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David Young, trumpet and bandleader – 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.  
 

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Ebonie Taylor, vocals – 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.  
 

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Timothy Butler, vocals – 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.  
 
 
 

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Roger Harris, piano – Roger has played with pop and Jazz greats Aretha Franklin, Stanley Turrentine, Freddie Hubbard, James Carter, Red Hold and Singers, Jean Karnes, Melba Moore and Dakota Staton. He is active as a jazz pianist in Chicago, performing with Orbert Davis, the Morris Ellis Big Band, Eddie Harrison and the Jump, as well as many other top musicians. He has been a member of Ensemble Stop-Time at the Center for Black Music Research and the Chicago Chamber Orchestra. Roger has taught at Olive Harvey College, the American Conservatory of Music, the Jazz Institute, Gallery 37 and at the Martin Luther King Academy in Indiana, where he received the “Teacher of the Year” award.  
Sharay Reed, bass – Sharay brings both extensive performing experience as well as an exciting, youthful edge to Entourage. Sharay is the consummate professional, having toured extensively and performed with the top artists in music: Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Kanye West, Quincy Jones, Chaka Kahn, Patty LaBelle, Boyz II Men, R. Kelly, Branford Marsalis, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin and many other well-known musicians. He has also performed on the Oprah Winfrey Show, the Today Show and the Jimmy Kimmel Show. Sharay is now back in Chicago and brings his flawless musicality and electrifying sound to your special event as a member of Entourage.		  

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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.		  

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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.		  

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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.