R-Gang is considered one of the best R&B dance bands in the Chicago area. Specializing in R&B, funk & soul from the Motown era into the 21st Century, R-Gang is comprised of the most highly respected members of Chicagoland’s musical community, with backgrounds as diverse as the band members. From playing with national acts like Survivor or Mavis Staples, to writing and recording for groups like Doobie Bros. or Buddy Guy, to performing as on-field band for the Chicago Bears and pre-game entertainment for the Chicago Bulls, the musicians in R-Gang hold years of experience. You can rest assured you’ll get high-quality, professional musicianship to make your event a smashing success. R-Gang’s clients include many of Chicago’s top corporations, festivals & park districts, niteclubs, country clubs, and non-profits, with a solid, loyal, upscale following throughout the region. Proven talent + great music + solid performance + reliability all adds up to the highest entertainment value for you.
Type of music:
The Four Tops, The Temptations, Michael Jackson, Commodores, Justin Timberlake, Van Morrison, Rick James, Martha & the Vandellas, Otis Redding, Boyz II Men, Steve Miller, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Jackson 5, Al Green, Doobie Bros., Earth, Wind & Fire, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blues Bros., Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, Prince, Isley Bros., …and many more!
Sponsors:
Evanston Subaru in Skokie
Serendipity is a pop/rock band from the Chicago suburbs. Formed in 2011 by bassist Haley Blomquist and vocalist Josie Treffy, the band has grown in size to include Lauren Conner on guitar, Sam Paige on keys/vocals/guitar, and Bridget Stiebris on drums.
Serendipity is most notable for playing a combination of 60’s/70’s/80’s covers and pop hits at summer festivals. However, the band recently released their first EP in 2017, entitled Welcome to my Mind, and are currently working on their first full-length record.
Type of music:
Meghan Trainor, Paramore, Marvin Gaye, American Authors, One Republic, Aerosmith, Rihanna, All American Rejects, Journey, Cee Lo Green, Rolling Stones, Cyndi Lauper, Imagine Dragons, Elvis, One Direction, Maroon 5, The Killers, Bastille, Katy Perry, Adele, Lorde, Magic, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Jimmy Eat World, Olly Murs, Avicii, The Shangra-las, Selena Gomez, …and many more!
Sponsors:
Evanston Subaru in Skokie
Byline Bank
The Skokie Theatre is sponsoring its fifth annual Skokie Idol! Just like the famous television show, contestants will perform each week in front of a live audience and a panel of judges. Every week, someone will be eliminated until only one person remains. That person will be featured at a Wednesday On The Green concert in Downtown Skokie, Summer of 2019.
Sponsors:
Evanston Subaru in Skokie
Thanks to the Skokie Theatre!
Quirky and charismatic, The Empty Pockets craft rootsy, often-cerebral and always-catchy Americana rock ‘n roll with a smack of Texas saloon and a taste of Motown soul.
It was a scorching Chicago summer in 2006 when long-time friends Josh Solomon, Danny Rosenthal and Nate Bellon officially became a band. After recording their first original demo, the boys starred in a 2007 theatrical production of the Buddy Holly Story which served as a showcase for the new group. The band attracted the attention of local morning show personality Scott Mackay (WLS-FM) and the show’s success lead to a tribute album and critical acclaim in print, along with television and radio appearances. Playing as Buddy Holly and the Crickets each night was a rock and roll roots education that left an indelible mark on The Empty Pockets’ music, focusing their sound on driving rockabilly grooves thick with rhythm and blues, and thoughtful melodies and harmonies in classic pop song structures.
With the Buddy Holly buzz, the boys went back in the studio to complete an album of their original music. They released “Under the Bed” using early band name, “Josh & the Empty Pockets,” at the beginning of 2008 – a fun, multifaceted album so full of catchy refrains that Nickelodeon licensed the album in it‘s entirety for the shows; iCarly, Zoey101 and Drake & Josh. Produced by industry veteran Rick Fritz (Brian Wilson, John Mellencamp), the single “Fall Right Now” tells the story of a young romance that almost too eagerly becomes true love.
Josh’s muse for “Fall Right Now,” Erika Brett, was soon asked to join the band and the new foursome, now simply “The Empty Pockets,” headed into another studio session, this time for a holiday duet. While on their first tour, The Empty Pockets’ single, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” – a spirited mash-up of two holiday classics – hit radio with airplay on over a hundred markets nationwide peaking at #25 on the Medibase AC Chart. The band toured extensively, including a showcase at SXSW, piquing the interest of legendary manager David Spero (Joe Walsh, Cat Stevens, Dickey Betts) who added the band to his roster in late 2009.
