BADA BING BAND
Dawn Prince - Lead Vocalist
- Dawn is more than just a Mezzo-Soprano; she is a beacon of talent and passion in the music industry. Her journey as a performer is a tapestry woven with experiences from live stages to television appearances, enchanting radio broadcasts, and even the silver screen. Dawn's voice, a captivating and harmonious blend of depth and clarity, has resonated in diverse settings, showcasing her ability to lead both as a soloist and as a cherished member of vocal groups, bands, and ensembles.
- With a vocal range that surpasses three octaves, Dawn effortlessly transitions between genres, bringing each to life with her signature sonorous tones. Beyond her musical prowess, she is a skilled voice-over artist, infusing her projects with captivating speech and flawless presentations. Her comfort with audio-visual equipment, from microphones to PA systems, speaks to her comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects of performance.
- Dawn's musical journey is enriched by the guidance of illustrious mentors like Earl Kelly Prince, Sr., Dr. Lena McLin, Deborah Bulgrin, and Dr. Adriana Tapanes, whose teachings have shaped her into the artist she is today. Her foundation in acting, honed under the tutelage of Brad Nitchske and Tom Lenane, adds depth and emotion to her performances, elevating them to captivating experiences for audiences.
- While her roots trace back to Chicago, Illinois, where her musical journey began within her church and alongside her seven siblings, Dawn's ambitions have taken her far beyond her hometown. Her experiences with the McLin Singers, along with receiving a prestigious Presidential Scholarship and recognition for her work in the Pop/Jazz Ensemble at Harold Washington College, have solidified her presence in the music world.
- Dawn's portfolio boasts an array of performances in notable productions like Cavalleria Rusticana, Porgy and Bess, and even the whimsical world of Buffy, The Musical. Her appearances extend beyond the stage, as she has lent her talents to commercials, jingles, and industrial performances, further showcasing her versatility as an artist.
- Now, with new projects on the horizon, Dawn is poised to once again captivate audiences with her musical offerings. Her dedication to her craft and the depth of her experiences make her a valuable addition to any musical endeavor. As she prepares to release her latest musical creation, Dawn stands as a testament to turning personal tragedy into triumph, embodying resilience and artistry in every note she sings.
Sarah Pyle - Vocalist
- Sarah has been playing and studying music all her life and draws heavy influence from her musically eclectic upbringing. Her parents are both multi-instrumentalists who filled their home with music of all kinds and who encouraged musical exploration very early on.
- She began piano lessons at five years old, violin at 8, and guitar at 12. As a child, she performed in school orchestras, solo recitals, and competitions. She continues to practice in her leisure. She studied piano and music theory for fun while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Health and Society at Beloit College. She also hosted several hip-hop radio shows on the college station.
- Singing has been woven in throughout Sarah’s musical endeavors in life. She grew up singing in choirs and singing old folk rounds, Motown, and soul hits at home with her mom.
- When she’s not doing music, Sarah puts her love into her work in education and enjoys swimming, being outside, playing with animals, being around friends and family, and taking care of her cat and her plants.
Mike Baltazar - Keyboard/Vocalist
- Mike Baltazar was born in Chicago and began playing piano and guitar at age 14.
- He attended College of DuPage in 1982, where he earned an Associate of Arts degree. He was than accepted to Roosevelt University in Chicago where recieved a Bachelor's degree in music composition and a minor in jazz studies for guitar.
- He has performed with ensembles as well as solo throughout Chicago for over 40 years. Spanning his career, Mike has written/co-written 7 albums of songs and instrumental music for various instruments.
- He also continues to teach piano and guitar to over 35 students each week since 1987. Michael has been around the musical block.
Michael Kasper - Lead Guitar/Vocalist
- Mike first picked up a guitar over 30 years ago after his friend in a band sold him a used guitar and amp for $40.00.
- Mike took music theory and guitar technique lessons, played in garage bands with his buddies, and then later joined the Chicago music scene as a performing member of various bands playing around the Chicagoland area. He’s contributed as lead and rhythm guitarist, bass guitarist, keyboardist, and background vocals.
- He has a passion for writing original music and owns a few studio-recorded singles.
- Some of his favorite bands are Rush, Tool, Led Zeppelin, The Cure, Pink Floyd, Alice in Chains, Shinedown, Fleetwood Mac, Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, Cars, Yes, Tom Petty, Genesis, Journey, Dire Straits, 3 Doors Down, Stevie Ray Vaugh, and Buddy Guy.
