HEADLINERS
BRANDON BENNETT
Brandon Bennett is an internationally touring musician and renown Elvis tribute artist. His uncanny performances have earned numerous accolades, including the prestigious “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist” title bestowed by Elvis Presley Enterprises at Graceland. Bennett starred as Elvis Presley in the Chicago company of Million Dollar Quartet, and also won acclaim starring in the Montreal company of The Elvis Story. He headlines his powerful act Elvis My Way around the world for concerts, festivals, fairs, cruises, casinos, and corporate events. Featured television appearances include The Late Show with David Letterman, NBC Nightly News, and American Hot Rod. He also appears at professional sporting events for Chicago’s Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, and Bears, the Memphis Grizzlies, and the San Francisco Giants. A native son of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, Brandon’s southern roots, God-given talent, and natural resemblance to The King of Rock 'n Roll allow him to uniquely evoke the unmistakable essence of Elvis onstage. He has been honored to work alongside music legends such as DJ Fontana, The Jordanaires, and The Sweet Inspirations, as well as open for Diamond Rio, Ronnie Millsap, and Chuck Berry. Follow Brandon on Facebook or visit elvismyway.com.
ERICH BERGEN
The Los Angeles Times raves, “with his lanky good looks and vibrant intensity, Bergen’s charisma feeds off the spotlight.” Erich Bergen is an American television, film, and stage actor raised in New York City. He co-stared on CBS's Madam Secretary opposite Tea Leoni, and starred as Bob Gaudio in the Clint Eastwood-directed feature film Jersey Boys. Bergen played that role on stage for more than 1,000 performances in the Grammy- and Tony-winning Best Musical of the same name. Bergen made his Broadway debut starring as Dr Pomatter in Waitress. He also appeared in Roundabout Theatre Company National Tour's production of Anything Goes as Billy Crocker. Other television credits include Gossip Girl, Desperate Housewives, Franklin and Bash, Person of Interest, The Tonight Show, and America’s Got Talent. When not acting on screen, Bergen performs live shows as a solo singer and pianist, modeling his shows off the romantically old school feel of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. His self titled debut album and his original solo EP Never Give Up are available on iTunes. @erichbergen
JARED BRADSHAW
Sound and Town cheers, “Bradshaw delivers an electrifying performance.” Jared Bradshaw is a Broadway veteran turned Disney World resident. He headlines Artists Lounge Live concerts nationwide in Swinging On A Star: Jared Bradshaw Sings Bing Crosby and A Bing Crosby Christmas. Bradshaw starred as Willy Wonka (US/perf) in the original Broadway cast of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, also performing the role for the Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall. He appeared in Jersey Boys for an eight year run, swinging several roles in the Broadway, Off-Broadway, Chicago, and First National Tour casts. Off-Broadway, he hilariously spoofed celebrities in Forbidden Broadway, including Hugh Jackman, Harry Connick Jr, and John Travolta. Other credits nationwde include the world premiere musical Dave (Pre-Broadway), The Music Man (Harold Hill), Singing in the Rain (Don Lockwood), Guys and Dolls (Nathan Detroit), Parade (Leo Frank), Jekyll and Hyde (Jekyll/Hyde), West Side Story (Riff), Cabaret (Cliff), The Last Five Years (Jamie), and numerous productions of Smokey Joe’s Cafe. Additionally, he entertained audiences around the world aboard Disney Cruise Ships. Currently, Bradshaw performs for Walt Disney Entertainment in Finding Nemo: The Big, Blue, and Beyond as the actor/puppeteer for Great White Shark Bruce at Disney's Animal Kingdom. He is married to Broadway actress Lindsay Northen. jaredbradshaw.com, @bwaymjjared
CHERISE COACHES
Chicago Theatre Review cheers, "Cherise Coaches is transcendent... a gifted, glittering songstress." Cherise Coaches is a Chicago-born/Los Angeles-based actress, recording artist, songwriter, vocal arranger/producer, and voice coach. She appeared on Broadway in the musical Waitress as well as the North American Tour of Disenchanted! The Musical. Ms Coaches recently appeared in and served as Vocal Supervisor for the reimagined Gospel at Colonus in both Chicago and Los Angeles. Other theatre credits include Hair (Dionne), Dreamgirls (Charlene), A New Attitude: In Tribute to Patti LaBelle (Young Patti), and the musical revue Dynamite Divas where she dazzled audiences in the styles of legends Dinah Washington, Beyonce, and Patti LaBelle. Ms Coaches was honored with a Black Theater Alliance nomination for the Phylicia Rashad Award for Most Promising Actress. She also appeared on tour with Artists Lounge Live as a featured vocalist in Aretha Franklin: Queen of Soul, Higher and Higher Chester with Gregory, and Signed, Sealed, Delivered: John-Mark McaGaha Sings Stevie Wonder. Television credits include The Chi and Empire. Film credits include Plow and The Terrible Tenth. Additionally, Ms Coaches records, writes, and produces neo-soul music, available now on all streaming platforms. IG/TikTok/Twitter: @cherisecoaches
KATIE DEAL
