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About Seagull and Friends

At Seagull and Friends, we take pride in our love for jazz music and strive to share that passion through our performances. Our five-piece band offers a unique blend of talent and skill that will leave you feeling relaxed and happy. We specialize in popular smooth jazz, standards and vocal jazz, and our music is perfect for events such as weddings, corporate functions, and private parties.

Upcoming Gigs

Member Profiles

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Jerry Kaye/

 

Clarinet, Saxophone, Vocals

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Jerry began playing the clarinet at age four and continued formal studies thru age 21 at the University of Wisconsin.  Jerry has taught school music, given private lessons and has performed with countless bands.  A veteran journeyman musician, he has toured casinos, night clubs, festivals and concert venues from The Hard Rock Cafe in Philadelphia to New Orleans Jazz Clubs and Las Vegas shows.  At the present time he can be heard in the Milwaukee, Chicago and surrounding areas playing a variety of jazz styles.

Matt Stubner

 

Piano and Vocals

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Masters of Music Education Boston University, public school music teacher for over 22 years.  He has performed professionally various genres from Jazz, Bossa Nova, Western Swing, Boogie Woogie, Blues, Rock N Roll, Celtic, Classical and more.  He teaches improvisation and composing along with standards and Classical.

Tom Mcgirr

 

Bass

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Tom graduated with a BFA in music from Cardinal Stritch University.  He has taught music at UW-Milwaukee, Concordia University and is currently teaching music at MATC.  Tom has been working around Milwaukee as a musician for many years.  He started working in rock bands in clubs, has worked at jazz clubs, the Skylight Theatre, the Milwaukee Ballet, the Milwaukee Symphony.  Tom has also worked as a studio musician for Hal Leonard.  He has also played at numerous festivals and played in orchestras backing major touring acts including, Kansas, The Moody Blues, Harry Connick Jr. and others.

Eric Pelky

 

Trumpet

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Studied Music Education at UW Parkside from 1995-1997.

In 1997 was selected to the US Navy Band Program.

Graduated from the Armed Forces School of Music in 1998 and was assigned to Navy Band New Orleans.

While stationed in New Orleans he played in the Concert Band, Big Band, Brass Quintet, Jazz Combo, and New Orleans style Brass Band.

While living in New Orleans he also performed in such groups as the Kermit Ruffins Big Band, Latin Train, and Brother Kyle and the Funky Beans.

In 2001, Eric left the Navy and Music.. He spent time staring a family. Then in 2018, the Music bug hit again and be began playing again.

Since then he has played in groups such as the Racine Concert Band, Belle City Brassworks,  Greenfield Concert Band, Pat Crawford Big Band, Beacon Worship Band, and his own jazz Combo.

He currently plays with Knightwind Wind Ensemble, Brew City Big Band, and his own combo.

Eric also volunteers his time playing trumpet, playing in the bell ensemble,  and singing in the choir at his church.

Caroline Schweinert

 

Drums and Percussion 

 

Caroline studied music at Milwaukee Area Technical, University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee Wisconsin.  She earned a MA from Cardinal Stritch University.  Caroline has toured as a full time professional musician throughout the United States and South Korea where she worked for the USO.  Caroline is the founder of Seagull and Friends and continues to tour throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Florida and Michigan.  Her home base is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Some of the other groups she has performed include Val Siegel, Ocean Rush and the Hit Men.

Keith Johnson

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Piano/ Keyboards

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In 1965 Started playing piano at age 8 from a neighbor. In 1971 I met and started studying with Milwaukee’s Tommy Sheridan…HE transcribed tons of top 40 hits and wrote excellent hit arraignments!!   1975-76 I started at the WI Conservatory of Music taking a few basic jazz courses. Studied jazz at Northern AZ University (music minor). Then my 4 kids and construction business consumed a few decades.…Presently playing with 4 Big Bands and numerous other combos. Love being a active member of Milwaukee’s excellent jazz community!!

Neal Bardele

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Piano/Keyboards

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Neal is a versatile and expressive pianist, freelancing throughout southeast Wisconsin with various jazz groups ranging from small ensembles to big bands, as well as a solo pianist.  He plays a variety of music, but is particularly well-suited for all forms of jazz and jazz-rock, Great American Songbook standards, and tasteful classic pop.  Neal also works as music director for a church in Milwaukee, playing both traditional and contemporary praise & worship music.  

With a music career spanning several decades, Neal has played in a variety of venues and for a variety events.  These include bars and restaurants, weddings and private parties, nightclubs and cabarets, senior communities and churches, concerts and festivals, hotels and country clubs, and many others. 

When not working as a musician, Neal enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and having new dining experiences.

Callie Thurow

 

Vocals

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A versatile vocalist in SE Wisconsin Callie is known for performing jazz standards, pop, soul, and Broadway favorites with ensembles ranging from classical quintets to full bands. Her experience includes weddings, memorial services, and beer gardens. She is currently performing with Milwaukee’s beloved Brew City Big Band as well as Music Coordinator for a local church. Known for expressive vocals and genre flexibility, she brings warmth, musical range, and audience connection to venues, festivals, and special events.

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Contact Caroline (414)628-8929 ceschweinert@gmail.com

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