Interlude
R2Project
Late Shift Orchestra
Swing Shift Orchestra
Inside/Out
UpBeat
Bobby Schiff
Anne Pringle Band
Party Pack
 




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!


Attention Brides!
Download the Word document, fill out the information and email it to marymonicamusic@sbcglobal.net

Chicago Wedding Music - Bands


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.

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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

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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.

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"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

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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 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'! The 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.

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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.

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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 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.

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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 CChicago's 1992 season.

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Testimonials

"Pringle not only sings, but understands. A singer of glorious gifts, wide range, and sensitive phrasing" - Chicago Tribune

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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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Mary Monica Music ©2005