Kevin Van Ess

Kevin Van Ess and The Talk of The Town

Voted Best Jazz Clarinet Player in Wisconsin!

Kevin has appeared on the CBS national television news show 60 Minutes

*Kevin performed with Jazz Legend Pete Fountain and his Half Fast Walking Club in the Mardi Gras Parade New Orleans March 8, 2011 and Feburary 21, 2012* (click above on Kevin Photos)

The Talk of The Town, under the leadership of Kevin Van Ess, is one of the hottest Swing/Dixieland Style Jazz Groups north of New Orleans. This six piece group consisting of Clarinet/Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Banjo, Bass, Piano, Vocals and Drums has collectively over 300 years of experience. The group not only boasts having some of the finest musicians in Wisconsin it is also very entertaining and appealing to audiences of all ages. Complete with a traditional Mardi Gras Parade and bead tossing, the group performs throughout Wisconsin and is available for all occasions and events.

Before coming together and forming the group The Talk of The Town, the members have individually performed throughout the world. Their leader, Kevin Van Ess has performed with several artists including: Pete Fountain, Bob Hope, Tom Jones, Marie Osmond, Mills Brothers, Peter Yarrow(Peter, Paul and Mary), Engelbert Humperdinck, Shari Lewis, Red Skelton, Bobby Vinton, Robert Goulet, Rich Little, John Davidson, Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits, The Green Bay Packer Band, The Dukes of Dixieland, and in New Orleans on Bourbon Street. Kevin had the honor to perform Amazing Grace at the site of Ground Zero in New York City. He also had the honor to perform the Star Spangled Banner for Medal of Honor Recipient Sgt. Sammy Lee Davis the real "Forrest Gump". Kevin has been a Talent Star on board the Queen Mary II Cruise Ship.

The group has recorded and released 4 CD's entitled: A Closer Walk With Kevin Van Ess, Honky Tonk Mr. Licorice Stick. and Jazzman.

The Talk of The Town, performs all styles of music

with an emphasis on Traditional Jazz and the great jazz standards including special salutes to Pete Fountain, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, George Gershwin, Al Hirt, The Dukes of Dixieland, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band and many more. On occasion, you will hear Rock, Country, Latin or even a Polka as the group salutes the official state song of Wisconsin.

The Talk of The Town performs for all types of events including: concerts, festivals, all types of parties, dances, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, picnics, class reunions, military reunions, pep rallies, church services, jazz funerals, retirements, open houses, receptions, fundraisers, clubs/bars, casinos and many more.

For more information regarding the band/bookings/schedule/purchase a cd contact Kevin Van Ess (920)468-4351 or email Kevin at kdnav@sbcglobal.net

*(Kevin is also available as a soloist for concert band, jazz band, choir, or symphony pops orchestra)*

*(after listening to music use back arrow key for more samples)*

Reviews

Green Bay Press Gazette: Jazz Fest # 1 performance of the year. "Highlight clarinetist Kevin Van Ess. An astonished fan called his solos insane."

Pete Fountain: "Kevin plays the h@*! out of that clarinet!" "Terrific!"

Warren Gerds (Entertainment/Arts Columnist/Critic): "Kevin Van Ess lights up the stage and ballroom floor in the classics "When the Saints Go Marching In" (clarinet) and "In the Mood" (saxophone). His playing is fantastic."

Mayor of Green Bay at the Show Case of the Stars: "Kevin was my favorite performance of the evening."

Bourbon Street comments: "Unbelievable Man!" "Where are you from?" "Wow I never knew a cheesehead could play the clarinet that good!" "Can you play the gig in Preservaton Hall tonight?"

Madison Jazz Society "Dear Kevin on behalf of our members and Board of Directors, we are overjoyed that you provided such wonderful music and entertainment for our jazz fans. You were all amazing what a privilege it was to have you perform for us. The performance was non-stop entertaining!! We received many many favorable commments on your performance!"

Fox Lake Summer Concert Series: "I have been all over the world including New Orleans several times and The Talk of The Town is the best jazz I ever heard. Kevin's performance was fantastic!"

Bunny Berigan Jazz Fest: "Kevin provided a wonderful jazz performance." "Kevin and his band were my favorite!" "The show is a memorable event, making the audience feel like they are in New Orleans during the Mardi Gras Parade."

Meyer Theater Starstruck Concerts: "Dear Kevin: On behalf of the board of directors and staff of the Meyer Theater we would like to thank you for pariticpating in Starstuck 2010. Your performance was exceptional! You have an incredible talent playing the clarinet." Starstruck 2011: "On behalf of the board of directors and staff of the Meyer Theater thank you for particiapitng in Starstuck 2011. Your performance was outstanding and you have an incredible gift playing the clarinet! We sold more tickets this year than in years past so we're happy you could help us accomplish that."

Fish Creek(Door County Summer Concert) Dear Kevin: "I have been coming up to Door County for years and The Talk of The Town was the best band I have ever heard in Door County!" "Very Entertaining and Talented Band." "I was only planning on staying a minute because I had to be somewhere and I ended up staying for the entire concert." "When the concert was done I didn't want to leave." "I wanted more!"


