Mike Pinto
guitar
Born into a musical family, Mike began guitar lessons at age 9. He got
his undergraduate degree in Music at Elmhurst College and got his graduate degree
from DePaul University. He has performed at jazz festivals in Italy, France
and England and has performed with such greats as Patti Austin, Dee Dee Bridgewater,
Frank Mantooth and Eric Marienthal. Mike is an active composer and arranger
and often is commissioned to write Big Band arrangements. He also teaches
guitar and directs two combos as a member of the jazz faculty at Elmhurst College.
Ben Lewis
piano
Ben Lewis has been performing in Chicago and internationally since 1994.
A graduate of Indiana University, Ben has toured East Asia and West Africa with
the Chicago Jazz Quartet. He also regularly performs with actor Gary Sinise’s
“Lt. Dan Band,” which performs worldwide for U.S. troops. Ben has
performed with such musical artists as Orbert Davis, Grazyna Auguscik, and Blue
Note recording artist Jackie Allen.
Brian Gephart
saxophone & flute
A staple on the Chicago music scene, Brian received his formal training at the Berklee School of Music in Boston and the New England Conservatory of Music. Brian has been co-leader of the jazz group Gephart Long Quartet since 1990, releasing four CDs during its existence, and is the leader of the Brian Gephart Group. Brian has also produced and recorded numerous albums, including for such artists as Chicago Jump Company, Dave Gordon and Chris Massey.
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about our bands:
• The Stitely Orchestra
• Swing Shift Orchestra
• Chicago Groove Collective
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Rich Stitzel
drums
Trained at the prestigious University of North Texas Jazz program, Rich started his professional music career in 1993. He has performed on more than 40 recordings with such artists as Steely Dan, Cornelius Bumpus, Sting, Keith Carlock, Olivia Newton John, Andy Timmons, and Mary Wilson & the Supremes. He has also recorded commercial jingles for such companies as Dairy Queen and Union Pacific Resources. Rich has toured extensively in the U.S, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. He recently finished a tour with platinum-selling Sony recording artist, Miranda Lambert.
Michelle Hallman
vocals & percussion
Michelle Hallman started singing at age 2 and the Florida native hasn’t
slowed down much since then. Michelle started her professional singing career
in dinner theater and cruise ship shows. She moved to Chicago in 1992 and has
been involved in numerous projects since coming here, including Funkhouse, a
groove oriented funk band; Butterfly McQueen, a band she started and fronts,
and Chicago Groove Collective. A talented percussionist as well as singer, Michelle
has toured extensively throughout the U.S. and can be heard on numerous recordings,
including the most recent album of Mr. Blotto as well as her own album “Winter's
Day.”
Larry Bowen
trumpet
Chicago native Larry Bowen has played with such national artists as Earth Wind & Fire, Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations and The Four Tops. In addition to performing throughout the Chicago area, Larry has also toured internationally with the Chicago Jazz Ensemble. Larry studied Music Education and Performance at Vandercook College and also attended Roosevelt University in Chicago.
Matt Lewis
vocals, trumpet & acoustic guitar
Matt Lewis has been a regular face on the Chicago music scene since 1988.
A graduate of DePaul University, Matt has been leading his own band since
1999. In addition to Chicago Groove Collective, Matt also performs with the
Alan Gresik Swing Shift Orchestra, teaches at the Old Town School of Folk
Music and is an Artist in Residence for the Ravinia Festival Music Illuminations
Program. Matt performed for 2 1/2 years with actor Gary Sinise's "Lt.
Dan" Band, which tours internationally for U.S. troops. Matt also toured
through West Africa and Southeast Asia performing jazz concerts and conducting
workshops with local musicians. In addition to performing, Matt has numerous
recording credits, including a Grammy nominated album of Ralph Covert as well
as projects for the Joffrey Ballet, Steppenwolf Theatre and The Goodman Theatre.
Tim Fox
bass
Tim Fox is one of Chicago’s busiest bassists. In addition to performing with Chicago Groove Collective, Tim is a member of M13, Jeff Newell's New Trad Octet and the Illinois USO Troop. As the leader of the Chicago Jazz Exchange Quartet, Tim represented the City of Chicago during a tour of France. Tim has degrees in music from Florida State University and DePaul University. He has also taught music at Lake Forest College and Maine East High School.
Berkeley Baker
vocalist
Berkeley Baker comes from a singing family and has spent a great deal of his life in the church surrounded by gospel music. Before he
turned 10, Berkeley had performed in numerous churches and choir events across the Midwest in front of audiences as large as 5,000 people. Berkeley pursued his passion for music into adulthood, studying at Columbia College and in 2001 starting his own band, The Truth, an R&B/Soul band that has performed throughout the Chicago area. Berkeley’s high octane falsetto and powerful vocal range now powers Chicago Groove Collective, adding to one of the strongest vocal sections of any band in the city.
