We are a Non-Profit 501-C3 organization dedicated to American music preservation by supporting our professional Chicagoland musicians, educational programs, and live music performances featuring classic American songs. At Chicagoland Performing Musicians, our mission is to unite people through the power of live music performances. We believe that music has the ability to connect individuals from all walks of life and foster a sense of community.
I offer professional top talent from a trio to a full-size orchestra for private and public functions, featuring Chicagoland musicians who excel in delivering live music performances. Each ensemble specializes in the preservation of American music styles.
For years, Ron Smolen has been successfully touring and doing what he does best: making beautiful music and entertaining thousands. Throughout the Midwest, his name evokes memories of the Big Band era, showcasing the rich heritage of American music preservation. It’s evident that people all over the Midwest are enjoying the music of Ron Smolen, as the Orchestra, featuring talented Chicagoland musicians, plays many return performances and is busier than ever with a full schedule of both public and private live music performances.
Widely recognized as an exquisite song stylist, contemporary songwriter, and stand-up jazz bassist, The Julie Poncé Experience is a standout among Chicagoland musicians, embodying what’s HIP in Chicago-Style Music. This group offers great listening, dancing, and background music, featuring favorite standard classics, Chicago-Style swing, Latin standards, and jazz renditions of popular songs from both today and yesterday. It's a true GROOVE EXPERIENCE that contributes to American music preservation through its engaging live music performances!
Following performing jazz in clubs, Bill O’Connell formed a band to play dance music for the Knickers Restaurant Jitterbugers Club
in Des Plaines. His true desire though was to play big band jazz for listening when he began a 35 year run at FitzGeralds Night Club
in Berwyn. Along the way the band has performed at festivals, park concerts and private events. Bill also performs horn driven
classic rock with One Foot in the Groove, the Santana tribute band Soul Sacrifice as well as music for all occations (except Country
and Western). Bill is also a life member of the National Eagle Scout Association and a big band radio jock at Chicago’s Home for
Jazz 90.9FM, WDCB.org
Former Chairman of the Fine Arts Department and Band Director at Triton College, who has significantly contributed to American music preservation through his involvement with Chicagoland musicians. Past affiliations include performances with the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band and the Greg Pasenko Band, showcasing a deep commitment to live music performances.
Chicago area trumpeter and Maynard Ferguson Orchestra alum has been a fixture in Chicago’s jobbing arena for many years since 1981. After many years running his own contracting business and completing his masters in classical trumpet, Nick took on a “day gig” as a high school physics teacher. After leading a double career existence, garnering awards as a high school science teacher and developing endorsement deals as a jazz trumpeter at night, Drozdoff recently retired from his beloved day job to get back to his passion of music exclusively. He regularly performs in the Chicago and Door County Wisconsin locations as he lives equal time in both places.
Steve Cooper is a talented bandleader, trumpet player, and Dance Band music arranger in the Chicago area, contributing significantly to American music preservation. Having served as the 'house band' at Como Inn Restaurant for 17 years and leading the band at Willowbrook Ballroom for 35 years, he has written over 20,000 pages of Dance Band music. Steve continues to perform and create live music performances that dancers and listeners cherish. He has played at parties for notable figures such as Mary Tyler Moore, Liza Minelli, Julie Andrews, Oprah, and the cast of 'Frasier.' His work has delighted not only these big stars but also the 3,000 wedding couples and countless dancers among the Chicagoland musicians community.
Joe Valentino, a professional freelance drummer, has had a passion for drums since the age of 8 and became a professional drummer in 1978. He has played locally, across the United States, and internationally with many talented Chicagoland musicians and entertainers. Known for his versatility across all genres of music, Joe is committed to the American music preservation movement and continues to learn. He also serves as the musical director for the Bourbon & Brass Speakeasy Club in the Des Plaines Theater, where he participates in live music performances.
Roger O'Neal Ingram is a well-accomplished jazz trumpeter, educator, author, and instrument designer who has made significant contributions to American music preservation. He has played trumpet and recorded for many movies, performed at jazz festivals, and toured with renowned Chicagoland musicians and orchestras, including Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman, Wynton Marsalis, Ray Charles, Louis Bellson, Blue Mitchell, Quincy Jones, Connie Stevens, and Tom Jones, to name just a few. His live music performances continue to inspire audiences and fellow musicians alike.
