RHYTHM
MIKE FIORINO (Electric bass) A free-lance musician for over 35 years, performing locally with such notables as Judy Roberts and the Sabre Room house band. Has performed with artists as varied as Clark Terry, Bill Holman, the Smothers Brothers, Joel Grey, and many more. Has recorded numerous radio and TV spots, performs with various other local groups and has released three solo CD's of original material.
TOM VITACCO (Guitar) A freelance guitarist, arranger, session player and producer for over 35 years, including the past 4 years with Mannheim Steamroller’s national Christmas tours. Has performed numerous shows for Broadway In Chicago and other companies, including The Who’s Tommy, Hamilton, Wicked, and Jesus Christ Superstar (with the Lyric Opera). Has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra and the Grant Park Symphony. Also has recorded for Hal Leonard Publishing and many regional recording artists. Has performed with over a dozen different Chicago-area bands and ensembles, including Always Olivia (Olivia Newton-John Tribute), Mulberry St. (Billy Joel Tribute), The TVK Orchestra, and the Jazz Consortium Big Band.
KENT NICHOLSON (Drums) Has performed with artists including Randy Brecker, Lou Marini, Marvin Stamm, Rob Parton, Tammy McCann and Mike Tomaro. Also performs as a freelance drummer and percussionist with groups including the Vern Spevac, Jazz Community, Grandstand, Reunion and Pete Ellman big bands. Has written a number of original compositions and arrangements for the Jazz Consortium, other jazz bands, and wind ensemble.
TOM SCHRICKEL (Keyboard) Another charter member of the Jazz Consortium Big Band. Played in the University of Illinois jazz program while earning a degree in mathematics, also receiving a graduate degree at the University of Chicago. Performs in both jazz and classical idioms, most recently as pianist in Minneapolis' Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra's performances of Elementals by Dave Brubeck for jazz combo and symphony orchestra..