Leader

Toni DiDonato,
Band Leader.

 A true vocal talent, Toni DiDonato is a dynamic performer who has graced Chicago's music scene since her graduation from Northwestern University. Toni has been the featured vocalist and/or leader of a variety of pop bands performing in the city's hottest clubs, hotels, and festivals. As the leader of the exciting band INDIGO, Toni uses her vast musical experience to create a spectacular event. From pop to jazz to rock and classical, Toni wows the crowd with her vocal diversity.

Vocalists


photo by Jai Girard		 Steve Taylor

 A world-class vocalist of amazing versatility, his soulful R & B style has captivated audiences in many Chicago hot spots including Park West, House of Blues, The Riviera and the Vic Theatre. Steve has backed national acts Joe Walsh, Deep Purple and Robyn Trower and his distinct vocal styling can be heard on numerous commercial spots.
Robin Alexis

 Whether singing pop, swing, ballads or standards, the multi-talented Robin Alexis gives a truly unforgettable performance. Her professional credits include appearances at Chicago's hottest venues, including the House of Blues, the Cotton Club, Milt Treniers and Madison's. Robin's voice has also been heard nationally with performances on the Jenny Jones Show and Ed McMahon's Star Search.

Russel Pike

Handsome and soulful, talented and charming, Indigo is proud to welcome Russel into the ranks of our amazing vocal team. A proven success as a vocalist and performer as a featured and an opening act in venues across the city, Russel brings his skill as a songwriter and musician to bear on his stage presence with a charming demeanor that captivates audiences of all ages. A graduate of Clark Atlanta University with a bachelor’s degree in music, Russel worked as a songwriter for Sony Music Publishing A.T.T.V. from 1999 to 2003, during which time he shadowed nationally-known recording artists and producers such as Brian Baby Michael Cox, Wookie Stewart, Organized Noise, Jive recording artist Sol, and Magic Johnson’s recording artist Avant.

 

Instrumentalists

Wally Hustin,
Bass.

 Wally's credits read like a "Who's Who" of contemporary pop and jazz music. He has recently recorded with smooth jazz artist David Benoit as well as with drummers Vinnie Colaiuta (Sting) and Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp, Smashing Pumpkins). Live performances include appearances with Phoebe Snow, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Broadway singing sensation Karen Mason.
Kevin Connelley,
Drums.

 Kevin is regarded as one of the finest drummers in the Chicago area. He has acquired an extensive collection of music credits that span a variety of media from radio to TV. Kevin's live performances include appearances on The Jonathan Brandmeier Show (97.9 The Loop), NBC Chicago Emmys (WMAQ-TV) and at The World Theatre in Tinley Park. His portfolio also includes national television and radio commercials as well as album recordings with Megon McDonough, Steve Rashid, and Jim Gill.
Brian Wilkie ,
Guitar and Pedal Steel.

With a wide range of musical ability, Brian now brings his talents as both a guitarist and pedal steel player to Indigo. Getting his start with the University of Illinois Jazz Band, Brian Wilkie performed with artists such as Zoot Simms, Clark Terry, Ron Dewar, Jim McNeely and Harold Jones, Allison and Victor Krauss, Pork and the Havana Ducks and Ron Stockart. Throughout the course of his career Brian has also toured, recorded and/or performed with Pam Tillis, Sonja Dada, Lorrie Morgan, Mr. Blotto, Marty Lloyd, The Mighty Pranksters, Arthur Lee Cats Under The Stars, David Ball, Barbara Fairchild, Byron Gallimore, Matt Rollings and Dave and Sugar. In addition, Brian has appeared on "Nashville Now" and led the band on a national television telethon in L.A.

Kent Wehman,
Piano and Keyboards.

 A highly regarded pianist on Chicago's music scene, Kent lends his electrifying talents to the powerful sound of Indigo. During the past two decades, Kent has played before a wide variety of audiences and has appeared with several well-known stars including Joel Gray and Frank Gorshin. In addition to his piano and keyboard talent, Kent has been the musical director for two nationally televised PBS specials.
Terry Connell,
Trumpet.

 As one of Chicago's finest trumpet players, Terry's excellence has been recognized with the Louie Armstrong Award and the Best Jazz Soloist from the International Trumpet Guild. His numerous performances and recording credits include work with David Sanborn, Sheena Easton, Buddy Rich, Roberta Flack, Julie Andrews, Louie Bellson, Mark Colby and Kurt Elling.
Tom Garling,
Trombone.

 Once a member of Buddy Rich's touring band, Tom has earned a reputation as an accomplished soloist, composer and arranger. With a master's degree in Jazz Arranging and Composition, he has taught, directed, and coached numerous aspiring musicians, while performing with such legends as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet and Dizzy Gillespie. Tom also toured with Maynard Ferguson's Big Bop Nouveau Band and can be heard on several of his albums. You can also hear Tom's trombone on one of his own albums entitled "Maynard Ferguson Presents Tom Garling."
Jim Gailloreto,
Saxophone.

 A native Chicagoan, Jim has worked as a soloist and composer for many years. He has accompanied famous artists such as Johnny Mathis, Manhattan Transfer, Mel Torme and Kurt Elling. Jim has also played for several prestigious groups, including the Chicago Jazz Ensemble and the Symphony of the Shores. In addition to performing, Jim records commercial music and albums for national and local artists, while teaching improvisation and jazz saxophone studies at Roosevelt University.