Entertainment Calendar
Rob Yocom is a singer/songwriter from South Bend, IN. He began his professional music career in the late 90’s and has continued playing in various bands for the past 20 years. He has been in several original bands playing everywhere from Chicago to New York City and has supported many national acts such as Fuel, John Mellencamp, Alien Ant Farm, Avatar, Kip Winger, Royal Bliss and many more. Recently he’s played in several successful cover bands such as Stillshot and is currently the lead singer for ZERO. He has also established himself as a well-known solo artist playing regularly throughout Michiana.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
The Starving Artists is a saxophone/guitar/looping duo that began when our full bands were on hiatus due to so many venues being shut down during Covid. We wanted to find a way to keep playing music, andCorey had always wanted to try busking. We hit the streets of South Bend, and when people were coming out of their apartments to listen to us rather than chasing us away, we knew we had something special! It wasn’t long before we were invited inside, and now we play all over the Michiana area and take road trips to other parts of Indiana and Michigan and as far away as Tennesses. We are also regulars at various area festivals, such as Elkhart’s Rhapsody Arts and Music Festival, Elkhart Jazz Fest, and Middlebury Summer Fest, and we are in high demand for special events such as weddings, private parties, and class reunions.
We play popular music spanning a wide range of eras and genres, from Frank Sinatra to Billie Eilish and even Metallica! We love to take requests and can tailor our set list to your event or venue. Our first full album, including seven originals and seven fan-favorite cover songs, was released on all major streaming platforms on May 10, 2023.
The Lalas is the best in burlesque. The show is equally hilarious and sexy and will have you at the edge of your seat, jaw dropped, and hootin’ and hollerin’ like you’ve never thought possible. Perfect for date night, girls’ night out, or just looking to see some empowered women rock the stage, The Lalas is the show for you. It’s 75 minutes of classic rock & blues music, perfectly choreographed dance moves, and so much fringe you’ll wonder how they got it all on the plane. The Los Angeles based women that you’ll see on stage are all full-time working pros in the biz. You’ve seen them on so many tv shows, commercials, films, and touring with pop artists, you’re practically best friends. Get your tickets to The Lalas – you will be wanting to see them again, and as no two shows are ever alike, you’re always in for a treat! More information on The Lalas can be found at www.TheLalas.com.
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.
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.
Rob Yocom is a singer/songwriter from South Bend, IN. He began his professional music career in the late 90’s and has continued playing in various bands for the past 20 years. He has been in several original bands playing everywhere from Chicago to New York City and has supported many national acts such as Fuel, John Mellencamp, Alien Ant Farm, Avatar, Kip Winger, Royal Bliss and many more. Recently he’s played in several successful cover bands such as Stillshot and is currently the lead singer for ZERO. He has also established himself as a well-known solo artist playing regularly throughout Michiana.
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.
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.
“International touring artists Diane Van Deurzen & Lisa Otey are a dynamic duo, a perfect blend of hot jazz, sultry blues and boogie-woogie. They take their act to festivals, clubs and theatres around the world and are known for creating an atmosphere of intimacy with their humor and joyful interactions with the audience.
Performances include the Thredbo Blues Festival in Australia; Box Factory for the Arts, Michigan; Yardbird Suite in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Blues in Bisbee and Tucson Folk Festivals, Arizona; Le Bilboquet and Caveau de la Huchette jazz clubs in Paris; Yoshi’s in California; Festival Alfonso Ortiz Tirado in Sonora, Mexico; Wild Rose Moon in Indiana; Silver City Blues Fest in New Mexico; and the Lucerne Festival in Switzerland.
Diane Van Deurzen and Lisa Otey have been inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame. Lisa has also been inducted into the Tucson Music Hall of Fame and appeared on the Grammy-nominated CD, “”Ladies Man”” with Pinetop Perkins.
Diane and Lisa have co-produced several CDs on their label, Owl’s Nest Productions, including Diane’s “”I Never Knew””, Lisa’s “”Trio””, “”Bring Your Own Boa”” for Lisa Otey and the Desert Divas, and Diane & Lisa’s duo CDs, “”You Got What I Want””, “”Wild Women”” and their Christmas hit, “”Meet Me Under the Mistletoe””.
Diane grew up in rural Wisconsin, one of 7 children in a blue-collar community that centered around the paper mill and dairy farms near Appleton. Her father nurtured her love of singing by introducing her to the albums of Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald. Diane also loved poetry, which influenced her style as a lyricist. Diane always created opportunities to perform professionally, singing in bands, working in theatre and making recordings, alongside her career as a nurse in Wisconsin and, since 1992, as a teacher in Arizona. Lisa grew up in a rural community outside of Portland, OR, one of 3 children in a family of musicians. Lisa moved to Arizona in 1984 to study jazz piano and begin her career performing and also working in theatre. In 2005, Diane & Lisa began performing as a duo, touring across Europe, Australia, the US, Canada, and Mexico. In 2015, they began touring in the Midwest, making Michigan their home in 2021.
“”Diane is one of the finest instinctually pure singers I have heard””
-Tucson Weekly
“”Van Deurzen’s voice is warm and soothing, pouring out the lyrics with effortless control.””
-Tucson Lifestyles
“”Whenever these two artists perform together, people comment on their easy rapport and emotional connection. Otey’s piano and vocals are hot and steamy. Van Deurzen sings sweetly. Together they blend like a musical cappuccino with extra foam on top.”” -Chuck Graham
“”Fun stuff from Lisa Otey and Diane Van Deurzen. (Wild Women) is a tribute in song to 100 years of women blues singers with a great mix of sass, sentimentality, and humor.”” -Duncan Hudson, KXCI
“”They put their hearts and souls into each song they sang and the fun they exuded on stage was infectious as it engulfed the audience. Hand clapping, toe tapping, smiles, hoots and hollers prevailed throughout their 2 hour performance. People are still talking about their uplifting performance and can’t wait for them to return”” -Clearwater Tribune”
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.
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.
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.
Four Winds South Bend will host an Out of This World New Year’s Eve Party on December 31 in Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Eastern. Guests can enjoy dancing, party favors, appetizers, and cash bar with New Year’s Eve drink specials! Live entertainment will be provided by PS Dump Your Boyfriend.
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.
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.
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.
Guests can best enjoy the lively 90s themed dance party by dressing up in their favorite 90s throwback outfit. Dress the part with baggie overalls, retro headbands, combat boots, glitter mesh tops, flare jeans, and windbreakers. Tamagotchi encouraged.
Commenting on their set list, Run Forest Run said, “With all the pop and R&B hits of today monopolizing the radio stations, it can sometimes be frustrating to just get back to ‘the good old days’ of music. We’re not talking about last year, we’re talking about warping all the way back to playing Pokémon on your Game Boy, freaking out in the middle of the night when your Furby turned on all by itself while you were reading Goosebumps, and popping some Warheads while listening to your Walkman on your way to your friend’s house to play transformers and trade pogs. We could only be talking about the 90’s, a generation that we all love. Run Forrest Run would like the 90’s to bring you as much joy as it has brought us and we strive to put that joy to work, giving you the best 90’s experience.”
More information on Run Forest Run can be found at https://www.doubledbooking.com/runforrestrun.
LaPorte County Public Library
904 Indiana Ave. Laporte IN 46350 More information
© Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. Must be 21 years of age. Please play responsibly. Four Winds Casinos are Equal Opportunity Employers.