Melodaires Band

We play a variety of musical styles ranging from Dixieland, big band swing, Latin, country, to light rock & roll. We can even play light classical music before, during, or after the wedding ceremony. The band can vary in size from two to ten pieces, depending on your budget. We also have a fantastic Sinatra style entertainer available who really connects with the audience; he does Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Louie Prima, etc. He wanders among the people with a cordless mic, gets others to sing with him, even dances with the ladies while singing. Our music is never too loud for the occasion, so that people can easily converse. We also perform humorous parodies which are popular in some venues. Songs from the 20's to the 70's are featured. These songs are considered as 'standards' written by this country's greatest composers such as George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Hoagy Charmichael, Duke Ellington, Rogers & Hammerstein. Henry Mancini, Irving Berlin, etc. Many people think of us as 'The little band with the big band sound'. We have booked performances around the country: Houston, Phoenix, Greenbay, Davenport, Madison, Milwauke and Chicago. We frequently play very entertaining concerts for park districts, senior centers, private parties and retirement communities. We are also heavily engaged in country club dances, weddings, anniversaries, dance clubs, birthday parties and corporate functions. We have produced six CDs todate, and can send you a demo CD.

• Achy -Breaky Heart - Billy Ray Cyrus
• After The Loving - Engleburt
• Ain't That A Kick In The Head - Dean Martin
• All My Exs Live In Texas - George Strait
• Anema E Core - Rhumba
• At Last - Etta James
• Bad, Bad LeRoy Brown - Jim Croce
• Barbara Polka - Frankie Yankovic
• Beer Barrel Polka - Andrews Sisters
• Begin The Beguine - Cole Porter
• Bill Bailey - Dixieland
• Blue Bayou - Linda Ronstadt
• Blue Bossa - Bossa Nova
• Blue Suede Shoes - Elvis Presley
• Blue Tango - Tango
• Brazil - Xavier Cugat
• Cabaret - Liza Minelli
• Careless - Eddy Howard
• Charade - Henry Mancini
• Chattanooga Choo-Choo - Glenn Miller
• Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White - Prez Prado
• Chicago - Frank Sinatra
• Closer Walk With Thee - Dixieland
• Cold, Cold Heart - Hank Williams
• Come Fly With Me - Frank Sinatra
• Corcovado - Antonio Carlos Jobim
• Crazy - Patsy Cline
• Dansero - Beguine
• Days Of Wine & Roses - Henry Mancini
• Don't Get Around Much Anymore - Duke Ellington
• Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue - Crystal Gayle
• Drinking Champagne - George Strait
• East Of The Sun Rhumba - Our Orginal Arrangement
• Elvira - Oak Ridge Boys
• Embraceable You - George Gershwin
• Fly Me To The Moon - Frank Sinatra
• Foggy Day In London Town - George Gershwin
• For The Good Times - Kris Kristofferson
• Gentle Rain - Bossa Nova
• Georgia - Hoagy Charmichael
• Girl From Ipanema - Astrud Gilberto
• Goodbye - Benny Goodman
• Goody-Goody - Benny Goodman
• Green Eyes - Rhumba
• Green Green Grass Of Home
• Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
• Help Me Make It Thru The Night - Kris KristoffersonII
• Honky Tonk - Bill Boggett
• Hound Dog - Elvis Presley
• I Can't Get Started - Bunny Berrigan
• I Can't Stop Loving You - Ray Charles
• I Get A Kick Out Of You - Cole Porter
• I Just Don't Look Good Naked Anymore - Our Original
• I Left My Heart In San Francico - Tony Bennet
• I Love Paris - Cole Porter
• I'm Beginning To See The Light - Harry James
• I'm Getting Sentimental Over You - Tommy Dorsey
• I'm In The Mood For Love - Nat King Cole
• I'm Thru With Love - Nat King Cole
• In The Mood - Glenn Miller
• It's DeLovely - Cole Porter
