Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra Wedding | Arlen Music Productions

Videos

Audio Demo

Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough 1:53
Raise Your Glass 1:11
Happy 2:28
This Is How We Do It 2:31
Treasure 2:52
Mr. Saxobeat 1:52
Lucky 2:02
Rolling In the Deep 2:15
Bailamos 0:35
You Can Call Me Al 1:35
Party Rock Anthem 2:37
Stay with You 2:27
Dance to the Music 1:17
Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe 1:47
Dancing Queen 1:32
The Way You Look Tonight 1:39
Orange Colored Sky 2:17
Sing, Sing, Sing 1:52
Wagon Wheel 2:28
Viva La Vida 2:54
When You Say Nothing At All 2:07
Pour Some Sugar on Me 1:45
As 3:32
Signed, Sealed, Delivered 2:48
What a Wonderful World 1:12

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.

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.

Meghan Parker

Violin

Caitlin Simone

Vocalist

Mike Avery

Vocalist

Cristina Sanchez

Vocalist

Ben Scott

Vocalist

Neil Artwick

Keyboard

Mark Beringer

Bass

Frank Alongi

Drums

Neil Carson

Musical Director/Sax

Connor Bernhard

Trumpet

Andrew Zelm

Trombone

Rick Purro

Percussion

Rebecca Richey

Violin Chair

Signature Events

Chicago Lights Fundraising Gala

Loyola University Founders Dinner

Loyola University Commencement

Hollister, Inc. Centennial Celebration

Illinois Bar Association Foundation Gala

Bears Care Gala

Almost Home- Share the Care Ball

Catholic Charities St. Nicholas BallCommander-In-Chief’s Presidential Inaugural Ball

Bellagio Hotel International New Year’s Eve Gala – Las Vegas (including a performance with Bruno Mars!)

Governor of Iowa Inaugural Ball

BRAVO Des Moines Gala

Catholic Charities – Spirit of St. Nicholas

Democratic National Committee Fundraiser (attended by then-President Bill Clinton)

The Children’s Ball (Medical Research Institute Council of Children’s Hospital of Chicago)

Rita Hayworth Gala – Alzheimer’s Association

UNICEF Chicago Gala

Lincoln Park Zoo Ball

Kentucky Derby Museum Ball

8-Peat for Best Band!

How To Choose a Wedding Band: PartySlate Interviews Ken Arlen

Ken Arlen Performs at the Commander-in-Chief Ball

Authority Magazine Interviews Ken Arlen!

Ken Arlen Featured in Modern Luxury's Power Players

Spotlight on Evolution's Fundraisers

5 Couples Get Virtual Surprise from Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra

Spotlight on Evolution's Fundraisers

5 Couples Get Virtual Surprise from Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra

8-Peat for Best Band!

How To Choose a Wedding Band: PartySlate Interviews Ken Arlen

Ken Arlen Performs at the Commander-in-Chief Ball

Authority Magazine Interviews Ken Arlen!

Ken Arlen Featured in Modern Luxury's Power Players

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Ashley Senderak and Mark Meskauskas Wedding (Blackstone Hotel)

We had Evolution for the night of our wedding and they were absolutely fantastic!!! Lloyd was super personable and so easy to work with. Days after, people are still talking about how good the band was for our wedding!!! It truly made our night, and everyone was on the dance floor! Arlen Music is magical!!

Ashley Senderak, Bride

Ellen Hammes and Grant Hoppe Wedding (Theatre on the Lake)

A quick note to thank you and your team for all of the work you put in for Ellen and Grant's Wedding. With the detailed requests, the addition of the fireworks - I appreciate how you worked with us on everything they wanted. It was a great night, and the band kept the dance floor full for the entire time - amazing.

Thank you again and hope to work with you again soon!

Kelly, Event Planner, Kelly Strong Events

Samantha Buddig and Mike Maicke Wedding (Theatre on the Lake)

Thank you SO MUCH for being part of our wedding this weekend - we are truly in disbelief how incredible the party was! I don't think we will ever stop hearing from our friends and family about what an electric show you guys put on!

