MIKE GREENE (FOUNDING MEMBER)
Mike Greene (Lead Vocals, Percussions) has been entertaining New England audiences for over 20 years. He got his start sitting in with regionally popular acts like The Wicked Big Band and Mama Kicks then went on to form Rhythm Coalition and the highly successful Groove Alliance. While serving in Iraq, and with the help of a prominent Iraqi citizen, Mike arranged for Groove Alliance to play what was dubbed the “Deadly Force Tour" traveling to Iraq in January of 2007 to play shows in the International Zone and at the US Embassy. Mike is a thirty year veteran of the Unites States Army, served two tours of duty in Iraq and is a Bronze Star recipient.
On July 7, 2010, he realized a lifelong dream. On behalf of the American Cancer Society, Mike shared the stage with Chicago at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut. Singing Chicago’s number one hit “If You Leave Me Now”, Mike’s performance received tremendous reviews from the members of Chicago and the 10,000 fans in attendance. Click here to view it.
On Chicago: "The fifth album did it for me. I remember hearing the first track (Hit by Varese) and being blown away…I never looked back and have been a dedicated fan ever since. It’s a thrill to revisit this great volume of work and bring the experiences back to life for audiences."
On July 7, 2010, he realized a lifelong dream. On behalf of the American Cancer Society, Mike shared the stage with Chicago at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut. Singing Chicago’s number one hit “If You Leave Me Now”, Mike’s performance received tremendous reviews from the members of Chicago and the 10,000 fans in attendance. Click here to view it.
On Chicago: "The fifth album did it for me. I remember hearing the first track (Hit by Varese) and being blown away…I never looked back and have been a dedicated fan ever since. It’s a thrill to revisit this great volume of work and bring the experiences back to life for audiences."
RAY MARTINI (FOUNDING MEMBER)
Ray Martini (Keyboards, Guitars, Backing Vocals) is a 40 year veteran of the New England music scene who started gigging in 1971. Martini has played thousands of shows over the years and has become one of the most versatile and sought after keyboardist/utility players in the Boston area.
Martini along with best friend and fellow Chicago enthusiast Mike Greene co-founded Introduction The Chicago Experience to bring their audience the opportunity to relive the finest horn driven rock music of the past five decades and bring them back to a simpler time in life. A time of great music and great lifestyles. Music we grew up with and still love to this day.
Martini has had a love of the band's music ever since and is just as strong today as it was 40 years ago. Martini has carefully studied and adopted the keyboard styling of Robert Lamm and it only made sense that he would be the perfect fit for this incredible tribute experience!
On Chicago: "I remember being a young teenager in my basement blacklight room listening to "Chicago Transit Authority" and "Chicago Live At Carnegie Hall" over and over again until the vinyl records were worn beyond recognition."
Martini along with best friend and fellow Chicago enthusiast Mike Greene co-founded Introduction The Chicago Experience to bring their audience the opportunity to relive the finest horn driven rock music of the past five decades and bring them back to a simpler time in life. A time of great music and great lifestyles. Music we grew up with and still love to this day.
Martini has had a love of the band's music ever since and is just as strong today as it was 40 years ago. Martini has carefully studied and adopted the keyboard styling of Robert Lamm and it only made sense that he would be the perfect fit for this incredible tribute experience!
On Chicago: "I remember being a young teenager in my basement blacklight room listening to "Chicago Transit Authority" and "Chicago Live At Carnegie Hall" over and over again until the vinyl records were worn beyond recognition."
JAMES SAMBATARO
James Sambataro (Bass) Whether it's a Motown classic or the latest top forty hit, Jim always finds the pocket. "My job is to lock in with the drummer and make the people feel the song," says Jim and it doesn't take more than a measure or two to realize how solid Jim is in the pocket. Originally from Lawrence MA, Jim has been playing bass for 37 yrs.
Jim is self taught and started playing bass when he was 15 years old. Since then he has performed extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. One of his proudest career moments occurred in January 2007 when Jim travelled to Baghdad, Iraq with the Manchester, NH based group Groove Alliance. Once there Jim and his band mates performed shows in the heavily fortified "Green Zone" for US Troops, US Embassy workers, and one very special show for the Iraqi citizens that were working in the IZ along side the Americans. When performing live, you can't help but notice how much fun Jim is having!