Richard Armandi is one of the most versatile and in-demand musicians and educators on the Chicago scene today. As a jazz bassist he has performed with many Jazz luminaries. Richard has also performed with many popular headline entertainers. As a tubist he has performed with the Lyric Opera, American Ballet Theater and many other classic music organizations and as featured soloist with the New Philharmonic and many more. Richard has been recorded on many album projects and on many commercial jingle recordings. As an educator Richard has served on the faculties of several Colleges and Universities. Richard currently serves on the faculty of College of DuPage as Bass and Low Brass instructor and has also served on the faculty of the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops since 1990.
Nancy Hays has been a featured vocalist/leader with the Brian Patti Big Band, the Romance of Dance Orchestra, Willowbrook Orchestra, JMO Orchestra and others that specialize in ballroom dance music and the Great American Songbook. She has headlined at renowned venues including the Drake Hotel, the Marriott Marquis in New York, Jazz Playhouse in New Orleans. Nancy has opened for jazz greats including Tony Bennett and performed her own critically acclaimed ballroom dance series at Circus Maximus Showroom in Las Vegas. www.nancy-hays.com
Evanston native. Started playing professionally age 15 around Chicagoland. Lead Alternatives Big (little) Bands. Green Mill Quartet 25 years. Now with Dana Legg stage band on new recording called Scoopin' The Loop. Also Bill Porter Orchestra and APOL big band. Radio personality. Went on air September 1974 at WGLT in Normal, Illinois. Also at WBEZ 19 years. WXRT 30.6 years and currently at WDCB since 2001 with regular Saturday show at 10am. When Jazz Was King.
Kim is a vital member of the Chicagoland Performing Musicians team. Kim helps with engagement set up and take down as well as greeting our guests and administering admissions. Kim brings her great customer service experience from her long time employment at Walgreens. Be sure to say Hi to Kim when you see her.
Harry Condon, our compliance officer and board member, has always had a passion for music since the age of 7, particularly the American music preservation of the Swing Era of Jazz. In his 20s, he developed a love for Bebop and Dixieland genres, and by his mid-70s, he embraced Ballroom Dancing and its accompanying music. Harry plays a vita
Harry Condon, our compliance officer and board member, has always had a passion for music since the age of 7, particularly the American music preservation of the Swing Era of Jazz. In his 20s, he developed a love for Bebop and Dixieland genres, and by his mid-70s, he embraced Ballroom Dancing and its accompanying music. Harry plays a vital role in supporting Chicagoland musicians by managing the logistics of live music performances, including setting up and tearing down for events, as well as dancing with many of our lovely patrons. He believes that we are all soul beings, and music serves as food for the soul of the human spirit.
Donna and Ed Borowiak have a longtime passion for ballroom dance and share it with the Chicagoland community. From students to instructors at Triton College teaching beginning and intermediate ballroom and advanced dance that continues to thrive. They have also brought dance instruction to schools and Park Districts. Since 2017, Donna an
Donna and Ed Borowiak have a longtime passion for ballroom dance and share it with the Chicagoland community. From students to instructors at Triton College teaching beginning and intermediate ballroom and advanced dance that continues to thrive. They have also brought dance instruction to schools and Park Districts. Since 2017, Donna and Ed have partnered with Chicagoland Performing Musicians, offering dance instruction during intermissions at live music events, enhancing the experience for audiences and dancers alike.
Through their ongoing dedication to teaching and community engagement, they continue to promote and expand the reach of ballroom dance in the region.
John is an enthusiastic fan of Big Band music and great supporter of Chicagoland Performing Musicians. He helps wife Kim in administering admissions and is a valuable contributor to our performance logistics. John enjoys entertaining and playing piano and is working towards expanding his repertoire.
We are a Non-Profit 501-C3 organization dedicated to American music preservation by supporting our professional Chicagoland musicians, educational programs, and live music performances featuring classic American songs. At Chicagoland Performing Musicians, our mission is to unite people through the power of live music performances. We believe that music has the ability to connect individuals from all walks of life and foster a sense of community.
Here are our current members:
Active Members
Russ Knutson Todd Kayton Al Miller Lawrence Leonard Barry Winograd Rich Armandi Julie Ponce Steve Cooper Bill Byan Dick Daugherty Harry Condon Paul Coscino Jim Bestman John Mose Ron Smolen Mike Delaney Ken Champion Ken Paoli Joe Lill Bobby Schiff Ron Friedman Brian Patti Joe Valentino Roger Ingram David Frohlichstien Kim Steen Nancy Hays
Affiliate Members
Marshal Vente Doug Scharf Dick Bunn Carylin Daugherty John Sachanda Bill O’Connell Bill Porter