INFORMATION
Client List
Picnics & Parties
Music Options
Entertainment

CONTACT INFO
phone: (630) 483-8300
fax: (630) 483-2380
email: info@chicagosbestentertainment.com

MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS

The following selection of orchestras and bands will create the perfect atmosphere for you and your guests. A complete choice of music is yours as we provide a list of various rhythms. Our musicians require one to two hour prior to performance to set-up and review of final checklist. Each group is completely self-contained and the musicians are dressed in tuxedos or appropriate attire. Our orchestras and bands will provide three hours of music, which will include two fifteen-minute breaks. If you are interested in cocktail and dinner music, we have an outstanding selection of quartets, trios and solo musicians. We can also accommodate any ethnic theme. We are happy to make suggestions about instruments that would be best for your event and check for availability. Pricing depends upon group selection, date, time, and location. Please contact our office with your selection and the necessary information and we can then quote you the current fee for service. For your reviewing convenience, we have promo material, numerous videos and cassettes on file. If you would rather review any group live please let us know.
THE ORCHESTRA 33
Your event will take center stage when you invite THE ORCHESTRA 33. This is a multi-talented eight to twelve piece orchestra with seven unique and electrifying vocalists. Conceived in 1983 when extraordinary restaurateur, Rich Melman, set out to find an exciting, unique entertainment group- a group who could play anything from Big Band to 50's and 60's, Rock to Motown, including the most contemporary music of today. After working together for many years, these professional musicians can accommodate all tastes of music, due to their extensive repertoire and experience. They come complete with a highly sophisticated sound system and technician, as well as a light show, all self-contained in the package price.

THE CITY LIGHTS ORCHESTRA
Since 1974 composer/arranger/bandleader/saxophonist Rich Daniels has been making his music and making music for others. The City Lights Orchestra is an orchestra of some 32-40 pieces; with a traditional big band set-up, and a full string section to boot. Along with the instrumental expansion, the repertoire also has doubled in size. This amazing group of musicians is often requested to perform at numerous private and corporate events. They are happy to provide a variety of standard Big Band favorites, 50's & 60's (Motown), Country Western, Ethnic tunes all the way up to today's current Top 40 hits. Tony Bennett and Dianne Schuur; Rosemary Clooney and Ray Charles; The Four Tops and The Lettermen; Hal Linden and Maureen McGovern; all of these very different performers have two things in common. One: they demand and get the very best. Two: they've called on Rich Daniels and his Orchestra more than once. Not one has ever been disappointed!

THE GOOD TIMES ORCHESTRA
The Good Times Orchestra plays a wide variety of music. Swing music like "Jump Jive and Wail," "Rag Mop," and "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," etc. will keep your guests dancing and having fun throughout the evening. They also play Big Band Music, 50's, Motown, Disco and Top 40 hits that you will hear on the most popular radio station. The full group consists of seven musicians and four singers, but can downsize to fit any budget. We recommend the ten-piece. The Good Times Orchestra is produced by Allen Heiman who was a partner on Curtom Records, which featured such artists as Curtis Mayfield, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Linda Clifford and others. The orchestra's musical director is David Rice who has performed with numerous show groups and dance bands. He can be heard on Eric Claptons tribute album "Old Love." The lead singing vocalist, Maria Antkiwicz, is a National singing champion. When you combine the experience of these people you have an exciting and unique dance orchestra that will enjoy!

JEFF SANDLER ORCHESTRA
The Jeff Sandler Orchestra is a seven-piece group with six instruments and a wonderful lead female vocal. We are pleased to have introduce this well known, highly professional orchestra to you. Playing the Big Band favorites, 50's & 60's, Rock 'n Roll and the latest Top 40 hits, we have found many clients re-booking them for all types of parties. The men are dressed in tuxedos with the female in a formal dress.

THE PETER FLEMING ORCHESTRA
This all male outstanding group of musicians ranging from a five piece to a ten piece orchestra has become extremely popular as a result of a large repertoire and a full sound! The style of music they play is from the Big Band era, 50 & 60's right up to the top 40's favorites! The Peter Fleming Orchestra is a lively, hot and very professional group who has performed for many of our corporate clients. We highly recommend this seven-piece band for your event.

