NWI Music - Wedding Banned

Last Updated on Thursday, 01 July 2010 23:55 Thursday, 01 July 2010 22:02

NWI MUSIC

WEDDING BANNED
By: Courtenay Steward

“Wedding Banned is an outrageous musical experience from powder blue tuxedos, bawdy humor, hyperactivity, and mustaches to rockin' hits from the 80's and more. They turn every show into a wedding reception, plucking two unsuspecting members of the audience to become the "bride" and "groom"...... Will you be next?”

Wedding Banned got their start about 4 and a half years ago when two of the members who were in a Neil Diamond tribute band decided to do more of a show where the audience knew everything that they played. They wanted to make it more of an interactive show that could constantly evolve. The characters, bride and groom, as well as the songs change with every show. The band was a little perplexed on how to do a cover band as they had only been playing in original bands and a couple tributes their whole careers. Their first show they played for free at the Pontiac - now the Big Star in Wicker Park in Chicago. This was definitely a small show; however they played to a stellar crowd. Their first big show was at Retro on Roscoe, which they continue to play at every year since.

The concept of Wedding Banned came about by Bruce when he started thinking about all the over the top wedding bands. The kind of band where the bride and groom loves it, but the parents get so offended that they want to leave the reception. This band is totally it. Their slogan is “skip the ceremony and start the party.”

Mayor Manaconda is the international singing superstar and jet setting ladies man that is on lead vocal duties and lead cowbell. Known for his model good looks, stylish dress and amazing voice, Manaconda is perfect for this job. Vinnie Van Action met Bruce Winche’ll and Bruce desperately tried to recruit him for guitar duties in the famed Neil Diamond tribute band, Love on the Rocks. Vinnie told Winche'll, "I play rock n roll you sissy. Call me when you get a rock band together." Winche'll got the message and called VVA when he needed a lead guitar player for Wedding Banned. Bruce Winche’ll, age unknown, has been playing bass professionally for 17 years and entertaining even longer. You probably remember him from his 80's pop metal band, Smooth Cheetah. However, nothing can keep the driven Winche'll down and he is back rocking the world in Wedding Banned. Alfredo Muffalotta, on Keyboard and Rhythm duties, is the newest member of Wedding Banned. Alfredo's official bio is currently being compiled by the Wedding Banned public relations team. All we know at this moment is that he likes Italian food, go figure. The Gooch, because he always "gooches" the ladies (aka Ted Spumonte), burst onto the national scene in 1989. The Gooch and Winche'll are one of music's most attractive and dynamic rhythm sections. Together forever, they now make up the powerful rhythm section of Wedding Banned. Linda Ballzenstein is the Wedding Planner. Ballz, as her close friends call her, has an extensive musical back ground that is tragic and inspirational. Trapped in the ghettos of Tupelo Mississippi, she was forced to work to feed her abusive family. Young Linda was discovered on a rough street corner, hustling tourists for change with her amazing vocal abilities. She called herself "Young Elvis". She now performs with Wedding Banned on a nightly basis, and her energy and voice has made her a star, once more.

Some of the greatest accomplishments of Wedding Banned is that they have seen about 30 bands that have emulated them come and go. They knew going in that a lot of bands would be playing the same songs, but they have kept going because people want to see the shows, talk about the shows, and be a part of the party. Another big accomplishment is that they all have day jobs and are able to still play about 100 shows a year. When their goal was once to be able to play some of the major clubs in the Chicagoland area, they have now played and sold out all of these major clubs. It is a fantastic accomplishment to see 1,000 people come to see them play. They started with a free show and are now one of the largest drawing cover bands in the area.

The band has four major goals for the future; to get bigger, make more money, have more fun, and get more free drinks.

You can check out Wedding Banned at www.weddingbanned.com or see them live on Friday July 9, 2010 at It’s Vegas Baby at The Blue Chip Casino.