Event Calendar Southbend

Jessica Lopez is a Chicago/NWI vocalist and pop pianist delivering a dynamic mix of contemporary pop, classic favorites, and modern top 40’s creating an elegant yet engaging atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of audiences. 

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.

Acoustic rock and folk music with tight harmonies come naturally to Temple and Michelle. The Chicago duo have known each other for over three decades, making it fitting for them to play music together.  Collectively, they have shared the stage with countless bands, including Umphrey’s McGee, Gregg Allman, Mr. Blotto, Richard Marx, Gloria Estefan, Tributosaurus, Freddie Jones Band, and the BoDeans. Their extensive experience goes beyond performing on stage.  Michelle has been a band director and vocal instructor at the School of Rock for over 15 years. Temple has taught songwriting, piano, voice, and guitar at the Old Town School of Folk Music since 2000. Their deep musical abilities and years of teaching music enable them to play great songs from various genres and decades, providing a much-needed dose of T.M.I. that never gets old.  

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.

J&J Acoustic is an acoustic duo featuring Jamie Warren and Jeff Spicher. Utilizing twin acoustic guitars and vocal Harmony’s that allow for a wide variety of song selections from the old school vibe of Seals & Crofts to the fresh pop of Dua lipa, J&J Acoustic offers something for every musical taste, done in an acoustic setting.

Both Jamie and Jeff have been performing separately and together regionally and locally in various acts for over twenty five years. In addition , Jamie Warren operates Warren Guitar lessons in Mishawaka Indiana and has studied at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles California.

Jeff Spicher has been a guitar instructor at Hoosier-dads music and Home-Run music in Mishawaka. he has also recorded several albums and has contributed soundtrack music for independent film director Donald Corthier.

This experience allows J&J Acoustic to draw from a wide variety of musical styles in order to keep things interesting for the audience.

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.

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. 

 I’ve been playing and singing for 34 years. I’m a guitar maker with 2 of my guitars hanging in the silver creek event center. (Rod Stewart and Sheryl crow) and a hat maker.  

Mike has played over 1,000 live shows, including opening for “Styx” and “Kansas”. Mike is known for having one of the most extensive “covers” repertoires spanning over six decades of some of the best loved classics. From Louis Armstrong to Coldplay, Johnny Cash to Pearl Jam, Mike’s energy and love of music transcends style or genre. Mike is a finely seasoned performer who delivers an unforgettable performance each and every time he takes the stage.

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.

Chris Burch is an alternative rock influenced artist who has been performing to audiences across the country. His sets are like a rock n’ roll history lesson, with selections from the 50’s to today. Using a guitar as the spill canvas for his sharp song-writing, raw vocal appeal, and bravely fresh sound, Chris delivers his songs with an intensity that sets him apart from his contemporaries. Chris Burch is joined by veteran guitarist Chris Chapman.  Chapman adds complex and tasteful layers and leads to a diverse set list.  

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. 

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. 

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.

Having distinguished himself as a popular crowd engaging acoustic artist, Billboard Award Michael Paterson brings his high energy, crowd engaging show to, from Bon Jovi to The Beatles and Chicago to Keith Urban. Michael will take you on a musical Journey sure to have you singing along.

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. 

Jimmy is a singer/songwriter/guitarist originally from New York who started playing guitar at age 19 and immediately fell in love with the instrument.  A self-taught musician, he began by teaching himself songs by the Beatles, Bob Dylan and acoustic music of the late 60’s and early 70’s. 

Over the almost 50 years of playing, he has played in all kinds of bands including folk, bluegrass, rock’n’roll, blues and jazz.  One of the most remarked upon aspects of his live shows is the variety of music he performs.  He is just as comfortable singing a jazz standard from the great American song book as he is singing a contemporary country or pop tune.  His set list includes songs from the late 1920’s right up to current artists like John Legend and Keith Urban. 

Jimmy has been fortunate enough to have played with several well-known musicians including Bela Fleck whom he played with in the bluegrass band Wicker’s Creek back in New York in the 1970’s.   Another Wicker’s Creek alumni, Ray Chesna, teaches Delta and country blues and performs in the Asheville area.  Ray’s 2 CDs contain several of Jimmy’s compositions.  He has 3 CDs of original music including “Baby It’s Cold Outside” which is the soundtrack to a small independent film of the same.  

He has also had a song, he co-wrote with Nashville songwriter Donna Britton, picked up by an LA film company for possible use in TV or film. 

Jimmy now lives in St. Joseph Michigan where he performs at many local venues including wineries, restaurants and casinos as well as private parties. 

Tim was born and raised in SW Michigan.  As a young boy he was greatly influenced by two of his uncles who played flamenco guitar.  He would listen for hours as they played the old Spanish ballads from Puerto Rico.  His uncle gave him a guitar at 13 years old and Tim was hooked.
From age 15 on, Tim played solo and with various rock bands.  He has attended the Front Porch Music school in Valparaiso, Indiana as well as a number of classes ranging from piano and theory to vocal studies and master guitar.
Tim plays different shows from festivals, concerts, supper clubs, pubs and cafes.  He is known for his 70’s & 80’s style and features the music of various artists, like: Dan Fogelberg, James Taylor, America, Poco, Eagles, Jimmy Buffet, Cat Stevens, CSNY, Van Morrison, Jim Croce, John Denver, Paul Simon, John Fogerty, etc.

