The hottest live entertainment company in the country just got even hotter. Arlen Music is proud to introduce Entourage, a fresh addition to the already stellar roster of exclusive dance bands.
Entourage is a sizzling eight-piece ensemble fronted by rising star David Young on the trumpet and backed by some of the most electrifying musicians to grace the stage in Chicago and around the world. Entourage musicians have toured and performed with music stars such as Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Densiny's Child, Nelly Furtado, R. Kelly, Al Green, B.B. King, Patti LaBelle, Boyz II Men, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Arturo Sandoval and more.
In addition, they have performed at prestigious venues like Radio City Music Hall, the Oprah Winfrey Show, the Today Show, Universal Studios, and the Billboard Music Awards. With so much incredible experience, Entourage can deliver the extensive musical repertoire of an Arlen Music band with a rocking, soulful edge to keep your guests dancing all night long!
David Young, trumpet – One of the most exciting emerging artists on the Chicago music scene, David Young’s sizzling trumpet and charismatic stage presence make him a bandleader to be reckoned with. While studying under trumpet master Charles Geyer at Northwestern University, David released his critically acclaimed debut CD Appasionata. His live performances have also garnered rave reviews: the Chicago Sun-Times has said he is “never less than enthralling,” and the Chicago Tribune says, “To see this poised and gifted young man seduce an audience…was to witness the emergence of a potentially major artist.” David has cultivated his love of both Jazz and contemporary pop and dance music in performance with legendary artists such as Lauryn Hill, Wynton Marsalis, Marcus Roberts and Danilo Perez and touring around the world with ensembles like New Republic, Chicago Jazz Ensemble and BeBop Brass. David is proud to be the leader of the new and exciting dance band Entourage.
Ebonie Taylor – Ebonie is an exhilarating and charismatic singer, songwriter and dancer who has toured nationally and internationally. She was born into a musical family and was encouraged at an early age by her aunt Koko Taylor, the “Queen of the Blues”. Ebonie has performed on stage with artists such as R. Kelly, Mavis Staples and the Contours as well as at Radio City Music Hall, Universal Studios Sound Stage, the Chicago Theatre, the 2005 BET 25th Anniversary Show, the 2005 Billboard Music Awards and the Taste of Chicago. In addition to her vocal talents, Ebonie is an accomplished songwriter and arranger, and now brings her soulful flare to Entourage.
Timothy Butler – Timothy’s incomparable vocals and dynamic stage presence have been honed with extensive performance experience. Timothy began performing at the age of 3 and has gone on to work as a singer and songwriter with artists such as P. Diddy, R. Kelly, Josh Groban, Billy Preston and many top gospel greats, including Kim Burell Wiley and Grammy winner Smokie Norful. Timothy’s versatile voice soars on many diverse styles of music, from Motown to R&B to Rock, and he is excited to bring his eclectic experience and incredible vocal talent to Entourage.
Steve Ramsdell, guitar – Steve began his career as a guitarist and songwriter in his native Solana, California before moving on to Northwestern University to study his instrument. After moving to the Chicago area, Steve began performing rock and jazz at the hottest venues in the city. Steve’s performing career has taken him across the country and on extended tours of Brazil and Cuba. In addition to his rock and jazz accomplishments, Steve has become a virtuosic Classical guitarist, bringing just the right touch of elegance and soulful edge to Entourage.
Thomas Hayes, saxophone – Thomas has been performing on the saxophone for most of his life, having studied at the renowned Music School of the University of North Texas. While in the Dallas area, Thomas performed and recorded with several award-winning ensembles, even garnering recognition from the prestigious jazz publication Downbeat Magazine. In addition to performances around the country, Thomas spent several years in Australia, producing and performing in award-winning shows at The Base Cabaret, one of the hottest music spots on the Gold Coast. He has toured the world, performing with musicians such as The Drifters, The Platters, Bob Mintzer, Steve Houghton, Rob McConnell and many others. Entourage is pleased to add Thomas’s combination of experience and fresh sound to our ranks.