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel cheers, "Deal shines when she sings." Katie Deal is an award-winning singer-songwriter and actress known for her authentic country sound. Deal is the recipient of a Georgia Country Artist of the Year Award, Atlanta Society of Entertainers Recording Artist of the Year Award, and an honored member of the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame. She has performed with country icon Loretta Lynn and appears as a frequent guest vocalist with Atlanta Pops Orchestra. As a recording artist and singer-songwriter, Katie has written and/or performed with top Nashville songwriters including Bruce Burch (Reba McEntire), Amanda Colleen Williams (Garth Brooks), Brandon Bush (Sugarland), and John Driskell Hopkins (Zac Brown Band). As an actress, Deal won acclaim starring in National Tours and numerous productions of A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline and Always…Patsy Cline. Other theatre credits nationwide include 9 to 5 (Doralee), Ring of Fire (June Carter), Back Home Again: On the Road with John Denver, Keep on the Sunny Side (Sara Carter), and The Spitfire Grill (Percy, Ostrander Award nomination). Film credits include Let’s Be Cops and Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk. Concerts include I Will Always Love You: Katie Deal Sings Dolly Parton, Country Sunshine: The Legendary Ladies of Nashville, Wildflowers: The Women of Country Music, Classic Nashville Roadshow, Today, Tomorrow & Forever: A Tribute to Patsy Cline, and Patsy Cline: Sweet Dreams of You. katiedeal.com
JOHN MICHAEL DIAS
Broadway World calls Dias “Perfection… once you see, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.” John Michael Dias is a Broadway actor and singer, cabaret performer, and recording artist. He recently appeared on Broadway as Neil Sedaka in the Tony and Grammy Award-winning hit Beautiful: The Carol King Musical. He originated the same role for the Beautiful First National Tour. Dias gained a nationwide following starring as Frankie Valli of the Four Seasons in the smash-hit Jersey Boys, playing the role on Broadway, as well as in the First National Tour, Las Vegas, and Chicago companies. He can also be seen singing special appearances nationwide with the vocal group The Doo-Wop Project. Concerts include Breaking Up Is Hard to Do: John Michael Dias Sings Neil Sedaka and Get Happy (a celebration of songs made famous by Judy Garland) with friend/collaborator Jacqueline Carnahan. Dias earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from Boston Conservatory. Dias’ solo album, Write This Way, which features intimate takes on Broadway and pop favorites like “Can’t Take My Eyes of of You” and “New York State of Mind” is available on all music streaming platforms.
SARA JEAN FORD
Sara Jean Ford is an actor, singer, and writer. Her Broadway credits include starring as Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera, Cats (Jellylorum), How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying (Smitty), A Little Night Music (Petra), and Finian’s Rainbow (Arlene). Off-Broadway, Ford starred as Louisa in the The Fantasticks (Original Revival Cast) and June in Anyone Can Whistle at Encores!. National Tours include Wicked (Glinda/Nessarose cover) and The Phantom of the Opera (Christine Daaé). Regional Theatre credits include Sunday in the Park With George (Dot), 9to5 (judy), Sousatzka (Jenny - World Premier), Candide (Cunegonde), and Little House on the Prairie (Nellie Oleson - World Premier). She also appeared as Pieta in Eric Whitacre’s critically acclaimed Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings at both Carnegie Hall and Disney Hall. Sara co-wrote and starred in The Aging Ingenue, a mini web-series now streaming on BroadwayWorld.com. She authored and produced her own adaptation of Calamity Jane at Feinstein’s/54 Below, as well as her solo concert Dream: The High Notes & Hijinx of a Broadway Soprano in playhouses all over the country. Raised in the recording studios of Los Angeles, Sara started singing professionally at the age of ten, providing background vocals for Michael Jackson’s HIStory album, Addams Family Values, Animaniacs, Lamb Chop’s Play-Along, and Harry Connick Jr. and Mötley Crüe’s Christmas albums. Ford is also is a voice and acting teacher in NYC. She is on the Voice and Acting Teaching faculty for Broadway Dreams Foundation (BDF) and The Institute for American Musical Theatre (IAMT). Additionally, she teaches Acting/Voice master classes all over the country. She graduated with a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University’s prestigious Drama program. sarajeanford.com
CHESTER GREGORY
