Review Centre: Swing Bands

"Un duo straordinario, energia e talento dall’inizio alla fine! Tutto semplicemente perfetto. Andrea e Luca sono dei veri professionisti: attenti, disponibili e sempre pronti a superare ogni aspettativa. Fin dai preparativi si sono dimostrati super coinvolti, ascoltando con cura i nostri gusti musicali e guidandoci nella scelta dei brani più adatti per ogni momento del matrimonio. Il risultato? Assolutamente impeccabile! La musica è stata meravigliosa e coinvolgente, capace di creare un’atmosfera unica in ogni fase della giornata. I nostri ospiti si sono divertiti tantissimo e ancora oggi ci fanno i complimenti! Andrea è stato incredibile: tra violino led, sax e chitarra ha regalato performance davvero emozionanti. Luca, con la sua voce stupenda, ha saputo creare un’atmosfera calda e coinvolgente, accompagnando tutti verso il momento del ballo in modo naturale e travolgente. Bravissimi anche nell’interazione con gli invitati, sempre pronti a raccogliere richieste e a mantenere viva l’energia della festa. Hanno reso ogni istante del nostro matrimonio ancora più speciale… non potevamo desiderare di meglio! Li consigliamo senza alcun dubbio. Grazie di cuore, Andrea e Luca, per averci regalato una colonna sonora semplicemente indimenticabile!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Kevin was the violinist on the day of my proposal, and I couldn’t have asked for a better person. He’s incredibly passionate, attentive, and truly understood what I wanted. His performance and presence brought the perfect vibe to the moment — everything was executed flawlessly. If you’re looking for someone who can understand your vision, deliver it with heart, and elevate the atmosphere, Kevin and TIBI Event are a solid choice you can fully trust."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"These guys played at our wedding last month, doing a session during our cocktail reception and then from our first dance and they were incredible! They did a range of different songs in their own beautiful style, with everyone saying how amazing they were. We couldn't have chosen better for our wedding and would highly recommend them to anyone!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We can’t say enough good things about Kevin Mucaj and his team at TIBI Events. Kevin is an amazing violinist, composer, and producer who took so much care with every detail. From the very start, he was patient and attentive, helping us pick the perfect songs and making sure each moment—from our grand entrance to all the little highlights—flowed just the way we wanted. He and his musicians played beautifully, with so much emotion and energy. Kevin guided the music seamlessly from the ceremony through cocktail hour and dinner, building the mood perfectly so it just kept getting better. It truly felt like the soundtrack of our day was crafted just for us, and it left such a powerful impression on everyone. We also want to give a huge thank you to Nadiia, who was incredible at keeping everything organized behind the scenes. Her calm and professional touch made the day feel effortless. Working with Kevin, his musicians, and Nadiia was a joy from start to finish. They put their hearts into what they do, and it showed in every note. If you’re looking for unforgettable music and a team that genuinely cares, TIBI Events is the best choice you could make. Highly recommend!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It’s quite possible to stroll right past the place while navigating West Kinzie Street, just a wee bit north of the Chicago River, and not even realize it. The only concrete clue that you’ve arrived at your destination is the sight of a black canvas entrance emblazoned with the curious moniker of the joint. It’s called Untitled, and that handle is purposely nondescript, only adding to the overall mystique of the nightspot. Head down a short flight of stairs, say hello to the doorman (there’s no cover), and you’ll find that Untitled offers a welcoming hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the Loop, which sits only a few blocks south on the other side of the river. During the Prohibition era, speakeasies dotted the Windy City landscape where those so inclined could quaff an alcoholic libation or two while securely hidden away from the long arm of the law. But those long-ago speaks were never this spacious or glamorously appointed. Make no mistake: this is a classy operation all the way, so you won’t spy any tennis shoes or sweatsuits sullying the polished dance floor. When the Rhythm Rockets take the stage at Untitled, as they’ve been doing on the second Wednesday evening of every month for a while now starting at 7:30 p.m. and going strong for three hours, the joint proceeds to jump to a barrage of eminently danceable rhythms. The music meshes perfectly with the delicious food and cool drinks that can be ordered by summoning your lovely waitress. You can dine on such delicacies as steak tartare, sea scallops, and mushroom tortellini, and top your feast off with a scrumptious slice of whoopee pie, a blend of dark chocolate-espresso cake, peanut butter mousse, and powdered sugar. There was a fair amount of dancing happening during the Rhythm Rockets’ most recent Untitled engagement, but most of the sizable crowd was content to soak in the swinging soiree at