Today we’d like to introduce you to Richie Davis.
Richie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The Chicago Who? In 1994, the Chicago Federation of Musicians presented its inaugural Living Art of Music Awards (LAMA) to deserving Chicago based artist and groups. Nominees in the “Best Pop Group” category were Chicago, Richard Marx and The Chicago Catz. REWIND!! The Chicago Who? Richard Marx and Chicago, that makes sense; but The Chicago Catz! Who are they and why were they nominated.
The Who? The Chicago Catz are one of the Windy City’s best kept secrets and treasures. For more than 30 years, this group of professional musicians have performed at some of the most prestigious private parties and events in Chicago. “High society hors d’oeuvre music”, you’re thinking. To the contrary, The Chicago Catz serve up and dish out the hottest “get out of your seat and dance” music in town!
The Why: During the late 70’s and early 80’s there were three hugely successful local bands in Chicago: R&B group Third Rail (later known as Maxx Traxx), Ska band Heavy Manners, and blues act Big Twist and the Mellow Fellows. Each band sold out night clubs, played college concerts and put out albums of original music. By day, the musicians were respected studio/session players. Jingle houses and album producers were always putting out the call for “those cats from Chicago”. The stress from the “let’s make records” grind and the competition from session work was enormous. Several of the guys from the three groups were longtime friends and had similar musical tastes, having grown up listening to R&B pop music. They thought that it would be fun to put together a high energy R&B pop dance band as a side project. It would create a nice change of pace from their daily business pressures and give them the opportunity to play together. Through their contacts, they knew they could pick up some club dates and “let their hair down” playing songs made famous by the likes of Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Temptations and other greats of the Motown era.
Their plan was put into action. They got together after their sessions and rehearsed for several months until the music was tight. During this time, word got out that the super group had formed. At their first appearance, devoted fans of “Third Rail/Maxx Traxx, Heavy Manners and Big Twist & The Mellow Fellows came out in droves to see them. The fireworks emanating from on stage fueled the audience and the group became an instant success, The “Catz” as they are called by their fans, have gone on to become one of the most sought after groups for corporate, private and special events. They still play occasional club dates at the urging of their friends and fans and always leave the crowd sweating and yelling for more. Their musicianship is arguably the best in Chicago and their philosophy is simple. “We’re here to have fun, you might as well join us”.
The Chicago Catz have demonstrated to event planners that a “fun and party” atmosphere does not have to be sacrificed for fear of having a bunch of grungy, mediocre, part-time musicians show up as the evening’s entertainment. They have proven there is a choice, other than dancing to the “Sleepy Time Orchestra”, for your event.
If you want your guests to attend a party they’ll remember, hire The Chicago Catz. There’s only one thing worse than being the guest at a boring party: being the host at a boring party.
You’ve got nothing to lose, except a good time!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
For the most part very few obstacles. We decided early on (we were founded in 1986) to stay true to our roots and not try to be like every other wedding band.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Chicago Catz story. Tell us more about the business.
We are the quintessential super tight, experienced, elite talent, funky “real” fun party/dance band.
What sets apart is our history.
At the heart of the Chicago Catz beats a 70’s club band. With roots to bands with names like: Third Rail, Big Twist and The Mellow Fellows, Heavy Manners, Maxx Traxx, Wrecking Crew, Amusement Park, Joyful Noise and T.H.E.M.
We played clubs such as: Wise Fools Pub, The Bulls, Orphans, The Nickel Bag, Beginnings, CopHerBox II, The Burning Spear and The Two Below Disco to name a few. We received a street education that is sad to say no longer available to young musicians. Back in the day hundreds of bands worked Wednesday thru Saturday engagements 9 p.m. till 2 a.m. and till 4 a.m. on the weekend, 45 minutes on 15 off.
That is the culture which forged The Chicago Catz. Which is why, even though we are enjoying our current success playing wonderful corporate gigs, doing film work and having a blast playing weddings for some dynamite folks, we have and always will play clubs and festivals.
Playing clubs keeps us grounded and in touch with where we come from and the people who’ve supported us along the way. It gives our music that edge and urgency and sense of humor that it wouldn’t have otherwise. It distinguishes us from the rest.
It’s WHO WE ARE! WE KEEP IT REAL Peace – THE CATZ
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Very little, this band is the product of talent, hard work and the joy of creating music that makes people dance.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3712 N Kedvale Ave Chicago, IL 60641
- Website: www.chicagocatz.com
- Phone: 773-202-1664
- Email: guitar5@mac.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechicagocatz/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chicago-catz-chicago-2
- Other: https://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/chicago-catz-chicago/c662e688fbb98018.html
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