He adds his own unique energy that compliments his band mates and he brings that energy to each and every performance. "I’m really proud to be part of Introduction." Jim was quote as saying in an interview.
On Chicago: “Chicago was definitely an early influence for me as a bassist. I still have the original Chicago Transit Authority album. The first song I learned was “Listen" and it is still one of my favorite bass lines to this day!”
Jim is self taught and started playing bass when he was 15 years old. Since then he has performed extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. One of his proudest career moments occurred in January 2007 when Jim travelled to Baghdad, Iraq with the Manchester, NH based group Groove Alliance. Once there Jim and his band mates performed shows in the heavily fortified "Green Zone" for US Troops, US Embassy workers, and one very special show for the Iraqi citizens that were working in the IZ along side the Americans. When performing live, you can't help but notice how much fun Jim is having!
He adds his own unique energy that compliments his band mates and he brings that energy to each and every performance. "I’m really proud to be part of Introduction." Jim was quote as saying in an interview.
On Chicago: “Chicago was definitely an early influence for me as a bassist. I still have the original Chicago Transit Authority album. The first song I learned was “Listen" and it is still one of my favorite bass lines to this day!”
SPENCER ELLIOTT
When Spencer Elliott (Guitar, Lead and Backing Vocals) was 12, he started sneaking the guitar out of his older brother's room to play it in secret. When he was finally caught, his parents noticed his talent and drove him to a Music Go Round, where Spencer spent his lifesavings on a rip off Les Paul. Twelve years, a Gibson, and a college education later, Spencer has played in acts ranging in genre from jazz to R&B, gospel to country, blues to bluegrass, rock & roll to rock-a-billy. He was a sought-after musician in Central Ohio for the last ten years before relocating to Boston. He currently plays with several bands in the Boston area, most notably the Doctors Fox (www.myspace.com/thedoctorsfox), Groove Alliance (www.groove-alliance.com), and of course Introduction.
On Chicago: "Chicago always lingered in my peripheral, with those hits that stood out as tunes I would love to play but would never have the group to accomplish fully. They're simply one of rock's finest examples of impeccable musicianship, complex phrasing, and deep lyrics, all balanced perfectly in catchy, easy-to-listen-to songs. Oh yeah, and Terry Kath is a beast. I mean, holy $#*!, that guy's awesome."
On Chicago: "Chicago always lingered in my peripheral, with those hits that stood out as tunes I would love to play but would never have the group to accomplish fully. They're simply one of rock's finest examples of impeccable musicianship, complex phrasing, and deep lyrics, all balanced perfectly in catchy, easy-to-listen-to songs. Oh yeah, and Terry Kath is a beast. I mean, holy $#*!, that guy's awesome."
BEN WANGERIN
Ben Wangerin (Drums, Percussion) Ben started playing drums at nine years of age and never quit. He had his first paying gig in the fifth grade. He was involved in music programs at the Andover, MA public schools from 4th through 12th grade and played in rock bands outside of school. He has studied from teaching/playing greats Alan Dawson and Gary Chaffee. He attended the Musicians' Institute in Hollywood, Ca. in 1990 where he studied from an all star faculty and graduated with honors. Ben has been playing in the New England area for well over 20 years in many different bands whether they be rock, jazz or blues.
On Chicago: "I have always been a fan of Chicago and I enjoy all of their top hits but it's the songs that were not so popular (for radio) that really makes me appreciate their contribution to music."
On Chicago: "I have always been a fan of Chicago and I enjoy all of their top hits but it's the songs that were not so popular (for radio) that really makes me appreciate their contribution to music."
JIM ROBINS (FOUNDING MEMBER)
Jim Robins (Trombone) Made his professional debut at age 16 with the popular Boston-based band "The Infractions". Jim has been on the New England music scene for over 15 years.
Jim Robins holds a bachelor's degree in music education from the University of New Hampshire where he studied trombone with Nic Orovich and jazz improvisation with Dave Seiler, Colin Mason, Fred Haas and the one and only trumpet legend Clark Terry. Other teachers have included Jeff Galindo and Rick Stepton.
