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Winner of the BizBash Entertainment Act of the Year, voted 2014-2021 Best Band by Better Magazine, and acknowledged by Chicago Magazine as the “Top Choice” for a dance band in the city, the Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra has ignited thousands of special events with its unique style, stage presence and contemporary music selection. The Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra delivers an incredible energy geared for today’s brides and grooms! Imagine a band with 6 incredible vocalists, our Sirens rock violins, sizzling horns, and the tightest rhythm section in the country. Using the latest technology, this band is able to perform from any part of the room and make it sound like a live concert of the original artist.
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Ken Arlen
As a sought-after orchestra leader and saxophonist, Ken Arlen has been a featured entertainer for numerous celebrities and dignitaries, from the President of the United States to Hollywood stars. Ken is also the founder of Arlen Music Productions, a Chicago-based entertainment company that specializes in providing live customized music for special events. He has led the transformation of the impact of music on this industry in Chicago, and over the last decade has brought this force to the national event scene through his performances with the Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra.
Lloyd Snyder
Known as one of the most talented guitarists in Chicago, Lloyd has been key in leading special event bands over the last 6 years with great energy and attention to detail for his clients. Locally, he has performed with Girl Next Door, Green 14, Rendition, Hello Nuvo, and Hey Jimmy. He has also shared the stage with major artists such as Blues Traveler and Nate Ruess. As one of the great young front men in Chicago today, Lloyd’s style is inspired by Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, John Mayer, among other great virtuosos. Lloyd has already made a huge impact on Evolution, and we are excited to promote him to co-leader with Evolution beginning in 2019.
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Arlen Music Honors Couples with Virtual Surprise
We know how heartbreaking it has been for our clients to postpone their wedding date. A few months ago, Dan Nicholson from Indigo surprised a bride and groom with a virtual first dance on their original date, and the rest of our bandleaders followed suit!
We're excited to present a featured article from PartySlate with links to all of our band's special performances. We can't wait for you to hear them live!
How Music Can Set The Flow Of Your Celebration
Take a peek at a Q&A with Ken Arlen and Lloyd Snyder from Evolution regarding best practices for keeping the dance floor full! Thanks to Cara and Scott from Carasco Wedding Photo & Video for the feature!
5-Peat for Best Band!
Thanks to you, our loyal fans, we won the title of 'Best Band' from Better (Formerly Make It Better) for the fifth year in a row!
Ken Arlen Featured in Modern Luxury's Power Players
Learn more about Ken Arlen in a Q&A from Modern Luxury!
Spotlight on Evolution's Fundraisers
Here's a great article on how live entertainment can help reach fundraising gaols!
Authority Magazine Interviews Ken Arlen!
In a wide-ranging interview, Ken Arlen talks about his mindset as a musician and business owner, the history and future of Arlen Music Productions, and offers some funny anecdotes along the way!
Ken Arlen in Modern Luxury!
Ken was selected as one of the "Top 5: Live The Good Life" participants in Modern Luxury!
Back-to-Back DiMatteo Weddings
We're so honored that both DiMatteo sisters chose us for their beautiful weddings at the Four Seasons!
Bear Tie Ball
Thanks to Candid Candace for her review of the Bear Tie Ball on February 28, 2015. Check out her write-up in the Chicago Tribune!
Evolution Performs for the 40th Annual Lincoln Park Zoo Ball
Congrats to the Lincoln Park Zoo for raising 1.4M for its new visitor center!
Make It Better Best Band 4-Peat!
We're so proud to have won Make It Better's Best Band for the fourth year in a row!
Inside Weddings Feature
Check out the beautiful write-up in Inside Weddings for Susie and Joseph's Wedding!
Scene & Heard
The Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra and Sirens were featured in Chicago Splash Magainze for their contribution to the 2014 Children's Ball!
Bravo TV Star gets hitched!
Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra performs for Bravo TV Star Chad Carroll (Million Dollar Listing Miami) and his wife Jen Stone! - Click images for more!
Ken Arlen Performs at the Commander-in-Chief Ball
Click on the image above to read about the Ken Arlen Orchestra's performance at the Commander-in-Chief's Ball in Washington DC.
Testimonials
Sarah and Zach Spellman Wedding (Chicago Hilton & Towers) – November 27, 2021
Ken, thank you doesn’t even begin to express the amount of gratitude we have for you and your team! You helped create the most spectacular and magical evening for our family! We will cherish it and remember it forever.
The dance floor was full and the room was rocking….and that’s all because of you! The compliments we have been receiving about the music have been endless. I always say an amazing event is created by the love in the room and the music. I think we nailed it on both parts!
