The Bad Sneakers Orchestra is a tribute band formed in 2010 by Chicago bassist Paul Martin with an ambitious mission statement: to faithfully recreate the music of Steely Dan live, as represented on their classic albums.  This goal necessitated a very large 14-piece ensemble, so that multiple keys and guitar parts, intricate vocal harmonies, and rich horn textures could be realized.  After 10+ years of performances (with time off for Covid) the band is at its’ peak, offering the signature Fagen/Becker compositions with a casual aplomb and precision. (They make it look easy.  It’s not.)  And despite the fastidious attention paid to the recorded material, the members inevitably bring their individual voiceprints to bear within the framework of a cover tune.   

A number of Chicago legends have appeared with the Sneakers over the years, most notably legendary Chicago R&B vocalist Stevie Robinson, the band’s lead singer. Also fusion guitarists Ernie Denov, Chris Siebold, and Mike Pinto (now the newest bandmember), vocalists Mike Harvey (who appeared on 2 Steely Dan albums and a Donald Fagen solo album), Cheryl Wilson (Peabo Bryson, Bertie Higgins), gospel sensation Tina Crawley, and Chicago saxophonist Steve Eisen. The charter members are top-drawer Chicago musicians, with decades of experience performing with some of the greatest names in the music industry.  The current roster of regular members reads as follows:

Stevie Robinson    Lead vocalist

Neal Alger            Guitars

Mike Pinto            Guitars

Kent Wehman       Keys

Carter Luke          Keys

Paul Martin           Bass, Musical Director

Neal Wehman       Drums

Kirk Garrison       Trumpet

John Mose           Trombone

Jim Massoth        Tenor/Alto Sax

Tim McNamara     Bari/Tenor Sax

Gayle Bisesi          Background Vocals

Ameerah Tatum    Lead/background vocals

Maggie Bynum      Lead/background vocals

The BSO hopes to see you at a Chicagoland venue soon…..and please follow us on Facebook!  (page: The Bad Sneakers Orchestra)