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Winner of the BizBash Entertainment Act of the Year, voted 2015-2020 Best Band by Make It 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
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!!!
Nikki Stern and Ryan Coon Wedding (The Geraghty) – August 10, 2019
Dear Lloyd,
What a wedding weekend and what a night last Saturday!! The band was phenomenal and the crowd could not get enough! From a warm and loving ceremony, to cocktails, to a lively reception, thank you for all the music. Everyone who has called to thank me has raved about that band!
I knew when I heard you years ago that this would be the band we would have one day for our daughter’s wedding. Thank you for bringing this dream to reality and for enhancing a great night to FANTASTIC!
Lloyd, I would like to also thank you personally for your helpful manner in guiding Nikki and Ryan in their song selections. It truly was a treat for them to work directly with you and added to the excitement and enjoyment of the wonderful wedding night.
Thanks again for a night that many will remember!
Maggie Cline and Patrick Verdon Wedding (The Langham) – June 29, 2019
Ken and the Evolution Orchestra members,
You hit it out of the park again. Our friends now have two “best wedding ever” experiences. To sum it up, I put together a “top ten” list, although they all should be #1. Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for creating such a memorable evening for Maggie and Patrick.
Top 10 for Maggie and Patrick’s Wedding:
10 – Ken is a party orchestrator extraordinaire
9 – Amazing dance sets throughout the night
8 – Five hours of seamless non-stop dancing (I never sat down once!)
7 – Rock star band members
6 – Every vocalist shining in his or her own genre
5 – Violins take the floor during dinner
4 – Caitlin outshines Lady Gaga in Shallow
3 – Hora serenade
2 – Family storms the stage to Proud Mary
1 – Endless energy from Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra creates another outstanding Cline wedding reception!
Gracie Verkamp and West Cuthbert Wedding (Omaha, NE) – May 26, 2019
I wanted to thank you again for the wonderful job you and the entire band did at Gracie and West's wedding. I honestly lost count of have many compliments I received on your performance and how many times I was told that yours was the best wedding band ever!! The guests just couldn't stop dancing and I even saw the hotel staff dancing (they told me they couldn't resist and agreed you were the best)! Please give my thanks to your entire crew for making the evening the highlight of the weekend!! You were amazing!!
Bridget Cuthbert, Mother of the GroomBrittany Fischer and John Bowen Wedding (Standard Club) – May 11, 2019
Hi Ken! Thank you so much for bringing the house down at Brittany’s wedding! From the violins on the staircase, the ceremony music, the “All you Need is Love” and the entire reception it was top notch all the way. Not only is the talent in your group off the charts, the energy they radiate really inspires the crowd. I have to say I never left the dance floor all night. It was just too fun!!!
Thank you for really putting the “Party” in the wedding. We loved every moment!!!
Thank you!!!
Elena Tolochnaya and Robert Baldi Wedding (Four Seasons) – March 2, 2019
They were unbelievable! I couldn’t be happier when they sang Shallow, two Spice Girls songs for me and our favorite song, “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston!!! It was such a surprise! They were marvelous!
Our wedding was a DREAM COME TRUE!!! We clearly made the right decision on the music.
Gina Stefani and Luka Ilic Wedding (Navy Pier) – February 23, 2019
Outstanding, perfection, what more can i say, but wow and thank you. There was never a doubt in my mind that it wouldn’t be all those things, but you hit it right!!!!!
Thank you so much for making Gina and Luka’s wedding magical! The compliments that we have heard are coming in every way! Everyone has said the music, the show, and the violins were all outstanding!
I think when you brought everyone on stage it was so unexpected!! We need a do over so we can enjoy it again. I tried to sit and take every moment in to enjoy, but when i see video and pictures being posted, I’m like, “When did that happen?” Thank you , thank you, thank you!
Ken and Lloyd, you were great to work with from start to finish! Amazing!
Raquel Pagonis and Carl Fiebig Wedding (University Club) – January 26, 2019
Ken, WOW! I just wanted to thank you personally for a magnificent performance. Words cannot describe the experience we all had Saturday evening. You absolutely killed it, Ken. Our phones and emails have not stopped with the positive comments about the EVOLUTION orchestra. Your production made it very easy for our event to flow smoothly. You are a MASTER of music, and surround yourself with greatness. I wish I had another daughter, so we could plan another fabulous evening.
Ted Pagonis, Father of the BrideEmily Fitzgerald and Heath Gillespie Wedding (The Langham) – October 13, 2018
Thank you so much for the fabulous music at Emily and Heath’s wedding. From the first notes of the ceremony to the last notes on the dance floor the music was extraordinary. As I’m sure you are accustomed to, our guests were raving about how great the orchestra was all evening. And I certainly noticed when I heard the melody of “Emily”, a song that most people have never heard of playing during dinner, that was a lovely and thoughtful touch and very much appreciated. I think it was obvious that our dancing guests had an amazing time and loved every song. We really appreciate everything you did to make the wedding such a success. We will look forward to seeing you at events in the future and wish you all the best.
Laurie Fitzgerald, Mother of the Bride