Mitch Paliga
has just
released his
first Jazz CD
–Blithe Moments–
Mitch Paliga plays
soprano & tenor
saxophones, Ryan
Bennett plays
drums &
cymbal tree,
Jo Ann Daugherty
plays piano, and
Patrick Williams
plays Bass.

Come out and
hear them play
songs from the new album!
They can be
seen at
Olive or Twist
on Thursday
nights and some
Tuesday nights.
CD's can be
purchased for
$15.00

------------------

We would like
to welcome
Matthew Speer,
custom furniture
craftsman,
to Berwyn!
Matthew had a studio in Oak Park and has
converted an
old building on
Roosevelt Road
into a Co-Op
Artist Studio and Gallery space.
The Studio is
Now Open!

Take a look at some of Matthew's furniture designs at his website!

__________
In the last four years alone, Berwyn has seen an extensive
influx of artists, musicians, photographers, designers,
and dancers from all parts of Chicago, making this city
their new home. There are now more than 90 graduates
of the Art Institute of Chicago alone that live in Berwyn.
This listing is only a small example of some of the great
talent this city showcases... and this list only continues to grow.
If you are a local Berwyn artist or musician, please let us know!
We are always trying to keep track of all the great artistic
talent that is moving into Berwyn.

The Berwyn Arts Council
www.berwynartscouncil.org
email: info@berwynartscouncil.org

The Berwyn Arts Council is devoted to the expansion of a
diverse artistic community, arts education and the promotion
and enjoyment of the arts in Berwyn through exhibits, concerts,
classes, performances, multi-cultural outreach programs and
the creation of The Berwyn Multi-cultural Arts Center.
The Berwyn Arts Council activities will compliment the efforts
of the Berwyn Development Corporation by encouraging companion development, showcasing the cultural diversity and artistic
capabilities of the community and providing a means to enrich
the cultural quality of life in Berwyn.
Patric Marks
Patric composes music for modern dance, works with
groups in Canada, gives concerts, has his own
"India Music Ensemble", and teaches over 175 Sitar
students in Chicago. Patric also enjoys unusual and unique
collaborations with western music groups. The India Music
Ensemble was started in 1973 under the direction of Patric Marks.
A native of Ahmedabad, India, Mr. Marks has made Berwyn
his home for over 20 years and is currently teaching sitar,
tabla, harmoniam, mandoline, and voice, in addition to
providing the musical direction of the India Music Ensemble.
His first studies were with Ustad Gulam Hussain Khan,
and from there graduated from the Gandharva University
of Music and Cultural Activities at St. Xaviers College in
Ahmedabad in 1965, and in 1969 established the Hansa Dhwani
School in Ahmedabad to teach Indian Classical Music.
Since coming to Berwyn, Mr. Marks has devoted his efforts
to the promotion and appreciation of the true classical
Indian music. Mr. Marks is known and respected World
round for his playing sitar, and has taught students ranging
from beginners to world famous rock musicians. He has
performed throughout the world and at major colleges and
universities such as: University of Chicago, University of Illinois,
Case Institute Cleveland, University of Pittsburgh, University
of Missouri at Columbia, the Sivananda Yoga Institute of Chicago,
Vivikenanda Vendanta Society of Chicago, and the Himalayan
Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy in Glenview, Illinois.
He had a special performance given at the Embassy of India,
Washington D.C. before Ambassador T.N. Kaul on the occasion
of Indian Independence Day.

Andy Baker
Andy is a Lecturer at Northwestern University's School of Music
with the Jazz Studies. He is a trombonist with a very
impressive history. He has a BMus, Guildhall School of Music
and Drama Jazz trombone specialist. Former Archer Scholar
at Trinity College of Music. He served as principal of the
Covent Garden Festival Orchestra (London). Performed with
the Philharmonic of the Nations, Ray Gelato Giants, Chicago
Jazz Ensemble, Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra,
the Hard Art Ensemble, Liquid Soul, and Broadway in Chicago.
Andy also appears on many recordings, including Porgy and Bess
(with Clark Terry and the CJO), The Ted Hogarth Collective,
and the Hard Art Ensemble.