their tables or from their barstools. The sound quality was exceptionally crisp and full-bodied all night long; Dave Downer’s concise guitar licks sliced through the air with authority, and Nicole Kestler’s delightful vocals were mixed at precisely the right level for maximum enjoyment as she sailed through longtime Rhythm Rockets favorites that included Little Esther’s “Oo Papa Do,” the relaxed pre-war blues lament “Trouble In Mind,” and the band’s scorching arrangement of Ruth Brown’s “(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean” that they often use as a set closer. The sizzling sax section (tenors Michael Bielecki and Vince Salerno and baritone Justin Kierans) was tight and right throughout the evening, and the rock-solid combination of bassist Lou Marini and drummer Mark Fornek kept the grooves hitting on all cylinders. Mark usually sings a song or two on each set prior to Nicole’s entrance, and now he’s previewing a few Chicago blues numbers that he’s also singing with Dave’s new side band, the Five Alibis. Vince switched over to harmonica to give Little Walter’s ominous “I Don’t Play” an authentic Chicago blues sound, although the horns returned when Mark launched into Junior Wells’ playful shuffle “The Things I’d Do For You.” If you’re anywhere near River North on the second Wednesday of this or any month in the near future, take a walk down Kinzie and seek out Untitled, even if you have to look hard for it. It’s altogether worth the effort--and a great place to check out the Rhythm Rockets doing what they do best! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The near full house had cheers ranging out continuously until, finally, the house lights came up, announcing that the musical treat really had finally come to an end."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing absolutely brilliant, wonderful person in general, really nice personality and charismatic , I can not emphasis the effect Cornel had on the emotions of myself and my new husband , absolutely wonderful!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The Lewis Barfoot Jazz Quintet delivers amazing performances. The ensemble demonstrated a deep understanding of both the jazz and swing tradition and the soul of live interpretation, balancing technical precision with an inviting sense of spontaneity. Lewis's leadership was evident throughout, with singing that was confident yet understated, allowing space for all the musician voices to shine.There was an unmistakable sense of enjoyment and mutual respect on stage, which translated directly to the audience. Dynamic contrasts were handled with care, and solos were expressive without ever feeling self-indulgent. Particularly impressive was their attention to providing music that truly worked for dancers. Tempos, dynamics, and phrasing were handled with care, ensuring the music was not only enjoyable to listen to but also perfectly suited to the dance floor. Beyond the performance itself, the professional approach stood out throughout the entire process. Communication was clear and reliable from the initial booking through to the end of the event, making the experience smooth and stress-free. Overall, the Lewis Barfoot Jazz Quintet combined high-quality musicianship with professionalism and thoughtful consideration for their audience, resulting in a thoroughly successful event."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Kars and his team provided the music during a large business dinner that we organized for our customers. Their presence is not in the foreground, and yet it sets a great deal of the atmosphere. Thank you and until the next collaboration!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Enchant Your Event with Trip for Biscuits! They sounded amazing, dressed the part and provided our wedding with an unforgettable sound and enchantment that exceeded our expectations. They were flexible with the venue, easy to work & coordinate with, and absolutely professional"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Our 50th anniversary party was everything we had hoped it would be. Our guest list was a very broad age range and the Texas Gypsies were a huge hit. You should feel very lucky to have the privilege of their talent. Steve Curry, the manager was very helpful and easy to work with. Thank you again to the Texas Gypsies for helping make our party the success it was! K phillips"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"A top notch evening. Wonderful entertainment, serious musicianship and big smiles all night! They look as good as they sound. What a fantastic band - highly recommended."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely great band and nice people! They played for the aperitivo of our wedding party. All our guests where talking about them! Will book them again when I have an opportunity."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Many thanks to you and the band for making the evening so special."

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"Made my birthday extra special! This Band really played well together and sounded great! They played all of the pieces I had requested earlier, arrived on time and guests commented how much they'd enjoyed the sets. Wouldn't hesitate to book this band again ..."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: