BANDS

TASTE OF POLONIA 2008 – INFORMACJE O ZESPOLACH

POLISH BANDS

TSA

Zapol TSA to legendarny polski zespol rockowy, zalozony w 1979 roku w Opolu. W wczesnych latach 80-tych TSA zyskal ogromna popularnosc w Polsce, sprzedal setki tysiecy plyt i gral rocznie kilkaset koncertow.  Przez kilka kolejnych lat kontynuowal dzialalnosc koncertowa wystepujac zarowno w kraju, jak i zagranica, wydajac rowniez dwie plyty poza Polska.  Lata 1987-1989 to okres wystepow TSA w musicalu „Jesus Christ Superstar” w Gdyni.  Kolejne lata przyniosly zawieszenie dzialanosci zespolu i krotkotrwale proby jej wznowienia w roznych skladach.  W 2001 nastapil powrot TSA na scene w klasycznym skladzie.  W 2004 zespol wydal bardzo dobrze przyjeta plyte „Proceder”,  na plytach kompaktowych ukazaly sie wznowienia albumow i nagrania koncertowe z archiwow radiowych, zostalo rowniez wydane DVD z koncertami z lat 80-tych.  Zespol ponownie koncertuje w Polsce i zagranica (Czechy, USA, Kanada) i konsekwentnie powraca do czolowki polskiego rynku muzycznego, o czym swiadcza m.in. nominacje do Paszportu Polityki i Fryderyka oraz wystepy na Festiwalu w Jarocinie i Top Trendy w 2005r.  W 2008 TSA przyjezdza do Chicago jako jedna z gwiazd Taste of Polonia.  
http://www.tsa.com.pl/

VAVAMUFFIN

Vavamuffin to zespol grajacy muzyke ragamuffin z elementami innych gatunkow, m.in. dancehall.  Powstal w 2003 roku w Warszawie, a w jego sklad wchodzi trzech wokalistow o rownych, unikalnych stylach spiewania oraz muzycy grajacy m.in. na basie, perkusji, gitarze, syntezatorach i samplerach.  W 2005 ukazala sie debiutancka plyta zespolu zatytuowana „Vabang!” (doczekala sie pozniej reedycji z remixami), a w 2007 kolejny krazek, „Inadibusu”.  Zespol sporo koncertuje w Polsce i zagranica, ma na swoim koncie rowniez wystepy na roznych festiwalach (m.in. na chorwackim Seasplash, sopockich Top Trendach w 2005 i Przystanku Woodstock 2006).
http://www.vavamuffin.art.pl/

DJ FEEL-X

Polski DJ i producent, pochadzacy z Konskich (woj. swietokrzyskie).  Swoja dzialanosc rozpoczal w 1995r.  Ma na swoim koncie wspolprace ze znanymi wykonawcami polskiej sceny hiphopowej, m.in. Wzgorzem Ya-Pa-3, Kalibrem 44 i Abradabem, zespolami reggae i dancehall (np. Vavamuffin) oraz artystami reprezentujacymi inne style muzyczne (m.in. z Kazikiem).  Jest wspoltworca projektu “Axe Sundsystem” i autorem mixtape „Dancehall Clash Test”.  W czasie Taste of Polonia 2008 wystapi razem z Vavamuffin. 
http://www.myspace.com/djfeelxmadcrew

AGNIESZKA IWANSKA 

Agnieszka Iwanska jest wokalistka jazzowa i soulowa, absolwentka wydzialu Jazzu i Muzyki Rozrywkowej na Akademii Muzycznej w Katowicach ze specjalnością wokalistyka jazzowa.  W kraju zostala laureatka kilku festiwali jazzowych i wspolpracowala z utalentowanymi polskimi muzykami.  Po ukonczeniu studiow przyjechala do Chicago i zalozyla swoj zespol, z ktorym gra utwory jazzowe, jak rowniez piosenki popowe i soulowe w jazzowych aranzacjach.  Ma na koncie sporo koncertow i systematycznie zdobywa uznanie chicagowskiego srodowiska jazzowego. 
http://www.myspace.com/agnieszkaiwanska        

 TRIBUTE BANDS

AXIS   

Is the Chicago land area’s premier Jimi Hendrix Tribute. AXIS dedicates itself to replicating the sound and imagery of Jimi Hendrix and the many incarnations of his music. AXIS was formed in 2004 and has played at multiple venues in and around the Chicago land area and was invited by organizers to perform in at a summer festival (Abbey Road on the River) in Kentucky in 2007.

