Bad Sneakers Orchestra at Epiphany Center for the Arts

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2. Bad Sneakers Orchestra

*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 guest starred with the Sneakers over the years, including fusion guitarists Ernie Denov, Chris Siebold, and Mike Pinto, 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 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.