CHESTER GREGORYChester Gregory is an award-winning Broadway veteran and recording artist. The New York Times calls him, "jaw dropping...over-flowingly charismatic," stating “Gregory has the audience eating out of the palm of his hand.” He starred as Motown Records founder Berry Gordy in Motown: The Musical both on Brodaway and National Tour, and as Seaweed in Hairspray on Broadway as well as performing the role on The Tony Awards. Other Broadway credits include Sister Act (Eddie), Tarzan (Terk, Original Cast), and Cry-Baby (Dupree, Original Cast). Other National Tours include Sister Act (Eddie) and Dreamgirls (James “Thunder” Early). Mr Gregory's breakthrough role came with his outstanding portrayal of Jackie Wilson in The Jackie Wilson Story, launched at Chicago's Black Ensemble Theatre and culminated at New York's renown Apollo Theatre. Regional theatre credits include Shrek (Donkey), Fences (Lyons), and Two Trains Running (Sterling). Television appearances include performances on The Daily Show, The View and The Tony Awards. As a recording artist, Gregory, also known as CHΞSS, has collaborated with industry greats including Phil Collins, Marc Shaiman, Ledisi, and Chance The Rapper. Studio recordings include multiple singles, Original Broadway Cast recordings, and his album In Search of High Love. He is the recipient of Chicago’s Jeff Award, the NAACP Theatre Award, the key to the city of his hometown of Gary, Indiana, as well as an honorary Doctorate Degree from Columbia College Chicago. Concerts include Higher and Higher with Artists Lounge Live and his original concert The Eve of Jackie. chestergregory.com
ERIC GUTMAN
ERIC GUTMANBroadway performer Eric Gutman is a Detroit-born actor and musician. Gutman made his Broadway debut in the Tony and Grammy-winning hit Jersey Boys. In over 1200 performances, he played six different roles, including three of The Four Seasons, and was one of the few actors to play live instruments on stage. He also appeared in the First National Tour of Jersey Boys, performing with the cast on The Tonight Show. Gutman is also a long-time company member of the Off-Broadway and National Tour productions of Forbidden Broadway and Forbidden Hollywood, earning praise for his parodies of celebrities including Mandy Patinkin, Colm Wilkonson, Adam Pascal, and others. Recently, Gutman toured venues nationwide performing with acclaimed PBS retro-rock band Under the Streetlamp. He also plays regional theatres across the country in his one-man biopic musical Eric Gutman: From Broadway to Obscurity, which was filmed for PBS. That show has earned him accolades including Best One-Person Show at the Detroit Wilde Awards and Best Solo Show (Musical) at the Orlando Fringe Festival. Other regional theatre: Big Fish, Next To Normal, Murder Ballad, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Film: Real Steel (opposite Hugh Jackman). Other broadcast appearances include National Anthem singing for the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bears, Detroit Tigers, as well as the last MLB All-Star Game held at the old Yankee Stadium. Gutman holds a BFA in Music Theatre Performance from Western Michigan University and is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association and The American Federation of Musicians. ericgutman.com
ANGELA INGERSOLL
Los Angeles Times cheers, “Ingersoll has incandescent star power.” Award-winning entertainer Angela Ingersoll is Artistic Director of Artists Lounge Live, co-founded with husband Michael Ingersoll. She writes and directs much of the company's material. Ingersoll received an Emmy Award nomination for her performance in Get Happy: Angela Ingersoll Sings Judy Garland on PBS, now touring live nationwide. She also won acclaim starring as Judy Garland in several productions of End of the Rainbow, receiving Chicago's Jeff Award, a BroadwayWorld Award, and Los Angeles Times Woman of the Year in Theatre. Attracting the attention of Garland’s family, Ingersoll collaborated onstage with Joey Luft, with critics dubbing her "heiress apparent to the Garland legacy." Other theatre: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Hedy, Jeff nomination), South Pacific (Nellie), Carousel (Julie), Disney's Beauty and the Beast (Belle, Ostrander Award), Jekyll and Hyde (Lucy, Ostrander Award), Man of La Mancha (Aldonza, Ostrander nomination), The Secret Garden (Martha, Jeff nomination), The Mistress Cycle (Anais Nin, Jeff nomination), Bat Boy: The Musical (Shelley, Ostrander Award), Ragtime (Evelyn Nesbit, Ostrander nomination), Macbeth (Lady Macbeth, Ostrander Award), Much Ado About Nothing (Beatrice), The Merry Wives of Windsor (Mistress Quickly), Richard III (Lady Anne), The 39 Steps, and The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy). Comedy: The Second City (Chicago, Hollywood) and Harry Shearer and Judith Owen's Christmas Without Tears. Other television: Chicago PD. Other concerts: The 12 Dames of Christmas with Angela Ingersoll and Hooked on a Feeling: Michael and Angela Ingersoll in Concert. artistsloungelive.com, angelaingersoll.com Twitter: @angelaingersoll, Insta: @angela_ingersoll
Born in Indianapolis, IN, Ingersoll began performing at age five. As a teen she attended performing arts junior and high schools, Madame Walker Youth in Arts Program, Northwestern University's National High Institute Cherub Program in Theatre, received Honorable Mentions in Theatre and Music from the National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts, a Prelude Award for Acting, was a National Shakespeare Competition finalist, and frequently sang the National Anthem for the NBA and NCAA. She is a graduate of Ithaca College (Ithaca, NY), accepted in Opera Performance and earning a BFA in Acting. She spent her early professional years as a Young Company Member of Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and a Company Member of Playhouse on the Square (Memphis, TN). As a professional artist, producer, and business owner she engages students by conducting guest artist workshops. She is a proud union member, AEA and SAG/AFTRA.