There are and have been other Hendrix tribute acts on the scene but AXIS captures the feel of what it was like to have been at a Jimi Hendrix concert. From the minute
guitarist/frontman Kelven Dyson opens his mouth the audience is captivated by how much he sounds like Hendrix and how he adopts Hendrix’s mannerisms on stage. Not to mention the dazzling guitar work he displays. Others can imitate Hendrix but Kelven becomes Jimi Hendrix!

What also captures people’s attention is how tightly the band performs Hendrix’s music. The tight rhythm section is driven by bassist Nick Verbic and drummer Kevin Wik and back up drummer Mr. John Green. From the gear to the costumes, performance after performance AXIS pours out it’s heart and sweat to give the ultimate tribute and performance to Jimi Hendrix and his music. The band even plays songs that Hendrix himself never got the chance to perform! As Kelven once put it, “after a performance
we’ve left everything on stage”.

Recently AXIS was invited to perform at the House of Blues in Chicago as part of multi
band tribute show. The show left AXIS on a high note and heading toward future shows!
Bring your Freak Flags and make it your business to get AXperienced!
Until you’ve seen AXIS you truly haven’t seen a Hendrix Tribute Act!!

Dennis Stella  has been a finalist 8 times in the Images of Elvis international competition held annually in Memphis, Tenn., In 2002, he finished 7th out of over 100 worldwide contestants.

His performances include many national sporting events. In January of 2003, he performed at center court in the United Center for a Chicago Bulls game and was invited back to perform with his band in 2004 and 2005. In 1997, Dennis was selected as only one of two Tribute Artists to perform on the field at Comiskey Park, in front of 33,000 people for the 20th anniversary of Elvis’ death. He and his band were selected to perform at US Cellular field for Elvis Night in August of 2005.
Casinos have also hired Dennis on several occasions. He has performed at the Empress Casino in Joliet, as well as Harrah’s Casino in East Chicago. Dennis and his band have played many festivals, such as South Holland Family Days, Calumet City Fest, St. Gerald’s’ Carnival in Oak Lawn, IL as well as Oak Lawn’s Fall in the Green Festival. Other performances include a Benefit for Hurricane Katrina at Bourbon Street, where he was the opening act for the band, The Buckingham’s. Dennis performs regularly at many political and social events for Calumet City. Please look on the calendar for upcoming festivals and events for 2006.
Dennis is the central character in the hardcover book entitled “Impersonating Elvis” by Leslie Rubinkowski, published in 1997. She followed his activities during the nationally televised performance at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas as well as many other performances and events for about 3 years. Recently Dennis was featured in the documentary: "Elvis, His Best Friend Remembers” by one of Elvis’ best friends, Joe Esposito. He was interviewed several times throughout the course of the movie. Dennis also features as one of seven Elvis impersonators highlighted in the recent movie, “All the Kings Men, Volume II”. He is also included in Patty Carroll's new book, "Living the Life: The World of Elvis Tribute Artists," published in 2005.

Rico is defined as a band with a rich sound of diversified musical cultures. A mixture of sophisticated melodic genres and ethnicity coming together is the essence of Rico!
The band creates an immense fiery soulful sound through bass, congas, percussion, drums, timbales, keyboards, guitar, and pure passion. Rico! does a Tribute to Santana's music, as well as their own! Rico! will move you physically and mentally with their hypnotic blend of afro-cuban rhythms, or purge deep into your soul with their eminent sense of melody. They are influenced and inspired by all the innovative rock, soul, jazz, afro-cuban, blues, funk, reggae, and hip-hop pioneers.
Rico! is a conglomeration of all the great musical idioms, with a cast of talented musicians to stir and season a rich flavorful sound. The world's music is Rico! and their vision is to play inspiring music bridging the gap and bringing all people together in peace, harmony and happiness.

Brit Beat:

Originating from Chicago, Illinois, BritBeat Beatles Tribute Band has played for numerous festivals, corporations and special events since establishing the band in 2001.  Britbeat has researched the Beatles extensively from their American start in 1964 and brings to the stage a superbly authentic and accurate concert as a musical tribute to the Beatles.  Their young ages, English accents, along with their musical talents combine for one of the closest re-creations of a Beatles concert that you will find.

Bad Medicine: 

Someone once said: Imitation is the highest form of flattery. This is proving to be true in the growing popularity of tribute acts.
Bad Medicine was formed in October of 2002 when a young singer and life-long Bon Jovi fan decided to make his mark on the Chicago Music Scene. After searching long and hard for the talent required to emulate the sounds of Bon Jovi, the band came alive with a collection of 5 individually talented musicians having over 75 years of combined musical experience.
With almost four years of shows Bad Medicine has the look, sound and professionalism that is second to none and is one of the few Bon Jovi Tribute bands that has had the opportunity to meet Jon Bon Jovi and perform for him live.
The band has traveled near and far to perform the greatest Bon Jovi tunes. They have performed in Dallas, TX at the American Airlines arena for the Dallas Desperados vs. Philadelphia Soul halftime show, they performed in Sasebo, Japan for the 4th of July festival on base for the American Troops stationed there as well as the residents of Sasebo, Japan and they also performed at the Pre-Game Family Fest at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL for the Chicago Rush vs. Philadelphia Soul arena game.
Among many places near and far that the band has played, the most memorable event is being invited to perform in Sasebo, Japan for the 4th of July Festival on base for the American Troops stationed there, as well as the residents of Sasebo.
The bands song repertoire runs to over three hours of material covering all the songs made popular by Bon Jovi. They have collected a dedicated fan base of Bon Jovi music fans, as well as fans of live music in general. Word of Mouth continues to spread. If you want a faithful, accurate reproduction of the music of Bon Jovi then look no further.
Bad Medicine plays lots of shows each year from clubs to colleges to festivals and private events. If you have not seen them yet, you are in for an amazing experience.
Available for booking anywhere and everywhere! Contact us for a full press kit. A Bad Medicine show is always One Wild Night!

Elevation

Like U2 was born out of a dream, a dream that was dreamt OUT LOUD By founding Member, and resident BONO Daniel Burrow A.k.a. “DANNO”.

Who after being a fan of U2, nearly as long as the band had been around took off his professional drummer/educator hat, to take on the Mantle of BONO.

After assembling the first line up, & playing locally in St. Louis in the spring of 2001 Elevation had its big debut in Chicago, @ the Legendary Joe’s bar on Weed Street in Chicago!! Where they played to a packed house on a Thursday night, & drew media attention from the Chicago Sun Times as well as a mention in the August issue of CHICAGO Magazine, for Danno’s “Uncanny” Bono-ness.
  
The following years would see Elevation, taking over Chicago, on almost every weekend, gaining more and more altitude each trip up. Word of Mouth and the visibility spread like Jet fuel on the tarmac! Elevation would make Chicago, their second home while also enjoying shows in the Grand Cayman islands, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and all over the Midwest.

Elevation has been featured on CBS, FOX, WGN TV, The Discovery Channel's, "American Casino", and has played a host of festivals, Fairs, clubs, as well as major private & corporate events too numerous to mention.

 Elevation’s sole purpose in a performance is to re-create the total U2 concert experience in both sight & sound. Old and New! From the Bvlgari shades to the Vox amps, to the Paiste signature cymbals, with Elevation you are truly getting…

Rick Saucedo    

Began his singing career in 1972 at the age of seventeen.  At this time he and his band, “The Ambassadors” worked nightly at many local clubs and lounges.  As people began to take notice of this young, talented “Elvis impersonator” he was approached by larger venues.  In 1977 Rick performed at the Cabaret in Winnipeg, Canada.  From there he was asked to star in the Broadway play, “The Legend Lives On” in 1978.  He performed six nights a week for five months, never using a stand-in.  He helped arrange the music for the title song, “The Legend Lives On”.  Elvis’ background vocal group, the Jordanaires accompanied Rick in the play as well as D.J. Fontana, Elvis’ drummer.  In 1979 Rick played the Stardust in Las Vegas, again accompanied by The Jordanaires and D. J. Fontana.

           In 1998 Rick performed as a solo act at the Alahambra Theatre in Aruba.  He played nightly to a full house for a month. Upon his return to the states, Rick began performing with “tracks”.  Not only does Rick enjoy performing to his own customized tracks but most venues prefer this type of show as well.  Rick’s audience appreciates the close interaction that performing with tracks allows.  For larger venues and festivals Rick performs with a live band.

         Music came naturally to Rick in many forms.  As well as singing, Rick mastered guitar, bass, keyboards, drum, sitar and more.  This talent led him to song writing.  His greatest writing influence came from The Beatles.  To date he has written almost fifty songs ranging from rock, country, gospel, love songs, tribute songs, Christmas and even psychedelic.  His 1978 album, “Heaven Was Blue”, a surreal, psychedelic masterpiece is collected worldwide and is sought after by collectors.  In 2008 an original copy of Heaven Was Blue sold for $1,500.00.  In 1998 Rick produced the “Memphis I’m Coming Home” CD.  The original Jordanaires sing background giving the songs a heavy Elvis feel.  This CD is now in its’ second printing.                                     
Recording original music as well as his favorite cover tunes keeps Rick busy recording on a regular basis.  Realizing there are many fans who still remember the early days when Rick performed with The Ambassadors, he has recorded many songs with The Ambassadors.     
            Fans have always enjoyed the balance between Rick’s impeccable Elvis style as well as his own original talent he incorporates into his shows.  Rick’s creativity flows no matter what type of show he is performing.  He has pioneered effects from his smoke-filled American Trilogy rendition; copied by national acts, to being the first to direct and perform elaborate Halloween shows.  He has acted in the 1989 film Elvis Stories written and directed by Ben Stiller and starring John Cusack and Mike Myers. In 2002, Rick sang the National Anthem for the Chicago White Sox.
His creative talents have not gone unnoticed.  He was voted “Best Male Entertainer” in the reader’s poll of the Suburban Nitelife Magazine in 2001. In 2003 he was awarded “Best Solo Performer”, by the readers of the Suburban Nitelife Magazine. Rick was again voted “Best Solo Performer” by Suburban Nitelife Magazine in 2006 and 2007.
As well as performing over one hundred shows a year for clubs, private parties, theatres and festivals, Rick stays busy writing and recording.

