Nov 15 2011

The UPBEAT BAND performs for Mary and Dave’s Wedding at Chicago Illuminating Company!

upbeatband201.jpg

Only one problem with this performance: Security had to ask people to stop dancing on the furniture!!!! What an exciting gig for the UPBEATBAND.com!!!  Our entire group was excited and proud to perform our music with heart and soul in celebration with the family - and we enjoyed rehearsing and performing “Let My Love Open The Door” (Pete Townshend), You Make Me Feel So Young (Sinatra),  preparing customized sets, etc., to make the event special. We customized the set with mostly classics (that Mary chose), and several contemporary, including “I Got A Feeling.” After the party, KC (our guitar hero) and our vocalists agreed this was one of the very best dance celebrations we ever played for!  UpBeat also learned special songs for the Father/Daughter Mother/Son dances. Mary became friends with the band during the planning process, and was nice enough to write a review for our upbeat chicago wedding bands on Martha Stewart’s Site:

” …Michael Cascio and the Upbeat Band were the highlight of our wedding day! The learned songs especially for our wedding which we thought was perfect for us because we have a large variety of songs/music that we wanted to hear. They played for hours and no one left the dance floor the entire night. The only problem we had was the people wanted to dance on the furniture (that is obviously against what we signed in our venue contract ;) Looking back at picture, everyone is so happy and laughing and jumping all over. It really shows us how great the upbeat band was! People were chanting - ONE MORE TIME, ONE MORE TIME! after songs that they would play! I can’t thank them enough. My husband and I can’t wait to go see them at festivals or other venues they play at..…” -Mary and Dave

You can read the entire review for this event and others at:

The UpBeat Band Featured On Martha Stewart Weddings

Mary and Dave Wedding, Chicago Illuminating Company

upbeatband203.jpg upbeatband202.jpg upbeatband205-copy.jpg upbeatband207.jpg upbeatband208.jpg

©UpBeat Music Productions

http://www.upbeatmusicproductions.com | Chicago Wedding Bands

UpBeat Music Productions | UpBeat Band | Upbeat Orchestra

3615 N. Ashland Ave. Suite 1S

Chicago IL 60613

http://tools.marthastewartweddings.com/reviews/the-upbeat-band-chicago/83a22c9569c51473.html


Nov 14 2011

The UpBeat Orchestra Performs For Tammy & Sam’s Wedding at Doubletree Chicago Northshore!

upbeat_orchestra_danceparty.jpg

Very exciting performance for UPBEAT ORCHESTRA.com! “In Your Eyes” (Peter Gabriel) was the bride and groom’s first dance - beautiful song, very romantic - Tammy wanted an all inclusive dance party right from the start, and half way through the song, 250 family/friends joined them on the dance floor! This was our typical non-stop variety dance set, and we played one hour, 20 minute sets. Tammy is a huge Celine Dion fan, and we were happy to learn “I Drove All Night” and “My Heart Will Go On.” UpBeat also learned special songs for the Father/Daughter Mother/Son dances. Tammy became friends with the band during the planning process, and was nice enough to write a review for our upbeat chicago wedding band on Martha Stewart’s Site:

” …After meeting with a few different bands in Chicago we decided to hire Michael Cascio and the Upbeat band. Michael took the time to listen to our needs and was always 100% reliable in answering phone calls or emails. The amount of time which he put into planning the perfect wedding was more then we could have asked for. He even took the time to learn songs specifically for our wedding. His talent and knowledge helped create a magical evening with amazing music starting with the ceremony and up until the last song of the night. The dance floor was full all night long!!! We definitely recommend Michael Cascio and his band for your upcoming event…He will not disappoint.…” -Tammy and Sam

You can read the entire review for this event and others at:

The UpBeat Band Featured On Martha Stewart Weddings

Tammy  & Sam, Doubletree Chicago Northshore

Photo by Joanna Kozek

©UpBeat Music Productions

http://www.upbeatmusicproductions.com | Chicago Wedding Bands

UpBeat Music Productions | UpBeat Band | Upbeat Orchestra

3615 N. Ashland Ave. Suite 1S

Chicago IL 60613

http://tools.marthastewartweddings.com/reviews/the-upbeat-band-chicago/83a22c9569c51473.html


Aug 24 2011

UpBeat Band Performs Dance Party Concert at Stage 151!

