Elaine Dame, Chicago Jazz Singer

“Elaine has a stunning amount of talent. The beauty of her performances may actually bring you to tears, as it sometimes does to me. She brings an original vision to her performances, so you don't feel like you're hearing a cheap imitation of some other famous singer, you're hearing Elaine Dame. I must also report that I've worked side-by-side with Elaine, in a previous life when we both waited tables at a busy upscale restaurant. In that sort of stressful work environment, you will certainly find out a person's true colors. Elaine was a reliable, solid, poised and classy person to work with. I think this is important because there are some amazingly creative people out there who are very difficult to work with and not always reliable. Elaine is easy to work with, and you can count on her to live up to her word. She's a consummate professional in everything she does.”

– Tom Test - Voice-Over & On-Camera Talent, Voices On Studio

“Elaine is a lovely, charming, funny, professional singer and band leader. I would and have recommended her to many clients and always hear back nothing but glowing accounts of her work.”

– Jim Cox - Professional Musician

"Elaine was perfect for our event. From the first time I contacted her, I couldn't help but notice how warm and enthusiastic she is. Elaine's performance was stunning; she delivered a professional, class act for our event. In addition to her amazing voice and stage presence, her quartet and sound technicians truly understood our needs and requirements. Extraordinary talent, very personable and professional!"

– Ingrid Mueller - Fundraiser/Charity Event Client - Special Events, Kenosha Achievement Center

"Elaine Dame is sensational! As a wedding and event planner I knew I had to have her perform at my sister’s wedding. Elaine was the hit of the day, I received compliment after compliment about how wonderful Elaine’s music was. Elaine is talented, graceful, kind, professional, and elegant. Elaine executed my music requests perfectly, she acted as the MC and was so efficient, no one could take their eyes off of her. Elaine sang a breathtaking version of “What a Wonderful World” for my sister and father’s first dance, that brought tears to my father’s eyes, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Elaine also took a very special request that I had for her and did a gorgeous rendition of “Happy Birthday” for my 4 year old cousin who shared her birthday with my sister’s wedding. Elaine’s music set the mood for the wedding, she provided tunes that were sentimental, beautiful, and clear; she simply created memories. I will be using Elaine Dame for all of my special events to come as there is nothing else like her in Chicago!" - Heather is also a wedding planner at Heather Ever Present.

– Heather Meibach, Conference Services Manager for The University of Chicago Gleacher Center

“Elaine is easy to work with and truly understands customer needs requirements. She provides a high-quality service at a very reasonable price and we would definitely work with her again and recommend her unconditionally.”

– Greg O'Neill - Co-owner/Proprietor, Pastoral Wine, Cheese, and Bread

“Elaine is one of our favorite performers. Her intimate style and warmth are perfect for our Saturday night jazz series. She is our first choice for important evenings like New Year's Eve and Valentines Day. Elaine is top tier all the way.”

– Tom Foley, Owner, The Broadway Cellars - Restaurant Client

“My huband and I hired Elaine Dame to sing at our wedding reception. Elaine has a beautiful voice, possess great vocal and interpretative talents, is a lovely person, and conducts her business in the most professional manner. We loved her work so much that we also created a CD of several songs as a gift for our wedding guests -- which was extremely well received.”

– Jill Mason Terzakis - Wedding Client

“Elaine always brightens my spirit when I see her perform! Her enthusiasm about what she is doing on stage is enjoyable and communicated to the audience. The muscians she performs with are equally as talented and enjoyable as well.”

– Jill Dolllinger - Sales/Marketing Coordinator, Sony Music Entertainment

“From the first time I met Elaine, I found her to be warm, vivacious, and incredibly talented. She was very flexible when we had some last-minute changes, and was nothing but enthusiastic every step of the way. We'll definitely bring Elaine back for future events!”

– Sherry Kaye, Showroom Marketing Director - Hafele Corporation

"Elaine, Just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed your performance at yesterday's wedding. The combination of your voice, the songs selected and your first-rate musicians made for a wonderful backdrop to the occasion. All the best, (Rabbi) Michael"

– From Rabbi Michael Schorin

"My wife and I had the privilege of having Elaine Dame and her Quartet perform on our wedding night. The music, and her voice, truly made the night unforgettable. The talent and professionalism that she brought to our special night was beyond anything we expected. One of the most frequent comments we heard from our guests was, "Who is singing, she is amazing." Her style perfectly fit the intimate reception we held, but it is obvious that Elaine would have no problem on any stage, large or small. In the time leading up to the event, Elaine was up-front, knowledgeable, and thankful. We never pretended to be connoisseurs of music or jazz, so we left most of the evening in her hands. She came through beautifully. I would recommend her services for any occasion. If she can get my family to dance, she can do anything. I can't say enough about her, and I look forward to seeing her perform in the future. Give her a look and you will not be disappointed."