A long time member of Groove Alliance, Jim is also a member of the Seacoast Big Band in Durham, NH and has shared a stage with and backed up trombone legends Al Grey, Slide Hampton, Phil Wilson and John Fedchock along with jazz greats Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Jay Ashby, Richie Cole, Ingrid Jensen and many others.
On Chicago: "As a trombone player, I knew that my chances of being a rock star were severely limited. That is, until I discovered Chicago. Jimmy Pankow is a trombone players trombone player. His playing, writing and the band's style is addictive and something I'm looking forward to getting completely inside of."
Jim Robins holds a bachelor's degree in music education from the University of New Hampshire where he studied trombone with Nic Orovich and jazz improvisation with Dave Seiler, Colin Mason, Fred Haas and the one and only trumpet legend Clark Terry. Other teachers have included Jeff Galindo and Rick Stepton.
A long time member of Groove Alliance, Jim is also a member of the Seacoast Big Band in Durham, NH and has shared a stage with and backed up trombone legends Al Grey, Slide Hampton, Phil Wilson and John Fedchock along with jazz greats Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Jay Ashby, Richie Cole, Ingrid Jensen and many others.
On Chicago: "As a trombone player, I knew that my chances of being a rock star were severely limited. That is, until I discovered Chicago. Jimmy Pankow is a trombone players trombone player. His playing, writing and the band's style is addictive and something I'm looking forward to getting completely inside of."
PAT WROGE (FOUNDING MEMBER)
After earning a bachelor of science degree in music education at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Pat Wroge (Tenor/Alto/Soprano Saxophones, Flute) moved to Boston from Missouri to study at the world renowned Berklee College of Music. Since then, Pat has performed with many of Boston's finest musicians including drummer Kenwood Dennard.
Pat has also played and recorded with the highly successful Boston based ska band Pressure Cooker. Pat is currently a member of the popular show band Groove Alliance, specializing in private events. In addition to being a sideman, Pat also has his own project, "Pat Wroge & The Urban Groove Experience", specializing in original groove jazz. You can learn more about Pat Wroge or purchase his CD at www.cdbaby.com, www.itunes.com, www.patwroge.com.
On Chicago: "One of the greatest horn bands in rock n' roll history!! What more is there to say?"
Pat has also played and recorded with the highly successful Boston based ska band Pressure Cooker. Pat is currently a member of the popular show band Groove Alliance, specializing in private events. In addition to being a sideman, Pat also has his own project, "Pat Wroge & The Urban Groove Experience", specializing in original groove jazz. You can learn more about Pat Wroge or purchase his CD at www.cdbaby.com, www.itunes.com, www.patwroge.com.
On Chicago: "One of the greatest horn bands in rock n' roll history!! What more is there to say?"
JAY LIZOTTE
Jay Lizotte (Trumpet, Flugelhorn) studied at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell under the teaching of Joseph Foley. While at UMASS Lowell Jay also played in several different ensembles under the direction of Dan Lutz most in a lead trumpet capacity. Following college Jay substituted with several local bands including John Keegan & Madhouse, Wild Nites, and The Jim Bogus Crew. Jay played several years as the principle trumpet player for the Merrimack Valley Concert Band and most recently has taken on the trumpet playing duties with the popular show band Groove Alliance.
On Chicago: "It started with Introduction in high school when our band director wrote a full jazz band arrangement direct from the CTA album. I've been devouring it ever since. The band is legendary."
On Chicago: "It started with Introduction in high school when our band director wrote a full jazz band arrangement direct from the CTA album. I've been devouring it ever since. The band is legendary."
DAVE LOEHR
Dave Loehr (Keyboards, Lead and Backing Vocals) starting playing guitar and piano at the age of 13 and wrote his first pop song at age 15. Loehr has been influenced across the board on his writing style from Bacharach to Springsteen and everything in between. After studying performance and composition at Berklee for about a year, he formed The Cameron Loehr Band with friend and fellow guitarist Doug Cameron McCormack and hit the clubs. The band evolved into "The View" an all original high energy progressive pop rock band and opened for many notable Boston Bands at the time such as Til` Tuesday, Farrenheit, Private Lightning and Berlin Airlift to name a few.
