Christopher Vance Music

Live music for all occasions! Christopher Vance Music provides live music in Cleveland as well as the surrounding areas- we can travel to Akron, Canton, Columbus, Erie, Toledo, Detroit or anywhere within a reasonable range.

Together we can thoughtfully and artfully custom tailor a group to fit your specific needs & create exactly the right atmosphere for your event. We will work with you to create an organized itinerary for the evening while always looking and acting professionally- making your event truly special. Jazz, Blues, Rock, Funk, New Orleans/2nd Line, Prohibition Era Jazz, Latin Jazz & Caribbean styles- you name it! I draw from a large pool of ’A list’ Cleveland musicians to create any vibe you desire. Click the ‘Book’ button to receive your custom quote.

Parties-

There is nothing like a band to liven up the party! If you’re looking for high quality background music that you can still hold a conversation over, or something your guests can dance to, or a group that will be a focal point of the evening, click the button.

Weddings-

Looking to add a touch of elegance to your special day with a jazz combo? Or maybe something a little more lively like a Latin Jazz ensemble to dance the night away? Look no further- contact me today!

Corporate Events-

Whether it's a high caliber corporate event, awards ceremony or holiday shindig, we can find the perfect ensemble to enhance your event with a group that not only entertains your guests but also aligns with your brand. Your clients will be raving about your great event!

Restaurants, Clubs & Other Venues-

Great music, great food and great cocktails have always been the secret recipe for great night out on the town. From creating just the right ambiance to being the main act, live music will always make the night one to remember and have your guests coming back for more.

Originally from Buffalo NY, Chris is an Adjunct Professor of Music at Cleveland State University, Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music, Case Western Reserve University, and Cuyahoga Community College. He directs orchestra, jazz and rock ensembles, and teaches music business, world music, African American music as well as rock and jazz survey classes, improv classes, and private lessons in double bass, electric bass, and guitar.

Mr. Vance has been a consistent performer in the classical, jazz, rock, and world music realms throughout his career. In addition to an active freelance schedule locally, Mr. Vance recently performed with Wayne Newton, Warren Haynes (The Allman Brothers), The Barricade Boys, David Clark: All About Joel, Il Volo, The Bluewater Kings, The Oblivion Project, Nicole Henry, Sam Morrison (Miles 'On The Corner'), Abdou M'boup (Paul Simon, Jean Luc-Ponty), Mike Clark w/Jeff Berlin, and Bobby Rydell ('Volare'). Mr. Vance is a regular performer at Playhouse Square, with the Youngstown Symphony, and The Cleveland Winds. He has led groups that opened for Joey DeFrancesco, Ray Brown, and Harry Connick Jr. and toured Europe with Kassaba in 2007.

He has been the featured soloist on some of the most demanding classical repertoire and has served as Principal Bass of the Bermuda Philharmonic as well as the Buffalo Opera Company Orchestra. He has served as a substitute player for The Buffalo Philharmonic, The Akron Symphony, The Canton Symphony, The Masfield Symphony & The Erie Philharmonic.

Mr. Vance holds a Master of Music in Double Bass Performance from The Cleveland Institute of Music, a Bachelor of Music in Double Bass Performance from S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theory - S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo. Primary double bass studies with Scott Haigh (Associate Principal Double Bass- The Cleveland Orchestra; retired 2022), Roger Macchiaroli (Former Assistant Principal Double Bass- Buffalo Philharmonic), and Lawrence Angell (Former Principal Double Bass- The Cleveland Orchestra). Further orchestral studies with principal players of major orchestras including Cleveland, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and New York; and Double Bass Professors at major music schools including Juiliard, Indiana University, Illinois University, The Hart School, Michigan State and The University of North Texas. Mr. Vance has played under such conductors as Michael Tilson Thomas, Louis Lane, Steven Smith, David Effron, Carl Topilow, James Conlon, David Zinmann and Sydney Harth.

Jazz studies Larry Grenadier, Mark Dresser, John Lindberg, Paul Fergusson and Peter Dominguez. Guitar studies with Mike Moser, Bob Frasier and John Stebal Jr. & music theory studies with Dr. Charles Smith. Honors include a C.I.M. scholarship, The Baird Scholarship, The Livingston Gearhardt Award, University and National Deans Lists and a scholarship to attend The Brevard Summer Music Festival in 1997.

From 2005 until 2018 Chris owned and operated Vance Music Studios in Lakewood Ohio. The studio employed 14 instructors and 2 part time administrators, served approximately 500 students per week at it’s peak, and offered limited retail sale and instrument repair

-Power to performance area, minimum of 2 outlets.

-Clean, dry, flat surface.

-Shade if outdoors. Outdoor performances only when the temperature is between 58-82 degrees. Suitable alternative indoor venue in case of rain.