– Kara and Matt Schlagheck - Wedding Clients, Evanston, IL

"Elaine Dame and her group were great. We got married on December 20th just as a huge snow storm hit. Elaine made it to our event without any problems. She was also an amazing singer. She made our cocktail and dinner hour so special. I would highly recommend her. We received so many compliments on how great the music was."

– Lindsay Clausen - Wedding Client, Storm Lake, IA

"I thought Elaine did an excellent job... Easy to work with, pleasant to speak to, and a wonderful performer. You would definitely be pleased with hiring for your event!"

– Tina Jacobs - Christmas Party Client

"Elaine Dame is fabulous in every way. She is an accomplished vocalist, a great entertainer and also a true business professional. She just simply "gets it." We were thrilled with Elaine and her Quartet and highly recommend them for sophisticated jazz."

– Nancy and Ed Segreti - Wedding Clients

"M Lounge has welcomed Elaine back repeatedly over the last two years and with good reason. The energy she exudes along with her beautiful, dynamic voice is the perfect formula for a wonderful jazz experience. Whether you are looking for a jazz artist to hire for an event or you are looking for some great jazz during your night on the town, you cannot go wrong with Elaine Dame."

– Reginald Marsh - Jazz Club Client, Owner, M Lounge

"Elaine was a pleasure to work with! My only complaint was that she had to stop! Seriously, the mood she set for our event, the little "At Last" serenade after our ceremony was and will always be unforgettable."

– Kari-Lynn O'Neil - Wedding Client, Milwaukee, WI

"I never formally thanked you for being the highlight of our wedding day. You truly made our wedding day so special..having you perform was honestly the one thing that I wanted. I can't even begin to thank you for your voice, your smiles and your personality throughout the evening!"

– Erica Cross-Milovich - Wedding Client, St. Joseph, MI

"Our organization was having a fundraiser and Elaine Dame was referred to us by an associate. What a wonderful experience we had working with her. She was very accommodating and professional and fun to work with. Her music selections for the event were perfect and her voice was sweet and clear. Our group loved her so much, we invited her back for the following year fundraiser. Good local talent is very hard to find. Chicago has a great catch and after hearing her, we know that others will say the same!!"

– David Winner - Community Event Client, President, Lakeview East Citizen's Counil

"Elaine was WONDERFUL!!! Our elders really enjoyed her performance and her voice was amazing. She was considerate, took requests, and interacted with the audience beautifully. What an absolute treat."

– Kristen Krerowicz - Community Event Client, Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly

"Elaine was a delight to work with. Very talented and a joy to meet. I would highly recommend her!

– Julie O'Leary - Community Event Client, East Dundee, IL

"They were absolutely the VERY BEST choice that I could've made to have our party fabulous. They were wonderful. I'm SOOOO very glad that I found your site and found Elaine through it as well. I would DEFINATELY recommend her to anyone. Thanks so much!"

– Jason Hall - Private Party Client, Red7Salon, Evanston, IL

"When planning a rather large scale Christmas/Holiday party last year, we knew we wanted live music to compliment the evening's activities. Having heard Elaine previously at Scylla Restaurant, there was only one choice for our party. Elaine and her accompanists did an outstanding job by creating the visual and musical impact of a live performance while being sensitive to not overpowering the guests' conversations. Her musical selections showcased her talents as a jazz vocalist while weaving in the holiday spirit. During and after the event we received uniformly positive comments as to her performance and the touch of class that she added to the evening. We couldn't have been more pleased with our choice to have her perform. As a matter of fact, we've booked Elaine for our 2007 holiday party."

– Tom & Diana Stamborski - Private Party Clients, Christmas Party

"It is the good fortune that we selected Elaine Dame to perform at our recent anniversary celebration. Her musical selections were fitting for the occasion and we thought she was just the touch of class we wanted for this special event. Elaine Dame delivered!"

