Copper Rock Steakhouse

Michael Young can do it all. He is an esteemed musician who has been performing for many years, nationally & internationally. A revered singer, songwriter, producer, guitarist, and keyboard player, he has played as a member of the international band Survivor (of “Eye of the Tiger” fame) performed with regional bands such as Nicole Jamrose, History’s End, Dick Diamond and the Dusters and Nawty. His current band is Jessi & The Fizz. 

Michael frequently appears as a solo artist, usually as a solo singer/piano player or as a member of Michael & Jessi Duo. He has played many times at The Redhead Piano Bar and The Chop House both on Ontario Street in Chicago. Michael prides himself on having a vast knowledge of a wide variety of music throughout the decades and a photographic memory for playing those songs. He also enjoys taking requests from the crowd and always aims to please them first!

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.

Adding smooth jazz vocal stylings to a variety of genres, Chad Thompson enjoys an interactive crowd which often finds itself singing along to covers of Garth Brooks, Zac Brown Band, Neil Diamond & Billy Joel.  Previously leading up the original country music bands The Road Home and Local Motive, he shared the stage with bands Exile, Highway 101, Ronnie McDowell & The Eli Young Band.  Now playing solo acoustic venues, Chad enjoys free-forming on keyboard and guitar, and most of all, bringing people together.

Vijay Tellis-Nayak has received accolades for his prodigious musical talents since childhood and is currently sought after as one of the top musicians in Chicago as a keyboardist, producer, composer/arranger, and engineer. 

Vijay began studying classical piano at the age of 5 and by 11 had won numerous awards for his symphonic compositions. He began playing electric guitar at 13 and by 16 was performing professionally. Vijay attended Northwestern University receiving an undergraduate in Music Theory and Technology and a masters degree in Rhetoric/Mass Media.

As a keyboardist he has performed with top artists in genres ranging from jazz to pop to musical theater. Some of these include Marcus Miller, Jennifer Hudson, Chuck Berry, Billy Strings (w/Bela Fleck and Jack Pearson), Umphrey’s McGee, Randy Brecker, The Paderewski Symphony Orchestra, The Milwaukee Symphony,Wicked, The Supremes, The Lion King, Howard Levy, Joe Piscopo, Dee Alexander, Fareed Haque, Bill Dickens, Congolese Soukous legend Diblo Dibala, Frank Catalano, John Moulder, John McLean, and Grazyna Auguscik. 

He has also been featured in Keyboard/EQ magazine as ”Unsigned Artist of the Month” for his work with pioneering Chicago-based fusion group Kick the Cat.

Vijay is also an owner/producer at top ranked Chicago recording studio Transient Sound.  Here he has been an engineer, producer and/or studio-musician for some of the top local and national artists including Kurt Elling, Brian Blade, Los Lobos, Donny McCaslin, Miguel Zenon, Oz Noy, Naked Raygun, Howard Levy, Trio Globo, Candyrat Records, Joe Locke/John McLean, and many more.

Performing smooth hits in an unforgettable piano performance.

Adding smooth jazz vocal stylings to a variety of genres, Chad Thompson enjoys an interactive crowd which often finds itself singing along to covers of Garth Brooks, Zac Brown Band, Neil Diamond & Billy Joel.  Previously leading up the original country music bands The Road Home and Local Motive, he shared the stage with bands Exile, Highway 101, Ronnie McDowell & The Eli Young Band.  Now playing solo acoustic venues, Chad enjoys free-forming on keyboard and guitar, and most of all, bringing people together.

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.

Performing smooth hits in an unforgettable piano performance.

Adding smooth jazz vocal stylings to a variety of genres, Chad Thompson enjoys an interactive crowd which often finds itself singing along to covers of Garth Brooks, Zac Brown Band, Neil Diamond & Billy Joel.  Previously leading up the original country music bands The Road Home and Local Motive, he shared the stage with bands Exile, Highway 101, Ronnie McDowell & The Eli Young Band.  Now playing solo acoustic venues, Chad enjoys free-forming on keyboard and guitar, and most of all, bringing people together.

Those of you who already know Matt Martino from his days in Music City are familiar with his catchy, blue-eyed soul playing style and engaging personality. For those of you who are just discovering Mr. Martino, you've found him at the right time.  After cutting his teeth in Nashville amongst some of the best musicians in the country, Matt is now moving forward as a solo artist who can grab the attention of any crowd in any room and not let go.