“We just want everyone to feel like a rock star when they are up on stage with us,” says Todd Middleman, bass player for THE INSTANT CLASSICS, a live karaoke and cover band. The group, now comprised of six rocking musicians, has made this their goal, and their infectious energy and live interactive audience participation has helped make this goal a successful one. THE INSTANT CLASSICS is a refreshing change from the ordinary cover band.
The band was formed in 2002, when Jonathan Ivie, a frequent guest music director at Phoenix Theatre, received a phone call from Todd, who was just returning home from a North American tour for Mercury Records. Todd had been contacted to put together a band for a gig in Hawaii. Jonathan jumped on the opportunity and right away enlisted Caleb Reese, a well-known Phoenix singer and professional actor, who then got a hold of drummer Nick Rizzo. Nick himself was returning from a circuit tour, as was the guitarist he recruited, Brian Martin. And just like that, a band was formed. A group of five players who had never played together collectively were thrown into a corporate gig off the mainland.
Originally the event would be a simple awards show, but when they arrived in Hawaii, the group was informed by the client that they would have to play 5 days. After some quick thinking and a few Mai Tais the group put together a list of “instant classics” that they could pull off with little rehearsal. For the next five days the band entertained 2000 people at various outings. Toward the end of the event, the vice president of the company dared the group to let some of his colleagues get on stage and sing with them. Everyone in the group agreed and the idea was welcomed with overwhelming enthusiasm, inspiring the musicians to continue playing together and pursue the idea of live band karaoke.
Thus, THE INSTANT CLASSICS was born.
It wasn’t long before they realized that in order to take this idea to the next level, a female was needed. The group decided to bring on Christine Ray, who also fronts her own original band Breaking Down. Now, with both a female and male singer, the group continues to expand their already impressive catalog of hits from multiple decades and genres.
The band performs in various parts of the country including: Phoenix, San Diego, Los Angeles, Miami, Banff, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Myrtle Beach, Orlando, Boston, Monterey, and of course Las Vegas, Whether it’s a corporate event for high profile clients such as AT&T or Bank of America, a private party for the 2008 Super Bowl Champions or entertaining at Scottsdale’s newest and hottest night club, Blue Martini, THE INSTANT CLASSICS continue to impress audiences everywhere, with their unique brand of live interactive rock.
And that’s exactly what separates THE INSTANT CLASSICS from any other band. Each member has a unique personality that adds to the dynamic of the group and creates an unstoppable energy. Mix a solid rhythm section, tight, flawless leads, and the perfect blend of both edgy and sultry vocals and you have a group that will get you on your feet. Then when you’re ready, get on stage with THE INSTANT CLASSICS and rock out yourself.