One needs to only observe Nicholas Kazonis performing for a moment to surmise that, surely, he was born with a guitar in his hand and a song in his heart. Countless musicians are blessed with the talent to make their craft look easy, but few are imbued with that innate ability to make it look as effortless as breathing. Nick is one such musician. From the agility and precision in his fingers to the seemingly boundless dexterity of his singing, the ferocity of Nick’s talent and well-honed ability are made apparent nearly instantly. However, even that undersells both the sheer volume of work and the versatility of skill sets that truly encompasses Nicholas Kazonis. 

Mike has played over 1,000 live shows, including opening for “Styx” and “Kansas”. Mike is known for having one of the most extensive “covers” repertoires spanning over six decades of some of the best loved classics. From Louis Armstrong to Coldplay, Johnny Cash to Pearl Jam, Mike’s energy and love of music transcends style or genre. Mike is a finely seasoned performer who delivers an unforgettable performance each and every time he takes the stage.

Jack Cunningham is a singer/songwriter from NW Indiana. Jack has made a name for himself in the area with his strong, passionate voice and his diverse, popular setlist. Jack can be seen performing all over NW Indiana and SW Michigan, playing 100+ shows a year. 

“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.  

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

“Americana rock and roots” is the way Jimmy describes the music that he plays.
He started playing guitar at age 19 and immediately fell in love with the instrument. He began by teaching himself songs by the Beatles, Bob Dylan and acoustic music of the late 60’s and early 70’s. Over the next several years, he played in various types of bands including folk, bluegrass, country and rock and roll. As he began to listen to swing and jazz, he developed more interest in songwriting, especially the music from the American Songbook by Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and the Gershwins.

In recent years, Jimmy has fallen back in love with the blues and plays songs by many of the great blues legends such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton. From simple folk, to Beatles-influenced rock, delta blues, Motown-flavored R&B, country or Swing Jazz, his music reflects elements from all these styles of music. Jimmy now lives in St. Joseph Michigan where he performs at various venues throughout Southwest Michigan and the Michiana area.

The best hits in a thrilling performance.

Five-time independent music award winner Abbie Thomas blends retro soul, jazz, contemporary R&B, and blues into a sound rooted in timeless American songwriting. Described by Paul Jackson of FATEA as having an “ageless vocal, sitting somewhere between Diana Ross and Kacey Musgraves,” Thomas has earned GRAMMY® consideration, charted internationally, and received recognition from the Josie Music Awards and Hollywood Independent Music Awards.

Backed by The Crazy Hearts, Thomas delivers dynamic live performances filled with soulful vocals, rich musicianship, and genre-spanning arrangements. Drawing inspiration from artists like Leon Bridges, Norah Jones, Emily King, and Olivia Dean, the group puts its own spin on songs by The Commodores, Lauryn Hill, Ella Fitzgerald, and more.

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.

After more than forty years in the music business I am offering an acoustic show featuring hits from the 1960s and 70s.  Everything is a hit that way everyone can sing along. The show concentrates on real acoustic music, not just acoustic covers of electric rock songs.  I tour across the country from performing from New York to Florida and all points in between, I love my job. I believe a musician should know their music by heart, none my show is read from a iPad or notebook.  My stage presence is one of  professional integrity in looks and sound. 

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.

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. 

Pamela Rocha has been playing piano, singing vocals, and loving music since the 1980’s when she was just a kid. She has competed in piano competitions at a young age and has played with various musical acts throughout northwest Indiana over the past 30 years. Pamela also composes music and has also taken part in different recording projects. Along with loving performing, Pamela also enjoys teaching piano and music theory. Music is a way to communicate with others on a deeper level and that is what Pamela enjoys most about what she gets to do!

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.

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.

Hailing from Northwest Indiana, Bruce has been performing on stage since the age of 5. A talented singer/songwriter, he has lent his talents to many bands including playing guitar and singing for the popular Region group The Unstoppables. He also is a third of the trio known as The Broken Hipsters.  

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?

Hot Sauce performs energized acoustic versions of your favorite rock/pop hits with unique Latin-influenced percussion that’s just plain FUN!

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

With over 30 years of experience Dan has been touring the countryside with doing his own unique blend of acoustic Americana. With deep roots in acoustic guitar and banjo, Dans music incorporates elements of various American music styles, including woodstock rock, blues , bluegrass, jamgrass,  roots-rock, folk &  classic country resulting in a distinctive sound that highlights a lifetime of musical experiences.

Dan recorded, performed on and produced a CD with the Art Gomperz Band that  made it into the Top 10 of the European Country Music Association Charts and  the song “Don’t Worry Anymore” Nominated IMA Americana Song of the Year.
His original Banjo Instrumental “Courts in Session” received extensive radio play including the SIRIUS bluegrass channel and his recent CD and guitar instruction have been featured in two issues of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine.

Over the years, Dan has shared the stage with such great acts as: Leftover Salmon, String Cheese Incident,  Steep Canyon Rangers, Corn Meal, Pure Prairie League, Commander Cody, Peter Rowan and the Dillards.
Dan is currently involved in his solo performances as well and playing with The Boulevard Billies.

The 1 Adam 12 Show is Adam Cates as a solo guitar player/singer performing the great songs of classic rock, a few country tunes, and a few from today playing fan favorites for everyone to enjoy! Adam has been playing music in venues all over the region for about the past 15 years.

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 has played over 1,000 live shows, including opening for “Styx” and “Kansas”. Mike is known for having one of the most extensive “covers” repertoires spanning over six decades of some of the best loved classics. From Louis Armstrong to Coldplay, Johnny Cash to Pearl Jam, Mike’s energy and love of music transcends style or genre. Mike is a finely seasoned performer who delivers an unforgettable performance each and every time he takes the stage.

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.

“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!!

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.

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.