SODA Rocks!!!

Hi Rob,
We just wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU for how wonderful you guys made our wedding. It meant so much to have you perform on our special night. You were a joy to work with, sounded amazing as usual, and kept the dance floor going all night! Which is pretty exceptional considering a lot of our friends and family could be categorized as "non-dancers"!

From hosting the evening as emcee to playing for as long as you did, everything was just perfect. We can't tell you how many compliments we got from our guests as well as the Morton Arboretum staff on how good you guys were!!!

Mike also wanted to thank you for learning and performing Baby Blue as a special surprise. You did a terrific job with it, and it made the night that much more special. I'm sure it helped that it is one of your childhood favorites, and clearly we (you, me, Mike) have great taste in music. In a very ironic twist, I was actually going to email you to request that song myself, believe it or not. But everything got too hectic, so I was like eh, it'll be ok without it. What a bizarre and awesome coincidence!!
I also want to note that the ceremony music was absolutely exquisite.

Your rendition of "Cant Help Falling In Love" was truly beautiful. We have gotten MANY compliments on the ceremony music as well.

I'll stop rambling now, I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You helped make our evening truly unforgettable. Hopefully you'll be able to pick up some extra gigs from the wedding attendees. See you on the Soda circuit!

Carson & Mike
December 13, 2014

Rob,

Hi there!!
We wanted to thank you for the amazing music you provided this past Saturday for our wedding reception in Peoria.

We had SO many people commenting on the music and how fun you were! The dance floor was packed from start to finish and our feet still hurt from all the dancing.

Thanks again!! We will be passing your name along to anyone looking for an amazing band! :)

Morgan and Jake Fehl
November 29, 2014

At weddings, there are a few things that make the day memorable. The happy couple, bringing family and friends together and the BAND! Soda was set up and ready to go way before the guests arrived. Rob and his band played the best songs at the appropriate times and from the first song to the last, the dance floor was full. They played great music during our cocktail hour. Not too loud, so people could still talk and it just got everyone going.

Rob introduced the bride and groom at the cocktail hour and they did their first dance (My Kind of Rain). The band learned this song for them and it was very special. Rob was very easy to work with from the start. He was easy to communicate with and responded to e-mails or phone calls in a timely manner.

The whole band was friendly, thoughtful and patient! It was a large wedding with many moving parts and they did an awesome job.
We received many compliments and seriously, no one wanted them to stop playing!

Thank you for making our daughter's wedding memorable and special. I would recommend hiring Soda! You won't be disappointed!

Jan and Don Dray - Rockford, IL
October 18, 2014

Hey Rob,
Just getting back from the honeymoon and wanted to drop you a note. You all did an excellent job! Everyone raved about the music and I saw people on the dance floor I never would have expected. Thanks so much for helping to keep the flow of the event on track, your professionalism and talent were both evident in your performance. Please let me know if I can be a reference for you in future, looking forward to seeing you at a few weddings next summer!
Thanks again,
Sutton
September 6, 2014

Dear Rob, Jennifer, Erik, Jeff, and Mark,
The calls, texts, and emails keep rolling in about the band at our daughter's wedding. Thank you for the wonderful music you provided for our guests. The packed dance floor from beginning to end is quite the compliment to all of you. Thanks for being a part of our wedding memories and we'll be happy to contact you for our next event.
Fondly,
Cathy and Bob
July 19, 2014

See more Referrals here.

In SODA you'll find exactly what you need to get the party started. Formed in 2008, this all-star lineup has quickly become one of Chicago’s most booked and beloved bands. If you like variety in your musical experience, you’ll find that Soda captures the heart and soul of one of the most diverse play lists you'll find anywhere.

What's your flavor? Because you'll get everything all the time with Soda. From Johnny Cash to The Zac Brown Band, and from John Mellencamp to LMFAO, this band can do it all. Three lead singers, each with distinctive styles, work to bring authenticity to all your favorite songs. The possibilities are endless. Classic Rock, 80's New Wave, Motown, Disco, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Alternative--the list goes on and on.

No matter what the occasion--weddings, corporate events, private parties--Soda has the tunes to get your guests on the dance floor and keep them there the whole night long. In 2008, Soda showcased at the Suburban Parks And Recreation convention and the enthusiastic response from the SPRA members (a standing ovation, supposedly a first) led to more bookings than any other band at the convention (Soda continues to be one of the most heavily booked bands in this market through the summer of 2014).

