TopShelf

We love to get up close and personal with your audience, and our clients are always happily surprised at the fun variety of high energy music that we provide...we play only the most popular hits ranging from the 1990's to today, plus some older all-time classics that all ages love. We like to have fun on stage, and our definition of fun is getting the audience engaged and on the dance floor.

We pride ourselves in being a professional organization that is focused on clients' needs, both on and off the stage. We're very detailed when it comes to planning everything in advance so you won't have any nasty surprises, and we do exactly what we'll say we'll do! When you hire us, you won't be surprised with any of the stories one hears about less professional groups. Our reputation matters.

For more details about us, our music, videos and where we've played recently, please check out our website

Top Shelf is a group of five experienced pros who LOVE entertaining a crowd. We offer an energetic mix of the biggest hits across generations, from Rock to Modern Country and Pop—songs that make you want to dance!

Our music features strong vocals with rich 3-part harmonies, backed by skilled instrumentals from seasoned professionals. Our lead female vocalist delivers impressive versatility and we know how to connect with the crowd, creating a memorable experience for everyone.

Audiences tell us they love our unique variety, including favorite tunes they rarely hear live. And, unlike most bands, we customize our set-list to match your preferences—whether you want more Country or a heavier focus on Rock/Pop, we can tailor the music to suit your vibe.

Top Shelf has entertained crowds in over 100 nightclubs, casinos, and community & private events in the greater twin cities metro area, building a long list of very happy clients.

OUR BACKGROUND
Our members have years of professional experience and come from diverse walks of life, including some who've performed and taught music for living, and others with careers outside of music, but who perform professionally in their free time.

OUR BAND MEMBERS
Tamara, Lead Vocalist
Tamara has been singing most of her life, and has a natural talent that makes people want to smile. She joined every choir or ensemble she could get her hands on in 5th grade and continued through college. In high school and college she performed in select, show, and jazz choirs, costume caroling and community choirs, and majored in Musical Theater at Concordia St. Paul. In addition to performing in a many groups, Tamara has the unique experience of running a high end music group for a large church in Chicago. As Creative Director for over 12 years, she directed the band, vocalists, and choir, as well as heading up the drama and production teams. Tamara then moved to the western Wisconsin area, just outside of the twin cities metro. Her performance style and interaction with the crowd will keep you engaged all night long!

John - Drummer, Band Leader
John has been hitting things (of the stick and drum variety) for over 35 years. He has been performing in and leading a variety of groups in the Minneapolis, Chicago and Denver areas since 1984, ranging from country and rock bands to musical theater and classical groups. He also a lot of experience on the business side of things, so you can be assured of a professional approach from the time you book us until we're done performing the last song for your event!

Marc - Lead Guitar and Vocals
Marc brings 35 years of gigging and recording experience as a lead guitarist and vocalist. A finalist in the original "Twin Cities Lead Guitarist" competition, Marc has toured the Midwest as part of Northern Lights, and later, Cain. He’s a session player on numerous local recordings, including the soundtrack for the award winning-musical “Philly”. Marc has also been occasionally spotted as George Harrison in the Beatles tribute A Hard Day’s Night.

Boyd - Bass Guitar
Boyd has extensive performance experience in the U.S. and Internationally, and has been playing bass since he was a teenager. By the time he was in high school, he was already touring throughout Asia, and has been rocking the stages ever since! Originally from the Phillippines, he moved to the U.S. and has been a popular bassist in the twin cities for many years. With an infectious smile and stage presence, you can both hear and feel his music!

Charles - Keyboard & Vocals
Charles started playing piano at age 11, and picked up drums a few years later. Playing music has been a part his life ever since. Garage bands, church bands and even some songwriting were scattered throughout his early years. Following a stint with a christian country band (included two great studio albums), he join several Twin Cities cover bands later in life, hammering out key parts for classic rock, blues and country tunes for the last 15 years. Joining this outstanding group is a great next step in his musical evolution

For most indoor venues and smaller outdoor performance spaces, we provide the sound system and lighting, and a professional sound engineer who will constantly monitor the sound quality during the show. Larger venues can also be accommodated as needed.

If you require a stage, you'll need to provide it. Having a width of at least 20 feet, and depth of at least 12 feet is preferred, though we have made smaller spaces work as needed.

For electrical power, we ask that power is accessible from within 10 feet of the stage. Its ok if the venue uses their own extension cords to make this possible, as long as the cord used is a high quality, heavy-gauge that can handle it.

A full stage plot and detailed channel list is available upon request for your in-house technician to review prior to the gig. Our band uses in-ear monitors to ensure a consistent mix for our band members, and also to make it easier for your venue's sound technician.