best hits performed by Michael & Amber

It’s karaoke time at The C Bar South Bend. Showcase your talent or just have fun with your favorite songs just steps off the gaming floor.

Andrew Berger is the owner of ABKey Music. He has been DJing since he was in college. He is a graduate of Indiana University South Bend and is currently based out of La Porte, IN. When he’s not DJing, Andrew enjoys acting, musical theater, watching NASCAR, and playing piano. His company, ABKey Music, specializes in mobile DJing and Karaoke.

Performing with many of the jazz greats like Kenny Wheeler and Terry Lynne Carrington, this is a jazz pianist performance you won’t want to miss. 

CAT MAN DOG: A variety show of sorts featuring Stephan “Cat Man” Cook on Violin and vocals & Ian “Man Dog” Gill on Guitar and vocals.  

Original and cover music, tasteful harmonies, stage banter and bad jokes.

Bill Cessna is a Chicago based pianist paying homage to the great tradition of jazz piano- playing iconic repertoire, as well as presenting original material in the same idiom, with a mission to present memorable musical experiences for listeners of all ages and nationalities.
In 2009 Bill began his jazz piano studies on scholarship at Columbia College
Chicago. After graduating he quickly became part of Chicago’s Jazz and Salsa scenes, while also working as a chorale director, educator and clinician – conducting numerous jazz/improvisation master classes in Chicago, China, Korea, Myanmar and Singapore.
Since then he has become highly in-demand both as a sideman and bandleader performing in venues and festivals such as The Jazz Showcase, Andy’s Jazz Club, The Green Mill, Winter’s Jazz Club, Merriman’s Playhouse, Chicago Theater, Blue Note Beijing, JC Club, Old Town School of Folk Music, Hard Rock Café, House of Blues, Grant Park, the Chicago Jazz Festival, Hyde Park Jazz Festival and more.
While still working as an in-demand sideman, Bill has also begun leading his own trio throughout the Midwest.  He just recently graduated from Western Michigan University with his masters’ degree in music.

Shiny Shiny Black is a Midwest-based wife-and-husband indie folk alternative duo. Shiny Shiny Black reaches into the dark, hands out, searching for the lyric and tone to shed light on thoughts that haunt. Their musical grip holds you in place while words find the vulnerable target of your heart. The talent of this band is hard at work to find each person their music is meant for.

Kevin Fort has established himself as one of the most in demand pianists on the Chicago jazz scene. Known for his warm touch and virtuosic yet lyrical improvisations, Kevin is a champion of the straight-ahead jazz tradition while embracing modern influences. He has performed and/or recorded with artists such as Bob Brookmeyer, John Clayton, James Moody, Ira Sullivan, Slide Hampton, Phil Woods, Steve Turre, Bill Watrous, Louie Bellson, Harry Allen, George Fludas, Andy Brown, and Makaya McCraven.

Kevin was inspired to pursue a career in jazz by his father’s love of alto saxophone. Eavesdropping on jam sessions at the house and regularly listening to his dad’s classic jazz record collection helped to refine Kevin’s ear and develop his appreciation for the music.

After high school, Kevin enrolled at the DePaul University School of Music, where he graduated with highest honors, earning both his BA and MM in Jazz Studies. While there, he studied piano with Chicago jazz legend Larry Novak.

Kevin has recorded three albums as a leader. Red Gold (2014) and Perspectives (2022) proved popular with a global audience, garnering over two million streams across streaming services. All About Jazz described Kevin as “one of the young lions of the piano deserving of attention.” Chicago Jazz Magazine said that he displays “thrilling virtuosity and agile, vibrant improvisations.”

Kevin’s latest album, Twilight, releases on October 5, 2023. Accompanied by bandmates Joe Policastro and Jon Deitemyer, the group pays homage to the classic piano trio albums of the past while incorporating Kevin’s unique take on the art form.

Currently, Kevin serves as a faculty member at the Northwestern University Bienen School of Music, where he imparts his passion for jazz to the next generation of emerging artists.

Kevin Fort is a Yamaha Artist.

Electric Sugar seamlessly blends genres to cater to all musical tastes. Each member of the band brings a wealth of talent and experience, ensuring a polished and dynamic performance every time.

   Fronted by captivating vocalists and backed by a tight-knit group of accomplished musicians, Electric Sugar is known for their electrifying stage presence and exceptional musicianship. 

Composer & piano player, Joe Probst has played piano by ear since the age of 5. From boogie, to rock, to laid-back classics, Joe’s improvisational style will set a great vibe for our visiting guests.

It’s karaoke time at The C Bar South Bend. Showcase your talent or just have fun with your favorite songs just steps off the gaming floor.

Andrew Berger is the owner of ABKey Music. He has been DJing since he was in college. He is a graduate of Indiana University South Bend and is currently based out of La Porte, IN. When he’s not DJing, Andrew enjoys acting, musical theater, watching NASCAR, and playing piano. His company, ABKey Music, specializes in mobile DJing and Karaoke.

Donald Neale brings an unusual variety of musical influences into his solo and group performing. He has performed with many of the top latin jazz bands in the Chicago area including the Frontline Latin Jazz Ensemble, Conjunto, Sueños, Crosswind and many others. His solo piano repertoire focuses on Latin American classical music, especially the music of Villa-Lobos, Ernesto Nazareth, Astor Piazzolla, Manuel Ponce and other lesser known composers from Columbia and the Caribbean. He has made an extensive study of seminal Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona, recording a compact disc of Lecuona’s piano music entitled “Pieces of Night”. In addition his other main focus has been on early jazz piano literature, particularly the music of Fats Waller, Jelly Roll Morton, James P. Johnson and Pete Johnson, combined with a growing body of advanced original piano arrangements of songs by The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Radiohead and many others.

He has been a staple of Chicago’s society orchestra scene for 25 years now, but has also worked extensively in Chicago’s world music, jazz, blues and gospel worlds. He worked for many years as music director for the Wellspring Christian Center on Chicago’s south side and was nominated for song of the year by the Black Theater Alliance for his gospel song “Weep No More”. He also worked for fifteen years as music and choir director at the Third Unitarian Church of Chicago.

He is currently on the faculty of Columbia College Chicago where he teaches contemporary piano and keyboards.

Chad Clifford is not new to the stage. You can find him performing currently with The Crawpuppies or giving a thrilling acoustic performance. Chad has perfected over 500 songs, so it will definitely be a night to remember filled with the greatest hits. 

The 90’s Party begins with DJ Jellie Fish when the doors open at 7 p.m. Eastern and will feature live music from the band, Run Forrest Run from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.!  $1,000 in prizes will be awarded to the best costumes of the night.  First place will receive a $500 Four Winds Gift Card!  A $300 Four Winds Gift Card will be awarded to second place and a $200 Four Winds Gift Card for third place!

Costumes should not have masks, face paint, weapons, or props that look like weapons. 

Scott and Amy Hicks are an acoustic duo from NW Indiana and have been performing in the music industry for many years. In 2023, they joined forces in both marriage and music to perform acoustic “Gen X” rock from the 80s, 90s and 00s. Their song list is ever growing and includes artists such as Natalie Merchant, Green Day, Peter Gabriel, U2, Radiohead, and Alanis Morissette. Scott and Amy enjoy performing all over the Region of NW Indiana, and can often also be found at several venues in SW Michigan and NE Illinois.

Mike DeHays is Imphormal, playing electric cello covers of pop and classic rock hits and more.

Composer & piano player, Joe Probst has played piano by ear since the age of 5. From boogie, to rock, to laid-back classics, Joe’s improvisational style will set a great vibe for our visiting guests.