Ryan Bennett
Ryan is a drummer and percussionist that plays with bands
all over the Chicago area. He has performed in local venues
such as the Green Mill, the Jazz Showcase and Pops for
Champagne, as well as in Carnegie Hall in New York.
He plays with a trio (including his wife, JoAnn Daugherty)
regularly at Bandera Restaurant in Chicago (every Wednesday
and Friday) and frequently at Berwyn's own Olive or Twist.
Ryan also teaches percussion and drumset lessons to students
all over the Chicagoland area. Ryan is currently accepting
students at his home studio in Berwyn.
You can contact him at (708) 788-4566

Gayle Bisesi
www.gaylebisesi.com
Gayle Bisesi is a true jazz soprano who brings a fresh,
inspiring sensitivity and a playful edge to jazz music.
She creates original material that will set your soul searching
and adds a new flare to jazz standards from the past.
Throughout her childhood, Gayle was exposed to singing
many kinds of music including classical, musical theater,
pop, and folk. But it was not until 1987 that her hidden passion
for jazz was uncovered. “I remember auditioning for the
MacArthur Jazz Band and something inside me just sat up
and a strong connection was made. This music was so powerful
and exciting to me.” Her work won her the coveted Downbeat
award for Best Jazz Vocalist. She has been singing professionally
for over 20 years and has had the honor of sharing the stage
with such musical greats as: Patti Austin, New York Voices,
Howard Levy, Clark Terry, Louie Bellson, Denis DiBlasio,
Mark Whitfield, Conte Candoli, Hank Marr, Frank Mantooth,
and Kevin Mahogany, among others. On the international circuit,
her singing has taken her to such places as the Montreux
Jazz Festival in Switzerland, North Sea Jazz Festival in
The Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Scotland, Germany,
France, Canada, as well as New York City. She performs
regularly at various establishments such as the legendary
Jazz Showcase, Chicago Cultural Center, Andy’s Jazz Club,
Park West, Green Mill, Hot House, Pop’s for Champagne,
Fitzgerald’s, Uncommon Ground, Beat Kitchen, to name a few.

Nick Bisesi
www.nickbisesi.com
Nick studied with saxophonist Joe Daley, who was an important
part of the avant garde movement in the 60’s. He attended
DePaul University in Chicago on scholarship and later lived
in New York City, performing at many NYC Jazz venues.
Nick received a NEA Grant to study with Dave Liebman
who produced his first CD recorded in New York City.
He returned to Chicago, recording with Ramsey Lewis'
"Urban Knights" and performing regularly at in jazz venues
including the Jazz Showcase. He appears as a featured
soloist on Angel Melendez 911 Mambo Orchestra’s Grammy
winning CD, and his performance credits include gigs with
such notables as Ray Charles, Louis Bellson, The Temptations,
The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Dave Mason, Johnny Mathis,
Bob Hope, The Benny Goodman Orchestra, Lou Rawls,
Liquid Soul, Debbie Reynolds, The Spinners, and Nancy Wilson.
"...a talented and highly individual tenor-saxophonist
Nick Bisesi. On the evidence of this stimulating and enjoyable
recording, Nick Bisesi will be reaching many more people
in the future..." - from the liner notes of Gemini Scott Yanow,
Author of nine books including Jazz On Film, Trumpet Kings,
Bebop and Jazz On Record 1917-76

"The maturity of his playing and writing is remarkable."
- David Liebman"

JoAnn Daugherty
www.joanndaugherty.com
JoAnn's latest CD is concidered to be one of NPR's top
50 Jazz albums! Jo Ann's background includes a stint in
Kansas City to hone her skills before moving to Chicago
in 1998. In addition to appearing regularly at numerous
Chicago venues, her recent work includes traveling
throughout the U.S. with various musical and theater acts.
She has performed with many notable musicians including
John Abercrombie, Randy Brecker, Karrin Allyson,
Howard Levy, and others. JoAnn and her husband,
Ryan Bennett (Jazz Drummer), can often be seen playing
live Jazz at The Green Mill in Chicago as well as at
Bandera Restaurant (535 N. Michigan, Chicago) and at
Olive or Twist on Windsor Ave. in Berwyn!

