Meet The Band


Click the Artist's name on the right to view bio information.








Michael Cascio is the band leader and music director of UpBeat. As a leader, Michael has assembled a dream team of Chicago's finest and most versatile professionals. Michael has led and performed many hundreds of dates in the past decade, and as Maria Barberi, Event Manager for RE/MAX wrote: "You are my guarantee for fabulous entertainment! Everyone we spoke to LOVES your band and had a great time dancing. It is always a pleasure to work with you!"

Michael Cascio – Music Director, Drums, Percussion, Piano, Vocalist

Kari Keillor – Vocalist
Ebonie Taylor – Vocalist
Parish Collier – Vocalist
Precious Taylor – Vocalist
Karla Leray – Vocalist
Casey Ostrowski – Guitar, Vocalist
Anderson Edwards – Acoustic & Electric Bass
Tony Mhoon – Bass Guitar
Kevin Disch – Piano
John Talmadge – Piano

Gregg Opelka – Piano
Milton Ware – Saxophone
Kevin Kizer – Saxophone
Steve Thomas – Trumpet
Brian Finn – Trumpet
Phil Feo – Trumpet
Kendall Moore – Trombone
Regina Leslie – Violin
Penny Currier – Harp


Michael Cascio – Drums, Percussion, Piano, Vocalist



Photography by Joanna Kozek

Michael is an accomplished band leader and producer in a broad range of styles – as one student put it, ‘The Indiana Jones of the music world.’ He has been performing jazz and pop professionally 25 years with the likes of Branford Marsalis, Clark Terry, Brian Culbertson, Von Freeman and Kat Parsons Group to name a few.

For the past decade, Michael's group, UpBeat, has performed in clubs, corporate galas, weddings, social events, and festivals throughout Chicago land – UpBeat has performed for numerous celebrities and exceptional events, including Jennifer Aniston, Mayor Richard M. Daley, Vince Vaughn, and recently opened for Lionel Richie.

Michael (percussion, piano, vocals) graduated with honors from DePaul University where he earned a Bachelors degree in performance and composition. Michael has led his band for club dates and private events across Chicago land for over a decade, and is a bandleader, producer, and host – credits include band leading on the Odyssey, performing 150+ events annually since 2000, and has served as entertainment director for numerous venues at Navy Pier Chicago, including The Spirt of Chicago. Michael is an accomplished composer, arranger for all formats, session player, teacher, and clinician.

Before completing his BA AS degrees, Michael developed orchestral composition with world renowned Dr. George Flynn and contemporary arranging for brass and strings with CSO Music Now director Cliff Colnott – Michael has a wealth of experience arranging music and performing in a broad range of styles including orchestral chamber ensemble, jazz, pop, rock, R&B, etc. – this extensive, well rounded background is a testament to the quality and diversity of his band's charts and performance.

Michael's groups have performed extensively in the Chicago land area ranging from the largest galas at McCormick Place, Field Museum, etc. to the most intimate, Drake Hotel, Palmer house, Green Dolphin Street, etc. He has been performing jazz and pop professionally 25 years with the likes of Ellis Marsalis, Clark Terry, Big Band of Chicago, Frank Mantooth Big Band, and Kat Parsons Group to name a few. Michael's jazz groups include many of Chicago's finest, such as Kevin Disch, Ben Lewis, and Anderson Edwards. He has performed and directed music theater works, ranging from the traditional, Annie Get Your Gun, to the contemporary, Lord Of the Dance.

Michael has performed and recorded chamber ensemble pieces for Cliff Colnot, Civic Orchestra. As a producer, Recent recording examples include arrangements for Rich Paterson (of Miles Davis fame) Group, Gregg Opelka for American Playwrights at Studio Media and for his own group – Michael Cascio Trio, Out of Hand, on Bluejazz records. His world music credits include recording with Pitu Leal Brazil and Guitarra Azul. Michael composes for a variety of instruments, i.e., Firestorm and multiple percussion ensemble works published by Ludwig Music and Modern Drummer; he also arranges and publishes for music theater, most recently Soup Du Jour, for Light Opera Works.


Kerry Keillor – Vocalist



Photography by Joanna Kozek

UpBeat Music Productions is excited to present the talented and versatile Kari Kellor. Kari's eclectic resume as a vocal stylist includes various music theater (including The Full Monty – Water Tower Drury Lane, The Other Cinderella – Black Ensemble Theater), various cabaret performances, voice over recordings, film, television, and industrial.

Kari is also an actress and professional dancer – when performing with the orchestra, Kari enjoys going out to to the dance floor with her cordless mic and leading the audience with dance party concepts, such as The Electric Slide. Kari is a captivating vocalist, and brings a wonderful energy and presence to the stage.


