Review Centre: R&B Bands

"This group delivered yet again a great evening’s entertainment. The dance floor was jumping all evening to just the right mix of songs for a great Summer Party. Malcom Johnson, Rowlands Castle Golf Club"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Erika performed at one of Purely Events' Christmas parties and she wowed the audience with her amazing vocals. A true talent. Thank you Erika!"

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:

"Just wanted to thank Direct Hit for their awesome performance at my Birthday Party. All the guests had a fun time dancing and rockin' and commented on what a good variety of music you play. We are looking forward to seeing you again and will definitely be hiring you and your band for our upcoming Anniversary party."

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"She plays beautifully! Awesome Flutist. I really enjoy her music!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Lisa & The Elusions were AMAZING at our wedding reception! Lisa was a pleasure to work with leading up to the reception. They learned 3 songs to play for us. They brought great energy and kept the crowd entertained all night. Our guests have been raving about them. We highly recommend Lisa & the Elusions! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much for a wonderful wedding day. The music during all 3 events was wonderful and perfect. Thanks for working with us through the rain during the ceremony and for letting us take over with lots of speeches. It was awesome that you let Matt get up there and sing and that we were able to extend the evening for INCREDIBLE! Lot of wonderful energy, personality, and a very diverse music set. I would highly little while longer! You're a talented band with the ability to play so many different genres and we loved you! Thank you so much, "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Vi ho conosciuto per caso tramite un amico e ha saputo consigliarmi davvero il meglio. Siete stati impeccabili dall'inizio alla fine del nostro matrimonio, ci avete accontentato in tutto e siete stati fenomenali soprattutto quando è arrivato il momento di far ballare noi e i nostri invitati. Vi sceglierei altre infinite volte, grazie!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I've seen wiseiris perform before and he also is based near us. It was a no brainer to hire him for our event. Communication leading up to the event was perfect with everything laid out. He arrived early to the venue for soundcheck and delivered an amazing set. If you want a multi talented musician with songs you can feel I would recommend wiseiris in a heart beat and we can't wait to have him back to perform for us in 2026."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"This band delivers an exceptionally well-organized and polished performance that immediately stands out. Their song selection is spot-on, creating the perfect jive that keeps the energy flowing from start to finish. Every element of their show radiates a positive and uplifting vibe, making it impossible not to feel happy in their presence. Their professionalism is evident not only in their sound but also in their presentation. They carry themselves with confidence and style, adding to the overall experience. As soon as they begin to play, you can’t help but feel the urge to dance and groove along with the rhythm. Musically, the band is impressively tight. The instrumentalists produce a crisp and sharp sound, showcasing both precision and talent. Complementing this are the two vocalists, whose beautiful voices blend seamlessly and add depth and emotion to every performance. Overall, this band offers a vibrant, high-quality musical experience that leaves a lasting impression and keeps the audience wanting more. Keep it up RMD, looking forward to the next concert!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We could not have asked for a better band for our wedding- they were truly awesome!! Everyone was amazed by their voices and entertainment- we had lots of guests compliment them. They really kept the party going! They were also very accommodating (they had to learn the song for our first dance) and very easy/friendly to work with. Would definitely use them again, and can only recommend to anyone else!! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Truly a marvelous band. They were accommodating and set the perfect tone for our intimate wedding. Between the ceremony, cocktail hour and dinner, it was a lovely time with great music."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"World Class Performer Nadine is an amazing entertainer. I was so lucky to have had her perform at the Rum House in the Edison Hotel in NYC at least once a week. She fills up the room with her great music selections and would get the whole establishment singing and dancing. It was special each and every time. I noticed after one month she became the biggest draw of guests than many others. I saw revenue increase on the evenings she performed. More importantly she is a great human being."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" I saw this band perform on New Year’s Eve in the pouring rain. They were phenomenal! Despite the extreme weather conditions, they put on a show. Their musical and vocal talent was stellar. People were dancing all over the place. I can’t wait to see them again. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"The band brought so much energy and fun to our wedding. Our guests were blown away by their talent and stage presence."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: