The Great Pretenders – A Tribute to The Pretenders

THE GREAT PRETENDERS – All-Star Tribute to THE PRETENDERS features SUZANNE CROSS, singer extraordinaire from the legendary Chicago group Deacon Blues. When you experience Suzanne performing Pretenders material, she becomes Chrissie Hynde. Their voices are one in the same – identical. You’ll get “goosebumps on your goosebumps” hearing THE GREAT PRETENDERS live! The Great Pretenders Group is made up of award-winning, truly All-star musicians that includes:
Steven Kikoen – 6 & 12-string guitarist and singer, is the founder and director of Deacon Productions, and is musical director and member of Deacon Blues, Abbey Road, Big Suit, WKLP, Prognosis, and Lotus Kings. Steve has performed and written music with both Jon Anderson and Steve Howe of seminal progressive rock group YES, and has done projects with Paul Simon, Bernard Purdie of Steely Dan fame, Sugar Blue, Billy Branch, Howard Levy, and Corky Siegel, amongst many
others. A “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” winner, Steven will soon be teaching music, theatre, and film studies at the University level. Chris Siebold – Lap steel guitar and guitar, is the Musical Director and member of Kick The Cat, Psycles, and Prognosis. Chris had a long tenure with Garrison Keillor on his weekly “Prairie Home Companion” syndicated national radio show. Chris has a long-standing association with piano and harmonica genius Howard Levy. Ben Lewis – Keyboards – is the Musical Director and Keyboardist for Emmy and Tony award winner, and Academy Award nominee Gary Sinise and his “Lt. Dan Band” which tours worldwide. Ben also performs in his Ben Lewis Trio, WKLP, Deacon Blues, Big Suit, and Abbey Road.
Shawn Sommer – Bass – is a member of the groups Abbey Road and aggie Speaks. Shawn is the first call bassist in Chicago, and has played on literally hundreds of national commercials and albums. Shawn has contributed an original bass part to a group that was signed by Paul McCartney on Sir Paul’s own record label. Paul was so taken with Shawn’s bass part that he learned the part verbatim and then added himself to the song. Shawn had laid down the initial bass part on the track––only to be superseded by Sir Paul playing Shawn’s written part. What a compliment! Greg Fundis – Drums – is a member of Fareed Haque’s Jazz group, and a member of the world’s most successful ‘Salute to Led Zeppelin:’ Led Zeppelin 2. Greg also plays with Deacon Blues. So Stop Your Sobbing and get Back On The Chain Gang because you’ll be the Talk Of The Town as you Show Me your Brass In Pocket. The Message of Love is I’ll Stand By You! Enjoy SUZANNE CROSS & THE GREAT PRETENDERS – and their astonishing take on this timeless music.