Ebonie Taylor – Vocalist



Photography by Joanna Kozek

Ebonie Taylor has become Chicago's very own world class vocalist, and UpBeat is proud to have her on our vocal lineup. Her performance credits include: R Kelly 'Light It Up' tour, The Contours, and her aunt the 'Queen of the Blues', Ko Ko Taylor.

Additionally, She has performed live at Radio City Music Hall, The Chicago Theatre, The 2005 BET 25th Anniversary Show, and 2007 Billboard Music Awards. As a child, Ebonie was a gospel sensation, and in the tradition of the Motown, Jazz, Gospel, Soul, and Blues masters before her, she has developed her own captivating sound.


Parish Collier – Vocalist



Photography by Joanna Kozek

Parish is an accomplished and versatile vocal stylist. The Michael Cascio orchestra does not lock into any single musical style or musical era – for example, Parish will pay homage to Elvis, singing 'Can't Help Falling In Love', and then turn to a completely different idiom singing Lionele Richie's 'Brickhouse' – his versatility is a testament to his consummate musicianship.

His broad pallet of vocal styles include soulfully convincing Motown and R&B, ball room and big band dance in the style of Frank Sinatra and Tony Benett, straight ahead jazz, lain/salsa, rock, and contemporary. Parish's resume includes various music theater (including Ain't Misbehaving at The Goodman Theater), various cabaret performances, voice over recordings, film, television, and industrial.


Precious Taylor – Vocalist



Photography by Joanna Kozek

Precious Taylor is Chicago's top vocal standard, and recently finished Dan Akroyd's "Blues Brothers Revival" production. Precious has performed throughout the world touring Europe and Asia several times.

She has performed with The Temptations, The Contours, Carl Carlton (Bad Mamma Jamma), Norman Conners, Michael Henderson, Phil Perry, George Duke, Jr. Walker & the All Stars, Howard Hewitt, Bruce Thompson, Dennis Brown, Michael Brown, and her aunt, the legendary KoKo Taylor. Precious also performed in a private audience of gospel for the Pope at Vatican City, Rome.

She has recorded commercials for BET/Comic View, Medcare HMO and a number of commercial jingles. She has appeared in several theatrical shows including “Forgotten Pearls” (The Oasis Theatre), “The Dinah Washington Story” (Drury lane Theatre) and Tommy Guns Garage dinner Theatre. She recently performed the lead role of Sister Callie in “The Blues Brothers Revival,” produced by Dan Akaroyd and Victor Pisano.


Karla Leray – Vocalist



Photography by Joanna Kozek

Karla has become UpBeat's secret weapon in the vocal department – choir director by day, and virtuoso performer by night, Karla delivers the versatility and dependability that any top orchestra demands of their front vocal line.

Whether performing contemporary salsa, retro disco, or the latest smash, Karla always delivers an amazing performance. Karla directs choir in the Chicago Public School system, and her performance credits include lead roles in off broadway musicals such as Wicked, various cabaret performances, voice over recordings, film, and television.


Casey Ostrowski – Guitar, Vocalist



Photography by Joanna Kozek

Casey Ostrowski, aka KC, is a virtuoso on par with the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughn and Eric Clapton, and KC's vocals are on fire!

Our lead vocalist and guitarist, Casey Ostrowski (aka KC) is a native Chicago R&B veteran performing professionally for the last 30 years. KC is a virtuoso guitarist on par with the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughn and Eric Clapton.

KC's guitar style is is an embodiment of the modern Blues guitar hero, and also pays homage to Rock/Pop classics spanning the last five decades. As our lead vocalist, KC is a versatile, exciting stylist, covering the swing classics such as, "The Way You Look Tonight" (Sinatra), contemporary, i.e., "Smooth" by Santana, a broad range of R&B classics such as "My Girl," "Sweet Home Chicago" 70's dance classics such as "Play That Funky Music," timeless classics like "Brown Eyed Girl," latin party songs, i.e., "Hot, Hot, Hot" and timeless ballads such as "What a Wonderful World."

As our promo flyer reads: 'Be prepared to sing along with our group, and answer the the call: "Let The Good Times Roll!"'


Anderson Edwards – Acoustic & Electric Bass



Photography by Joanna Kozek

Anderson is a prolific bassist, pianist, and composer–Anderson knows many hundreds of songs, and is like a walking musical encyclopedia. His playing is a reflection of his warm, outgoing and diverse personality.