• It's No Sin - Eddy Howard
• I've Got A Crush On You - George Gershwin
• I've Got Rhythm - George Gershwin
• I've Got The World On A String - Frank Sinatra
• I've Got You Under My Skin - Cole Porter
• I've Heard That Song Before - Harry James
• Jalousie - Tango
• Jazz Me Blues - Dixieland
• Jealous Heart
• Junp, Jive, & Wail - Louie Prima
• Just A Gigolo - Louie Prima
• Just Because Polka - Frankie Yankovic
• King Of The Road - Roger Miller
• Kiss Of Fire - Tango
• La Cumparsita - Tango
• Lady Be Good - George Gershwin
• Lady Is A Tramp - Frank Sinatra
• Little Brown Jug - Glenn Miller
• Mack The Knife - Bobby Darin
• Magaritaville - Jimmey Buffet
• Meditation - Antonio Carlos Jobim
• Michelle - Beattles
• Misty - Johnny Mathis
• Moon River - Andy Williams
• Moonlight Serenade - Glenn Miller
• More - Rhumba
• Music To Watch Girls By - Cha-Cha
• New York, New York - Frank Sinatra
• Night And Day - Cole Porter
• Night Train - Buddy Morrow
• Nuages - Our Orginal Arrangement
• O Barquinho - Bossa Nova
• Oh. Lonesome Me
• Old Time Rock & Roll - Bob Seger
• On The Road Again - Willie Nelson
• One Note Samba - Samba
• Our Library Contains THOUSANDS more songs from the 20s to the 70s
• Our Love Is Here To Stay - George Gershwin
• Paper Roses
• Patricia - Cha-Cha
• Pennsylvania 6-5000 - Glenn Miller
• Pennsylvania Polka - Andrews Sisters
• Piel Camela - Rhumba
• Please Release Me - Engleburt
• Por Favore - Cha-Cha
• Prelude To A Kiss - Duke Ellington
• Proud Mary
• Quando, Quando, Quando - Samba
• Rock Around The Clock - Bill Haley
• Rockin Robin - Bobby Day
• Route 66 - Nat King Cole
• Sabor A Mi - Rhumba
• Samba De Orfue - Our Orginal Arrangement
• San Antonio Rose - Bob Wills
• Satin Doll - Duke Ellington
• Shake, Rattle & Roll - Big Joe Turner
• Since I Fell For You - Lenny Welch
• Skylark - Hoagy Charmichael
• Sleep Walk - Johnny & Santo
• So Nice (Summer Samba) - Walter Wanderly
• So Rare - Jimmy Dorsey
• Somethin' Stupid Cha-Cha - Nancy Sinatra
• Something - Beattles
• Song Sung Blue - Neil Diamond
• Sophisticated Lady - Duke Ellington
• St. Thomas - Merengue
• Stardust - Hoagy Charmichael
• Stompin' At The Savoy - Benny Goodman
• String Of Pearls - Glenn Miller
• Summer Wind - Frank Sinatra
• Summertime - George Gershwin
• Sway - Xavier Cugat
• S'Wonderful - George Gershwin
• Take The A Train - Duke Ellington
• Teach Me Tonight - DeCastro Sisters
• Tenderly
• Tennessee Waltz - Patty Page
• That's A Plenty - Dixieland
• The Nearness Of You - Hoagy Charmichael
• Third Man Theme - Anton Karas
• This Masquerade - George Bensen
• Tin Roof Blues - Dixieland
• Tuxedo Junction - Glenn Miller
• Waltz Across Texas - Ernest Tubs
• Watermelon Man - Herbie Hancock
• Wave - Stan Getz
• We've Only Just Begun - Carpenters
• What Is This Thing Called Love - Cole Porter
• Wiitchcraft - Frank Sinatra
• Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler
• Wipe Out - Surfaris
• Yakety Sax - Boots Randolph
• Yellow Days - Rhumba
• Yellow Rose Of Texas - Merengue
• Yesterday - Beattles
• YMCA - Village People
• You Do Something To Me - Cole Porter
• You Do't Know Me - Ray Charles
• You Made Me Love You - Harry James
• You Were Only Foolin'
• Your Cheatin' Heart - Hank Williams

Anniversaries, Bachelor Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Banquets, Birthday Parties, Children's Birthday Parties, Celebrations, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Cocktail Parties, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Funerals, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Picnic, Private Parties, Proms, Restaurants, Reunions, Weddings, Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Cocktail Hours, Wedding Receptions...and more.