Kara Kesselring
www.karakesselring.com
Kara Kesselring is a Chicago based vocalist, pianist, arranger,
and educator. As a solo performer Kara performs regularly
at Philanders Restaurant in Oak Park as well as The Pump Room
in the Ambassador East Hotel. She co-founded the Brazilian
group Nova Bossa and plays such events as The Taste of
Chicago and has toured many US cities. Kara and her husband,
Patrick Williams (Jazz Bassist), can be seen playing live
Jazz at Olive or Twist on Windsor Ave. in Berwyn.

BJ Levy
Trumpeter

Steve Million
www.stevemillion.com
Steve Million has become a fixture on the Chicago jazz scene.
Million's debut album, Million to One, with Randy Brecker,
Michael Moore, Ron Vincent and Chris Potter, was released
in 1995 to uncommonly high praise for a debut recording.
Down Beat's Thomas Conrad awarded the disc 4 stars and
Jazz Times' Patricia Myers wrote, "Million's originals speak
well of their author...." Thanks a Million, out two years later,
earned a coveted 4 1/2 star rating from Down Beat's
Frank-John Hadley, who exclaimed "the Chicagoan brings
discipline, personality, imagination, talent and quiet passion
to his playing and songwriting." Deni Kasrel of Jazz Times
gushed, "Reminds me of the best bands led by Horace Silver
or Lee Morgan!" Steve can be seen playing live at
Joe's Bebop Cafe (Navy Pier, Chicago)
and Philander's (1120 Pleasant, Oak Park).

Mitch Paliga
www.mitchpaliga.com
Mitch Paliga has just released his first Jazz CD
Blithe Moments! The album features Mitch Paliga playing
soprano & tenor saxophones, Ryan Bennett plays drums
& cymbal tree, Jo Ann Daugherty plays piano, and
Patrick Williams plays Bass. The CD can be purchased
for $15.00 at Olive or Twist when they are playing on
Thursday nights and some Tuesday nights.

Mitch Paliga has been an active
saxophonist, educator and composer in the Chicago area
since 1990 and has been playing the saxophone for
thirty years. He was awarded a National Endowment for
the Arts Jazz Study Grant to study with master saxophonist
David Liebman. Mitch is a member of the Chicago Jazz
Composers Collective and has been featured in several
concerts so far. He also teaches Saxophone & Clarinet
at the famous Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.

Patrick Williams
Bassist Patrick Williams has performed with many artists
including: Tal Farlow, Matt Wilson, the Moody Blues,
the Quad-City Symphony, the Chicago Jazz Composers
Collective, Stephen Stills, Kenny Aronoff, Von Freeman
and Louie Bellson. He maintains an active performing
and recording career. Currently, he can be seen playing
bass with the John Erickson Trio, Marques Carroll & Full Set,
the Nick Bisesi Quartet, Underwater People, The Nia Quintet,
and Omar al Musfi and can also be seen playing live Jazz
at Olive or Twist on Windsor Ave. in Berwyn. A native Iowan,
Patrick received his Bachelor of Music degree from
University of Iowa. He has studied bass with Eldon Obrecht,
Diana Gannett and Anthony Cox. He lives in Berwyn with his
wife Kara Kesselring and their dog Sammy.

Grant Strombeck
grantstrombeck.dyndns.org
Grant Strombeck is primarily a jazz drummer, who's
experiences as a musician since the fifties are as various
as backing up Franz Jackson's traditional jazz to Jack Wright's
free-improvisation. Other disciplines and media are included
on his web site. Strombeck's Notable Performance
Places include: WBEZ National Radio, University of Illinois
Jazz Concert, Oak Park Jazz Festival, Palmer House,
Drake hotel, Hull House, Art Institute of Chicago, Randolph
Street Gallery, Rick's Café America, Fitzgeralds, Andy's,
Name Gallery. Notable long-term Chicago club engagements
include: The Palmer House Gaslight Club, Pump Room,
Orphans, Bulls (jazz club), Redfords, Sheffield's,
The Pianoman and Quenchers. -- Sound Symposium 2000
@ Saint Johns, Newfoundland. Grant's Jazz Trio appears
once a month at the Salt Creek Wine Bar in Brookfield.

