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Some Like it Live! MaryMonica Music is proud to offer only the cream-of-the-crop in live bands and orchestras, and believe us when we say we've heard them all! Look over the band descriptions, and see what moves you. Then call us for a demo - or two - or more. Having trouble narrowing it down? We know. You're like a kid in a candy store. Have fun!
 Interlude
This 8-piece dance orchestra is the hottest, sexiest, and most happening dance
band in Chicagoland! And it's not only because MaryMonica (founder of MaryMonica
Music) is the lead vocalist. They study hard to play hard, and constantly update
their repertoire to bring you the coolest, current dance hits and adult contemporary
pop live. Of course, Interlude carries an extensive list of all the party favorites,
from jazz standards to disco to Motown to eighties. There's even a fantastic
swingin' big band sound, due to its three person horn section! The moment you
hear Interlude, you'll notice their sound is different. They have a secret weapon:
congas and percussion. The music moves you; makes you want to move your hips.
Yeah, it's a Latin thing. Perfect for any event, its musicians are multitalented
and also feature male lead vocals and backups.
Sound clips
Lady Marmalade (MP3 453Kb)
Rock This Town/Jump Jive and Wail (MP3
614Kb)
Ain't No Mountian (MP3
574Kb)
Testimonials
Chicagoan Sandy Pershke, 27, who married Brian Piggott in October, fell in love with the local band Interlude after hearing them at two other weddings. "We just really liked that band...plus, I like to watch bands perform, and with a deejay, there's no one singing and dancing like there is with a band" -
Chicago Tribune, January 28, 2004
You did it again! We had the most fabulous time, and as in the past, all our
guests talked about was the music, the band, the singers, the fun. We thank you
so much, and please pass this on to the band as well. - Saturday, July 24, 2004
- Wright & Scott Wedding - The Hyatt Schaumburg
What a magical night! We can't begin to thank you enough for providing us with
the perfect music at Katie & Bill's wedding. I am sure you could tell how special
we all thought the party was - and you definitely enhanced the joyous atmosphere
and mood! Compliments galore to your whole orchestra! Thank you for helping us
give Katie her beautiful wedding. - Saturday May 15, 2004 - Douglass & Peterson
Wedding - Renaissance Hotel
There is no way that we can ever thank you enough for the amazing party that
you threw at our wedding! Everything was just perfect. The energy in the room
was incredible and everyone (including us) is calling it the "Best Wedding Ever".
The true highlight of the reception was the opportunity to sing on stage with
you... that was such a blast! Thank you again for your hard work... we appreciate
it all! - Saturday, August 21, 2004 - Grezkowiak & Araujo Wedding - Lisle Hilton
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 R2Project
The R2Project is a soulful R&B band with incredible versatility. Its repertoire of music is vast, including pop, disco, reggae, and rock. Members of the band have toured with the world famous Platters, and the band has opened for the legendary Roy Ayers in concert. R2Project has even gone global, performing a three-month, high-energy show in Japan. You can hear the best of the band on their newest a CD titled "Ecstasy", a collection of R&B originals. R2Project's standard five-piece band includes female Lead vocals, Keys, Bass, Guitar, and drums/male vocals. Formerly known as "Spectrum featuring Bonnie Phillips", the band helped the famous Yvette
Restaurant chain (Chicago and Wheeling) become "the number one place in the Chicago area for dancing" according to Northshore Magazine.
Sound clips
Sample Clip 01 (MP3 520Kb)
Sample Clip 02 (MP3
571Kb)
Testimonials
"The couple is extremely talented. They have collaborated together in blending various musical styles including scintillating melodies and innovative rhythms" -
Earl Calloway, Chicago Defender
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 The
Late Shift Orchestra
The Late Shift Orchestra is one of Chicago's finest Society Band ensembles, performing
at countless Chicagoland weddings, corporate functions and fund-raisers. The
Late Shift Orchestra reveals a wide variety of musical styles from swinging big
band to contemporary favorites. Superb musicianship and exciting vocals are just
the right elements to keep you and your guests dancing all night long! Featuring
8 to eleven fabulously talented musicians, their look is formal and exquisite,
with stylish logo podiums. Guests rave: "The 325 guests who attended our wedding were from ages fifteen to eighty-five. Every one of them was out on the dance floor tearing it up. The music you played had such a wide variety, that you were able to please everyone. We are more than grateful..." Cory & Karin Molzahn
Sound clips
Rock With You (MP3 930Kb)
Rock The Casbah (MP3 726Kb)
Jump, Jive and Wail (MP3 599Kb)
Testimonials
"Cory and I cannot express how grateful we are to you and your orchestra.
To this day our guests are still raving about what a fun and exciting night they
all had, not to mention how tired everyone was from dancing all night.
I myself was nervous about the day, hoping the wedding ceremony and reception would be exactly as I had always dreamed. Jeanne singing at the church was a phenomenal suggestion; she brought a stream of tears when she sang Ave Maria. Your orchestra put both my mom and I at ease by handling everything, which made the night easy as a hot knife thru butter.