MICHAEL INGERSOLL
Chicago Sun-Times declares, “He’s got star written all over him." All-around entertainer Michael Ingersoll presents concerts nationwide as Executive Producer of Artists Lounge Live, co-founded with wife Angela Ingersoll. He won acclaim starring as Nick Massi of The Four Seasons in Jersey Boys, originating the Broadway tour casts in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago, as well as performing the role on The Emmy Awards, The Tonight Show, PBS' Capitol Fourth, and The Oprah Winfrey Show. Additionally, he directed multiple productions of Jersey Boys for regional theatre and appears on the album Seasons Greetings: A Jersey Boys Christmas produced by Bob Gaudio. Ingersoll also created the PBS retro-rock vocal group sensation Under the Streetlamp, seen in millions of homes nationwide. As a member of the original quartet, he starred in four PBS concert specials, recorded five albums, and toured extensively, headlining historic venues across the US and abroad. Other television: Access Hollywood, Chicago Fire, The Beast, co-producing three Streetlamp concert specials, and executive producing the Emmy-nominated Get Happy: Angela Ingersoll Sings Judy Garland. Film: Walk the Line (Donzil). Other theatre: tick, tick...BOOM! (Jonathan Larson, Jeff nomination), Of Mice and Men (George, Ostrander nomination), Floyd Collins (Floyd, Ostrander nomination), and Bat Boy: The Musical (Bat Boy, Ostrander nomination). He appears in concert nationwide with Artists Lounge Live in Southern Nights: Michael Ingersoll Sings Glen Campbell, Lean On Me: The Brotherhood of Roll 'n Roll, Jingle Bell Rock, and Hooked on a Feeling: Michael and Angela Ingersoll in Concert. artistsloungelive.com
Born in Kettering, OH, Ingersoll is an alum of Muse Machine (Dayton, OH) and earned a BFA in Acting from of Miami University. He spent his early professional years as a Young Company Member of Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and a Company Member of Playhouse on the Square (Memphis, TN). As a professional artist, entrpreneur, producer, and business owner he engages students by conducting guest artist workshops and appeared as a Professional Development Speaker for OAPN (Ohio Arts Professionals Network). He is a proud union member, AEA and SAG/AFTRA. Ingersoll also fundraises for various organizations as an emcee/auctioneer, combining his entertainment experience with a deep-seated passion for service.
CHRISTOPHER KALE JONES
Theatre Mania raves, “Jones has the audience swooning until the final curtain.” Christopher Kale Jones starred as Frankie Valli of The Four Seasons in Jersey Boys, originating the San Francisco, Los Angeles, and First National Tour casts, as well as performing the role on The Tonight Show. Jones was an original member of the retro-rock vocal-group sensation Under the Streetlamp, seen in millions of homes nationwide on PBS. He recorded and toured extensively with Streetlamp, headlining historic venues across America and abroad. Regional credits include reprising his role as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys (St Louis Theater Circle Award), starring as Seymour in multiple productions of Little Shop of Horrors (including opposite wife Jenna Coker-Jones), the world premiere musical It Came From Outer Space (John Putnam), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Joseph, Kevin Kline nomination), Olympus On My Mind (Barrymore nomination), and The Sound Of Music (Captain von Trapp). Other television appearances include Chicago Med, Extra!, and Access Hollywood. Jones appears in concert nationwide with Artists Lounge Live in Beyond the Sea: Christopher Kale Jones Sings Bobby Darin, Lean On Me: The Brotherhood of Rock 'n Roll, and Jingle Bell Rock. Recordings include Darin: Live at the Mercury, and four albums with Under the Streetlamp. He is a graduate of Northwestern University. christopherkalejones.com / Twitter: @ChrisKaleJones / Insta: @chriskalejones
HEIDI KETTENRING
Award-winning actress Heidi Kettenring starred as Nessarose in the Broadway in Chicago company of Wicked, and as Belle in the National Tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Theatre credits nationwide include The King and I (Anna, Jeff Award, Broadway World Award), Oliver! (Nancy, Jeff nomination), Hello, Dolly! (Dolly Levi), Cats (Grizabella), Annie Get Your Gun (Annie Oakley), Les Miserables (Fantine), My Fair Lady (Eliza), Hairspray (Penny, Jeff nomination), Funny Girl (Fanny Brice, Jeff nomination), Little Women (Jo, Jeff nomination), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Milly), The Merry Wives of Windsor (Mistress Ford), Hero (Jane, World Premiere), She Loves Me (Ilona), and Guys and Dolls (Adelaide, After Dark Award). Film: Man of Steel. Television: Chicago Fire (NBC) and Cupid (ABC). Concerts: We’ve Only Just Begun and Merry Christmas Darling: Heidi Kettenring Sings Karen Carpenter; also Ravinia Festival, Millenium Park, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Pensacola Symphony. Additionally, she voices Disney Princess audiobooks. Kettenring is the recipient of a Jeff Award, eight Jeff Award nominations, two Broadway World Awards, an After Dark Award, the Richard Kneeland Award, and the Sarah Siddons Leading Lady Award. She is a graduate of Northwestern University and married to actor David Girolmo.