You all perfectly captured the energy we were going for to celebrate our day; and your renditions of I Just Wanna Dance With You and Night Rider's Lament - just wow!

We are so appreciative of all your and your team's work to make our wedding unforgettable. Thank you, thank you, thank you - the Evolution Orchestra will always hold a special place in our hearts!

Sam and Mike Maicke 😊, Bride and Groom

Hannah Klapper and Adam Kroot Wedding (The Palladium)

We just want to say how thankful we are for you and the epic Evolution crew for making our wedding night such a blast. You guys absolutely crushed it. We had the best time, and our guests did as well. Everything was perfect. Thank you!!!

Hannah Klapper and Adam Kroot, Bride and Groom

Melissa Rella and Michael Hillock Wedding (Renaissance Chicago)

Ken, just a quick note to thank you and your orchestra for helping make the wedding an incredibly memorable experience, not only for Mike & Mellissa, but also for everyone who attended. It never ceases to amaze me how people who have never experienced your performance react. Pretty much everyone told us afterward that it was the best wedding they’ve ever attended. So, you’re 2 for 2 with the Hillock family. Can’t wait to come up with another occasion to see you go three for three!

Jennifer and Michael Hillock, Parents of the Groom

Ashleigh Shanley and Chad Fisher Wedding (Theatre on the Lake)

WOW! What a day! Chad and I wanted to send our many thanks to you and the rest of Evolution. We all knew you were FABULOUS, but the texts are nonstop from family and friends about how great the night was, how the setlist kept getting better and better, and how insanely talented you all are. You truly made it the best party ever!

Thank you for also being so patient with our crazy family and friends....crashing the stage, tambourines, congo lines - I hope you all got a few laughs from the madness. I could go on and on, but a personal thanks from the two of us. It was so wonderful working with you, and you gave us memories that will last our lifetime :)

Ashleigh & Chad, Bride and Groom

Meghan Mulhern and Alex Bars Wedding (University Club of Chicago)

I wanted to drop you a note to express our sincere thanks to you and the band! Evolution totally lit up the room the entire night!!!

There were so many comments from family and guests that said they have never seen a band capture a crowd like you did. The energy created in the room was dynamic!

I certainly would love to work with you again in the future! You're the Best!

Michael Mulhern, Father of the Bride

Carlins/Roth Wedding (The Geraghty)

Wow- what an incredible evening! Words cannot express our gratitude at the energy and incredible talent provided by your group at our wedding. It was truly the best day of our lives, and it would not have been the same without your group.

Everyone raved about the music and particularly loved the punk rock set! Thank you for taking the time to learn new songs that were special to us and take on a new type of performance. Thank you again for making our wedding what it was!

Sabrina and Owen Roth, Bride and Groom

Zimmerman/O’Neil Wedding (Theatre on the Lake)

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for your amazing musical talents! You are by far the best live band we have experienced! Everyone is talking about how amazing the music was.

We would like to sincerely thank you for all the effort you put into making Alycia and Patrick's reception a memorable event. You even had Baba dancing the night away! Adrie Marie, your DJing talent kept everyone on the dance floor until the very end ...literally the building was bouncing!
Your friendliness and professionalism surpassed our expectations, and we will definitely recommend you. Thank you again for making our evening so perfect.

Ross and Anna, Parents of the Bride / Alycia and Patrick O’Neil, Bride and Groom

Finnegan/Leventhal Wedding (The University Club of Chicago)

Andrew and I wanted to send a HUGE thanks to you and the band for the incredible music and entertainment on Saturday!! You all are beyond talented!! It was perfect in every way - the songs, the flow, all of it! Thank you SO much! I can't tell you the number of people coming up to us raving about how wonderful you were! You were such a pleasure to work with!! Thank you for everything!!