1upbeatstage151_1016-copy.jpg

The UpBeat Band took Stage 151 by storm on August 12, 2011.  Many long time fans came to this exhilarating concert, and UpBeat made a great many new friends too!  Stage 151 is Chicago land’s premier live concert stage at Harrah’s in Joliet, and UpBeat is a great fit for this venue, performing a versatile playlist for a variety of guests, and musically connecting with everyone.  UpBeat delivered a high energy dance party set, including requested  ”I Gotta Feeling,” “Don’t Stop Believing,” “Living On A Prayer,” “Proud Mary” contemporary fav’s including “California Gurls,” Lady Gaga,  also Motown R&B classics, 80’s retro, and 70’s funk.

This special concert featured UpBeat’s “vocal funkmaster” Curtis Bryant, soul-singing-superstar Victor Bryant, vocal virtuoso Karla Beard-Leray, insanely-multi-talented (3 musicains in one!) pianist/vocal Reid Spears, UpBeat’s secret weapon guitar virtuoso Casey Ostrowski (aka “KC”), funky bass by Tyrone Allen, soulstress Precious Taylor, and Mike Cascio on Drums.

PHOTO GALERY FOR THE EVENT:

Photography by Diana Gordon

UpBeat Band Stage 151 8-12-11

The UpBeat Band Performs At Stage 151!

13 Photos

 

©UpBeat Music Productions

http://www.upbeatmusicproductions.com | Chicago Wedding Bands

UpBeat Music Productions

UpBeat Band | Upbeat Orchestra | Chicago Corporate Event Band

3615 N. Ashland Ave. Suite 1S

Chicago IL 60613


Jun 30 2011

UpBeat Band Performs Dance Party Celebration for DePaul MBA Association!

upbeatband_depaulmbaparty107.jpg

The UpBeat Band was proud to perform for the DePaul MBA Association celebration on June 10, 2011!  The party was held at Galleria Marchetti, Chicago, and included current graduates (who were honored at this event), lifetime members, many future (class of 2012) members, and DePaul University faculty.  UpBeat’s first set was a dynamic variety of contemporary jazz, and after the speeches/presentation, UpBeat delivered a high energy dance party set, including requested  ”I Gotta Feeling,” “Don’t Stop Believing,” “Living On A Prayer,” contemporary fav’s including “California Gurls,” Lady Gaga hits, “Tik Tok,” also Motown R&B classics, 80’s retro, and 70’s funk.

PHOTO GALERY FOR THE EVENT:

UpBeat Band for DePaul MBA

The UpBeat Band Performs For DePaul MBA Association!!

10 Photos

 

UpBeat would like to give a very special thanks to Laura Anderson, DePaul MBA association’s 2011 event manager; Laura really did a great job organizing this entire production, she deserves much credit for raising the bar at this year’s event, and we thank her for her diligent planning / management skills.

We would also like to thank Shaun Washington (class of 2012 Vice President) and Michael Jackson (class of 2012 President), who are very promising entrepreneurs, and friends of the band.  For the dance party, UpBeat dedicated the Michael Jackson hit “Don’t Stop Till You get Enough” to the class president!

Finally, on a personal note, this was a special gig for me (Michael Cascio, band leader), because I am a proud graduate of DePaul School Of Music.

Photography by Victor Brensen

  ©UpBeat Music Productions
  http://www.upbeatmusicproductions.com | Chicago Wedding Bands
  UpBeat Music Productions
  UpBeat Band | Upbeat Orchestra | Chicago Corporate Event Band
  3615 N. Ashland Ave. Suite 1S
  Chicago IL 60613


Mar 31 2011

The UpBeat Band Performs For Audrey & Joseph at Glenview Country Club!

theupbeatband2010.jpg

“Oh What A Night” was the bridal party dance, and indeed it was a wonderful night.  This was our typical non-stop dance party, and we were happy to play a few last minute requests for the bride’s family visiting from out of town.  The UpBeat Band enjoyed learning a few new tunes for this event, especially “Song For You” (Michael Buble), which was their first dance  - very romantic.  Audrey was nice enough to write a review for our Chicago wedding band on The Best Chicago Weddings:

” …Michael really took the time to make our wedding truly special and unique! They had everyone on the dance floor the entire evening. Great variety of music for all guests. I highly recommend The Upbeat Band. It was definitely one of the best decisions we made in planning our wedding…”

You can read the entire review for this event and others at:

The UpBeat Band Featured On The Best Chicago Weddings

Audrey & Joseph,  Glenview Country Club

Photography by Joanna Kozek

  ©UpBeat Music Productions
  http://www.upbeatmusicproductions.com | Chicago Wedding Bands
  UpBeat Music Productions | UpBeat Band | Upbeat Orchestra
  3615 N. Ashland Ave. Suite 1S
  Chicago IL 60613


Oct 20 2009

THE UPBEAT BAND Headlines at HeresChicago’s 3rd Annual End of Summer Bash at Hard Rock Chicago!

The UpBeat Band was proud to headline at this exhilarating event, and Emmy Award winner for Alternate Media and GM of HeresChicago, Jim Grillo, created an uproar as he sat in with UpBeat and sang “Sweet Caroline.”  From Sinatra to Santana, The UpBeat Band performed classics spanning the last five decades…especially noteworthy was the Michael Jackson tribute medley.  Another wonderful guest, renowned Blues artist Lynn Jordan, sat in with UpBeat and sang “Let The Good Times Roll.”  …and the good times certainly did at this event!!

The third annual HeresChicago Summer Bash was THE special event for the summer of 2009…the annual event has become Chicago’s highly anticipated top standard, and it sold out faster than a rock concert, with many industry planners wishing they had registered early….it featured Chicago’s newest and most innovative meeting and event ideas, all listed on HeresChicago.com!

The event was produced by HeresChicago.com
Very special thanks to our venue host, Tara Hippensteel, at the Hard Rock Chicago.  Tara rocks!
Very special thanks to event hostess Keri Miller, In The Loop Chicago, Keri knows how to rock!
Live music entertainment and audio production was provided by UpBeat Music Productions
Very very special thanks to Michael Mach, CMP, of Mach Events who stage managed this jam packed event.  His planning skills rock!
Photography was provided by Joanna Kozek. View photo gallery and download pics at http://gallery.joannakozek.com/g/summer_bash. Video was provided by Jan Muller Co.

Here is a complete list of all the sponsors and exhibitors who really brought this event to life:

www.HeresChicago.com, www.UpBeatMusicProductions.com, www.HardRockCafe.com, In The Loop - Chicago, www.showdepartment.com, Resolution Digital Studios, Coach USA/megabus.com, O’Hare-Midway Limousine Service, Broadway In Chicago, Carey Driving Success, M&M The Special Events Company, Total-Event.com, Mach Events, M Special Events Company, US POKER SERIES, PhotoBoothExpress.com, Brazzaz, Broadway in Chicago, Buca di Beppo, Cubby Bear Wrigleyville, Carey Transportation, Chicago Sailing, Color and Company, ComedySportz Theatre, Entertainment Cruises, ESPN Zone, Group Travel Directory, Heidel House Resort & Spa, Le Colonial, Lettuce Entertain You, Maichef Cuisine Inc., Melrose Park Indoor Grand Prix, Pheasant Run Resort, Sheraton Suites Elk Grove, The Business Ledger, Amalfi Hotel, Ben Mahoney Productions, Bonsoiree, Chicago Trolley, Edventure Promotions, Galleria Unico/Salute, LakeShore Audio Visual, Rockit Ranch, The BoozeHound, The Business Ledger

  ©UpBeat Music Productions
  http://www.upbeatmusicproductions.com | Chicago Corporate Event Band
  UpBeat Music Productions | UpBeat Band | Upbeat Orchestra
  3615 N. Ashland Ave. Suite 1S
  Chicago IL 60613


Sep 10 2009

The UpBeat Band Featured on TheBestChicagoWeddings.com!

The UpBeat Band performs a wedding celebration!

The UpBeat Band is excited to be featured on The Best Chicago Weddings - this premium site features many of the top wedding vendors in Chicago land, and we are proud of our listing.  We are pleased to post that our group received a five star review from one of our previous wedding clients:

“The UpBeat Band was immensly professional, responsive, and a fantastic value. I felt fully confident handing them the m/c duties. They were very willing to learn a few special songs and went out of thier way to make sure the event went smoothly. We had several guests comment on their quality and enthusiasm. I would recommend them to anyone!”