SEAN ALLAN KRILL
Sean Allan Krill is an American actor and singer who has appeared in film and television, on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and at prestigious regional theaters across the country. He originated the role of Steve Healy in the Alanis Morisette musical Jagged Little Pill for which he was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. The cast album of the critically-acclaimed show was the recipient of the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. Additionally, he performed the role on telecasts of Good Morning America and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Krill made his Broadway debut as Sam Carmichael in the mega-hit Mamma Mia!. Further Broadway credits include Chess, Parade (Grammy Award nomination), On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, and Honeymoon in Vegas. Off Broadway credits include Parade at New York City Center, David Byrne's Joan of Arc: Into the Fire and The Brother Sister Plays at The Public Theatre, Hit By The Wall, and A Civil War Christmas. National Tours include the Las Vegas company of Mamma Mia! (BroadwayWorld Award), and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Carbonell Award nomination and Leon Rabin Award nomination). Regional theatre highlights include the title role in Sunday in the Park With George, Legally Blonde, Spamalot, Into the Woods, Sense and Sensibility (Craig Noel Award winner, Jeff Award nomination), Honeymoon in Vegas, Hamlet, Brigadoon (Jeff Award nomination), and Forever Plaid. Television: Dopesick, FBI: Most Wanted, Search Party, Dr. Death, Blue Bloods, The Blacklist, Godfather of Harlem, and Mr. Robot. Film: Intermedium and the live theatre filming of Sense and Sensibilty. Krill studied at Wayne State University, where he received the Lily Tomlin Scholarship for Theatre. seanallankrill.com
MICHELLE LAUTO
Chicago Tribune raves, “Truly wonderful... Lauto is a Broadway-quality performer.” Michelle Lauto is an award-winning New York based actor, singer, director, and educator. Lauto received Chicago's Jeff Award for her outstanding performance in the original Chicago cast of Forbidden Broadway's hit musical Spamilton. She also received a Jeff nomination for starring as Liza Minnelli in The Boy From Oz. Other theatre credits include In The Heights (Vanessa), Oklahoma! (Ado Annie), Hair (Sheila), Xanadu (Kira), Million Dollar Quartet (Dyanne), Grease (Marty), Ragtime (Evelyn Nesbit), 1776 (Abigail Adams), Sunset Boulevard (Betty), and Seussial (Mayzie). On screen, Lauto appears in commericals and co-stars in the musical drama Mixtape on Netflix. She is a graduate of The Second City Training Center. Concerts include My Happiness: Michelle Lauto Sings Connie Francis, as well as numerous cabaret appearances. michellelauto.com / Insta @michellelauto
DONICA LYNN
Chicago Sun-Times calls her “Show-stopping: Her astonishing voice and fierce acting chops should catapult her to stardom.” Donica Lynn earned Chicago’s Jeff Award, Time Out Award, and Black Theatre Alliance Award for her performance as Effie in Dreamgirls. She also received a Jeff Award for her performance as Oda Mae Brown in Ghost The Musical. Lynn is a two-time brain tumor survivor currently battling a third cancerous tumor. For her courageous artistry, Chicago Tribune named her a Chicagoan of the Year. Other theatre credits include Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Jeff nomination), Blues in the Night (Jeff nomination), Sophisticated Ladies (Jeff nomination), 42nd Street, Call Me Madam, Rock of Ages, Hair, Hairspray, Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida, The Color Purple, Footloose, Barnum, Confessions of a P.I.M.P. (opposite Andre DeSheilds), Duke Ellington’s Queenie Pie, Caroline, or Change, Once On This Island, and A Wonder in My Soul. Television: Chicago Fire. Concerts: Aretha Franklin: Queen fo Soul. As a recording artist, Donica has performed, recorded, lent backgrounds vocals, and toured with artists including Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, New Kids on the Block, Natalie Cole, and Gladys Knight.
MICHAEL MAHLER
Michael Mahler is an award-winning actor, musician, composer, and lyricist recognized as an important emerging voice in American musical theatre. For Broadway and London’s West End, Mahler contributed additional lyrics for Cameron Mackintosh’s revival of Miss Saigon. Original works as composer and/or lyricist include The Secret of My Success, Miracle the Musical, October Sky (San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Award), Hero (Jeff Award), The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes (Jeff Award), Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Painted Alice, and others. His songs are performed in concerts worldwide including an evening at the Kennedy Center. Acting credits include starring in Into the Woods, Little Shop of Horrors, The Producers, Holiday Inn, Honeymoon in Vegas, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Jeff nomination), Hank Williams: Lost Highway, They’re Playing Our Song, It’s A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago, and Broadway in Chicago's Working. Music Director credits include Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Jeff Award), Parade (Jeff nomination), Road Show (Jeff nomination), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Jeff nomination), The Music Man, My Fair Lady, and White Christmas. Concerts include Silly Love Songs: Michael Mahler Sings Paul McCartney. Proud member of American Blues Theatre, Actors Equity, and ASCAP. He is married to actor Dara Cameron.
