The Name of This Band Is The Balking Heads
Bryan Pardo
clarinet, saxophone, Fearsome Leader
Bryan Pardo is an active musical presence in the Midwest. He is currently on faculty at Northwestern University and has performed with musicians in a wide range of styles, including Tim Berne, Dee Alexander Mucca Pazza, Into the Freylakh, Spider Trio, Carpacho y su Super Combo and the University of Chicago Middle Eastern Music Ensemble. When he is not performing, he can be found building things like musical search engines, automatic music video creators and cell phone-based karaoke games.
James Davis
Trumpet
James Davis , a Chicago trumpeter and music maker, is comfortable in and always exploring a wide array of musical environments. He is currently on faculty at Triton College in River Grove, IL as director of the Jazz Band. In 2007 James was a finalist in the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Competition. James recenty finished a residency held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC in the 2008 Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program. In addition to leading his own group, his performance experience includes performances with the The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Chuchito Valdes, the Tomorrow Music Orchestra, Zing!, the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra, the Texas Wind Symphony, Camerata Winds, and many other jazz, classical and Latin music groups.
Diana Lawrence
Vocals
Diana Lawrence has performed as a musical director and vocalist throughout the Midwest since her graduation from the University of Michigan. As well as composing and recording her own music, she performs regularly with the Chicago Symphony Chorus and as a pianist with the Second City's touring comedy troup.
Ari Seder
Guitar
Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, Ari Seder moved to the Chicago area in 2001 after graduating from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. He has been an active participant in Chicago's jazz scene, working with notable musicians such as Von Freeman, Hinda Hoffman, Greg Ward, and Karl Montzka. Ari has also performed extensively as a leader with his trio, which features his original compositions. Ari joined Balkano in the summer of 2007. He enjoys the eclectic and freewheeling spirit of the group, as well as the opportunity to explore the music of his Jewish heritage (and rock out!).
Matthew Bowl 'Em Gisky
BASS
Matthew Golombisky is a composer and performer who tours constantly and plays as a member of numerous groups, notably the critically acclaimed Zing!, the Lucky 7's and the Tomorrow Music Orchestra (which he leads). Matthew is the founder of Chicago-based Ears and Eyes record label. He can be heard weekly as host of WNUR's "Connect the Dots" radio program.
Joe Chellman
Tubs
Joe Chellman is the last of the lesser Least Ones, a dying breed of minor celebrities known for their good looks, better pedicures, and voracious appetites. He also plays drums with groups such as Tin Horse, Girly Man and, of course, Balkano. He used to live in New Hampshire, which you should take to mean that he can make squirrel hide into a fine hat, or a fine biscuit. Look for him on a milk carton.