Experience the Magic of Live Music Kevin Van Ess and The Talk of The Town
(920)676-6677
Feel the energy and passion in every note
performances of traditional New Orleans jazz and swing standards.
The six piece group consisting of Clarinet/Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, Piano/Flute, Bass/Vocals,
and Drums has collectively over 200 years of experience. The group not only boasts having
some of the finest musicians in the Midwest, it is also very entertaining and appealing
to audiences of all ages. Complete with a traditional Mardi Gras Parade and Bead tossing,
the group performs mainly in Wisconsin. However, they have and continue to
perform throughout the United States.
The Talk of The Town performs all styles of music with an emphasis on Traditional jazz and the great jazz standards including special salutes to Pete Fountain, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Louie Prima, Duke Ellington, Glen Miller, Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, George Gershwin, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and many more. Their performances are known for their infectious energy and upbeat rhythms! In addition, during their performance you will hear some Rock (Elvis, Billy Joel, The Beatles, Bob Seger, Jimmy Buffet) Country, Blues, Latin and even a Polka as the group salutes their state Song!
The Talk of The Town performs for all types of events including concerts, festivals, conventions, parties, dances, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, picnics, church services, funerals, grand openings, fundraisers, etc.
Contact
- Green Bay, WI, USA
or other email kdnav@sbcglobal.net
Meet the Band
Kevin Van Ess- Clarinet/Sax Voted Top Jazz Clarinetist in Wisconsin-graduated from the University of WI -Green Bay earning a double major in Music Education and Music Performance. He holds two Master's Degrees one in Music from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and one in Administrative Leadership from the University of WI-Milwaukee. Kevin has performed with several artists including: Bob Hope, Shari Lewis, Red Skelton, Bobby Vinton, Marie Osmond, Rich Little, Peter Yarrow, Tom Jones, Robert Goulet, Peter Noone, Herman's Hermits, Loue Christie and Wayne Newton. Kevin has performed several times with Jazz Legend Pete Fountain in his club and on the lead float of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Parade. In addition, he has performed with Doreen Ketchens and the Dukes of Dixieland in New Orleans. He also performed Amazing Grace at the site of 911 in New York City. Kevin has performed on over 30 recordings is a Grammy nominated music educator and is the current leader of the Green Bay Packer Band.
Dave Ehren-Trumpet is one of the most sought-after trumpet players in Wisconsin. He graduated from UW-Whitewater and earned a master's degree in music from the University of Northern Colorado. He has performed with several exemplary groups including: The Talk of The Town, Bourbon Street Six, River City Six, Riverboat Ramblers, Brother Ray's Jazz Band, Aspen Jazz Group, The Green Bay Packer Band, and for several major Broadway Musicals. His exemplary trumpet work can be heard on many records/cd's, radio and television recordings.
Andy Zipperer- Trombone is one of the most versatile low brass musicians in Wisconsin. He graduated from the University of WI-Green Bay and has been teaching and performing music for over three decades. He has performed extensively throughout the Midwest in many genres, including Dixieland, Rock, Classical, Big Band, Concert Band and Brass large and small group ensembles. He is currently a member of the Green Bay Packer Band and the newest member of The Talk of The Town.
Ginni Schmidt- Piano/Vocals studied piano throughout high school and college. She was the talent winner in the Miss Wisconsin pageant. Ginni has shared the stage with Cher, the Beach Boys, Diana Ross, Liberace, Johnny Cash and many other celebrities. In addition, Ginni has performed in many of the largest music festivals in Wisconsin including Summerfest, Italian Fest and the Wisconsin State Fair. She has also performed in several large-scale music festivals in Detroit, Chicago, Toronto, New York and Tampa. As a soloist Ginni traveled northern Europe and performed in Scandinavia for the agent of the group ABBA. More recently Ginni splits her time performing for resorts in Texas along the Rio Grande Valley and keyboardist for Kevin Van Ess and The Talk of The Town.
Andy Mertens- Bass/Vocals began his professional career at the age of sixteen playing nine shows a week for a local dinner theater, while also performing sporadically with various different rock bands. Following a pit orchestra stint he worked with a glam metal band, an outlaw biker band, and several rhythm and blues bands. Andy spent the early part of the 90's studying classical music while delving into jazz at the prestigious Lawerence University's Music Conservatory earning a Bachelor of Music Performance degree. Andy currently teaches bass, owns a Tai Chi studio and maintains a very extensive jazz performance schedule throughout Wisconsin. Andy was voted the top upright bass player in Wisconsin winning the 2023 WAMI Award!
Joe Maas- Drum set comes from a very musical family. His father played with Louis Armstrong, Jack Tegarden and Bob Scobey. By the age of 15 Joe was asked to play with his father's band "The Dixieland 5". Since that time, he has never looked back. Joe has played with many big-name jazz bands throughout the Midwest. Joe is a very sought- after Traditional Jazz Dixie/Swing drummer, and many fellow rhythm section players compliment his ability. Joe retired as a very successful business owner and graphic art designer and is currently the driving beat for The Talk of The Town and The Green Bay Packer Band!