The 325 guests who attended our wedding were from ages fifteen to eighty-five.
Every one of them was out on the dance floor tearing it up. The music you played
had such a wide variety, that you were able to please everyone. We are more than
grateful.."
Cory & Karin Molzahn
"We just wanted to let you know that we really appreciate the great job you did
at our wedding. The dance floor was full until the very end! We got numerous
compliments on your band. Superb! Thanks!"
Matt & Kim Gryzlo
"You guys were great. You made the night with all your wonderful voices. We couldn't
have wished for a better band."
Sue & Mark Williams
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 Alan
Gresik's Swing Shift Orchestra
Remember the Big Bands of the 30's and 40's? You may not, but chances are your
guests will. Thankfully for the Alan Gresik's Swing Shift Orchestra,
the look,
feel
and SOUND of the big bands (think Glenn Miller and Count Basie) are available
for
your
event. This is THE band that can transform your event into a fabulous supper
club or an on-air radio show of the era, and have your guests jitterbugging and
swinging the night away! This amazing orchestra is as fun to watch as it is to
dance to. Featuring fifteen musicians outfitted in vintage formalwear, the male
and female vocals are reminiscent of Bing and Ella. You can even choose to include
live vintage radio commercials performed by actors during the sets. Alan Gresik
has created something superbly unique here. Performing every Thursday night at
Chicago's famous Green Mill Lounge, they keep the joint jumpin'! Alan Gresik's
Swing
Shift
Orchestra has delighted audiences at the Chicago Jazz Festival,
Clear Channel
Communications, and was featured in the MGM motion picture "Return to Me" starring
David Ducovney and Minnie Driver.
Sound clips
Sample Clip 01 (MP3 1006Kb)
Testimonials
"I wasn't around in the 1930's when this music was popular, but on Thursdays at the Green Mill it's like stepping back into an old movie. And the band certainly captures that old sound that you just don't hear live anymore." -
Dena Snider,
Chicago
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Inside/Out
Inside/Out's slogan "Music of All Styles for All Occasions" says it all. True to these words, its repertoire includes jazz, Motown, R&B, disco, and contemporary pop. That would be enough said, but consider this: the band is typically 4-6 pieces, so you get great versatility for less dough. That's less bread. However you bake it, it comes out perfectly done. How do they do it, you ask? With state-of the art technology and musicianship, they sound as if they share the stage with a full-size band. You may not see the horn and harpsichord players, but you'll certainly hear them as you dance the night away. Enough said.
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UpBeat
From jazz standards during dinner or cocktail hour to hoppin' dance sets, UpBeat constantly
receives rave reviews from clients. For the past three years, the band has played
as the house band of the Emerald Deck on the world famous Odyssey dinner Cruiseship
at Navy Pier. Sophisticated and fresh, this crowd-pleasing band is now available
for hire. UpBeat delivers with a powerful punch, using one fabulous
lead female vocalist, keys, drums, and Bass/Guitar/Male vocals. A great choice
for your event and your wallet.
Sound clips
Turn The Beat Around (MP3 474Kb)
Disco Inferno (MP3
486Kb)
Testimonials
"You guys made our anniversary extraordinary, and thank you for singing Norah Jones for us!" -
the Morans, 2003
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 The
Bobby Schiff Band
From an assuredly swinging jazz solo pianist to the luxurious sound of a sixteen-piece
orchestra, Bobby Schiff and The Bobby Schiff Band are the perfect choice
for
your next event. Musician first and bandleader second, Bobby Schiff commands
a great sound. He has spent years crafting the selection and blend of today's
The Bobby Schiff Band. Every band member is a professional jazz/contemporary
musician working full-time in Chicago recording studios or on the national club
and theatre
scene. This level of professionalism and musicianship means you get a talented,
confident orchestra that will deliver a solid, electrifying performance for your
audience. The orchestra works regularly in the Chicago area and throughout the
Midwest, specializing in weddings, private parties, corporate events, trade shows,
conventions, and social and charity functions. With thirty years of experience
in the music industry, Bobby Schiff wears many hats: composer, arranger, conductor,
pianist, and producer in the Chicago and Los Angeles music scenes. Mel Torme,
Peggy Lee and Bobby Rydell are just a few premiere entertainers with whom he's
had the pleasure of working.
Testimonials
On behalf of everyone at Phelan, Pope and John, I would again like to thank you for the outstanding job you and your band did in performing at our Christmas party. The reactions of everyone in attendance were very positive with respect to your performance. As I indicated, we have two firm parties per year (one in the late summer and the second at Christmas). I am certain that we will be contacting you in the future with respect to one or more of those parties.
Yours truly,
Thomas D.
Phelan, Pope and John, Ltd.
Chicago, Illinois
Just a note in letting you know how delighted and thrilled I was to have you guys put the whip cream on one terrific party. After our two brief meetings, you did everything I expected and more. I can only say in planning another party I would have no doubt in choosing the Phoenix and booking you well in advance. You guys are great and thanks again.