POLKA BANDS

Freeze Dried   is polka band from Chicago that brings Polish push-style polkas to the polka and non-polka fan. FreezeDried consists of seven musicians consisting of guitars, bass, drums, percussion, sax, clarinet, trumpets, trombone, keyboards, accordion, and concertina. Most of the members play more than one instrument and have years of on-stage experience.

They are known throughout the field to be on the cutting edge of polka music. FreezeDried mixes polkas with other music styles such as latin music, zydeco, gospel music, dixieland music and rock music. Their efforts have been inspiring other traditional polka bands to be more creative in their approach to new material, musical arrangements and showmanship. FreezeDried did not stop at their quest for musical diversity. In 2006, FreezeDried continued to progress in the vocal area by adding a female vocal trio. Affectionately known as "The Icicles", the singers bring flavors of motown and soul to the FreezeDried sound.

Since 1998, venues such as the Taste of Chicago, Minnesota State Fair, WGN radio, numerous town summer fests, and an array of local clubs have been enjoying the fresh sounds of the FreezeDried experience. .

FreezeDried has released three CDs. Their first CD was entitled “Artistically Challenged”. Their second album, “Deliberate Confusion,” was honored with several awards. Their third CD, "Fear of Rubber Cushions" was released in 2006.

The Polkaholics:  They said it couldn’t be done, but since 1997 The Polkaholics have been mixing doses of punk rock and polka in a high-speed blender, creating a souped-up sound that fuses the beergarden with the mosh pit. As noted in the Chicago Sun-Times, “The Polkaholics wreak havoc to both traditional polka and rock music!” As evidence of their ability to break down musical barriers, The Polkaholics have performed in some of the most prestigious Chicago music venues including the Metro, House of Blues, the Vic, the Chicago Symphony Center, the Chicago Cultural Center, and of course the Baby Doll Polka Club. And they have even been featured internationally on the incredible “American Polka” CD recently released on the Trikont label out of Munich Germany. With founder Dandy Don Hedeker on guitar and vocals, Jolly James Wallace on bass and vocals, and Action Jackson Wilson on drums and vocals, The Polkaholics use a power rock trio format to put the umph into the oompah-POW, blasting polka screaming into the 21st century.

OTHER BANDS

CATFIGHT: 

CHICAGO, IL -- Chicago-based, all-girl band CATFIGHT has played the Joint in Las Vegas, opened for Snoop Dog, Tommy Lee, Styx, Night Ranger and on and on... played a multitude of festivals including Milwaukee's Summerfest and Rockford's On the Waterfront, Colleges, Weddings, Mitzvah's, Private and Corporate events. There is practically nothing this band has not done and probably nothing they wouldn't do. CATFIGHT - This high energy, fun, sassy, sexy performance is packed full of popular music from Kelly Clarkson to The Killers and will leave you wanting more, more, more!!! Get out to a Catfight show and enjoy the PARTY!!! 

The Ron Smolen Orchestra  has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 30 years. For the last 15 years, our 10 piece orchestra has branched out and has performed in 16 states and events ranging from elegant Dinner Dances, Lavish Weddings, and Big Band Festivals, to State Fairs, Carnivals, and Gambling Casinos.
The Ron Smolen Orchestra is one of the last traveling Big Bands under the direction of a "Live" Personable leader.

Johnny Comes Lately:  Formed in 2006 by Janusz Klonowski and Tadek Majewski, Chicago's own Johnny Comes Late has finally arrived and is ready to rock you. Check out the newest tracks and let us know what you think!!!! Look for us playing out spring/summer of 2008 at the clubs such as Reggies , Empty Bottle,Martyr's, Double Door, Cafe Lura, and other venues throughout chicagoland. hey Johnny Comes L8