Andre Beasley, drums – Andre became interested in music from an early age, growing up in Kansas City and being exposed to that city’s rich Jazz history and cutting his teeth in its exciting music scene. After honing his skills and training at Wichita State University, Andre moved to Chicago and proceeded to take the city by storm. He has performed music of all styles at the hottest clubs in the city, from rock to Jazz to blues and R&B. Along the way, Andre has performed with musicians such Oscar Brown, Jr., Bobby Broom, and Orbert Davis.
Tim Seisser, bass – Tim Seisser is a Chicagoland native who has been busy in the music scene from an early age. Tim has worked in many styles, regularly switching genres and settings, since he began his full time music career in 2004. He has worked with many of Chicago's finest musicians including Mark Colby, Howard Levy, Rob Parton, Nicole Mitchell, A Cor Do Brasil, and Max Weinberg. Tim has performed at The Chicago Jazz Festival, The Cherokee Jazz and Blues Festival and The Blues to Bop Festival in Switzerland. Tim was an artist in residence for the Union League of Chicago Civic and Arts Jazz Ensemble in 2008. In addition, he has had the opportunity to back celebrity entertainers Max Weinberg and Charo. In 2008 Tim released his first album as a leader entitled "Wire and Wood". It received acclaim from jazz reviewers and has been played on multiple Chicago area jazz stations including WDCB and WNUA. Tim is a staff writer for Bass Musician Magazine.
Matt Long, piano – Known for his versatility and sensitive musicianship, pianist Matt Long plays in a variety of styles with spirit and ease. A native of Kansas, Matt graduated with highest distinction from Northwestern University's School of Music in 1994. Since then he has been a busy free lancer in the Chicago area. As a vocal and choral accompanist Matt has played for the Too Hot to Handel concert choir, the Community Renewal Chorus, Old St. Patrick's Church concert choirs, and DePaul University among many others. For ten years he has been the pianist for Lyric Opera's Meet the Artist outreach programs, and has accompanied several singers in recitals at the Chicago Cultural Center. Matt's own annual solo recitals feature music from Beethoven to James Brown and have thrilled larger and larger audiences over the last 5 years. Matt provides elegant music for weddings, parties, and special events, including a two year stint playing for afternoon tea at Chicago's Peninsula Hotel. He has recorded and performed with Milwaukee-based psychedelic rock band The Danglers and created shows with local cabaret favorite Scott Montgomery. Matt joined the staff of the Community Church of Wilmette as organist in 2008.
Megan Washburn/Carl Mahler Wedding
Carl and I just returned from our honeymoon, and I wanted to drop you a line to thank you for everything! Entourage was a huge hit and helped to "make" the wedding. Everyone raved (and is still raving) about you guys. If you ever need any references, we'll be happy to recommend you to potential clients.
Megan Mahler, Bride
Morgan Mellott/Martin Canniff Wedding
While planning our wedding, we found the perfect venue, florist and photographer. We needed a band. I am a musician, so I would not compromise with mediocrity. Our families and friends love to dance and that was very important to us. We couldn’t have been happier with Entourage and David Young. The dance floor was full all night. A number of people have asked me where we found the band because they couldn’t believe how great they were. In addition to the top-notch musicianship, vocals and set list, the musicians were very professional. I’m convinced we had the best wedding band out there.
Martin & Morgan Canniff, Bride & Groom
Molly Martin/Patrick Roche Wedding
Just a note to thank you for a wonderful evening of dancing at Pat and Molly’s wedding. Every person there commented on how great the music and dancing was. In my opinion, it is the #1 ingredient to a great wedding. You outdid yourself, David! We loved working with you.
Ellen Roche, Mother of the Groom
Tema Starkman/Noah Feinberg Wedding
Entourage did a fantastic job at the Ritz Carlton for the Starkman/Feinberg wedding. Not only is David Young a talented musician, but he is an excellent band leader. David did a great job reading the crowd and the dance floor was packed all night. As an event planner, I appreciate that David is a good listener and very accomodating to the needs of a special event. As always, it is a pleasure to work with Arlen Music, and Entourage is a hot band with a fresh new sound!
Linda Alpert, Affairs With Linda