Katherine & Andrew Leventhal, Bride and Groom

Finnegan/Leventhal Wedding (The University Club of Chicago)

We are writing to thank you for an incredible evening of music on Saturday night! You all were fantastic! We feel so bad that we never had a chance to talk to you and thank you after you finished. It was a big group of guests, and we were so absorbed in talking to people that we didn’t get a chance to see you before you all left.

We had numerous people comment on how good the band was. And everyone said how the band really made the evening. The jam packed dance floor all the way through to the end was a big testament to your talent! If we ever again have an event where we need a band, we will definitely call you!

Mary and Paul Finnegan, Parents of the Bride

Rock/Fulginiti Wedding (Exmoor Country Club)

I wanted to thank you and the Evolution Orchestra for the most fabulous music for the wedding of Maddie and Brian on October 7th at Exmoor Country Club. Our families and all our guests are still talking about how fantastic the band was! The musicians, the vocals, and you as the bandleader, are truly exceptional! We cannot thank you enough for making it a truly memorable night!

Candace Fulginiti, Mother of the Groom

Cohn/Runk Wedding (The Dalcy)

I feel the need to “pile on” with the glowing comments about Lloyd and the entire band! WOW…truly incredible! The dance floor was packed the entire night, and everyone commented on how amazing the band was (both night of and still after). We all loved the song choices, stage presence, and interaction with the crowd! I’m not sure how they have that kind of continuous energy, but it is contagious!! Lloyd was super easy to work with in the planning process and made Zack & Sarah very comfortable going into their big day. That is not always the case and was very much appreciated.

Evolution Orchestra was Zach’s top choice and proved to be the right one (and then some)! We all had high expectations, and the band completely exceeded what we had even hoped. Please pass our continued thanks along to Lloyd and the band. They deserve every bit of praise they can get…each and every one of them!! Thank you so much again!

Jayne Runk, Mother of the Groom

Rich and Rebecca Cline 40th Anniversary Party (Chicago Golf Club)

Your three-peat performance for a Cline event was everything and more than we expected. The cocktail hour music was beautiful leading up to everyone’s grand entrance into the tent. Everyone loves to get the party started on the right foot and they did that night!

Rich and I were aware of your uncanny talent of reading the room and shifting gears to re-engage anyone that may have drifted. I wish that someone had taken a photo of me dancing with you while you were playing sax! Now THAT takes talent!

Of course, the biggest surprise of all was having Heather Headly pop up on the stage to serenade us – and every guest. That was truly a dream come true and one that we’ll never forget. We are so thankful that you said yes to helping us celebrate our 40th anniversary.

Rich and Rebecca Cline

Maddie Foley and Chris Wehmer Wedding (Palmer House Hilton)

I don’t even know what to say!! Wow!! You guys blew the roof of the Palmer House from cocktails to the after party !! Everyone said they had never heard such incredible music; it was like a concert!!! People are still recovering today. What an amazing night!!!

I always say the difference between an incredible reception and a good one is the music! Thank you, thank you!!!! Truly a night to remember!!!! You set the bar way up in the stars!!!!
Thank you❤️😘❤️😘❤️😘❤️😘❤️

Erin Foley, Mother of the Bride

Chan/Burgh Wedding (Rockwell on the River)

We hired Evolution Orchestra for our wedding, and it was easily the part of our wedding we were most excited for! We had searched far and wide for a wedding band, and we were so excited when we found them. They are everything that you want in a wedding band - enthusiastic, lively, fun, and TALENTED! Every single member who performed that night did an incredible job, and we had people on the dance floor all night.

Ken and his team made us feel so comfortable leading up to the wedding and helped us with our timeline as well. The night of our wedding, Caitlin was our band leader and was such a sweetheart! She did so much to make us feel special, and the entire band was extremely engaging. I wish I could hire them to perform at every event, they really are a team of incredible professionals and are the life of the party. They were our favorite part of the wedding, and we cannot recommend them enough!

