Dan Nicholson

Dan Nicholson is an accomplished bandleader and virtuoso musician hailing from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Before making his home in Chicago, Dan attended the University of North Florida where he studied saxophone and flute under the legendary Bunky Green, who called Dan "a musical force to reckon with." Dan developed his bandleading skills on the East coast and in Chicago before he joined the Arlen Music organization four years ago as the lead arranger and music director for Front of House. Dan also serves as the lead saxophonist and soloist to the nationally renowned Chicago Jazz Ensemble. With a Master's Degree in composing and arranging from DePaul University, Dan creates spectacular and exciting arrangements for all of the Arlen Music bands, including the Ken Arlen Orchestra. Dan is well-known for his personable and energetic style, his fun and easy flair, and his ability to call a great dance party while incorporating a client's vision. Dan is looking forward to working with Indigo clients, and bringing an exciting new sound and energy to the Chicago social event scene.

Russell Pike

Russell “Russoul” Pike Jr.’s presentation of diverse musical genres combined with his vocal acrobatics, hip dance moves and charming good looks will light up any room and leave you wanting more!! Russoul has opened for artists Stevie Wonder, Kanye West, LL Cool J, New Edition, Eryka Badu, Chaka Khan, Cameo, Frankie Beverly, Maze, and Sam Salter. Russoul recently won the IMWS Midwest Regional Showcase, beating out 2000 bands in his region, and has performed for major events such as the Taste of Chicago 2004-2008, the Winter Music Conference 2006-2008 in South Beach, Miami with world-renowned house DJ Mark Grant, and at Milwaukee’s Summerfest. In 2004, Russoul was declared the Chicago Idol winner by celebrity judges Kanye West, Common, No ID, Selena Johnson, Tiffany Green and contest sponsor, Elroy Smith. Grammy Award winner Kanye West produced the song “Second Chance” on his self-titled release, “Russoul.”

Lindsay Frystak

Lindsay Frystak has been praised for her ability to sing an amazing variety of music with finesse and style. Her voice has been likened to the mysterious sound of Stevie Nicks, the soulful notes of Aretha Franklin, and the sweet twang of the Dixie Chicks. Lindsay took a year to travel the United States, performing in over 50 live concerts of various rock and soul bands. Lindsay’s unmatched ability to mold her voice to whatever genre she is singing and yet deliver a performance all her own has helped her stay successful and at the forefront of the music scene for the past seven years. She’s thrilled to be singing with the other amazing vocalists in Arlen Music’s Indigo.

Wally Swiatly

Wally Swiatly was born to be on stage. While he has had much success as a singer/songwriter throughout his professional career, ranging from solo recording projects to national airplay of his original works on network television, he says that "...there is nothing like taking the crowd with you on a ride during a live performance." As a versatile tenor, Wally's vocal style mixes the best of R&B, country, and classic rock, whether the song demands a light, clean, or soulfully heavy tone. Wally considers Indigo the perfect opportunity to showcase the best music from a variety of genres to a live audience.

Ari Lourdes

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Ari Lourdes began to perfect her gift of singing at Kenwood Academy.  In her professional career, she has opened for Wiz Khalifa at Milwaukee Summerfest, J*Davey at The Shrine Chicago, and Lupe Fiasco at IMAN Summer Festival. She is now writing and recording songs for industry placements and commercial licensing in addition to songs for her debut album.

Christopher Mahieu - Piano, Keyboard

A native of Chicago, Chris studied classical piano at the University of Illinois where he received his Bachelor's and Master's of Music degrees. Since moving back to Chicago, he has been a versatile pianist in the music scene, playing at such jazz and rock venues as the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Green Mill, the House of Blues, as well as often appearing an accompanist to many classical artists. Chris has backed up performers such as The Drifters, Lou Christie and has played with jazz greats like Johnny Frigo, Franz Jackson, and Redd Holt. As a contemporary keyboardist, Chris has a unique ability to capture the sound and feel of contemporary dance and club music. He is thrilled to bring his talent to the Indigo band.

Matt Thompson - Bass

Performing with the likes of Dick Oatts, Randy Brecker, Steve Houghton, Sheldon Berg, The New York Voices, The Mighty Blue Kings, Frank Catalano and Von Freeman, bassist Matt Thompson has been an active part of the professional music community since 1989. He received a Bachelor of Arts in 1998 from DePaul University. His performance experience spans from violin and contrabass in professional classical ensembles, to electric bass in jazz, rock, and pop contexts. As a producer, Matt has credits with The Mighty Blue Kings, Brian Deer, and Frisbie. As a session bassist, he has appeared on over 30 albums and has played on major motion picture soundtracks. Matt brings a solid rhythmic foundation and groove to the exciting sounds of Indigo!

Steve Gillis - Drums

Known for his individual style and his facility in countless genres, Steve is one of the most in-demand drummers in Chicago. After two years at Boston’s Berklee College of Music and a European tour with Virgin recording artist Inner City, Steve worked in Chicago with notable blues artists such as Sugar Blue and Dion Payton. From there, he branched out into everything from jazz to funk to rock to electronica and beyond, with artists such as Henry Johnson, Ken Chaney, MVP, Sumo, Bomb Pop and Eternalux. Steve has also found his way onto television, with appearances on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Last Call with Carson Daly, MTV’s The Rock Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Late Show with David Letterman in the United States, as well as Top Of The Pops in the United Kingdom.

Zoey Witz - Guitar

As a fixture on the Chicago music scene since 1997, Zoey Witz brings a unique and captivating sound to all performance styles from jazz and rock, to country and R&B. His bands have shared the stage with the likes of Foreigner, Poison, Travis Tritt, and The Spinners. He has also appeared on The Jenny Jones Show and WGN Morning News as a featured performer. Working with alumni of bands such as Al DiMeola, The ChiLites, Patricia Barber, Tower of Power, Tyrone Davis, Buddy Guy and many other acclaimed artists, Zoey now brings his signature sound to Indigo.

Scott Anderson - Trumpet

Trumpet phenom Scott Anderson was born in Kansas City, Missouri, raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and finally settled in Chicago, Illinois. He can be seen locally at clubs all over Chicago including the Green Mill, Buddy Guy’s Legends, the Hot House, and was most recently at the Mercury Theatre in “Come Fly With Me" starring Michael Whelan. He honed his unique sound with musicians such as Freddie Redd, Charles Mingus’s Pianist and a Blue Note recording artist in the sixties, and Joseph Procopio, a saxophone player from N.Y. who has toured with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Perry Commo, the Temptations and countless others. As a recording artist, Scott’s debut CD entitled “End Of Time” is one of Blujazz’s newest releases and is already causing a buzz.

Dylan Rehm - Trombone

Dylan Rehm is an accomplished trombonist and vocalist in the Chicago area. Hailing originally from Rhode Island, Dylan attended the world-renowned Indiana School of Music and received a degree in Jazz Studies. Upon completing his degree, Dylan spent three years performing in various bands on Carnival Cruise Lines before settling down here in Chicago. Dylan is well versed in all styles, ranging anywhere from classical, Latin, funk, jazz, and hip hop. Dylan serves as choir director for Yorkfield Presbyterian Church in Elmhurst, IL, as well as being an active educator and clinician.