Kevin Buck
www.kevinmbuck.com
Kevin Buck is concidered by many to be one of the Midwest’s
most talented guitarists. In the last year alone, Kevin Buck
has performed in New York City with Roger Daltrey of the Who;
was featured during July on VH1; and was the winner of the
“Guitar Idol” contest sponsored last year by The LOOP radio
station in Chicago (WLUP/97.9FM).

Peter Budd
www.peterbuddguitar.com
Peter began his career touring Europe with rock legends,
Jerry Lee Lewis, Gene Vincent, and Bill Haley and the Comets.
Since moving to the States in the 60’s, he’s been one of the
most sought-after musicians, playing numerous radio and
TV commercials. He’s backed such stars as Dusty Springfield,
Danny Thomas, Richard Groove Holmes and even Vlasta the
Polka Queen. When not busy on stage and in the studio,
Peter taught guitar at Lyon & Healy downtown Chicago,
the Academy of Music in Oak Park, and American Music World.
Peter is adept at virtually all styles of music: blues, jazz,
rock, and more. These days he enjoys playing Ragtime
Guitar in the style of his heroes, Merle Travis and Chet Atkins

Ken Mottet
www.ginpalacejesters.com
Acoustic rhythm guitar playing Ken Mottet was just an Iowa
farm kid huddling for warmth on a cold October night in his
daddy's tractor when he first heard the strains of Johnny
Paycheck and Conway Twitty clear and bright out of
WHO-AM radio in the early 1970's. In the early 1980's
Ken followed Johnny Horton's call and headed "North To Alaska"
to bust into television as an on air personality at Catch-22
Anchorage, Alaska where Ken whiled away the long winter
learning to play guitar and writing songs. Moving to Chicago
Ken followed his dream of being the next Lenny Bruce and
began performing stand-up comedy at comedy clubs for
a time while catching shows by touring rockabilly, country,
jazz and lounge acts and was eventually asked to emcee the
Big C Jamboree as well as be the VJ and host of cable TV's
The Otherside.

Dave Sisson
www.ginpalacejesters.com
Dave made a national name for himself as the front man
and chief songwriter of Rockabilly and Cowpunk trio Three
Blue Teardrops, seeing the inside of honky-tonks and road
houses of the lower 48 as well as Europe over the last 10 years.
A self taught talent, Dave brings a "do-it-yourself" pioneer
spirit and hard work ethic to his current band The Gin Palace Jesters.
Christine DeLeon
www.cxband.com
Christine (singer for Corporate X) knew from a young age that
she wanted to be a singer. She excelled in choir throughout
high school, where she traveled the East Coast performing with
her vocal group. In college she auditioned and was accepted to
the choir at the University of Illinois in Chicago and was invited
by the choral director to join the Chamber Choir, a select group
of elite a-cappella singers. After much time spent mastering
harmonies and the baroque style, Christine transferred to and
graduated from Columbia College with a degree in Sound Engineering,
and moved on to the world of rock music, where she dabbled with
different instruments and bands.
Casper Xavier
www.cxband.com
Casper (writer and musician for Corporate X) got his start in
the musical world when he was ordered to play an instrument
in Military Academy. Not one to settle for preconceived notions
of what a musician is supposed to be, Casper quickly found
his passion, and started absorbing all that music had to offer,
learning the basic principles of all the instruments of the orchestra.
After starting a band, Casper learned that his musical vision was
not shared by everyone invited to join him. He decided to follow
in the footsteps of self produced icons who wrote all of the songs,
played and recorded all of the instruments themselves.
"It's like I hear the complete song in my head. Every instrument,
every drum beat, everything. I just can't record a keyboard
part and be happy. I need to hear everything in its entirety",
remarkes Casper. "I hate the whole inner struggles that are
every band's luggage; I would rather record it myself and
let my vision fly."
Linda Rios
Linda Rios, flute/piccolo, was born and raised in Berwyn
but left to attend the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana
where she attended the College of Fine and Applied Arts and
from which she received a Bachelor of Science degree,
Magna Cum Laude, and did graduate studies towards her
Master Degree in Music Education. After living and performing
in various neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park, Uptown and
Lake View East in Chicago, she returned to Berwyn in 1996
as a home-owner and accomplished musician and visual artist.
She studied flute with Julliard notables such as Carolyn Vacha,
who played with the Chicago Symphony and Lyric Opera of
Chicago, as well as performer and recording artist
Paula Robeson. Linda began her flute studies at what was
once the Berwyn Conservatory of Music located in a now
beautifully renovated Victorian south of 34th Street
and Wisconsin. While a student at Morton East High School,
Linda received the John Philip Sousa Award for scholarship,
leadership, citizenship and musicianship. Linda has played
in various orchestras and chamber music ensembles and
has been a member of the Chicago Federation of Musicians.
She is also a graduate of the Improvisational Acting
curriculum at Second City Theater in Chicago. Linda is
available for flute instruction and performance including
weddings, parties and all ceremonial occasions at (708)749-0658.
Marilyn Buck
www.westindianfolkdance.org