Eileen Chan, Bride

Amy Calhoun and Dr. Eliot Jai Wedding (Theater on the Lake)

We are never going to get over how amazing you all were!!!! What an absolute treat. It was seriously one of the best nights of our lives, for more reasons than just getting married.

You all are such pros, and SUCH a good time. We've had multiple texts from people exclaiming they MUST know more about the band. Seriously, thank you to you and the band for giving it your absolute all - You were simply the best. Ryan & Mary are still on top of the world from their shout out for Wonderwall too :)

From the moment I heard Sky Full of Stars, you set the tone for the most wonderful, magical, & fun night ever. A sincere thank you and wishing you all a happy & healthy new year!

Amy & Eliot Jia (Bride and Groom)

Janie Marso and Alex Poff Wedding (Skokie Country Club)

Hi Ken, I honestly have no words! You - BY FAR - were the BEST decision we made for the wedding! You were absolutely incredible!!! You made the wedding so incredibly beyond spectacular!!!

We have heard “OMG THAT band!”, “gawd that band!”, “that band was epic!", "Band of the Century" - I could go on and on - but you truly made the night and the East Coast style absolutely was the right call to set the stage!

I have a friend who has a house on the course and was dancing on her back patio to you all night! So fun! I truly thank you from the bottom on my heart for all you did! I truly hope to see you again!

Anne Marso, Mother of the Bride

Annie Berk and Zachary Harris Wedding (Chicago Botanic Garden)

I really don't have the words to tell you how absolutely fabulous you guys were. We knew when we hired you that you would be outstanding, but Ken, if it's possible, you were even more than that. From the beginning of the planning process, you and Lloyd made us feel so comfortable, and Annie's and my opinions so valued. You made sure we would feel like our wedding music reflected us, while at the same time, that your talent for reading the room and keeping the momentum going would create the joyous atmosphere we were hoping for. And boy did you hit the mark from start to finish. Even the "late in the game" change to the 6-piece instrumental during the ceremony reflected your understanding of exactly what we were looking for, and your ability to translate our vision into a stunningly beautiful reality.

The whole night still kind of feels like a dream to me - I suppose it will be awhile before I come down from cloud 9! But to see the dance floor filled, to see the look on my daughter's face as she danced her heart out, to know how excited she was when her "requests" were played to such perfection, and to hear her saying "I have to tell Ken and Lloyd how much I love them"....how do I find words to tell you what this meant?

Thank you for everything you did to make our evening so unforgettable. You are truly a master of your craft, and we are grateful to know you. Mitch may have found you first, but we absolutely consider you to be ours too now!!!! All the best, and let's keep in touch!

Janna Berk, Mother of the Bride

Karen Klass and Andrew Frankenthal Wedding (Ritz-Carlton Hotel)

Ken, When it was time to plan Karen and Andrew’s wedding, the one thing we knew that was non-negotiable was having your band. We planned the wedding around you and truly appreciated your flexibility in negotiating a contract in the uncertain times of Covid. You were fabulous. From the strolling violinists down the aisle (which people are still talking about), to working with my nephew, David to facilitate him playing onstage you are the best.

Every time Michael and I attend a wedding, our standard is you and while there are many good bands, no one is like your band. You read your crowd and you provided an awesome party atmosphere. We truly appreciate you “making the evening”!!! It was spectacular. Thank you!

Renee Klass, Mother of the Bride

Julie Fogel and Matt Singley Wedding (Peninsula Hotel)

Dear Ken, Lloyd, and the entire Evolution Orchestra team,

We wanted to send you a quick note to say from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra was extraordinary from start to finish. From the pop-up horns during the ceremony to every single song, solo, performance during the reception, you were spectacular and flawless and exceeded all of our expectations.

All of our guests were blown away with you too. We can’t even begin to tell you how many times we’ve been told it was the most unique and fun ceremony and reception they’ve ever been to (and our crew are known to tell it like it is with zero filter) and how many times we have been asked who our band was. Thank you for being such a huge part in the best night of our lives, we are forever grateful and will never stop screaming from the rooftops how amazing you are.