JESSE LYONS
Jess is a Chicagoan by way of sunny Florida and a BFA graduate of Roosevelt University's CCPA. She's spent most of her good years filling her passport with stamps as a performer, tour manager, and producer. She now works as a Casting Director at the top commercial agency in downtown Chicago by day, and sings her heart out to the oldies by night! Be sure to catch her rendition of “He’s So Fine” by Chiffons with The Lovettes on PBS’ special “Doo-Wop Generations” honoring the old and new groups of Doo-Wop.
JOHN-MARK MCGAHA
JOHN-MARK MCGAHABroadway World cheers, "McGaha is marvelous... crystal-clear perfection." John-Mark McGaha is an acclaimed singer, actor, storyteller, and multi-instrumentalist. He headlines concerts across the country with Artists Lounge Live, starring in Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Stevie wonder Experience With John-Mark McGaha, Someday At Christmas: John-Mark McGaha Sings Stevie Wonder, Unforgettable John-Mark McGaha Sings Nat King Cole, and A Nat King Cole Christmas. Theatre credits include starring Off-Broadway in the musical Cafe A Gogo and portraying jazz great Lionel Hampton in Tuxedo Junction. Other credits include Smokey Joe's Cafe; Violet; The Ray Charles Legacy; The Sinatra Legacy; and The Cash Legacy at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium. Also a music arranger, he provided Music Direction and Adaptation for the world premiere musical Ocean 1222: A Black Family Christmas. Television appearances include a featured musical guest spot on BET's Centric Celebrates Selma: 50th Anniversary Music Special. McGaha began studying classical piano at the age of five. He attended Birmingham Southern College and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York. His central passion is worshipping God in spirit and truth. He served as Director of Contemporary Worship and Arts at Trinity United Methodist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. John and his wife Grace have five beautiful children.
TAMMI SAVOY
Sangin' from her heart and soul is what classic soul, vintage and roots R&B singing Tammi Savoy loves to do. Born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, Tammi Savoy now calls Chicago, Illinois home. Although she has been singing since the age of 3 in her church choir, Tammi Savoy is quickly rising and making her mark in the music industry. Internationally touring with her own act "Tammi Savoy & The Chris Casello Combo" and with several elite bands as well as providing vocals for various artists including many highly acclaimed Elvis Tribute Artists, and Bobby Wilson, son of the legendary Jackie Wilson. She has also performed her very own tribute to Diana Ross and was recently crowned the 2019 Ameripolitan Music Rockabilly Female of the year. www.misstammisavoy.com
ALEXIS J ROSTON
Time Out Chicago calls her “phenomenal,” and Showbiz Chicago raves “Roston holds the audience in the palm of her hand.” Actress, director, and playwright Alexis J Roston earned acclaim for her mesmerizing portrayal of Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, including Chicago’s Jeff Award, a Black Theatre Alliance Award, and the Black Excellence Award. Other credits nationwide include starring in Don’t Make Me Over - A Tribute to Dionne Warwick (Jeff Nomination, Black Theatre Alliance Award Nomination), Sister Act (Deloris, Jeff nomination), Ghost the Musical (Oda Mae Brown), Porgy and Bess (Bess), Ragtime (Sarah), Shrek: The Musical (Dragon), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Charlaine), The Wiz (Addaperle), For Colored Girls... (Lady in Orange), The Piano Lesson (Grace), Crowns (Jeanette), Company (Sarah), Godspell (Joanne), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Brenda), Jesus Christ Superstar, The Color Purple, Hair, Hairspray, and work with The Second City. Concerts include First Lady of Song: Alexis J Roston Sings Ella Fitzgerald which tours nationally with Artists Lounge Live. An ensemble member of Congo Square Theatre, Roston served as director and playwright of A Nativity Story: More Than A Miracle. Television: Chicago PD, Chicago Code, and The Chi. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Howard University.
