Slippery When Wet
Launched in February 2003, Slippery When Wet and its project designer and drummer Steve Dunne, along with original member Matt Miller (keyboards), have come a long way from what they started with. With the addition of rock solid bassist Wayne Kruzinski and guitarist Mike K., professional in all musical aspects, and finally the front man power rock vocalist T.J.. Roxx, the band leaves nothing to be desired, fulfilling their fans rock ´n roll needs always. The band goes on stronger than ever and their fan base grows larger with each show. Without a doubt Slippery When Wet holds their own in this business of music and as always, outputs rock solid quality shows, a rarity these days in this genre of music. Many bands pay tribute to Bon Jovi and the famous "hair bands" of the 80´s, but few capture and portray the sound, energy, and spirit like Slippery When Wet.
www.thebestofbonjovitribute.com

The Scott Pazera Group
Led by bassist Scott Pazera, the Scott Pazera Group performs a jazz hybrid combining pop tunes and jazz standards. The band, comprised of skilled professional musicians devoted to their art, has a diverse repertoire of jazz favorites as well as an eclectic assortment of original pieces. Pazera himself is a music instructor and jazz aficionado. He owns Pazera’s Music based in Lafayette, Indiana. The shop offers products for the guitar and bass enthusiast as well as lessons and clinics.
www.scottpazera.com • www.pazerasmusic.com

Liza and Jesus Villarreal
Liza and Jesus Villarreal have been performing together as a violin/double bass duo since the spring of 2003, although both have a decade of professional music experience. Liza holds a Masters in Music from The University of Texas at Austin and has performed chamber music with the Austin Chamber Music Society and the Arundel Ensemble in Austin. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Tulsa, during which time she performed with the Tulsa Philharmonic, Oklahoma Sinfonia and Eastern Philharmonic Orchestra during her summers in Greensboro, North Carolina. In his native state of Texas, Jesus Villarreal held a tenured double bass position with the Austin Symphony Orchestra in addition to performing with the Austin Lyric Opera. In February of 2005, Jesus performed in Carnegie Hall with The University of Texas Wind Ensemble and earned his Bachelor of Music degree from UT Austin in the summer of 2005, after which the duo moved to Chicago. Jesus currently attends Roosevelt University pursuing a Master of Music in Orchestral Performance, and Liza works in East Maine District 63 as the Director of Orchestras.

Paul Friedman • Emcee
Paul is very excited to be a part of “For the Love of Chocolate” this year, as he is somewhat of a choco-holic himself preferring Toblerone and Frango Mints. Since 1995, he has been a Public Address Announcer for the Chicago Cubs and has seen his share of highlights, including Sammy Sosa’s record breaking home run season, Kerry Wood’s 20 Strikeout game and Greg Maddux’s 3000th career strikeout and low-lights including the “Bartman Game and a lot of plain old bad baseball. When not announcing for the Cubs, he works at Chicago Public Radio as an Account Executive, but also can be heard on the air occasionally as a membership drive host, announcer or even interviewer. Recently, he completed work on a narrative recording to be used in the City of Naperville’s 175th Birthday celebrations going on this year. Paul grew up and now lives again in Evanston.

Michael Essany • Celebrity Guest
Take Michael Essany. Since the TV nation last saw this game young gabmeister, he has earned his driver’s permit, made a return appearance on The Tonight Show and scored phone numbers (from girls!) at the mall with Jerry O’Connell. Why, it seems like only yesterday Michael was a 20-year-old sophomore majoring in political science at Indiana’s Valparaiso University. Well, all right, he still is, but you get our drift... Michael Essany is no longer just Michael Essany. He’s Michael Essany, Savvy E! Veteran! He’s Michael Essany, the guy who banters with Mila Kunis, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Jerry O’Connell and more—in his parents’ living room.