What's New

Ken Arlen Orchestra's Night at the Museum

The Modern Wing of the Art Insitute of Chicago is one of the city's newest, most impressive attractions. Rivaling the world's great Modern Art museums, the Modern Wing also adds Renzo Piano's stunning architecture to the city's rich heritage. And on September 26, for the wedding of Jennifer Jordan and Jim Gorman, it was transformed into the city's most prestigious wedding venue, with the help of the Ken Arlen Orchestra.

The evening began with Arlen Music’s violins in front of the Art Institute, greeting the guests to elegant arrangements of the American songbook: Gershwin, Cole Porter, and more (see left).

Guests then ascended to the terrace of the new Modern Wing, and enjoyed Arlen Music's power quartet performing Chicago blues, jazz and instrumental arrangements of rock favorites of the bride and groom.

Next up was a ballroom style dinner, with dancing between courses. During the dinner courses, the guests enjoyed the Arlen Music violins performing from the balconies of the Modern Wing.By request, this set consisted entirely of their lush arrangements of classic Beatles songs. And finally, the guests returned to the lower level and danced the night away.

This beautiful evening was designed and flawlessly coordinated by Marina Birch of Birch Design Studio.

Ken Arlen Lends Expert Advice to Inside Weddings

Despite a full plate leading the Ken Arlen Orchestra, Ken Arlen took time out to lend his expert advice to the readers of Inside Weddings magazine. In addition, Arlen Music Consultants was chosen by the magazine's editorial staff as a member of the Editor's Circle, their invitation-only network of wedding professionals.

Inside Weddings is a premier national bridal magazine, showcasing upscale weddings from around the country. Ken's article The Fun Is In the Flow, was featured in the magazine's Fall 2009 issue. The piece, which you can read here, explains the difference between the "banquet" and "ballroom" styles of wedding, and will be helpful to anyone involved in preparing entertainment for their big day.

KAO's Blue Plate Special

When one of Chicago’s premier catering companies holds a party of its own for the city’s top event planners, it's no surprise that the entertainment is the Ken Arlen Orchestra.

Held June 4th at the Ivy Room, this exclusive event was Blue Plate Catering’s way of thanking Chicago’s event planning community. Impressing these professionals was the order of the evening, and the special guests were treated to an exclusive preview of Blue Plate’s new menu items, a peacock-feather décor by Botanicals, and special lighting design by Sound Investment. The gorgeous seating cards and menus were by Elizabeth Grace, and photographer Jai Girard documented the evening. But above all, it was the irresistible music of the Ken Arlen Orchestra that got the crowd on their feet and really made the event take off.

From the excitement of the Sirens, Ken Arlen’s exclusive rock violin show, to KAO’s outstanding vocalists Michael Avery, Leslie Hunt, Marquecia Jordan and Dave Van Der Laan, the Ken Arlen Orchestra had this group of experienced hospitality pros crowding the dance floor late into the night.

Michael Avery: Heart Full of Soul

Ken Arlen calls Michael Avery one of Chicago’s greatest talents.  For years, Avery has brought his soulful vocal stylings and electrifying R&B energy to the stage with the Ken Arlen Orchestra.  Yet few of the Orchestra’s fans know that Michael has roots in the Chicago soul scene going back over two decades.

Michael first came to prominence as a member of the band New Image.  Soon after, he became the frontman of the respected Chicago soul band Wreckin’ Crew.  The Crew had several hit singles, including “Chance to Dance” and “Found A Groove,” and worked with prominent soul artists like The Staples Singers and Russel Thompkins of the Stylistics, who was a major early influence on Mike’s style.

Since joining Ken Arlen Orchestra, Michael has done nothing less than establish himself as the premiere R&B vocalist in Chicago’s social event scene.  His raw power and subtle sensitivity make each song an event in itself.  When combined with KAO’s stellar vocal ensemble and incredible musicians, Mike can truly take a song (and an event) to the next level.

For the last two years, Michael has found a new use for his talent and charismatic stage presence: becoming a bandleader in his own right.  When not singing with Ken Arlen Orchestra, Michael is the leader of Arlen Music Consultants’ Rhythm & Blues Review, a soul-focused ensemble that has become a popular choice for parties at the House of Blues and other top venues in Chicago.

Although performing live is definitely Michael’s first love, he has showcased his talents on two recent CD releases: Who’s Loving You Now and Destination Love.

Ken Arlen Orchestra at Bravo Des Moines

For the fourth straight year, Ken Arlen Orchestra entertained guests at the Bravo Greater Des Moines Gala in Des Moines, Iowa.  Bravo Greater Des Moines is a non-profit organization committed to strengthening the Des Moines metro area’s arts and cultural community.  Ken Arlen Orchestra has become, over the years, a major attraction for the Gala, and a photo of Ken was even used on the cover of this year’s program (see it at www.arlenmusic.com/KAO/Pages/bravo.html).  Ken and the rest of the Orchestra greatly appreciate their continued involvement with Bravo and their deepening ties to the Des Moines community.

 

 

 

Ken Arlen Orchestra plays New Year's Eve at Bellagio, Las Vegas

For the fourth consecutive year, Ken Arlen's 21 provided the musical entertainment for the Bellagio Hotel's extravaganza New Year's Eve celebration in Las Vegas. With a massive force of 15 of Chicago's best musicians and 6 stellar vocalists, Ken and the band kept the crowd dancing into 2009 with their blend of cutting-edge contemporary hits and classic high-energy dance music. The guests at the highly exclusive party, including celebrities from all over the world, were also treated to a performance by Arlen Music's rock violin group the Sirens, and four elaborate production numbers performed by the band in conjunction with dancers from Los Angeles's E+ Productions.

 

 

Ken Arlen Orchestra at Syd Jerome Anniversary Event

Ken Arlen Orchestra had the honor of performing at the 50th Anniversary Gala Event for Syd Jerome’s Men’s Wear at the Four Seasons in October. The elegance of the event, hosted by Sid and Scott Shapiro of Syd Jerome in conjunction with CS Magazine, was representative of Syd Jerome’s sterling reputation as a first-class purveyor of fine clothing. Heffernan Morgan transformed the ballroom into a sleek and sophisticated dining experience and CS magazine President and Group Publisher John Carroll was on hand to honor Syd Jerome with an opening speech. The evening was hosted by Ana Devlantes of NBC and speeches were also given by Kevin O’Mally – Publisher of Esquire Magazine as well as Sid and Scott Shapiro. The guest list of over 300 featured many Chicago notables, including Tribune Co. CEO Sam Zell, and vendors representing the most important clothing lines in the world, such as Versace, Armani, Zegna and others.

Ken Arlen Orchestra welcomes vocalist Leslie Hunt

Ken Arlen and the rest of the Arlen Music family are extremely excited to welcome vocalist and American Idol contestant Leslie Hunt to the Ken Arlen Orchestra. Leslie comes to the band as a consummate vocal talent, having performed on stage since childhood and honed her craft in Chicago’s hottest venues. She also brings incomparable performance experience to the Ken Arlen Orchestra as a Top 20 contestant on American Idol Season 6. In addition to her exceptional vocal talent, Leslie is also a gifted pianist and prolific songwriter. Her multiple talents will be on display with the release of her new CD, coming in January. Visit her MySpace page for more information.