– Norm Cratty and Mike Podpolucki - Private Party Clients, Anniversary Party

"Elaine and her jazz group proved to be the perfect fit for my event. They played elegant and lively music and everyone said it was a real highlight. Elaine will spend time with you before your event to make absolutely sure you get what you're looking for and if you have any samples of music you would like then don't be afraid to make a list as a guideline. They will easily add your favorites to their repertoire. They're often playing around Chicago (sometimes at The Drake Hotel) so if you get the opportunity to hear them play somewhere I highly recommend it, whether you book them or not you'll have a fun time doing "research", as I did."

– Robert G. - Private Party Client, Birthday Party

"There is nothing like live music to make a party special, and there is nobody like Elaine Dame to perform. Great voice, great style, great lady! Every year Elaine leads a group of talented jazz musicians and entertains for my holiday party. My guests love her. I wouldn't have the party without her, and can't recommend her highly enough!”

– Christopher Lueking - Private Party Client, Christmas Party, Latham & Watkins, LLP

"Elaine Dame and her group create memories. All of our friends and family are still talking about her performance and how much her group truly loves their art and performance. The music was beautiful, the performers professional and enjoyable to work with. We have become true fans and will make arrangements to see her play in public venues in the very near future. Can't praise her and thank her enough!"

– Scott Fech - Private Party Client, Graduation Party, Valparaiso, IN

I have had the privledge of seeing Elaine perform in person many times, in fact, she was the singer at our wedding. Elaine is simply wonderful! She has an amazing voice. If you like jazz, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, or Nat King Cole, you will love Elaine!

– Wedding Testimonial, April and John Gap

Elaine's trio has been performing at my restaurant for over a year now. Her music is highly enjoyable, sophisticated and lively and really enhances the guests experience! She knows just how to read a room and my guests can still converse and enjoy their dining experience. Plus, her and her musicians are always stylish and professional.

– Club Testimonial, Stephanie Izard, Scylla Restaurant

Elaine simply radiates from the stage with an obvious passion for what she does, and more importantly, an openly expressed enjoyment of the very nature of the process. She is one of a rare group of singers who treats her instrument as just that, and so is able to perform with her band instead of just in front of them. Plus, there really may not be a nicer person on any stage in Chicago.

– Club Testimonial, Craig Cooper, Pops for Champagne

Having heard Elaine Dame perform at a few other events, I knew that when the opportunity arose, I'd love to have her at mine. Elaine added just the right touch of elegant sophistication that helped transform our event from a night out to a night to remember. And, how did she know to sing my favorite standard, The Nearness of You, just at the right moment? She's a magical performer!

– Corporate Testimonial, Anthony Hogan, Event Planner

I booked Elaine for a high profile corporate event and am so glad I did. A perfect fit from beginning to end. She was exactly what the client was expecting. Her music always lights up a venue yet Elaine and her wonderfully talented musicians she works with understand that with many corporate functions the client wants to be subtly entertained while they do business and not have to compete with the music. She is easy to work with, always professional and really listens to the clients needs from the music style to the purpose of the evening whether it's a wedding or a networking event, I will continue to highly recommend her to a variety of clients.

– Corporate Testimonial, Shannon Broderick, Black Orchid Supper Club

My mother and I first saw Elaine Dame singing folk covers at a local club. Needless to say we had a lovely time because the very next day I went about booking Elaine for my wedding. Beginning with my first interaction with Elaine, I was continually impressed by her warmth and professionalism. But most of all I was absolutely blown away by her talent. Hearing her sing is such a joy- her voice is clear and strong and beautiful. And making beautiful music appears effortless for Elaine. She sounds equally wonderful covering folk ballads as she does performing jazz classics as she did at our wedding. I know that our wedding was a delight due largely in part to the ambience that Elaine helped create. Booking Elaine Dame for my wedding was honestly one of the smartest decisions I made and certainly the best investment. Years from now my husband and I may not remember the food we served or the flowers on the table, but I am sure that the memory of walking down the aisle to Elaine singing "Over the Rainbow" will stay with us. Thank you, Elaine, for making our wedding so beautiful and memorable.

– Wedding Testimonial, Marci L. Sahinoglu

Elaine Dame is outstanding! She set the perfect mood for our wedding, from the background music during hors-d'oeuvres to dancing after dinner. The music was fantastic and we received many compliments from our guests. I would recommend Elaine to anybody looking to add a level of class and elegance to their wedding.

– Wedding Testimonial, Christi and Massimo Gaido