MOLLY DENNINGHOFF
Molly is an actor and singer based in Chicago & Vancouver. She is downright delighted to be a new member of the fabulous Lovettes! Molly originally hails from Kansas City. Theatre credits include Carousel (Julie), A Little Night Music (Anne), Gypsy (Dainty June), Boeing Boeing (Gabrielle), and Heathers (Heather Chandler). Commercially, Molly has worked on spots for The Onion, Hallmark, American Girl, Kellogg’s, Mastercard, and more. She is currently the commercial spokesperson for Cellcom. Television credits include Chicago Fire and Pancake Manor. When she’s not performing, you might find Molly perusing the local flea market, painting, or planning her next adventure! Molly is repped by Shirley Hamilton Inc and is a proud member of AEA. www.mollydenninghoff.com. Instagram: @mollyjean_d
DARCY JO WOOD
Darcy Jo Wood is a little lady with a BIG voice, based out of Chicago by way of sunny Orlando! Darcy is the creator, writer, and producer of her own girl group The Lovettes who were featured on PBS’ Next Doo-Wop Generations and endorsed by founding members of both The Shirelles and The Chiffons. Darcy Jo is also the owner/founder of The Lovettes LLC managing both the The Lovettes, and Ameripoltian award winner & International piano sensation Lance Lipinsky & The Lovers. Additionally, she tours with the female fronted show Legendary Ladies of Country portraying the iconic Patsy Cline and Heroines of Rock and Roll - a salute to the 1950’s female icons who shaped pop music. Select theatre credits include Heartbreak Hotel (Broadway Playhouse), Million Dollar Quartet (original Chicago cast), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Drury Lane Oakbrook), Grease (Paramount), and Dee Snider’s Rock & Roll Christmas Tale (Broadway Playhouse). TV: Empire, Real Life 101, The David Letterman Show, and PBS Doo-Wop-Generations. Film: The Rake and Skeletons in the Closet (both available on Amazon Prime Video). She also appears in national television commercial spots. She’s represented by Big Mouth Talent and is a proud member of both SAG and AEA. For more, follow on Instagram at: @lovettesgram or @darcyjowood
ALANNA LYNETTE LOVELY
ALANNA LOVELY (Miss Adelaide) Alanna Lovely is a proud born and raised Chicagoan. Theatre credits include Guys & Dolls (Miss Adelaide), Shrek The Musical (Dragon), The Wizard of Oz (Glinda), Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Charlotte), Merrily We Roll Along (Meg), Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical, Nina Simone: Four Women, The World Goes Round, The Steadfast Tin Soldier, A Christmas Story: The Musical, and Ragtime. Television credits include Empire (Fox), Power Book IV: Force (STARZ), and Chicago Fire (NBC). Other Credits include Comedy Studies Showcase at The Second City and numerous commercial spots including Aldi, Sargento, Ricola, Life Fitness, and McDonald's. Ms Lovely is represented by Gray Talent Group. Insta: @lannalynette
PIANO/KEYS
JO ANN DAUGHERTY
Pianist, conductor, musical director, recording artist, composer and arranger Jo Ann Daugherty loves making all kinds of music. She recently returned to Chicago after touring the US as Music Director/Conductor of SIX: The Musical First National Tour. Her work with jazz multi-reedist Victor Goines has included performing in beautiful spaces such as Dizzy’s Club and Smoke in NYC, Satchmo Fest in New Orleans, Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai, and Havana Jazz Festival in Cuba. As a solo artist, her jazz trio album Bring Joy earned a 4-star review from Downbeat Magazine and was listed as one of their “Best Albums of 2017.” Plans are in the works for more recording in early 2023. Her work as a music director and keyboardist has led to conducting and playing with touring Broadway productions (SIX, Jersey Boys, Motown: The Musical and more); arranging, directing, and performing concert specials for PBS with Under the Streetlamp; playing productions with Lyric Opera of Chicago (Jesus Christ Superstar, West Side Story); music-supervising and playing on the orchestral soundtrack of the wildlife documentary To The Ends of the Earth; and music-directing and playing on tour with Artists Lounge Live’s An Unforgettable Nat King Cole Christmas. She has led or collaborated on clinics with a focus on jazz and making a life as a professional musician at institutions such as Northwestern University, Florida State, Capital University, Truman State, University of Kansas, and Purdue University Fort Wayne, as well as numerous high schools and colleges in the Chicago area, and in Havana, Cuba. Past adventures include performing with the USO of Illinois, teaching jazz piano at Chicago’s Roosevelt University, leading her own group at the Chicago Jazz Festival twice, and jamming with amazing musicians in Madagascar. Based in Chicago, she loves to bring joy to people through music.
Jeremy Kahn
Jeremy Kahn is a distinguished Chicago pianist, dividing his time between jazz venues, pit orchestras, and recording and teaching studios. He has performed with many musical luminaries including Dizzy Gillespie, Aretha Franklin, Mary Wilson, Madonna, Joni Mitchell, Branford Marsalis, Chet Atkins, Max Roach, Ray Brown, Tito Puente, Barbara Cook, and Leslie Uggams. Theatre credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (w. Donny Osmond), Cinderella (w. Eartha Kitt), Fiddler On the Roof (w. Theodore Bikel), Spamalot (w. Tim Curry, Hank Azaria, David Hyde Pierce), Grease (w. Sheena Easton), The King and I (w. Maureen McGovern), Hot Mikado (Conductor), Louie & Keely Live At The Sahara (Conductor), Pal Joey (Conductor), Cats, Crazy For You, La Cage Aux Folles, Les Miserables, Beauty and the Beast, Jersey Boys, West Side Story, Wicked, and The Wizard of Oz. Other appearances include Chicago and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestras, and Chicago, Hyde Park, and Poznan (Poland) Jazz Festivals. Mr. Kahn is a faculty member of Northwestern University, DePaul University, Elmhurst College, and the Music Institute of Chicago. Recordings include Most Of A Nickel, The Jitterbug Waltz, and Joy Road: Volumes 1 and 2. He was also featured in the Emmy-nominated special Get Happy: Angela Ingersoll Sings Judy Garland on PBS. kahnman.com
WILLIAM KURK
William Kurk is a diverse and in-demand piano and synthesizer afficiando, music director, band leader, composer, and recording artist. Born in Chicago, Kurk's renowned musical family includes his grandmother, composer, educator, and author Reverend Dr. Lena Mclin, and great-granduncle Thomas A. Dorsey, the father of gospel music. Kurk toured with popular acts The Dells, Marvelettes, Platters, and Coasters, and accompanied an array of notable artists including Dionne Warwick, Melba Moore, Martha Reeves, Koko Taylor, Andre DeShields, Taylor Dane, Chico DeBarge, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, KRS-ONE, Kool Moe Dee, Michelle Williams, Ronnie DeVoe, and Bill Cosby. Theatre credits include music directing Sarafina (Black Theatre Alliance Award nomination), Once On This Island, Ragtime, Hair, Runaways, Godspell, Nefertiti, The Wiz, and Cabaret, as well as several Artists Lounge Live concerts nationwide. As a recording artist, Kurk has released several albums including The Sound: Volumes 1,2, & 3, Pop Fusion, Super Pop Fusion, Legacy, and Willionaire. He founded the band William Kurk Enterprise and played with Chicago's Lakeshore Encores. Kurk is the acclaimed host of web series Synth Sounds Of and the documentary Electric Rhythm for Reverb.com. He graduated Columbia College Chicago with a BM in Composition. williamkurk.com. Twitter, Insta, & Youtube: @williamkurk.