• Words can not express how fantastic this band is. I have worked as a wedding and event planner for several years and have never come across a group better than this. They were professional, easy to work with, accommodating to all song requests, and so TALENTED! They made my wedding! If you are looking for big band / Frank Sinatra flavor- look no further you MUST hire this group. -- April G, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 6/25/2011
• This band was superb. The musicians are extremely talented and the song selection couldn't have been better. Our vocalist represented the song styles beautifully. My husband and I danced the night away--which we hadn't planned to do! We were the last couple dancing and closed the reception hall. We were extremely happy and highly recommend this band. -- Trixie L, Madison, WI, 7/18/2009
• We hired the Melodaires to play at my in-laws 50th Anniversary Party. They were fantastic! They played everything we had asked for and really got the crowd going. They were very accommodating to a few family members who wanted to sing. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for great entertainment for a party or wedding! -- Mary Beth Z, Fox River Grove, IL, 6/6/2009
• One of the most enjoyable evenings ever! Our sincere thanks to all the band members, to Mr. Bob Duda especially! Georgia had the time of her life, and we have the Melodaires to thank for that! Our best wishes and deepest thanks to each of you. Sincerely, Wayne and Jenna McClay -- Jenna J, Joliet, IL, 10/12/2008
• The Melodiares made our father's 80th birthday party a hit! It was perfect entertainment and genre music for the age group we had. Most of our guests were 50+, and the songs they played were popular in that era, but the younger ones loved it too! We appreciate their promptness, professionalism and talent! We loved the singer's voice and personality! Overall, a truly fantastic night! -- Sara R, Long Grove, IL, 8/2/2008
• The Melodaires were the best band we could have asked for at our wedding! We wanted a big band type jazz ensemble that could play a variety of genres. The Melodaires underbid other bands of that nature by a lot, but their performance could not be surpassed. They contacted us right away with a long list of music and even played a favored first dance song, "At Last" Etta James version, that wasn't on the list at the reception. On the day of the wedding we had to change locations due to weather, but Clare and the Melodaires didn't skip a beat. They showed up well dressed, on time, and in tune. I received several compliments from my friends and family. And the dance floor was rarely empty thanks to the great songs all the way till the end. Thanks Melodaires and to Gigmasters for helping us find them. It made the night even more special. -- Travis S, Aurora, IL, 6/23/2007
• Fantastic. True musicians, with a passion for the music they perform. Wonderful interaction with the crowd from grandchildren to grandparents. I would recommend the Melodaires Band for ANY event in which folks enjoy the sounds of Frank, Tony, Dean, and Louis. Dare I say they are enfuago! -- Ken B, Rockford, IL, 10/1/2011
• The Melodaires are an excellent band, in performance, requests, and in personally handling requests. They are an ideal band for people in my age group that like dance music instead of mettalic hard rock and rap. As they play, you can converse and dance without becomming deaf. All the instruments are balanced, non is drowned out. WE, my wife and I and the guests at the reception would recommend them. Leonard J. Pasieta -- Len P, Lake Villa, IL, 5/17/2008
• My guests were extremely happy with my selection of the Melodaires and commented positively on their musical talent and selection. The band members were friendly and accomodating as well. I am EXTREMELY pleased with the Melodaires - I've even had friends ask where they play publicly so they can enjoy their music again! Thank you Gigmaster and Thank you Melodaires!!! Best wishes - Joan Lamb -- Joan L, Arlington Heights, IL, 6/16/2006
• We had nothing but compliments on the music! My Mother-In-Law raved about the band and she's tough to please!! We were so lucky that my daughter and son-in-law have such great taste in music to pursue booking your group. Mr. Clarence Alexander provided prompt responses to any questions and his suggestions provided an evening of fun for young and old alike. DJ's can't add the personal touch like a live band. Please pass along our thanks to Bob Duda and the rest of the band. You and your band members made the night special for our family and guest! Again, Thanks for making the reception exceptional Mike & Karen Callahan -- Krisitn C, Joliet, IL, 9/22/2007
• These men played exactly the right music for my venue. All the seniors in the room appreciated their selections and the fact it was music they could recognize. Clare Alexander was an utmost professional and made sure everything we need was attended to. Thier vocalist was wonderful and fun. I'd recommend them to anyone and if I need a band for another venue I'd rebook them. Thanks Guys! -- Janet H, Rosemont, IL, 7/13/2007