Soda has appeared at many famous Chicago locations including Arlington Park racetrack, and at U.S. Cellular Field for the White Sox. This past year Soda performed for The National Oral Health Conference at The Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The band has performed at the Renaissance Center in Schaumburg for the Community Bankers Association of Illinois, where they shared the evening with nationally recognized swing band The Cherry-Poppin’ Daddys (of “Zoot Suit Riot” fame). Soda has performed at Buckingham Fountain for The Annual Bank One Shamrock Shuffle road race, and in the Ballroom at Navy Pier for St. Viator High School’s Night Of The Lion Annual Fundraiser event. Most recently the band performed for CASA Kane County at The Q Center in St. Charles, where they shared the stage with local legend Jim Peterik (of Ides of March and Survivor fame).

From 2010 through 2014, Soda has been awarded every year the Bride’s Choice Award at the Wedding Wire website in recognition as one of Chicago’s favorite wedding ensembles. Their past wedding engagements have taken them to such familiar locations as The Shedd Aquarium, Brookfield Zoo, The Morton Arboretum, Loyola University, Medinah Country Club, and the famous ballroom at the Knickerbocker Hotel in Chicago.

Soda is a full-time professional band and you can see them perform any weekend of the year at some of Chicagoland's favorite clubs. You can also check out more full-length audio on the Soda facebook page by clicking on the facebook logo on this website. Get a little taste of Soda and we’re sure you’ll be back for more!

	Rob Loar (Vocals, Guitar, Trumpet) From the deep baritone of Johnny Cash to the soaring falsetto of Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger”, Rob has it covered. His smooth vocal style on country ballads and those quirky 80’s New Wave tunes make him truly the man of a thousand voices. His trumpet graces many Soda covers, including crowd favorites from Chicago and The Ides Of March. New for 2014, Rob brings his classic jazz stylings in the tradition of Miles Davis and Chet Baker to a combo setting available for cocktails or dinner at your private event. Look for the track entitled “Cocktail Jazz” on the Soda audio player.
Erik Swanson (vocals, bass guitar) A self-confessed (and now recovering) former bass guitar "shredder", Erik won several local bass contests early in his career. Those early pyrotechnics have since evolved into a style that is passionate yet still very precise. His playing has graced the stage with many favorite local artists, including Cathy Richardson and Scottish McMillian. Erik also displays his evocative vocal talents with Soda on covers by Tom Petty, Dave Matthews and John Mayer.
	Jeff Decker (drums, percussion, vocals) A drummer's drummer, Jeff brings his considerable chops and experience to the band. As a teacher at the area's premier drum shop "The Drum Pad", he stresses a substance over style approach that truly anchors the Soda rhythm section. And his fundamental sense of good taste has made him a "first call" session drummer for many of Chicago's finest jazz ensembles.
Mark Yde (Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica) After touring the west coast for many years while living in Seattle, Mark returned to his native Chicago, and Soda is lucky to have him. He brings his rich “Whiskey Tenor” to songs by Bon Jovi, Kenny Loggins, and many other classic favorites, and his blues and country influenced guitar playing complete Soda’s All-Star lineup!
	Jennifer Schafer (Vocals) A native of Milwaukee, where she has been very active on the local club scene, Jennifer provides a lush, evocative, vocal presence to great classic tunes from Adele, K.T. Tunstall, Patsy Cline, Etta James, and others. Jen has studied jazz performance at the University Of Wisconsin in Whitewater, and is currently on staff at The Lake Geneva House of Music. Also this past year Jen celebrated her 10th year as the featured vocalist performing the national anthem at Miller Park for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Hi Rob,
I just wanted to send a personal note to say Thank You for the great performance on Saturday night at Courtney and Nick's wedding. As I'm sure you could tell by the jam-packed dance floor and the fact that no one wanted the night to end, we thoroughly enjoyed the music. I saw people dancing that haven't danced in years and it was all because of the great sounds and pumped up atmosphere Soda created. Thanks again for helping to provide a great time for everyone!

Kindest Regards,
Laura (Mother of the Bride)
July 12, 2014

Rob & Soda
Thank you so much for making our wedding a memorable event. All of your song selections were spot on and kept our guests entertained throughout the evening. We were so pleased with the variety of music played, and that it kept our guests on the dance floor all night long.
Even though our guests were familiar with your music as we used your band for my brother’s wedding in 2011, our guests still had the time of their lives dancing the night away. Thank you so much again for everything!

Sincerely,
Pam & John Blyschak
June 28, 2014

Dear Soda,
Thank you so much for your wonderful performance at our wedding. We appreciate the time you took to make sure everything was just right to our liking, including the cake-cutting song, our first dances—even letting my Dad sing some fun songs with the band—we loved everything! We wish you all the best of luck in the future!

Thanks again,
Amanda and Mike Pfeiffer
June 21, 2014

Rob,
I am so sorry it has taken me this long to get back to you. I just wanted to say that I am so thankful you were able to perform at our wedding. It was the highlight for us and our guests. Our wedding wouldn't have been the great night it was without your guidance, professionalism and talent. You helped to make the planning process simple and I had no worries about how things would go on the day of. We will continue to recommend your services to our friends and family.

Best Wishes,
Mr. & Mrs. Giannini
March 15, 2014

To see more referrals please visit our review section on Wedding Wire
CLIC
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Chicago White Sox
Arlington Park
Nordstrom’s
Bartlett 4th Of July Festival
Women’s Club Of Inverness
Crystal Lake Service League
St. Viator’s High School
The Signature Room at the John Hancock Bldg.
The Arboretum Of South Barrington
Lake Carroll Resort
Romeofest
Independent Insurance Agents Of Illinois
Onward Neighborhood House
River Forest Country Club
Stone Manor in Lake Geneva
Mundelein Community Days Festival
Taste Of Wheaton Festival
Lockport Canal Days Festival
Church Of The Holy Spirit Family Festival
Highland Park Park District
The Glentown Center
Genoa Days Festival
Barrington Junior Women’s Club
Oak Brook Park District
Village Of Winnetka
Village Of Hawthorn Woods
Illinois Association of County Officials
Community Bankers Assc. Of Illinois
Valley Lo Country Club
Exmoor Country Club
Birchwood Country Club
Sunset Ridge Country Club
St. Andrews Country Club
Blue Chip Casino
Empress Casino
Epsilon
Metropolitan Industries
Petroleum Equipment Institute
Shogren Performance Marine
Connelly Electric
Northfield State Fair
Oak Park Park District
Renaissance Convention Center
Deerfield Park District
St. Donatus Feast And Carnival
Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Church
AAR Corporation
CASA Kane County
West Chicago High School Alumni
D.A. Blodgett For Children
Barrington National Night Out
Cary Park District
Lindenhurst Park District
Village Of Niles
Dundee Concert Series
Palatine Park District
Glenview Summer Concert Series
Villa Park Summer Nights

(click to enlarge)