Chuck Larkin
Chuck Larkin is an award-winning pianist, music director, conductor, composer, and cabaret artist. Larkin spent seven years as Associate Conductor and Keyboard player for the Broadway hit Jersey Boys in both the Broadway in Chicago and National Tour casts. Music Director credits include world premieres of Mr Dickens' Hat, Shining Lives, and River's End; Chicago productions of Far From Home, Sentimental Journey: A Musical Tale of Love and War, A Civil War Christmas, and At Wit's End; as well as multiple seasons at American Folklore Theatre in Door County, Wisconsin. A renowned Cabaret artist, Larkin is a regular at Chicago's Davenport's, Venus Cabaret, and countless other club venues. He also toured extensively with Franc D'Ambrosio's Broadway Cabaret series. As a composer and lyricist, his credits include Hen Lake, Sophie's Masterpiece, and the award-winning River's End. An evening of his songs, Keep Me In Love, earned an After Dark Award for Chicago's Number 1 Cabaret Show. Larkin has performed his original work at the Chicago Humanities Festival, New York's ASCAP/MAC songwriter showcase, and onstage at Carnegie Hall in "Now and Then," a salute to contemporary songwriters. He music directs and plays in several shows with Artists Lounge Live nationwide.
ALSO APPEARING: AARON BENHAM, BETHANY IRBY, KARA KESSELRING, EVELL KNIGHT, ERIC LEVY, BASIL MCJAGGER, GERALD STEPHENS, VIJAY TELLIS-NAYAK, BOB SUTTER, EDDIE WATSON
PERCUSSION
ALSO APPEARING: DAVID FONTANA, IAN GOODMAN, ERIC C. HUGHES, DAVID HUTSON, SAMUEL JEWELL, DAVID LERNER, JOSIAH MADDOX, LEONARD MADDOX JR, ERIC MONTZKA, BOB RUMMAGE, JERIAH SANDERS
BASS
ALSO APPEARING: MENDELL BECKFORD, RUNERE BROOKS, BOB BURNS, GUY CANTONWINE, GENEVIEVE CHAPIN, DAVID CRAIG, WILL CURTIS, STEVE HEFFNER, THOMAS HELTON, DAVE HILTEBRAND, CHRIS JOHNSON, SHAWN LEAVEY, NATE LIGHT, NATHAN MAYS, KEVIN MCGURK, PATRICK MULCAHY, MARK NEUENSCHWANDER, MARK RIDDELL, PETE VESCOVO
GUITAR
ALSO APPEARING: NEAL ALGER, BRENT BALDWIN, KENNETH CRAMER, FRANK DEBRETTI, STEVE HOMAN, KRAIG MCCREARY
SUPPORTING VOCALS
ALSO APPEARING: DARYN ALEXUS, JESS BERZACK, KELSEY BURD, KRISTIN DOTY, JEANI FILIP, MARYA GRANDY, ALYSSA MICHELE, JAZELLE MORRIS, KELLEY PETERS, ISAAC RODOBAUGH, MAGGIE SALLEY PEACOCK, EMILY TELLO SPECK, RHEA THE SECOND, BETHANY THOMAS, MOLLY WILEY, BROOKE WILSON
WOODWINDS
ALSO APPEARING: LUCAS BERE, SCOTT BURNS, PERRY CHILDS, JEFF COLLINS, DEVIN EDDELMAN, PAULO FINATERI, FRANK FONTAINE, BRIAN FRITZ, RYAN KAUFFMAN, AARON MARTINEZ, DARYL RICHARDS, JP THOMA, DOUG WRIGHT
TRUMPET
ALSO APPEARING: JIMMY BOYLE, MICHAELOHA ELAM, GREG GROOMS, DAVID PITTEL, DAN SMITH, MIKE SMITH, JUSTIN WOODWARD
TROMBONE
ALSO APPEARING: CHRIS CLIFTON, SUSAN GERROD, RON JACOBY, STEVE SCHIFFER, KURT SILVER, ZACH STEELE
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