• The Melodaires were a wonderful band to work with. I was pleased with their professionalism, promptness, and quality. If you are looking for an affordable band that plays top-notch music and can get a crowd on their feet - then the Melodaires are a great choice. -- Kim R, Oak Brook, IL, 9/4/2008
• The Melodaires were great, I only heard positive comments from our company employees. Thank you for making our company picnic an event to remember. -- Mary C, Palatine, IL, 7/25/2008
• Clare and the Melodaires were phenomenal! Fabulous! All of our guests commented on how wonderful the band was! :-) Our guest said what a nice touch it was to get a band that fit the era (1950's) of the party! Bob (the main vocalist) was great a getting the audience involved and get guests to come up to the dance floor. The Melodaires were fantastic!!! I highly recommend them if you are going for the 1950's Frank Sinatra, Rat Pack kind of sound. Fabulous! The cream of the crop! Thank you to all of the band members, to Bob & Clare! Thanks for making my 30th birthday the best!!! May all the glory be to the Lord! -- Jeffrey R, Bourbonnais, IL, 6/19/2009
• Excellent concert! Many positive comments received from attendees on the wonderful entertainment. I highly recommend the Melodaires Band. -- Maureen J, Grayslake, IL, 7/13/2008
• The MElodaires had them singing along to songs and even had our board members up and dancing. They made our event a memorable event for all who attended. We would definatly have them again and would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a great entertainer. Sincerely, Barbara Nellans Program Director -- Barbara N, Gurnee, IL, 12/9/2007
• I hired the Melodaires to play for three hours during a luncheon. None of the guests would leave until the band was finished at 3pm. The Melodaires made the party that my guests will be talking about for some time. -- Jerry G, Buffalo Grove, IL, 8/5/2006
• The Melodaires Band traveled to Wisconsin to perform at our company's luncheon appreciation event. The music was wonderful, entertaining and enjoyed by the employees. The band would be great for any function, and we would ask them back in the future. -- Gloria R, Appleton, WI, 7/27/2010
• Melodaires performed for our group of 400 and everyone enjoyed the variety of their music. They were very accommodating and great to listen to. -- Debbie B, Oak Brook, IL, 7/8/2006
• They were great. They showed up on time. I asked for an extra half hour and they were glad to stay. Maybe could have been a little jazzier? Some of the younger people were a little bored but I expected that because of the age range of the crowd. I would recommend them. -- Rose Marie W, Elk Grove Village, IL, 7/31/2010
• All my guest were so impressed. They couldn't believe how amazing Melodaires were. They were hired to play for the cocktail hour and dinner, when my guest asked to play longer because they wanted to dance to the jazz band they never hesitated. When I turned into bridezilla asking them to do announcements, let a friend sing with them, do the wedding recession, simply the band replied "of course!" You made our day extreamly special. My only complaint would be that it felt that breaks were taken in inoppertune moments. That is just me being bridezilla again! -- Sara T, Batavia, IL, 7/10/2010
• Very professional and talented! Performed a few German songs as requested for our Oktoberfest party. They made our evening very enjoyable!! They're funny too!! Singer was great!! Pat -- Pat F, Prospect Heights, IL, 10/9/2010
• The Melodaires were fantastic! They are truly a talented group. Our guests continue to compliment us on hiring the Melodaires. Everyone absolutely, without a doubt, enjoyed their music! We are very impressed. Thank you Melodaires! -- Jennifer Z, Valparaiso, IN, 9/5/2010
• The Melodaires were the perfect band for our engagement party, where we had a crowd from ages 3 - 83. They were a very flexible and fun group. Thanks! -- Jonathan P, Oak Park, IL, 11/25/2006
• We had a luncheon event for about 250 people with a 1950's theme. The Melodaires quoted us the best price (They were a steal!!) and were willing to work with me on just about anything I asked. Everyone had a great time at the event and since they were on first they really set the mood for the event. Everyone was dancing and telling me what a great time they had which I think is mainly due to how it started! Thanks for everything!!! -- Suzanne P, Streamwood, IL, 5/14/2010
• Great night. Great Band! -- Jeff M, Plainfield, IL, 6/3/2008
• They were wonderful. It was so nice to have them interact with our guest, My daughter was thrilled when they sang to her. I recommend highly. Very pleasent music. -- Kathy T, Menomonee Falls, WI, 12/8/2006
• Really great. We booked them as a 5 pc. band (4plus singer) for our parents 50th wedding anniversary. They played during the cocktail hour, during dinner and then dancing. They made the night so special. They clearly understood that the focus of the evening was not on them, but rather on the happy couple. They had a nicely prepared set list and graciously accommodated a few requests too. It was a terrific night! -- Barbara C, Geneva, IL, 11/11/2011

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