				*Kevin Van Ess and The Talk of The Town*



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		Voted Best Jazz Clarinet Player in Wisconsin! *Kevin has appeared on the CBS national television news show 60 Minutes* Kevin performed with Jazz Legend Pete Fountain and his Half Fast Walking Club in the Mardi Gras Parade New Orleans March 8, 2011 and Feburary 21, 2012 (click above on Kevin Photos) Bio The Talk of The Town, under the leadership of Kevin Van Ess, is one of the hottest Swing/Dixieland Style Jazz Groups north of New Orleans. This six piece group consisting of Clarinet/Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Banjo, Bass, Piano, Vocals and Drums has collectively over 300 years of experience. The group not only boasts having some of the finest musicians in Wisconsin it is also very entertaining and appealing to audiences of all ages. Complete with a traditional Mardi Gras Parade and bead tossing, the group performs throughout Wisconsin and is available for all occasions and events. Before coming together and forming the group The Talk of The Town, the members have individually performed throughout the world. Their leader, Kevin Van Ess has performed with several artists including: Pete Fountain, Bob Hope, Tom Jones, Marie Osmond, Mills Brothers, Peter Yarrow(Peter, Paul and Mary), Engelbert Humperdinck, Shari Lewis, Red Skelton, Bobby Vinton, Robert Goulet, Rich Little, John Davidson, Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits, The Green Bay Packer Band, The Dukes of Dixieland, and in New Orleans on Bourbon Street. Kevin had the honor to perform Amazing Grace at the site of Ground Zero in New York City. He also had the honor to perform the Star Spangled Banner for Medal of Honor Recipient Sgt. Sammy Lee Davis the real "Forrest Gump". Kevin has been a Talent Star on board the Queen Mary II Cruise Ship. The group has recorded and released 4 CD's entitled: A Closer Walk With Kevin Van Ess, Honky Tonk Mr. Licorice Stick. and Jazzman. Band Info The Talk of The Town, performs all styles of music with an emphasis on Traditional Jazz and the great jazz standards including special salutes to Pete Fountain, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, George Gershwin, Al Hirt, The Dukes of Dixieland, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band and many more. On occasion, you will hear Rock, Country, Latin or even a Polka as the group salutes the official state song of Wisconsin. The Talk of The Town performs for all types of events including: concerts, festivals, all types of parties, dances, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, picnics, class reunions, military reunions, pep rallies, church services, jazz funerals, retirements, open houses, receptions, fundraisers, clubs/bars, casinos and many more. Contact/Bookings For more information regarding the band/bookings/schedule/purchase a cd contact Kevin Van Ess (920)468-4351 or email Kevin at kdnav@sbcglobal.net (Kevin is also available as a soloist for concert band, jazz band, choir, or symphony pops orchestra) Music/Video Samples (after listening to music use back arrow key for more samples)



		Music/Video 1 Basin Street Blues Music/Video 2 Stranger on the Shore Music Video 3 Mood Indigo/Its Been A Long Time Music/Video 4 Kevin with Pete Fountain Music/Video 5 Amazing Grace Music/Video 6 Newtown Tragedy Musical Salute Music/Video 7 The Saints Go Marching In Music/Video 8 Lady Be Good Kevin Van Ess/Video Top Wisconsin Music Educator New York Post Interview

Reviews Green Bay Press Gazette: Jazz Fest # 1 performance of the year. "Highlight clarinetist Kevin Van Ess. An astonished fan called his solos insane." Pete Fountain: "Kevin plays the h@*! out of that clarinet!" "Terrific!" Warren Gerds (Entertainment/Arts Columnist/Critic): "Kevin Van Ess lights up the stage and ballroom floor in the classics "When the Saints Go Marching In" (clarinet) and "In the Mood" (saxophone). His playing is fantastic." Mayor of Green Bay at the Show Case of the Stars: "Kevin was my favorite performance of the evening." Bourbon Street comments: "Unbelievable Man!" "Where are you from?" "Wow I never knew a cheesehead could play the clarinet that good!" "Can you play the gig in Preservaton Hall tonight?" Madison Jazz Society "Dear Kevin on behalf of our members and Board of Directors, we are overjoyed that you provided such wonderful music and entertainment for our jazz fans. You were all amazing what a privilege it was to have you perform for us. The performance was non-stop entertaining!! We received many many favorable commments on your performance!" Fox Lake Summer Concert Series: "I have been all over the world including New Orleans several times and The Talk of The Town is the best jazz I ever heard. Kevin's performance was fantastic!" Bunny Berigan Jazz Fest: "Kevin provided a wonderful jazz performance." "Kevin and his band were my favorite!" "The show is a memorable event, making the audience feel like they are in New Orleans during the Mardi Gras Parade." Meyer Theater Starstruck Concerts: "Dear Kevin: On behalf of the board of directors and staff of the Meyer Theater we would like to thank you for pariticpating in Starstuck 2010. Your performance was exceptional! You have an incredible talent playing the clarinet." Starstruck 2011: "On behalf of the board of directors and staff of the Meyer Theater thank you for particiapitng in Starstuck 2011. Your performance was outstanding and you have an incredible gift playing the clarinet! We sold more tickets this year than in years past so we're happy you could help us accomplish that." Fish Creek(Door County Summer Concert) Dear Kevin: "I have been coming up to Door County for years and The Talk of The Town was the best band I have ever heard in Door County!" "Very Entertaining and Talented Band." "I was only planning on staying a minute because I had to be somewhere and I ended up staying for the entire concert." "When the concert was done I didn't want to leave." "I wanted more!"