Gabrielle Deschaine
www.growinmotion.com/home.html
Gabrielle's philosophy is that as we grow in expressive
and creative ways, the body/mind/spirit connection becomes
more apparent and fosters a sense of wholeness,
or completeness, in the individual. Gabrielle’s belief
that movement brings growth is based on 25 years of
dance experience and six years working as a Dance/Movement
therapist. She has trained and performed ballet, modern dance
and jazz across the country including Illinois, Michigan,
Washington D.C., as well as a performance tour in the
Czech Republic through the Friendship Ambassadors, New York.
As a certified Cecchetti Ballet instructor, Gabrielle has been
on staff at three reputable dance studios, as well as fitness
centers for the last 14 years before creating Grow in Motion
in 2001. Gabrielle coupled her strong dance background
with a master’s degree in Dance/Movement therapy at
Columbia College, Chicago and holds a license as a clinical
professional counselor in the state of Illinois. She has worked
with children, adolescents, adults and seniors in various
settings such as hospitals, shelters, retirement communities
and foster care homes. Gabrielle has been employed with
MacNeal Hospital as a clinical therapist for five years and
uses movement to promote healing with her clients.
She currently sees private clients and offers body-centered
workshops to address the physical, emotional and spiritual
needs of the individual.

Chris Deschaine
www.chrisdeschaine.com
Sacred art has served throughout human existence as a
powerful healing force to connect us with the eternal.
With my work, I strive to connect the viewer with the
divine that lives within us all. The endless shapes and
patterns found in nature are my inspiration. By shifting
focus from physical to multidimensional experience,
I create the suggestion of the living universe beyond
human perception. Because everyone’s view of the world
is different, the viewer has a truly unique experience of
each piece. I believe this work operates on many different levels.
For some, the art may offer insight into their own internal process.
For others, it may simply be an enjoyable visual experience.
My hope is that each viewer connects with the work and will
be stirred in some deep and personal way.

Thomas Manning
www.thomasmanning.com
I have always been fascinated with images, making them
and using them to communicate and express ideas.
After graduating from college in 1991, I began to pursue
showing Art in galleries While working in the Art
Museum field. I have always been a fan of Fantasy books,
movies, games and art, and after a few years of
showing my work in galleries I kept going back to the
idea that I could somehow combine the two joys of art
and fantasy. In 1994 I decided to try doing some all out
fantasy paintings, and spent the next year teaching
myself to Paint in a more naturalistic manner,
building a portfolio of Fantasy Paintings. I moved to
Chicago in 1996 and began sending out mailers to game
and book companies, Traveling across the country attending
game conventions and visiting companies, all in hopes of
getting freelance work. I finally got my break, when I was
contacted by a company called TSR, the makers of
Dungeons and Dragons. I continued to slowly get more
and more work until I was able to become the full time,
freelance illustrator I am now. I live in Berwyn with my wife,
fellow artist and educator Christine Holloway.

Chris Deschaine
www.braintrustdesign.com

Sean Gallagher
www.iqretouching.com
Copyright © 2007