Bob Charest Music, Westbrook, Maine - 207-797-3848 - Musical Performances for All Events

	Bob Charest, Keyboard & Vocals - One of Maine's most versatile keyboard players, Bob brings many years of experience to his current role as bandleader. Since leading his own rock trio as a teenager and earning a degree in Music Composition at the University of New Hampshire he's been in numerous bands prior to forming the Bob Charest Band in 1998. He has performed his original material with the Paul Winter Consort and at the Maine Festival, and has appeared on the bill with artists as diverse as Jonathan Edwards and McCoy Tyner. A respected jazz pianist, he has taught jazz improvisation at the University of Maine at Augusta and Bowdoin College, and currently teaches in his private studio. Bob has gathered together literate and committed musicians who share his desire to "make it happen" for our clients. At home with any musical style or audience, Bob brings a warm enthusiasm to events that translates into an immediate rapport with the crowd. His MC announcements are always tasteful, and his ability to call the right tune at the right time keeps the dance floor packed. Bob's arrangements provide the band with an ever-growing repertoire.
Lori Bissonette, Vocals - Superbly talented and passionate about music, Lori has the unique ability to cover any style. Each song she sings is an authentic rendition of the artist's interpretation. From a musical family, Lori began singing at weddings with her cousin, acclaimed country artist, Don Campbell. After fronting Cool Shade of Blue, she joined the BCB in 1998. When Lori takes center stage, romantic ballads like "At Last" and "Don't Know Why" bring couples onto the dance floor and draw enthusiastic applause, while classic dance favorites such as "Respect" and "Lady Marmalade" are electrifying. We're fortunate to have Lori in this band, a gifted singer who consistently demonstrates that true soul knows no boundaries.
	Mat Zaro, Vocals - Mat joined the BCB in early 2003 and ever since, fans have been telling us they love the dynamic quality he brings to the band. "Where did you find this guy??"… Well, we found him at the University of Maine at Augusta studying vocal performance. Like Lori, Mat goes from style to style and does it with personality and charisma. During dinner, he'll sing Sinatra's "Summer Wind," then later on dig in on "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" and rock out on "Walk This Way." Mat's training also enables him to sing our sophisticated four-part jazz harmonies. Prior to joining the band, Mat honed his stage presence touring the USA and Europe as a featured vocal soloist with the "Up With People/World Smart" ensemble. Our "Soul Man," Mat consistently wows the dance crowd with his energy and exuberance.
Cindy Charest, Vocals - You'll get to know Cindy long before the band plays at your event, since she works closely with BCB clients, ensuring that their needs, wants, and vision are successfully met. A trained singer, Cindy joined the band four years ago, adding the versatility and variety of having two female leads. With Mat and the other male singers, this line-up allows for an impressive display of vocal talent. Equally at home with jazz standards, classic dance hits, and complex harmonies, Cindy has years of performing experience. She enjoys every moment on stage and understands the importance of engaging the crowd and making sure everyone feels included. A consummate performer and professional, with Cindy, the crowd always comes first!
	Andrew Doody, Saxophone & Vocals - Having been with the band since the beginning, Andrew is a seasoned section player whose solid tone and smokin' solos are an exciting addition to our sound. He toured Eastern Europe with the Maine Youth Jazz Ensemble, majored in music at the University of Southern Maine, and played with Cool Shade of Blue and Something Simple, studying with Bill Street and Karl Lidral along the way. In addition to playing tenor, alto, and soprano saxes, Andrew sings back up and joins in creating a polished visual effect with the entire front line-up of the band. His range, sound, and power contribute greatly to the BCB horn section.
Eric Stokes, Trumpet & Vocals - Eric has been playing trumpet since the age of eight and is one of those rare individuals blessed with the gift of perfect pitch. He got his music degree from the University of Southern Maine a few years ago and enjoys playing a variety of styles. Having performed with ensembles such as the Ambassadors and the Mid-Coast Chamber Orchestra, in the BCB Eric has found a place where he can showcase his talents on trumpet, fluglehorn, and background vocals. Another veteran member, Eric's enthusiasm and sense of fun are always onstage.
	Stewart Guernsey, Guitar, Harmonica, & Vocals - An appreciation for a wide variety of musical genres and a diverse vocabulary of styles - from Jimi Hendrix to Freddie Green - makes Stew the perfect fit for the BCB. A professional guitarist for nearly 30 years, Stew has worked in New York and throughout New England. Stew was in '70's NY bands The Grip and Bleeker Street, and Boston-based Pulse 8. The '90's found Stew in Nightly Bluescast and the popular Boston funk-blues-fusion band Doc Nelson and The Remedy. Along with his talents on guitar and vocals, Stew can be counted on to bring an exciting element of blues harp playing to the band.
Tom Dyhrberg, Bass & Vocals - Tom is well known on the New England music scene and brings a wealth of talents to the band. Along with playing bass, he sings and plays guitar, baritone sax, and flute. Tom's musical career began with the popular rock band The Untame Sound, and in 1970, he joined perennial Maine favorite, Devonsquare. After graduating from Boston's Berklee School of Music, Tom toured the US and Canada with the show band Straight Talk. Later, his original tune, "Sweet New England, I'm Homeward Bound," garnered airplay on 44 New England radio stations. Our fans may recognize Tom as having been our first lead male vocalist. Tom's solid bass style, vocal talent, and stage personality make him a truly valued BCB member.
	Geoff Chartier, Bass - Geoff has been covering the bass chair whenever Tom's not on the gig. His great sound and fun-loving attitude ensure that the rhythm section never skips a beat! Geoff has been with the band since it's inception, and wears many hats with the BCB, as our production chief, soundman, and bass player. He's played in groups ranging from big band jazz to small fusion combos and has used that experience when providing the low-end pulse that communicates so directly with the audience.
Luc Bergeron, Drums - Luc lays it down in whatever style is needed - always grooving and having a blast! Early on, he studied with well-known teacher, Dick Demers. After the demise of his first original band, Luc spent time majoring in English at the University of Southern Maine. He then saw master drummer Steve Smith in concert at the University of Maine at Augusta. Inspired, he transferred there, studying with Steve Grover in the process. His gigging experiences (live, recording sessions, and jingles) include theater, brass band, soul, R&B, world music, reggae, pop, classic rock, jazz, and fusion. A percussion instructor for 15 years, Luc operates Kamp K9, a cage-free dog day care and pet boarding facility in Scarborough. ( www.mykampk9.com ) Luc is fond of playing things that give his band mates a kick in the pants, but it’s his deep groove and sense of tempo that keep the crowd dancing!