Anderson has traveled worldwide and performed in clubs, concerts and festivals with a wide range of artists from Wynton Marsalis, Mariah Carey, Otis Clay and Koko Taylor. Over the years he has opened for acts such as Brandy, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, Huey Lewis and the News and Buddy Guy. Anderson's recording credits extend across the span of Western music from classical, gospel and jazz to R&B, blues and house music.

Most notably, Anderson scored the music to the Katherine Nero film "Wedding Bell Blues", recorded with Koko Taylor on the House of Blues tribute to Janis Joplin and was a co-composer with Grammy Award winning, Sony recording blues artist Keb Mo' in the Keith Glover musical hit "Thunder Knocking on the Door."


Tony Mhoon – Bass Guitar



Photography by Joanna Kozek

Antonio J. Mhoon is one of the most versatile and accomplished jazz bassists in the Chicago area. His performing credits include the Morris Ellis Jazz Orchestra, Pete Cozy Jazz Group (formerly with Miles Davis), and the Northern Illinois Jazz Band, as well as collaborations with Jazz greats James Moody, Frank Mantooth, Von Freeman, and Clark Terry.

Antonio has also shared the stage with gospel artists Tramaine Hawkins, The Staple Singers, The Winans, Jessy Dixon, The P.T.L. Singers, Calvin Bridges, The Wooten Choir Group, The Prophets, The Thompson Community Singers, and The Bartlett Sisters. Antonio attended Columbia College majoring in music composition and electric bass studies with an emphasis in R&B, classical and jazz. A highly regarded and experienced music educator, Antonio taught promotion at Central State University and bass and jazz studies at Columbia College, in addition to general music at Our Lady of Grace and Joseph Warren Elementary.

Equally in demand for studio and show work, Antonio can be heard on jingles for Kraft, Leon’s Barbeque, Nelson Brothers, Picks & Pans, Let’s Talk Flicks, and Ready Wipe, as well as the campaign music for former Mayor Harold Washington. Antonio has recorded with the Thompson Community Singers, Calvin Bridges, The Prophets, The Barrett Sisters, Northern Illinois University Jazz Band (Live at Montraux), James Cleveland, Arthur Scales, Ethel Holloway, The Staple Singers, Rod McGaha, and Mike Hayward. He has also performed for many plays, including Your Arms Too short to Box with God, Dina, The Jackie Wilson Story, and The Other Cinderella.

In addition to being the bassist for Michael Cascio Trio, and Chicago’s celebrated Black Ensemble Theatre, Antonio is the owner of MhoonUnit Midi Recording Studio.


Kevin Disch – Piano



Photography by Joanna Kozek

Our eclectic jazz pianist Kevin Disch knows how to light up a room with sophisticated, soulful jazz standards.

Kevin has been one of Chicago's elite accompanists for a broad range of styles, spanning classical, cabaret, theater, and jazz, for over a decade.

Kevin's diverse credits range from the long running hit 'Forever Plaid' to the international 'Tiempo Tango Chicago'. Kevin's vocabulary and knowledge of music are immense, and Kevin brings true and soulful creativity to our jazz trio and jazz quartet


John Talmadge – Piano



Photography by Joanna Kozek

Jazz, Blues, and R&B pianist John Talmadge is also a soulful vocal stylist – John is an one of Chicago's top standards if you are considering a singing pianist.

John's versatile song list spans from 'The Way You Look Tonight' (Sinatra) to 'Piano Man' (Billy Joel) – John often closes his performance with everyone at the party singing along with the 'Piano Man'. John's credits include extenssive touring with international blues artist Lonnie Brooks, and John has also shared the stage with Buddy Guy, Herbie Hancock, George Benson, Wilson Pickett, the Blues Brothers, and Koko Taylor.


Gregg Opelka – Piano



Photography by Joanna Kozek

Chicago's very own Gregg Opelka is a nationally known performer and composer–his vibrant personality shines through in his playing.

His renditions and arrangements of classical repertoire and broadway standards are tasteful, dramatic and exciting, also, Gregg is a veteran pro who is always a joy to work with.

Gregg's credits are extensive – at Chicago's renowned operetta company, Light Opera Works, Mr. Opelka wrote new English lyrics for three German operettas. Gregg composed original music for Pegasus Players' Jefferson Award-winning production of The Sum of Us, and has has written music and lyrics for eight musicals which are produced throughout the US and Euorpe.


Milton Ware – Saxophone



Photography by Joanna Kozek

Although Milton has extensive formal training, he grew to be the exceptional sax talent he is by performing for many years in the Chicago jazz clubs with many of its finest veterans.