JAMES CALLEN ORCHESTRA
This seven-piece orchestra includes six instruments and a female lead vocal. (Male vocals are also included). This dynamic orchestra has accompanied the Four Tops, The Platters, The Smothers Brothers, Bob Newhart, Julie Budd, Ron Hawking and have performed for many corporate functions. They have a large repertoire of songs, which allows your guests to feel free to make requests. Performing in tuxedos completes the professional look of this orchestra!

THE BOBBY SCHIFF BAND
On the Chicago and Los Angeles music scene for over 35 years, Bobby Schiff has led orchestras and bands, performed on piano, keyboards, directed, composed and arranged for and with the bet. Mel Torme, Peggy Lee and Bobby Rydell are just a few of the premiere entertainers and musicians he's worked with in the U.S and internationally. He has recently returned from Wayne Newton's overseas Thanksgiving 2001 USO tour, accompanying Ruth Pointer. After the dinner the Bobby Schiff Band will get the party rocking, and keep the crown dancing. Every musician and singer in the orchestra is an in-demand musician. Working in Chicago recording studios, on the national club and theatre scene, and have performed at numerous corporate events with the Bobby Schiff Band. With this band you will get talented, confident professionals, delivering a solid, electrifying sound for your audience. From Jazz and Swing classics to Motown to Top-of the-Charts and today's club sound, the musicianship and experience of the Bobby Schiff Band can create the perfect sound to complement any extravaganza!

THE DENNIS KEITH ORCHESTRA
This wonderful ten piece band has a very wide repertoire which many clients find just perfect for their event. With their dynamic male and female lead vocalist and full horn section, this group of musicians has entertained guests at numerous corporate and private events. Keeping the energy high and the dance floor filled is part of their performance.

STEVE EDWARDS ORCHESTRA
This is Chicago's most versatile orchestra. Their high energy will entertain your guests with their 9-piece orchestra, containing a hot 3-piece horn section and two fantastic female/male vocalists. With a guaranteed packed dance floor you will hear them playing Motown, 70's, Rock N' Roll, Latin, Big Band, and Swing. The 3-piece violin section is perfect for cocktail and dinner music and will add an elegant touch to your party.

THE DICK KRESS ORCHESTRA
Dick and his fifteen-piece orchestra will entertain your guests with an well-assorted repertoire of favorite dance music. Dick's musical style maintains the smooth danceable tempos of the Dorseys, while incorporating a high degree of musicianship, which has enabled his band to provide the backup for nationally known entertainers.

BRADLEY YOUNG ORCHESTRA
This dynamic ten to twelve piece orchestra has been entertaining audiences all over the country for the past sixteen years. They are known for playing a wide variety of hits from the 40's, 50's, and 60's to the latest hits of the 1990's. They are very popular in Chicago because of their amazing sound, professional appearance and seasoned singers. The Bradley Young Orchestra will be around for a very long time!!!!

FRANZ BENTLER AND THE ROYAL STRINGS ORCHESTRA
This seasoned orchestra is well known throughout the Chicagoland area and surrounding states. The spell begins when the group makes their dramatic entrance, dressed in white tie and tails and distinctive red ambassador sashes. On stage they play a beautiful combination of pop, light classic numbers, show tunes and honored favorites. As the lights go down, this amazing group provides their guests with music from favorites like Chopin, Bach, Brahms, Strauss, Bluegrass, Boogie and Beatles. They have entertained such audiences as President Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Reagan. To add just a few more, King Gustaf of Sweden, Emperor Hirohito of Japan, The Grand Duchess of Luxembourg and many more.

THE ROB PARTON ORCHESTRA
The Rob Parton Orchestra has the capability to provide all styles of dance music including many great All-American standards from Motown to Glenn Miller, The Rob Parton Orchestra will play stylistically and with great energy! The Rob Parton Orchestra has been in existence in the Chicago area for over thirteen years and has performed for numerous wedding, corporate functions, jazz concerts and many other music functions. They have contracted their full orchestra for Bernadette Peters, Natalie Cole and Tony Bennett; Rob is also the leader of the world renown JAZZTECH BIG BAND with 4 compact discs released internationally. The JAZZTECH Big Band is a seventeen-piece big band that performs both modern and classical big band music. All of the musicians are members of the Chicago Federation of Musicians and are some of the finest musicians in the country.

THE STANLEY PAUL ORCHESTRA
For many years, Stanley Paul, Chicago's "Mr. Music" has been creating unique and personal events for groups of all sizes. His unique approach to creating music has made his orchestra the best in the Midwest. His secret is his ability to create the right mood for any event through music. If you want people to dance, Stanley Paul knows how to bring them onto the dance floor with a versatility that few orchestras can match. A measure of his success is that the vast majority of his bookings are return engagements.