Ain’t Too Proud To Beg / The Temptations
A Little Respect / Erasure
All Night Long / Lionel Richie
All Star / Smashmouth
All Summer Long / Kid Rock
Amazed / Lonestar
American Girl / Tom Petty
Ants Marching / Dave Mathews Band
At Last / Etta James
Beverly Hills / Weezer
Black Horse And The Cherry Tree / K.T. Tunstill
Blister In The Sun / Violent Femmes
Blurred Lines/ Robin Thicke
Boogie Nights / Heatwave
Brickhouse / The Commodores
Brown Eyed Girl / Van Morrison
Build Me Up Buttercup / The Foundations
California Gurls/ Katy Perry
Call Me Maybe/ Carly Rae Jepsen
Can’t Help Falling In Love / Elvis Presley
Cecelia / Simon & Garfunkel
Centerfold / J. Giles Band
Cheeseburger In Paradise / Jimmy Buffet
Chicken Fried / Zac Brown Band
Closer To Free / The BoDeans
Crazy / Patsy Cline
Dancing With Myself / Billy Idol
Dancing Queen / Abba
December ’63 (Oh What A Night) / Frankie Valli
Does Anybody Really Know / Chicago
Don’t Stop Believing / Journey
Dynamite / Taio Cruz
Every Rose Has It’s Thorn/ Poison
Faith / George Michael
Faithfully / Journey
Fins / Jimmy Buffet
Fly Me To The Moon / Frank Sinatra
Friends In Low Places / Garth Brooks
Footloose / Kenny Loggins
Forget You / Cee Lo Green
Get Down Tonight / KC & The Sunshine Band
Get Ready / Temptations
Good Lovin’ / Young Rascals
Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life) / Greenday
Good Times / Chic
Hang On Sloopy / The McCoys
Heaven / Los Lonely Boys
Have I Told You Lately / Van Morrison
Hey Ya / Outkast
Hey Jealousy / Gin Blossoms
Hey Soul Sister / Train
Hit Me With Your Best Shot / Pat Benatar
Honky Tonk Women / Rolling Stones
The Humpty Dance / Digital Underground
Hurts So Good / John Mellencamp
Ice Ice Baby / Vanilla Ice
I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) / Four Tops
I’ll Be / Edwin McCain
I’m A Believer / Smashmouth
I Cross My Heart / George Strait
Inside Out / Eve 6
In The Midnight Hour / Wilson Pickett
I Can’t Get Next To You / The Temptations
I Feel Fine / Beatles
I Gotta Feeling / Black Eyed Peas
I Like To Move It / Crazy Frogg
I Love Rock And Roll / Joan Jett
I Melt With You / Modern English
I’m Yours / Jason Mraz
In The Mood / Glenn Miller
I Want You Back / Jackson 5
I Want You To Want Me / Cheap Trick
I Will Survive / Gloria Gaynor
I Saw Her Standing There / Beatles
Island In The Sun / Weezer
Jack & Diane / John Mellencamp
Jailhouse Rock / Elvis Presley
Jessie’s Girl / Rick Springfield
The Joker / Steve Miller
Jump Around / House Of Pain
Jump In The Line / Harry Belafonte
Just A Girl / No Doubt
Just Dance / Lady GaGa
Just Like Heaven / The Cure
Keep Your Hands To Yourself / Georgia Satellites
La Bamba / Los Lobos
Laid / James
Landslide / Stevie Nicks
Le Freak / Chic
Life Is A Highway / Tom Cochrane
Let’s Get It Started / Black Eyed Peas
Let’s Groove / Earth, Wind & Fire
Let’s Twist Again / Chubby Checker
Livin’ On A Prayer / Bon Jovi
Loser / Beck
Love & Memories / O.A.R.
Love Shack / The B-52’s
Mambo No. 5 / Lou Bega
Man, I Feel Like A Woman / Shania Twain
Mary Jane’s Last Dance / Tom Petty
Margaritaville / Jimmy Buffet
Me & Julio Down By The Schoolyard / Paul Simon
My Prerogative / Bobby Brown
Moves Like Jagger / Maroon 5
Mustang Sally / Wilson Pickett
My Girl / Temptations
My Own Worst Enemy / Lit
One Love / Bob Marley
Only Wanna Be With You / Hootie & The Blowfish
Our Lips Are Sealed / The Go Go’s
Party Rock Anthem / LMFAO
Peppermint Twist / Joey D.
Play That Funky Music/ Wild Cherry
Pokerface / Lady GaGa
Pour Some Sugar On Me / Def Leppard
Pretty Woman / Roy Orbison
Proud Mary / CCR
Raise Your Glass / Pink
Rapper’s Delight / Sugar Hill Gang
Ring Of Fire / Johnny Cash
Roadhouse Blues / The Doors
Rock And Roll All Night / Kiss
R.O.C.K. In The USA / John Mellencamp
Rolling In The Deep / Adele
Santeria / Sublime
Save A Horse Ride A Cowboy / Big & Rich
Save Tonight / Eagle Eye Cherry
Say Hey (I Love You) / Michael Franti & Spearhead
Semi-Charmed Life / Third Eye Blind
Send Me On My Way / Rusted Root
Sex On Fire / Kings Of Leon
Sexy Back / Justin Timberlake
Shake It / Metro Station
Shake Shake Shake / KC & The Sunshine Band
Short Skirt Long Jacket / Cake
Should I Stay / The Clash
Slide / Goo Goo Dolls
Smooth / Santana
Somebody Told Me / The Killers
Still The Night / The BoDeans
Surfin’ U.S.A. / Beach Boys
Some Kinda Wonderful / Grand Funk
Starships/ Nicki Minaj
Stuck In The Middle With You/ Stealers Wheel
Summer Of 69 / Bryan Adams
Suspicious Minds / Elvis Presley
Sweet Caroline / Neil Diamond
Sweet Home Alabama / Lynyrd Skynyrd
Sweet Home Chicago / Blues Brothers
Tainted Love / Soft Cell
That’s The Way I LIke It/ KC & The Sunshine Band
Tik Tok/ Ke$ha
Take My Breath Away / Berlin
Talk Dirty To Me / Poison
Toes / Zac Brown Band
Twist & Shout / The Beatles
Tubthumping / Chumbawumba
Unforgettable / Natalie Cole
Use Somebody / Kings Of Leon
Vehicle / Ides Of March
Volcano / Jimmy Buffet
Wagon Wheel/ Darius Rucker
Walk This Way / Run DMC
Wanted Dead Or Alive/ Bon Jovi
The Way You Look Tonight / Frank Sinatra
We Are Family / Sister Sledge
We Found Love / Rihanna
What I Got / Sublime
What I Like About You / The Romantics
When You Say Nothing At All / Ronan Keating
Wonderful Tonight / Eric Clapton
Wonderwall / Oasis
Word Up / Cameo
Your Love / The Outfield
867-5309 (Jenny) / Tommy Tutone
3 A.M. / Matchbox 20