Julie & Matt Singley, Bride and Groom

Sarah and Zach Spellman Wedding (Chicago Hilton & Towers)

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.

Melissa and Marc Spellman, Parents of the Groom

Ariel and Nathaniel Bobrick Wedding (Private Residence)

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 Attendee

Sophie and Andy Barr Wedding (Arden Shores)

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.

Carolyn and Tom Swarthout, Parents of the Bride

Neil Trainor and Elizabeth Slawin Wedding (University Club)

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!

Wendy and Peter Trainor, Parents of the Bride

Elizabeth Slawin and Neil Trainor Wedding (University Club)

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!

Wendy Trainor, Mother of the Groom

Ryan McKeveny and Mary Kozelka Wedding (Art Institute of Chicago)

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!

Ryan and Mary, Bride and Groom

Izzie Griffith and Ron Vandixhorn Wedding (Chicago Cultural Center)

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, Bride

Whitney Mash and Justin Levin Wedding (Peninsula Hotel)

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,

Steve and Barb Mash, Parents of the Bride

Libby Munson and Peter Graham (Theater on the Lake)

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!!!

Libby and Peter, Bride and Groom

Audio Demo

Meghan Parker

Caitlin Simone

Mike Avery

Cristina Sanchez

Ben Scott

Neil Artwick

Mark Beringer

Frank Alongi

Neil Carson

Connor Bernhard

Andrew Zelm

Rick Purro

Rebecca Richey

Signature Events

evolutionorchestra

Testimonials

Ashley Senderak and Mark Meskauskas Wedding (Blackstone Hotel)

Ellen Hammes and Grant Hoppe Wedding (Theatre on the Lake)

Samantha Buddig and Mike Maicke Wedding (Theatre on the Lake)

Hannah Klapper and Adam Kroot Wedding (The Palladium)

Melissa Rella and Michael Hillock Wedding (Renaissance Chicago)

Ashleigh Shanley and Chad Fisher Wedding (Theatre on the Lake)

Meghan Mulhern and Alex Bars Wedding (University Club of Chicago)

Carlins/Roth Wedding (The Geraghty)

Zimmerman/O’Neil Wedding (Theatre on the Lake)

Finnegan/Leventhal Wedding (The University Club of Chicago)

Finnegan/Leventhal Wedding (The University Club of Chicago)

Rock/Fulginiti Wedding (Exmoor Country Club)

Cohn/Runk Wedding (The Dalcy)

Rich and Rebecca Cline 40th Anniversary Party (Chicago Golf Club)

Maddie Foley and Chris Wehmer Wedding (Palmer House Hilton)

Chan/Burgh Wedding (Rockwell on the River)

Amy Calhoun and Dr. Eliot Jai Wedding (Theater on the Lake)

Janie Marso and Alex Poff Wedding (Skokie Country Club)

Annie Berk and Zachary Harris Wedding (Chicago Botanic Garden)

Karen Klass and Andrew Frankenthal Wedding (Ritz-Carlton Hotel)

Julie Fogel and Matt Singley Wedding (Peninsula Hotel)

Sarah and Zach Spellman Wedding (Chicago Hilton & Towers)

Ariel and Nathaniel Bobrick Wedding (Private Residence)

Sophie and Andy Barr Wedding (Arden Shores)

Neil Trainor and Elizabeth Slawin Wedding (University Club)

Elizabeth Slawin and Neil Trainor Wedding (University Club)

Ryan McKeveny and Mary Kozelka Wedding (Art Institute of Chicago)

Izzie Griffith and Ron Vandixhorn Wedding (Chicago Cultural Center)

Whitney Mash and Justin Levin Wedding (Peninsula Hotel)

Libby Munson and Peter Graham (Theater on the Lake)

What type of event are you planning?

Wedding

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