AL SOPHIA ORCHESTRA
This orchestra is a well-known, highly regarded orchestra that regularly performs throughout the Chicagoland area. Performances vary from corporate dinner dances, political functions, fundraisers, weddings and other private affairs. The Al Sofia Orchestra has performed on the same bill as The Temptations, Kenny G, The Drifters, Paula Poundstone, Tom Dreesen and many others. The Al Sophia Orchestra ignites a repertoire including Big Band swing tunes of Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick, Jr. and Natalie Cole, which heat up the dance floor and have his audiences applauding for more; choice dance selections from 60's Motown; and classic 70's as well as a variety of contemporary selections. This orchestra continually displays the dedication, commitment and experience to produce a successful and memorable evening of music and entertainment with attention to detail you expect and appreciate.

NEW ODYSSEY SHOW BAND
This group includes a one-hour comedy/musical show and two hours of dance music or a dinner and dance package. The dance music includes a repertoire of Big Band favorites, 50's, 60's (Motown), Disco, Country Western, ballads and more. New Odyssey Show Band is known for their versatility which boarders on the unbelievable and presented in the finest of good taste. On stage they have a large number of instruments they use to transport guests through a huge repertoire of exceptional musical entertainment. They highlight their performance with comedy, skits and musical proficiency. Our corporate client, love them!

THE GREG THOMPSON STRINGS
This is an eight to twelve piece string assemble. Elegant melodies from Italian Opera to Broadway, The Greg Thompson Strings will astound you with its ability to play the evening. This group of talented musicians, led by Mr. Thompson, has become the choice for dinner music in Chicago's highly competitive market. Of course, with over twenty years of experience, they have a head start on the competition. All of Chicago's major hotels and museums welcome this group repeatedly. Aptly put by one guest, “ intimacy on a grand scale. It is amazing how they can cover the room with music and all of a sudden there is one playing just for you!”

THE ONLY SONS BAND
This all male four piece band is a high energy 50's, 60's, Rock & Roll, Top 40 playing group. If you want to liven up your event, then this is the group for you! Dressed in appropriate attire, each of The Only Sons are lead vocals and harmony too. This talented band has performed in front of many schools, festivals and corporate parties.

RHYTHM CITY BAND
Through their unique vocal and versatile instrumental abilities, Rhythm City delivers dynamic performances of sophisticated Motown, Soulful Rock, beautiful ballads and everything in between. This seven-piece band includes a female vocal that really knows how to get an audience on their feet. You may have seen them recently perform at a nightclub, trade show or a corporate event. For cocktail hour they can provide a pianist or jazz trio and then kick it up for dance music.

SIX OF ONE BAND
For over twelve years this dynamic band has been entertaining audiences at weddings, corporate events and conventions. Their featured group consists of five instruments (trumpet, saxophone, guitar, keyboards and drums), a female vocalist; and three males vocalist. This versatile band will satisfy everyone at your affair due to their ability to play styles ranging from the 1920's to Top 40 music of today. Another specialty of Six of One is its wide range of ethnic music. No matter how diverse your group's tastes may be, Six of One will be able to satisfy them.

PUBLIC I BAND
This six piece uniquely versatile act incorpotates the musical worlds of Motown, R&B, Rock & Roll with original material. The musicians in Public I are all accomplished players and performers with many awards and achievements.

BILL POLLACK ORCHESTRA
Chicago's most exciting 12-piece dance band. Its energetic 4-part vocal group featuring four unique voices and full harmonies fronts this band. Its singers take an active role in interacting with the crowd with line dancing and conga lines etc., when appropriate. Backed by a super tight rhythm section and punctuated by fiery horns, your dance floor will be packed with dancers enjoying the world's best songs from every era!

THE FABULOUS MURRAY BROTHERS BAND
This unique four piece all male band will blend a musical sound using twenty-five different instruments. The variety of music they perform will include Big Band, Contemporary, 50's, 60's, Classical, Country, Rock 'n Roll, Disco, Dixieland, 20's & 90's. Their energetic style is contagious for all that witness these professional entertainers. Having performed many corporate, wedding and social functions in the Chicagoland area The Fabulous Murray Brothers have a strong re-booking list.

