Jimmy Riley’s career is marked with a long string of successes. As a performer he has built an impressive legacy in the Midwest but in recent years has had a global impact. An award winning record producer and recording engineer, Jimmy’s clients read like a who’s who in the music biz. As a professional engineer, Jimmy has worked as a Pro Tools editor on recordings by Sheryl Crow, Robert Plant, Lifehouse, Stevie Nicks and Daughtry -- just to name a few.

When it comes to bands, Jimmy of course has played in many original bands. But back in the early 90's, Jimmy started forming successful cover bands that entertain to this day. Jimmy has designed and filled the guitarist/vocalist position for some notable local cover bands and his impact can be seen and felt all around the music scene. Hey Jimmy is the next chapter in that legacy and sure to follow suit.

As a music director/band leader, Jimmy has also made a big impact. Jimmy co-music directed and composed original compositions for the acclaimed Christmas production “Imagine Christmas.” Jimmy performed and band led the production from 2006-2007 for over one hundred and sixty thousand people and nearly twenty-four sold out performances. CBS broadcasted the show and it turned in to a global phenom performed in countries all over the world.

Jimmy has shared the stage with Shania Twain, Kerry Livgren, George Lynch and yes Bill Cinton.

Little known fact: Jimmy has played guitar and sang on recordings that he can’t talk about. Odds are you’ve heard him and not known it.

Tony Ingala is the consummate singer/front man. With rock star good looks and talent, Tony has the ability to lead any size room in song.

Tony comes from the Southwest side of Chicago. He began his singing career at 15 years old as a founding member of the group "Frequency" and quickly signed a deal with Elite Entertainment Enterprises, traveling throughout the Midwest as the premier cover band for high school mixers and proms.  At age 16, Tony was already doing over 100 shows per year. Versatility is one of Tony's best qualities. He has the uncanny ability to reproduce vocal styles whether it’s singing Motown hits or doing a Bon Jovi song.

Tony is also a founding member of the 90's rock group "Joker." Jokers big break came when they were chosen best band in Chicago after winning the Seagram’s Wine Cooler talent search. From there, they signed a record deal with independent label "Red Light Records.” In 1992 Joker’s self-titled debut was released. Tony and Joker toured the United States in support of the record. After featuring music in motion pictures, Tony and Joker went back in the studio to record their follow up album "Cool Deal" with famed producer Gary Loizzo (American Breed, and producer for Styx.) 

Tony also writes and records with his original band "Circus Liquor" with former Joker member Nick Sikich.

Little known fact: Tony was once the front-runner to replace singer Jani Lane in the 80’s rock group Warrant.

Ron Barnes reputation as a dynamic, versatile and reliable session drummer has kept him busy with both live and studio work for most of his career. Ron’s passion for laying down a groove is easy to see and hear. Although entertaining audiences with his stage showmanship, it is Ron’s ability to play drums musically that contributes to the end goal, which is rhythmically speaking, to give the song just what it needs. Although Ron has extensive studio experience, his primary source of drum work is from touring and live performances. Ron has appeared on more than 1,000 studio tracks, mostly independent, over his career thus far.  He currently serves as a premier session drummer for several producers including Jimmy Riley (Yamaha, Willow Creek, Pro Tools Editor/Engineer, Performer/Songwriter) and Roger Adler (“Groundhog Day”, Studio-A, TV/Film Production).  Credits include jingles as well as demo and full production album work. Ron held the drum and percussion chair for 2006-2007 holiday production “Imagine Christmas” - which drew attendance figures of close to 160,000.

Ron has been a go-to drummer for many bands and artists. Ken Arlen Orchestra, Mars Williams and Liquid Soul, Maggie Speaks, Ralph Covert and The Bad Examples, Ralph's World, Middle 8 and The Good Mondays, The Play Doctors, Kimi Hayes Band, J.P. & The Cats, Due West, Seth Bradley and Tiffany Hull, among others. His ability to bring conviction, passion and execution even in a sub situation makes Ron a highly sought after drummer.

Little know fact: Ron was invited to audition for legendary performer Dennis DeYoung (singer/songwriter and co-founder of the rock group Styx) and was offered the job as drummer for the 2007 fall tour dates, which he accepted. While learning the show, Ron suffered a shoulder injury from an accident, which forced him to bow out of the fall tour dates. Sad...but true.

Jeremy Johnston is no stranger to Chicago’s music scene. Sought after for both the studio and stage, he has played bass regularly in Chicago and cities across the country with bands such as Mike & Joe, the Afrodisiacs, the Spazmatics, Too White Crew, Generations, Pen15, Standing Room Only, The One Hit Wonders, and Rendition, as well his own original band Stonesolaris. Jeremy has performed live on ABC news and at SXSW with Shangri La recording artist Trevor Menear, on whose debut album Jeremy is also featured.

Jeremy has been pursuing his passion for educating aspiring musicians as a faculty member of the Music Institute of Chicago Highland Park since 2002.

Little known fact: JJ spends most of his spare time acquiring cheap basses on eBay and is running out of space to store them.