Question 1

How would you describe your sound?

Accepted Answer

My vocal and piano style has heavy roots in my musical loves of Motown, Chicago Blues, and New Orleans Jazz. I like to describe my solo and group cover shows as your personal live jukebox.  I have a wide variety of music genres in my catalog, and have adapted arrangements of popular songs to the piano. My original music sound leans more towards bluesy country pop and upbeat jazz.  My songwriting has been described as a combination of Norah Jones, Bonnie Raitt, and Joan Osborne.

Question 2

Do you play covers as well as originals?

Accepted Answer

I sure do! I will play a mix of oldies, current, and favorite covers in the first hour to see what lands with the audience.  I'll then ask the audience for their requests.  If I've heard it, I'll play it.  If you prefer an evening of original music, I'm happy to play that as well.

Question 3

How many groups do you play in?

Accepted Answer

I currently play as a solo artist and in the following groups:
 
Barrelhouse Blend Duo and Trio - Adult contemporary pop, rock-n-roll, and your favorites
The Heels - High energy duo that is interactive and encourages sing-a-longs
Dooley Schwartz - Indie artist duo that is an all original songwriter show
 
Need a bigger group?  I have spent years getting to know and work with many talented local musicians.  I have pulled together full bands for my original showcases and to support local musicals.

Question 4

Do you play weddings, private parties, receptions, or holiday parties?"

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!  I am a classically trained pianist and vocalist.  I can play and sing your ceremony, play instrumental music matching your party theme to creating a background environment,  host a holiday sing-a-long, or pull a group together for your guests to rock the night away.

Question 5

What do you charge?

Accepted Answer

My rates are negotiable. I will typically take into account the length of the show, distance to venue, booking a single v. multiple gigs, and the number of musicians requested (solo, duo, trio, or big band).  I want to work with you; so let's chat!

Question 6

Where are you based and how far will you go?

Accepted Answer

I am based in Aurora, Illinois, and regularly play within a 40 mile span.  I am willing to travel if I can drive there with my gear.  I may need to charge a little more depending on the distance, but I'm open to negotiate. Let's chat!

Question 7

What other venues have you played?

Accepted Answer

A complete list of previous gigs can be found in the Electronic Press kit, but some recurring venues have included:
 
Madison's Pub (Burr Ridge)
The Vino Cellar (Lombard)
Sandwich Opera House (Sandwich)
Calamity Jane's Saloon (Sugar Grove)
Ballydoyle Irish Pub (Downers Grove)
Brody's Irish Pub (Aurora)
Sandwich Music in the Park (Sandwich)
Kiss the Sky Records (Batavia)
Aliano's Ristorante (Batavia)
Kennedy Pointe Pub and Restaurant (Bristol)
Pearce's Pub (Oswego)
Miss Kitty's Saloon (Naperville)
John & Tony's Restaurant (West Chicago)

Question 8

What are your power requirements?

Accepted Answer

As a soloist, I will only need a single standard duplex and circuit for my piano, Bose sound kit, small monitor speaker.  I carry my extension cords and power strips, and I have a relatively low power draw.  The duo and trio require an additional outlet for a monitor speaker.

Question 9

Is your set up very big?

Accepted Answer

No.  I keep my footprint very small. Even though I have a piano, I can typically squeeze into a place as small as approximately 5' wide by 6' deep.  I have a slim Bose L1 sound system that sits behind me, a wireless microphone, and a small monitor speaker that fits on a microphone stand.

The duos require a bit more width for conga drums or a guitarist, and the trio requires just a little more width.  However, we pride ourselves in being compact for a more intimate venues.

Question 10

How can I get in touch with you?

Accepted Answer

Email works best for me.  Feel free to contact me at kathleen_dooley@yahoo.com.  If you prefer that we speak, feel free to email me your phone number and I'll call you back.

Frequently asked questions