THE BLOOZE BROTHERS AND THE UPTOWN RHYTHM EXPRESS BAND
Jake & Elwood (The Blooze Brothers) arrive in the Blooze Mobile to perform music of the original Blues Brothers. In addition the show also features a swing segment with The Blooze Brothers in zoot suits performing dance routines with stage props. Two girls joining the boys on stage to perform choreographed dance routines that really keep this show jumping. Since 1992 this high powered 12 piece show band has seen 100% return bookings to all venues ever performed. To keep things fresh the band is continually updating their show. In addition, their band, Uptown Rhythm Express has already released two CD's and continues to perform with The Blooze Brothers making a great combination.

THE CRYAN' SHAMES BAND
“Sugar and spice and all things nice, kisses sweeter than wine.” Was the refrain heard throughout America in 1966 when Chicago's own Cryan' Shames began a successful sojourn up the record charts with the song Sugar and Spice bringing them into National prominence as one of the more versatile rock vocal groups of the late sixties. The real strength of the Shames is their high-energy live performances punctuated by their strong visual presence. Now, after thirty years and more than thirty four recordings, the Shames are once again joining their voices in perfect harmony to bring back those high-energy performances. Many of their past hits along with some new surprises comprise a show that has delighted concert goers of all age groups for the past ten years. Proof positive that the music of the Cryan' Shames has stood the test of time is their recent mention in Rolling Stone Magazine's “Top Albums of the Last Twenty Years.” Nonstop requests for their songs on the radio continue to keep their name and legacy as fresh today as it was yesterday.

J.P. & THE CATS
One of Chicago's most popular groups brings back your favorite songs of yester year and recreates them with incredible authenticity. This five piece group performs a high-energy show with multiple costume changes, choreography and comedy poked in at the appropriate times. You will be transported back to time when boys were boys and girls were really girls and music was really Rock 'N Roll!!!! Their repertoire includes all the favorites from 50's and 60's while tossing in a few Big Band and Top 40's.

THE KENNETH E. ENSEMBLE
This seven-piece ensemble is an exciting group that combines both elegance and entertainment in a contemporary musical presentation. These seven multi-talented professional musicians that comprise this dynamic band are proficient on more than 20 instruments and have an available library of over 5,000 songs. This wonderful band can provide your guests with cocktail and dinner music, big band selections, 50's & 60's, Rock 'N Roll, Ballads, Hot Dance Mixes & Top 40's! Their instruments include piano, bass guitar, drums, guitar, sax, trumpet and female lead vocal.

MEREDITH COLBY JAZZ AND BLUES REVIEW
Meredith has been performing Jazz in public since the young age of twelve years old. She is known as stunning, beautiful and entertaining with her outrageous voice. Touring in America and Great Britain she has performed professionally with the greater Miami opera guild, cruise ships and at numerous corporate functions. Her four- piece includes Piano, Bass Guitar, Drums and Vocal. The Meredith Colby Review has been seen at the Pump Room, Pheasant Run, The Hollywood Casino and Lakeside Green just to name a few! Their jazz style includes the favorites of Ellington, Gershwin, Porter and Rogers. So, if you are looking for Jazz this is the group to go with!!!

FIREWORKS JAZZ
This wonderful six-piece group represents a new musical exploration into the world of jazz. The group includes aboe, sax, bass, percussion and keyboards combined in intricate and precise counter melodies for a spicy jazz sound. The oboe allows the music to have Latin, sometimes Caribbean and classical flavors! The original music is played worldwide and was heard on Chicago's own WNUA easy listening station.

CHICAGO'S BEST ENTERTAINMENT DJ SERVICE
An economical, quality presentation for your listening and dancing pleasure. Your professional Disc Jockey will offer your guests a smile and four hours of continuous music from our extensive library of selections. Our self-contained music system includes high-tech speakers, a state of the art lighting system and a mirror ball. This flexible service can include a program of four hours of dance favorites geared to represent your taste and that of your guests. Our music library consists of thousands of selections from the Big Band era, 50's & 60's, 70's & 80's and today's top 40. We keep our library current and have everything your guests will want to hear including Motown, Ballads, Polkas, Country Western, and specialty numbers. Professionally designed, Chicago's Best Entertainment D.J. Service will keep your dance floor filled and your guests feeling that they have had a wonderful time!
TOTAL COST: $725.00 (for four hours)