In 2010, The Empty Pockets had a breakout year, sharing the stage with Jennifer Hudson and Rock ‘n Roll Hall-of-Famer, Buffalo Springfield’s Richie Furay and headlining historic venues like the House of Blues Chicago. Their song, “Take Me,” about the conflict in Afghanistan was featured in award-winning documentary, “Patrol Base Jaker.” Energized by these opportunities, the band has toured relentlessly since, opening for comedian George Lopez and artists like Grammy-winning Dickey Betts, Dave Mason, and Kansas, sharing the bill with stars like Jason Mraz, Jimmy Cliff, and FUN., all while recording and releasing two EP’s: “Introducing The Empty Pockets” and “A Holiday Staycation,” both of which received substatial national airplay on Triple-A and Hot AC radio stations.
Having recently finished their first full-length album in the studio they built with their bare hands, The Empty Pockets pride themselves on delivering what they call, “handcrafted rock and roll.” These new songs showcase the group’s rich, analog sound, as well as the skillful musicianship, fearless singing and spirited showmanship true to their performances onstage. Catch the band as they travel the country in their van, The Pocket Rocket.
Sponsors:
Evanston Subaru in Skokie
Kaleidoscope Dance and Movement Center
The Flat Cats, based in Chicago, IL, play a range of vintage and modern music rooted in the hottest swinging jazz and blues, contemporary classics, and timeless standards. Whether you choose to listen, tap your foot, or cut a rug on the dance floor, you are sure to be entertained! The group is comprised of six talented musicians with years of performing, arranging, and composing experience.
The Flat Cats have performed at many different venues and events throughout the Midwest, including Navy Pier, The Drake Hotel, Arcada Theatre, Willowbrook Ballroom, Pete Miller’s, Green Dolphin Lounge, and the Summer Dance Series in Grant Park. The band has also backed legendary singing groups such as The Drifters and The Crystals at major venues like The Chicago Theatre, Star Plaza, and Pabst Theatre in Milwaukee, WI. In 2009, The Flat Cats were featured on the WGN Chicago Channel Nine morning news show.
The Flat Cats perform their music equally well in any environment, from cocktail music for your dinner event to a full theater/stadium show for thousands. The variety of our music library allows us to tailor our style and sound to fit your special event. From weddings to corporate parties to a feature act for your festival, The Flat Cats deliver quality entertainment for all ages.
Sponsors:
Evanston Subaru in Skokie
Byline Bank
Dancing Queen is the most accurate ABBA tribute band in the country. With thorough attention to detail, they’ve recreated an ABBA experience that won’t soon be forgotten. Fronted by two dynamic ladies with angelic voices, and backed by a group of world class musicians, the music of the greatest pop band in history comes to life in a Las Vegas type show that captivates audiences, both young and old.
Some of the best salsa musicians in Chicago form the Humboldt Park Orchestra.
Sponsors:
Evanston Subaru in Skokie
Join us for a night of fun for the kids of dance and activities for the young ones.
Kaleidoscope Dance, a top Chicagoland dance studio located at the crossroads of the Skokie and Evanston communities, offers classes for dancers of all ages and abilities in Ballet, Jazz, Hip-hop, Tap and Modern. Our professional faculty provides top-notch dance education in a warm, community atmosphere. Most importantly, we keep our class sizes small so each dancer has the opportunity to receive personal attention and therefore, progress at a faster pace. We are actively involved in the community, such as sponsoring the Wednesdays on the Green program in downtown Skokie and providing complimentary dance lessons for all who participate.
http://kaleidoscopedance.com
Also features a visit with Classy Clown. Chicago’s best face painters and balloon artists.
Sponsors:
Evanston Subaru in Skokie
Kaleidoscope Dance and Movement Center
Byline Bank
Mellencougar is made up of a group of musicians from the Illinois/Wisconsin scene. Our appreciation of the music of Heartland U.S.A. and specifically John Cougar Mellencamp helped to create our band and gain the respect of many venues, fans and musicians.
The shared experiences described in John’s lyrics bring the audience and band together while singing songs about youthful lust in songs like “Hurt So Good”, “Ain’t Even Done With The Night” and “I Need A Lover”. In songs such as “Check It Out”, “Small Town” and “Jack and Diane” you are reminded of what is truly important in life and how to recognize it.
As the fiddle cries and the bass drum hits, patriotic songs like “ROCK in the U.S.A.”, “Rain on The Scarecrow” and “Pink Houses” drive you to dancing as you raise your glass to toast the greatest country on earth, the United States of America.
Mellencougar has shared the stage with Eddie Money, Blake Shelton, the Spin Doctors, Styx, Night Ranger, Jamey Johnson and many other national acts. We are available as a headliner or an amazing opener for your festival act.
Sponsors:
Evanston Subaru in Skokie
Fairview School District 72
Orange Theory Fitness