Josh and Rachel, Allerton Chicago Wedding Celebration

Photography By Joanna Kozek

  ©UpBeat Music Productions
  http://www.upbeatmusicproductions.com | Chicago Wedding Bands
  UpBeat Music Productions | UpBeat Band | Upbeat Orchestra
  3615 N. Ashland Ave. Suite 1S
  Chicago IL 60613


Jun 29 2009

The UpBeat Band Featured On MarthaStewartWeddings.com!

The UpBeat Band performs a wedding celebration!

The UpBeat Band is proud to be featured on one of the top web standards for vendors in the wedding industry, Martha Stewart Weddings.  We are pleased to post that our band received a five star review just after our web launch from one of our previous wedding clients:

“Amazing band, tons of fun. They really made our day special!!! A year later, we still get comments on how awesome the band was. Choosing the Upbeat Band was definitely one of the best decisions we made in planning our wedding.”

Megan and Jeff, Notre Dame Wedding Celebration

Photography By Joanna Kozek

  ©UpBeat Music Productions
  http://www.upbeatmusicproductions.com | Chicago Wedding Bands
  UpBeat Music Productions | UpBeat Band | Upbeat Orchestra
  3615 N. Ashland Ave. Suite 1S
  Chicago IL 60613


Jun 11 2009

The Best Of Chicago…Summer Showcase Jazz Performance for Chicago Corporate Event Meeting Planners

UpBeat was proud to provide the Michael Cascio Jazz Trio for this HeresChicago special event. This was THE planner event for the summer of 2009, and featured Chicago’s newest and most innovative meeting and event ideas. This VIP event was for event and meeting planners and DMC’s to showcase the Best of Chicago aboard the newly renovated Anita Dee II cruise ship each level had a different theme filled with music, specialty drinks, food, prize giveaways and goodie bags for everyone!

The event was produced by HeresChicago, Anita Dee Yacht Charters, and Industry Elf Marketing.
Live music entertainment was provided by www.upbeatmusicproductions.com
Photography and Video was provided by Joanna Kozek. View photo gallery at gallery.joannakozek.com

Here is a complete list of all the producers, sponsors and exhibitors who really brought this event to life: www.hereschicago.com, www.anitadee.com, www.industryelf.com, www.upbeatmusicproductions.com, www.brazzaz.com, www.eskape.us, www.uspokerseries.com, www.flowersbyarrangement.com, www.statestreetentertainment.com, www.celebrationauthority.com, www.edventurepromotions.com, www.hardrockcafe.com, www.lsav.tv, www.cubbybear.com, www.jewelleventscatering.com, www.jandlcatering.com, www.cateredbydesign.com, www.benmahoneyproductions.com,
www.bespokecuisine.com , www.upbeatjazztrio.com, www.jazzbandchicago.com

  ©UpBeat Music Productions
  http://www.upbeatmusicproductions.com | Chicago Corporate Event Band
  UpBeat Music Productions | UpBeat Trio | Michael Cascio Trio
  3615 N. Ashland Ave. Suite 1S
  Chicago IL 60613


May 25 2009

Insightful article on choosing wedding reception music

michael-cascio.jpg

Music director Michael Cascio publishes an article on Project Wedding.com!

With my years of experience and insight, I’ve decided to write an article outlining a method for choosing and refining custom music for the components of your wedding reception party. Music is a major part of your reception, and plays a key role in creating the atmosphere of your wedding…

Your wedding should be a joyous occasion–and planning your wedding should not be stressful. We help organize the process and make it easy. An accurate and organized time line is important. We provide a detailed check list for our clients, where every possible traditional or contemporary option for music and hosting choices is covered, including: wedding party introductions–music and hosting production, first dances, traditions (we have tasteful, fun music for these), toasts, specialty dances, when to cut the cake, an explanation of hosting style and choice of wording for bridal introduction, and much more…

You see the full article at ProjectWedding.com

Click here to read about other helpful guidlines, including wedding ceremony music organization and reception hosting.