On Chicago: "I listened to Chicago Transit Authority when I was 14 and was immediately hooked. The follow up Chicago ll showed off songs and melodies that were masterfully crafted and intricate while still maintaining a hook for commercial appeal. The musicianship is top level and the songs take me back to a time in life that hold great memories. Working the material through has given me a deeper appreciation of just how exceptional the makeup of this band is. It is tremendous fun to recreate this catalog of timeless music and be among musicians that possess the same regard and respect for the greatest rock and roll horn band ever!"
On Chicago: "I listened to Chicago Transit Authority when I was 14 and was immediately hooked. The follow up Chicago ll showed off songs and melodies that were masterfully crafted and intricate while still maintaining a hook for commercial appeal. The musicianship is top level and the songs take me back to a time in life that hold great memories. Working the material through has given me a deeper appreciation of just how exceptional the makeup of this band is. It is tremendous fun to recreate this catalog of timeless music and be among musicians that possess the same regard and respect for the greatest rock and roll horn band ever!"
EQUIE CASTRILLO
Eguie Castrillo (Latin Percussions) - Ever since he moved to the United States from his native Puerto Rico, percussionist Eguie Castrillo has been fulfilling his childhood dream: becoming a successful and world renowned percussionist. Castrillo has performed and recorded with prominent world music figures such as Tito Puente, Jennifer Lopez, Steve Winwood, Blood Sweat & Tears, Arturo Sandoval, the Boston Pop, Donna Summer, California Transit Authority (CTA), Paquito D’Rivera, KC and the Sunshine Band, Celia Cruz, and Michael Brecker, just to name a few. Eguie brings this incredible talent to every Introduction TCE show.
Castrillo is a Grammy Award winner (Arturo Sandoval’s Latin Jazz 1998 record of the year) and an engaging showman who performs year-round along with his Big Band in concerts, festivals, corporate parties, and clubs all around the United States. He sometimes adds to his band electrifying Mambo dancers to evoke the New York’s Palladium Ballroom era. His latest CD, Palladium Tradition, has been described by music critics as a “must-have” in anyone’s Big Band music collection. In Italy, Palladium Tradition was named record of the month. Castrillo currently teaches at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. He also conducts music clinics and workshop tours around the world. Eguie Castrillo is endorsed by some of the most important musical instruments companies: Zildjian, Remo, Vic Firth and Toca Percussion.
Castrillo is a Grammy Award winner (Arturo Sandoval’s Latin Jazz 1998 record of the year) and an engaging showman who performs year-round along with his Big Band in concerts, festivals, corporate parties, and clubs all around the United States. He sometimes adds to his band electrifying Mambo dancers to evoke the New York’s Palladium Ballroom era. His latest CD, Palladium Tradition, has been described by music critics as a “must-have” in anyone’s Big Band music collection. In Italy, Palladium Tradition was named record of the month. Castrillo currently teaches at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. He also conducts music clinics and workshop tours around the world. Eguie Castrillo is endorsed by some of the most important musical instruments companies: Zildjian, Remo, Vic Firth and Toca Percussion.
Audio Visual Production Manager: Katya Topova
Audio Engineering: Clark Creative Recording Studios
Photography: Rick Trottier Studios, Raymond Peeples Studios
Stage Production Manager: Katya Topova, Ray Martini, Mike Greene
Wardrobe Production Manager: Richard E. Brown
Corporate Event Coordinator: Tania Henry
Talent Coordinator: Mike Greene, Amy Fichera
Horn Section Production Coordinator: Jim Robins
Booking and Public Relations DIrector: Mike Greene
Audio Engineering: Clark Creative Recording Studios
Photography: Rick Trottier Studios, Raymond Peeples Studios
Stage Production Manager: Katya Topova, Ray Martini, Mike Greene
Wardrobe Production Manager: Richard E. Brown
Corporate Event Coordinator: Tania Henry
Talent Coordinator: Mike Greene, Amy Fichera
Horn Section Production Coordinator: Jim Robins
Booking and Public Relations DIrector: Mike Greene