His style pays tribute to the jazz legends that helped create this marvelous American art form, including popular standards by Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon and John Coltrane to name a few. No mater the stye, or the venue, Milton always conveys a soulfulness to the audience. Milton is also quite versatile, performing various latin/ jazz salsa styles, contemporary/ pop arrangements, and funky jazz.


Kevin Kizer – Saxophone



Photography by Joanna Kozek

Kevin is a tenor sax virtuoso; he is also proficient at playing the alto saxophones, clarinet and flute, and is also known as a prolific composer.

Kevin integrates a wide variety of the classic jazz saxophone greats, starting with tenor sax man Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, who was his friend and mentor. Also evident in his sax sounds and phraseology are Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane, and Ornette Coleman. Regardless of the influences heard, Kevin Kizer has his own unique sound and talent, enhancing the sound of any musical style, ranging from ball room dance , big band jazz, straight ahead jazz, lain/salsa, rock, R&B, to avant garde.

Kevin received his formal training at The University of Illinois and Illinois State University. Kevin has performed with Wayne Newton, Johnny Mathis, the Temptations, and Lee Castle’s Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, to name a few. Kevin teaches at Ericsson Junior High, Gemini Junior High, and Naperville Central High, as well as maintaining a busy performance career.


Steve Thomas – Trumpet



Photography by Joanna Kozek

Although Steve is a top rate player in all styles, he is the jazz trumpet authority for our ensembles. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Steve Thomas has performed/toured with the Déjà vu Big Band, the Eddie Harrison Group, and Peter Oprisko, to name a few.

Citing a number of landmark influences, including Miles Davis, Chet Baker, and Dizzy Gillespie, Steve has developed his own unique and dynamic sound. Steve has many featured spots in our group – notably the trumpet solo in the Jennifer Lopez / Marc Anthony salsa classic "El Cantante."


Brian Finn – Trumpet



Photography by Joanna Kozek

The Michael Cascio Orchestra is proud to have the prolific Brian Finn in our horn section. Brian is like a walking trumpet encyclpedia.

Although the MCO has well arranged charts for all the various idioms we perform, Brian can actually play horn parts for songs by memory from The Blues Brothers, Wilson Pickett, Solomon Burke, The Temptations, Joe Cocker, James Brown, Bobby Bland, Tony Joe White, Ray Charles, John Lee Hooker, Chicago, The Buckinghams, Van Morrison, Junior Wells, Junior Walker, Otis Redding and scores of others. Brian lives in Naperville with his wife and two year old son, and teaches concert band and orchestra in the public school system.


Phil Feo – Trumpet



MCO is proud to present our trumpet ceremony coordinator and brass ensemble leader, and classical specialist Phil Feo. Phil has been diversely active in the Chicago music scene for a quarter century.

Phil has performed with many of Chicago's top orchestras including the Ravinia Festival Orchestra under the direction of Christoph Eschenbach and Maestro Eric Kunzel. Phil has worked as a music editor, copyist, consultant and librarian for a variety of music legends, including Sir George Solti, Leonad Bernstein, Daniel Barenboem, Luciano Pavoratti, and Celine Dion.


Kendall Moore – Trombone



Photography by Joanna Kozek

Although Kendall only recently finished his performance/composition degree from Roosevelt University, his experience and resume are quite impressive.

Kendall has performed with Chicago's world renowned Von Freeman, the Art Blakey Jazz Messenger Tribute Ensemble, and creative jazz groups across Chicago land. His music theater credits include "The Buddy Holly Story" at Drury Lane Oakbrook. In MCO, Kendall supplies the brass foundation for our horn section, and is well versed in any musical style, ranging from ball room dance, big band jazz, straight ahead jazz, lain/salsa, rock, and Motown. Kendall has many featured spots in our group – notably the trombone solo in Louie Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World."


Regina Leslie – Violin



Photography by Joanna Kozek

MCO is proud to introduce Regina Leslie as our string quartet coordinator, and leader of the Bravi Quartet.

For the past two decades she has led an exciting and eclectic career performing with various Chicago theaters, orchestras, and various creative groups – recent examples include the Billy Joel Tributosaurus Chicago concert series, featuring intricate arrangements and virtuoso performances. Regina brings a high level of professionalism that you can trust for your event.


Penny Currier – Harp



Photography by Gennifer Girard

Penny Currier is one of Chicago's top Harp standards, both as a soloist and with various ensembles.

She has worked for scores of corporations, and hundreds of brides and grooms have chosen to depend on her training and years of experience for their wedding celebrations. Her extensive repertoire sensibly includes a broad range of musical styles, suitable to all tastes, which encompass popular melodies, show tunes, standards, classical, love songs, and much more.

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