Rob Herlihy - Bass Guitar/Vocalist
- Rob has been playing music and drums since a very early age starting with Clarinet and Saxophone and finally Bass guitar. Playing throughout high school (marching, concert, jazz and Pep bands) as well as being in several cover and original bands,
- His favorite bands include Periphery, Enter Shikari, The Police, Rush and pretty much anything in the progressive music genre.
- When he’s not playing, he enjoys Movies, the outdoors and seeing live shows.
Marco Nasti - Drums
- Marco comes a family where at a very young age his father became a child prodigy on clarinet studying under the 1st seat of the Chicago Symphony as well as being groomed to play with the great Italian conductor Arturo Toscanini of the New York Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra and the NBC Symphony Orchestra. Unfortunately an illness derailed his aspirations so went on to start the Lyon Healy music school, as well as become an accomplished teacher and sought after musician on the Chicago music scene playing sax, clarinet and flute. In 5th grade Marco started to take drum lessons at Lyon Healy Music School.
- Although he calls his dad the real talent, Marco has been fortunate to play on worship teams for over 20 years at several large churches. After that a classic rock band (Front Row) for five years and for the past two years his new startup Bada Bing Band.... "The dance band I've always dreamed of being in"
Mike Sandrolini - Percussion/Vocalist
- Mike Sandrolini—Percussion Mike has been playing percussion and drums since the fifth grade, including throughout high school (marching, concert and jazz bands), with a few cover bands, at church services and at open mic nights. His drum instructor was Jimmy Brown, who taught Keith Knudsen—one of the drummers with the Grammy Award-winning Doobie Brothers.
- His favorite drummers are Stewart Copeland and Sheila E. and his favorite bands include The Eagles, Earth, Wind and Fire, Chicago, The Police and (don’t laugh) Pablo Cruise.
- When he’s not banging on cowbells and conga drums, Mike enjoys sports, hanging out with friends, taking road trips, watching documentaries and classic movies, and writing. He’s the co-author of two books: “Bear With Me: A Family History of George Halas and the Chicago Bears” and “All the Good in Sports.”
Joe Dennis - Guest Vocalist
- Joe Dennis is a singer, composer, and actor from Chicago, IL.
- Joe graduated from Lawrence University: Conservatory of Music in 2020 with a self-designed degree called "Contemporary Voice and Songwriting."
- He has also received training from the leading a cappella experts at A Cappella Academy in 2015 & 2016.
Brianna Clay - Guest Vocalist
- Brianna Clay is an American singer, songwriter that has been singing most of her life as the daughter of Pastor Jeffrey Robinson Sr. of Kingdom House of Restoration Church in Elgin, IL.
- Throughout childhood, Brianna not only sang and played piano at her father’s church but in school musicals, choirs, plays, as well as being trained by various vocal coaches that specialize in opera, jazz, and gospel. At the age of 11, she was cast as the lead in an opera where she performed at The Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin, IL with choirs and orchestras. As a teenager she was hired as a backup singer for gospel greats, and an R&B demo artist going into her early 20’s.
- Brianna has more recently performed at places like the Chicago International Airport, varies churches, lounges, for weddings, festivals, and many other venues in the Chicagoland area.
- Brianna’s stage name is B-Love who specializes in performing impersonations, covers, and original music. In the future, Brianna will continue songwriting projects, placements, performing live entertainment, and releasing music.
Jereldine Smith - Guest Vocalist
- Started professionally singing at the age of 12 , on radio programs in Manila, Philippines.
- Took singing classes at Center of Pop Music Philippines at the age of 13
- One of the cast of a TV soap opera "FLordeluna" from age 15 to 16 years old
- Lead Band Vocalist of my first band " City Heat Band" age 18, in Dubai International Hotel, Dubai, UAE 1986-1987
- Singing contract for 6 months in "Night in Manila" club in Saitama ken, Japan 1988
- Lead Vocalist of Various Showband who took residency as resident bands in various 5 star hotels in Hyatt Regency Dubai, Diplomat Hotel Bahrain, Intercontinental Hotel, Sultanate of Oman, Sheraton Sanaa hotel, Yemen from 1988 - 1994
- Resident Piano Bar Chanteuse/Singer at Delta Grand Pacific hotel 1994-1999, Bangkok, Thailand
- Resident Lobby Bar Chanteuse/ Singer at The Rembrandt Hotel 1999-2003
- Resident Trader Vic's lead Vocalist with quartet band , Marriott Resort and Spa 2003 to 2004
- Lead Vocalist of Midnight Magic band 2006 - 2015, gigs at Nikko's lounge, Dover Straits Seafood Restaurants, Wellington place, in the suburbs of Illinois
- Free lance Singer 2015 to present for Banquets