The Shakes play traditional 50's and 60's amplified Chicago blues with some great swing and jump blues thrown in to get your hips shakin'!




Now on Facebook! Connect to The Shakes and be a fan!



"The first time I heard The Shakes I was blown away with their passion, energy, and extraordinary musical talent. I went to see them whenever they were in town, and then booked them for our outdoor summer concert series."

Jeff Greene
Palatine Park District

About The Shakes

The Shakes play high-energy, hip-shakin' blues that'll get 'em up dancing and singing along! It's music with spirit, rooted in the classic Chicago blues tradition and entertaining audiences of today.

We are influenced by the legends like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Walter Horton, Koko Taylor, Etta James, B.B. King and Taj Mahal, and we bring our own energy to the party.

Bringing you that authentic blues sound are:

Connie Russell, vocals
Kirk Manley, vocals and harmonica
JC Clevenger, drums
Chuck Frenkel, bass
Grant Kessler, harmonica

In the tradition of Chicago blues, The Shakes draw from the best talent on the scene right now. We host phenomenal players on keyboard: Daniel Tabion, Anthony Tabion and Leonard Ferris and we get amazing guitar work from: Shoji Naito, Carl Davis, JR Wydra, Mark Wydra and in the fall, watch for gigs with our friend from Brazil, Artur Menezes. The energy these players bring to The Shakes is what it's all about!