When I think about all the big moments in our family, you have been right there with us. It wouldn’t be a Spellman celebration without you!
We look forward to the future and having you right by our side.
With gratitude and affection,
Ariel and Nathaniel Bobrick Wedding (Private Residence) – June 13, 2021
Just got home from one of the most gorgeous weddings I’ve ever been to…and words cannot express how impressed I am by bands who can play LIVE music but mix it like a DJ. These band/these singers were so talented. They bounced from genre to genre. Tempo to tempo on a single beat. No intros. No outros. That’s some serious talent and must take hours upon hours of practicing TOGETHER to achieve that level of perfection. If you’re ever at an event and have this kind of entertainment, understand they probably don’t get enough props so always make sure to show them love. I fell people don’t truly appreciate how much work that is.
Adrienne Hanover, Wedding AttendeeSophie and Andy Barr Wedding (Arden Shores) – October 2, 2020
Hi Ken,
Tom and I want to let you know what an amazing job Lloyd did at Sophie's and Andy's wedding. He played a huge part in the overall success of the night. We had issues with rain before the ceremony, but all was handled calmly and professionally and went off without a hitch. The music was beautiful. From the cocktail hour to the very end of the night, everything moved seamlessly. Lloyd and the band drew everyone to the dance floor from the moment they started to the very last song. We never had to worry about a thing which allowed us to enjoy every single minute along with all the guests.
I can't tell you how many people told us that it was the best band they had ever heard at a wedding. We want to thank you, Lloyd and the band for helping to make our daughter's wedding extremely special.
Neil Trainor and Elizabeth Slawin Wedding (University Club) – November 23, 2019
Thank you so very much for making Neil and Elizabeth’s wedding so spectacular. Your band really put it over the top!
Thank you, also, for adding “Forever Young” to your repertoire. (Just love the lyrics!) Wishing I had more children so I could look forward to planning another wedding with you!
You’re the best!
Elizabeth Slawin and Neil Trainor Wedding (University Club) – November 23, 2019
It's Monday and I'm still smiling at the memory of Saturday night.
YOUR BAND IS PHENOMENAL!!!
I cannot thank you enough!
Thanks again and I look forward to seeing & hearing you in the future!
Ryan McKeveny and Mary Kozelka Wedding (Art Institute of Chicago) – November 16, 2019
Hi Lloyd - Before heading to our honeymoon Mary and I wanted to thank you - you and the band were absolutely incredible! The night was the best we could’ve imagined and you guys were a big part of that. And thanks again for letting us add some late additions to the playlist and for letting Pat join you guys for a couple!
Hope to run into you again someday, possibly at a friend’s wedding as you’re coming HIGHLY recommended from us!
Izzie Griffith and Ron Vandixhorn Wedding (Chicago Cultural Center) – November 2, 2019
If you're going to splurge on anything, Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra is the place to do it! Everyone left our wedding saying it was the best wedding they had ever been to, and in large part because they couldn't stop talking about how incredible the band was. The best part about Ken Arlen Evolution is that everything they do is aimed towards making your wedding spectacular. From learning that song that you just have to have played, to working with you to create the perfect playlist, they are focused on what you want and then find a way to make it even better than you envisioned. And on the big night, they absolutely killed it! They brought energy, flare, amazing vocals, and were a main reason why we all had so much fun celebrating.
Izzie, BrideWhitney Mash and Justin Levin Wedding (Peninsula Hotel) – October 26, 2019
Ken,
WOW,
What a terrific party. Whitney and Justin along with Barb and I cannot thank you enough for the best time ever. Most guests when thanking their host will offer kind words as to being included and having a very nice time. Our crowd young and old would all comment that this was the best wedding they had ever attended.
The Arlen experience was exceptional from the first note on the staircase to the very last dance of the evening. Your attention to detail and masterful play list customized to the Bride and Groom's tastes really stood out. You don't just play the music but add performance to the experience. A shout out to all the Evolution performers.
Just wish it could have gone on forever.
You deserve your reputation as the best band anywhere. A unique experience most appreciated.
Thanks so very much for creating such great memories,
Libby Munson and Peter Graham (Theater on the Lake) – October 19, 2019
Lloyd!
Wow! Thank you so much for last night!! You guys were even more amazing than we remember from a few years ago.
All of our guests kept coming up to us and saying, “What is this band? Where are they from? Where did you find them?” It was like we were at a concert – everyone couldn’t stop watching you all perform!
You really made the party so much fun and we appreciate you so much!!!