Contact: Andy Kinne at (630) 567-3326 for performance reservations.
A cappella harmony - Barbershop Style
Enjoy the unique blend of traditional and contemporary four-part harmony in the Barbershop style.
What can you say about four guys who have only been together since July 2004 and in three months, win their first award as the Illinois District Novice Quartet Champions? Not only did they accomplish this goal, they also placed 7th out of 25 quartets competing in the 2004 Illinois District Competition—the last Novice Quartet to also place in the Top-10 were the Murphy Boys in 1997. This quartet has set a goal to win the Illinois District Championship!
Members
Casey Clements-Lead (the most important part—the melody): As the musical leader of the group, Casey puts the heart in the song! An accomplished drummer, starting at the age of four, and Barbershopping since 1998, gives him the experience you would expect of a fine musician and singer. Casey is a successful sales representative with Prairie Farms Dairy in Joliet, Illinois. As a singer, he lives a very active life! He is also the lead singer in another fine quartet, Without A Prayer; directs the South Cook chorus, Singing Men of Note as their Assistant Director; and is a Lead Section Leader with the West Towns Chorus of Villa Park, Illinois. Above all else, he has the love and support of his significant other, Debbie.
Jim Spangler-Tenor (the part that sings in the stratosphere): Even though Jim is new to barbershop, he has been singing his whole life. Jim has been performing on stage for as long as he can remember (or since third grade, whichever comes first.) He has a music education degree and was a high school band director for six years. He is now a computer programmer and owns his own business (which he is always happy to talk about). Jim hails from Indianapolis where he was a successful stage performer. After moving to Chicago, he continued his stage career with several theater companies in Chicagoland. He not only sings, but he also runs marathons. Jim is the assistant Lead Section Leader with the West Towns Chorus of Downers Grove. He wouldn't be able to do any of this without the love and support of his soul mate, Kate!
Jay “Subway Jay” Bentz—Baritone (he sings the notes nobody else wants): Jay’s gifted musical talents started in 1976 when he sang in a high school barbershop quartet for three years. During his college years at the University of Illinois, Jay sang with the Illini Statesmen Chorus. While in Lubbock, Texas in 1983 he sang with The Singing Plainsmen Chorus. In 2003, Jay joined voices with the West Towns Chorus in Downers Grove, Illinois. A testament of his giving spirit was recognized when Jay was selected as “Rookie of the Year” in 2005 by the West Towns Chorus. Jay sang bass in two other barbershop quartets, Key Personnel and Harmony Highway, before joining Vocal Menu in 2007. Jay lives a very active lifestyle as a successful franchise owner of multiple Subway businesses. Jay shares his life with his very special wife, Kathy.
Andy Kinne—Bass (the “low” man on the totem pole): Andy started Barbershopping as a charter member of BinG! (Barbershop in Germany!) in 1991 with the quartet the EUCOM Harmonizers. After 24 years in the U.S. Air Force and starting a new career in the logistics field, he is now a logistics manager with Menlo Worldwide Logistics. Andy is an accomplished musician, playing the accordionist since 1969, and he has sung with numerous community choruses over the years, joining the West Towns Chorus in 2001. He is an active member of the chorus as the Vice-President for Programs, Bass Section Leader, and was recently selected to attend Director’s College becoming an Assistant Director for the chorus. His cherished wife of 30 years, Bari, has been the wind beneath his wings and greatest supporter.
