Sam grew up in Europe, the Middle East and Mexico before heading to England, where he originally planned to become a fighter pilot. Instead, Sam’s plans changed and he ended up in Los Angeles, where he attended the prestigious Musician’s Institute. There, he honed his guitar playing and singing skills, playing in a band for several years before coming to Chicago. Once here, Sam played with the band Maggie Speaks for several years before bringing his talent to 312 Chicago.
Cliff Schmidt
Cliff Schmitt is a bassist who has performed in both the New York and Chicago music scenes. Cliff’s versatility and musicianship has allowed him to perform with jazz, blues and pop musicians, including such talents as Norah Jones, Art Garfunkel, Martha Reeves, The Drifters and Peter Noone. Cliff studied jazz at the world-renowned College of Music at the University of North Texas, where he honed his skills performing with such people as Gerry Mulligan, Charles McPherson, Marvin Stamm, and Jeff Hamilton. Upon arrival in NYC in 1997, he quickly immersed himself in the thriving jazz scene, which lead to tours all over the globe with saxophonist Rick Margitza, pianist Jeff Gardner, vocalist Jeanie Bryson, and vocalist Curtis Stigers. He has also performed with many blues acts including Philip Walker, Clarence Spady, Bill Sims, Mo Holmes and Michael Powers.
Josh began playing piano at age 6, and has performed throughout the Chicago area at venues ranging from Ravinia to Joe's Bebop Cafe, as well as at the Montreux and Umbria Jazz Festivals in Switzerland and Italy. A jack of many trades, his piano playing has been shaped by his experience as a classical and marching percussionist, and as a drummer in a number of original rock/pop projects. Josh holds a M.S. in Computer Science from DePaul University and a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.
Yvonne is an R&B and jazz singer who has sung with some of the most famous singers and musicians in the world. She has shared the stage and recording studio with Celine Dion, Madonna, Smokey Robinson, Peter Cetera, Richard Marx, Ramsey Lewis, R. Kelly, and C.C. Winans. When she’s not performing on stage, Yvonne is singing jingles. She has recorded countless television and radio commercials in the past twenty years. Yvonne is also a writer and producer, having recently released her own CD single titled "Rainbow."
Nicholas Barron
Singer/guitarist Nicholas Barron has been entertaining Chicago audiences for more than two decades with his signature soulful vocals and unique interpretation of songs. Nicholas has opened for such national headliners as B.B. King, Al Green, Johnny Cash and the Neville Brothers and was featured in 2007 in the New York Times’ Emerging Artists series. Nicholas recently released his first solo acoustic CD, “As I Am,” which highlights his original mix of blues, folk and soul.
Randy Harrah
Randy Harrah fell in love with the Beatles at age 8. It wasn’t much longer after that that he picked up his first set of drumsticks and started a professional career that has spanned more than three decades. Among Randy’s credits is touring with Blood, Sweat and Tears, performing with Laurel Masse of the Manhattan Transfer and
sharing the stage on several occasions with guitar icon Les Paul. Randy’s joie de vie and and expertise comes through in every performance.
Steve Miller
Before moving to Chicago, saxophonist Steve Miller livened up New Orleans stages for more than a decade, performing with such notable artists as Frank Sinatra Jr., The O'Jays, Ellis Marsalis, Willie Nelson, Keely Smith, Lil' Anthony & the Imperials, and Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown. He also led his own groups, including the jazz quartet, Thin Line, which showcased his aggressive brand of soloing. Steve has a Master's Degree in Music from the University of New Orleans where he studied with Ed Petersen, Steve Masakowski and Ellis Marsalis, among others.