Sincerely,
Irwin G.
Hesco, Inc.
Chicago, Illinois
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 Anne
Pringle Band
From Swing to Motown, the Anne Pringle band spans the ages from the big band
swing era to the classy 60's and funky 70's. With this band you get genuine get-down
blues, revamped dusties, classic standards, oldies, jazz, and fresh grooves.
If you're looking for a cool retro band for your party or event, The Anne
Pringle
Band is it. The signature of this band is Anne herself. With vocals as smooth
as silk, she received two Billboard Magazine Certificate of Achievement awards
for songwriting. Anne Pringle is a "singer of glorious gifts" (Chicago Tribune)
who "can send shivers down your spine" (Lerner Publications). The Tribune's Rick
Kogan adds, "Pringle moves comfortably through a repertoire of classic and contemporary
arrangements, deftly and gracefully walking the jazz-light pop tightrope from
which less talented singers would surely tumble..." Performing in Chicago-area
clubs and festivals throughout the Midwest for a dozen years, Anne was band leader
and lead vocalist on the Spirit of Chicago's 1992 season.
Sound clips
Sample Clip 01 (MP3 648Kb)
Sample Clip 02 (MP3
629Kb)
Testimonials
"Pringle not only sings, but understands. A singer of glorious gifts, wide range, and sensitive phrasing" -
Chicago Tribune
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 Shuga'Love
Get Your Groove On!
Their sound is rooted in deep dance cuts from the 70's and old-school funk. Add
in kickin' in new party tunes, and this five piece dance band will keep ya movin'
all night long. Lead singer Janel's range is as big as her voice, and she seamlessly
covers the tunes of Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, and Alicia Keys, just to name
a few. Her foundation for funk is Todd Longfellow on guitar, Scott Pazera on
bass, Ken Shield on drums, and Kenneth Lewis on keys and vocals
Sound clips
Some Kind of Wonder (MP3 648Kb)
Ain't No Mountain (MP3 727Kb)
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 The
Cleavers
This is the music you grew up with! Playing note-for-note renditions of those classic hits by The Beatles, The Temptations, Beach Boys, Three Dog Night, The Doobie Brothers and The Eagles (just to name a few favorites), The Cleavers will have you and your guests dancing and singing to every song. The five piece band has a great sound with 3 guitars, keys, and drums, and of course fantastic vocals! Dick, the bandleader has written songs that were recorded by the Monkees, Sugarloaf, and Robbie Nevil. More than musicians, The Cleavers are entertainers, and will ensure that your next event will be Fun! Fun! Fun! Till your daddy takes the T-Bird away!
Sound clips
Sample Clip 01 (MP3 483Kb)
Sample Clip 02 (MP3 328Kb)
Sample Clip 03 (MP3 363Kb)
Sample Clip 04 (MP3 349Kb)
Testimonials
"I was out strolling at Navy Pier last night when I happened to catch your
act. All I can say is AWESOME! Your music rocked, your harmonies were beautiful
and your Beatles set kicked a**! I can't wait to see your band again and will
be singing your praises to whomever I know digs 'rock and roll' music" - Mike Fishbain, Trading Technologie
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 White
Dove Reggae Band
This is one reggae band that boasts many facets including R & B and funk - the band has been playing together for 20 years, getting its start when the members became available after their respective touring gigs. And check out their credentials! Lead vocalist/keyboard player Gregory Hoskins has been playing since the age of 7;
And lead Vocalist/Sax/Flautist Anthony Acoff began his career with Big Daddy Kinsey of the Kinsey Report. Anthony has played with Stone Ground Kelly and toured with R.E.O. Speed Wagon, Ted Nugent, and B.B. King. Rounding out this phenomenal band is Eric Rendell, former bass guitarist for George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelics; Ralph Kinsey, former drummer for the Kinsey Report; and Zeek Rongers, rhythm-guitar player. Their irie-funky groove will have all your guests shouting, YA Man!
Sound clips
I Shot The Sherrif (MP3 364Kb)
Testimonials
"This band is ideal for establishments looking to feel and hear the sounds of reggae/caribbean style music...I was very pleased with this band and all they had to offer...."
- Bill Donaldson, Lounge Manager
Holiday Inn
Spring Lake, Michigan
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MaryMonica
Music Party Pack
Created by MaryMonica Music, the party pack is a great entertainment option for
any size party or event. After listening to clients' desires for entertainment
that has the best of both worlds - the versatility of a DJ and the elegance of
live musicians - we started a revolution. The singer/pianist duo will start by
entertaining during your elegant cocktail/dinner hour; they then reveal their
DJ talents and keep your guests dancing the night away. This combination of live
performance with DJ excitement is one of our best sellers (and economical because
you don't have to hire separate performers and DJs!). All MaryMonica Music performers
are professional musicians and singers who have played the finest Chicago venues,
and trained as DJ's. How innovative! How reasonable! How smart!!! Yeah, we know.
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