The Chris Ruben Band Announced as New House Band For 'Live It Up! With Donna Drake'

Following a year that's already seen them hit the stages of the 2019 Millenium Music Conference, famed NYC venue PIANOS and more - The Chris Ruben Band recently announced they will begin performing as the house band for WLNY/CBS TV'S "Live It Up! With Donna Drake"! Known for "Delivering Hope, Motivation & Inspiration" on air and on the web with a following in 25 countries, the program recently won two National Telly Awards and will now feature CRB performing their unique brand of psychedelic funk/rock between segments.

The Chris Ruben Band is a funk/rock band from Long Island, New York. The group features five members; Chris Ruben (Vocals, Guitar), Brendan Allan (Bass), Russ Benjamin (Drums), Eugene Iovine(Keyboards, Synths), & Frank Iovine (Synths, Organs). Influenced by classic acts including The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix, and Nirvana, together their sound is a blend of modern funk and indie-rock reminiscent of Jamiroquai and Mac DeMarco. The band has become a staple in the Long Island music scene, frequenting venues including Portside Bar & Grill, 89 North, The Velvet Lounge, and BrickHouse Brewery. In addition, they have had the pleasure of performing at SXSW, Froggy Daze 7 & 8, The Space at Westbury,The Bitter End, Alive After Five, and The Jones Beach Bandshell.

"Ever since I can remember I have been surrounded by music. My father repairs woodwind and brass instruments, so since I was little, top-notch musicians have been coming in and out of my home. But music always spoke to me." says singer/songwriter Chris Ruben. Ruben began as a drummer, and first started gigging with bands at the age of thirteen. By the time he was sixteen, he made the switch to guitar and started writing songs of his own. In late 2014, the first version of The Chris Ruben Band was formed. Over time, Chris added and replaced players until the perfect lineup was created. "We are more than a band, we are family."

Donna Drake is an international award-winning creative artist, writer, producer and actress. She created "Live it Up!" to share positive messages of hope that inspire and empower those who need it most. One of the first hybrid shows with delivery over the air and on the web, the show was the first of its kind to stream via Facebook using the Smack Dab platform. Donna is the head of Drake Media Network, Inc. which specializes in content strategy and video content production facilitating cross-platform media experiences for national and international brands such as Green Mountain Coffee, Coca-Cola, The Melting Pot, professional sports teams, and celebrities resulting in negotiating and implementing flawless execution from strategy to deliverables in print, broadcast, promos, radio commercials, social media, storytelling and events.

Ms. Drake is a former college professor having taught new and emerging media and broadcasting classes, a British Airways "Face to Face" award-winning entrepreneur, and has received the Goddess Artemis Award from the Euro-American Women's Council, and a Global Citizenship award from the United Nations. In addition to the TV show on Saturday mornings at 6:30AM, she'll soon host a new radio show on Monday nights at 6PM.

On his band's recent collaboration with "Live It Up!" bandleader Chris Ruben says "We're very excited for this opportunity and we hope you all like the soundtrack we'll be providing for this upcoming season!". Fans can find out where to watch by visiting www.liveitup.tv/tv_listing.html!

Along with their new gig as the "Live It Up!" house band, CRB will also be performing as part of the "Rise Up TV" showcase at The Rail (281 W Main Street, Smithtown, New York) on Saturday, May 11th at 8:00PM AND on Friday, May 24th at Arlene's Grocery (95 Stanton Street, New York, NY 10001) at 7:00PM!

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