First Impression specializes in playing special, memorable private events. We excel at providing music for wedding receptions, corporate events, country club functions and party bands and dance bands for any special event in Indiana.

Six key musicians make up First Impression’s core band, including:

• Male singer / harmonica player
• Female vocalist / party instigator
• Sax / flute player
• Piano / Keyboard player
• Drummer / vocalist
• Bass guitar player

We are able to expand the band, adding additional horns, guitar and/or vocalists. First Impression is comprised of Indiana’s finest professional musicians—musicians whose lists of credits are extensive, and who love to entertain.

First Impression from Indianapolis, IN is more than a great band. We also assist with planning and executing your event. We not only supply great music, from cocktail piano to the final energetic dance song of the evening, but we consult with you beforehand, giving you the benefit of our experience in planning important details of your reception. Then, the evening of, we act as Master of Ceremonies, facilitating your event with Sophistication and Fun!

With First Impression Band, you get it all:

• Great listening and dancing music!
• Experience to help guide you through the event planning process!
• And someone to act as Master of Ceremonies at your reception!

Tad Robinson

Featured Vocalist, Harmonica

Tad is an exciting singer-songwriter who has dazzled audiences in the United States and Europe for nearly three decades with his blues, jazz, and pop performances. His latest CD release, New Point of View, on Severn Records, has recently been nominated for two Blues Music Awards. Tad’s voice is nearly ubiquitous on local radio and TV, singing the blues, or promoting commercial products.  A natural entertainer, Tad’s dynamic interpretations of Al Green and Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Elvis Presley, Wilson Pickett and Tony Bennett, are sure to impress.

www.tadrobinson.com

DaRon Washington

Featured Vocalist and Party Instigator

DaRon has packed nightclubs and ballrooms throughout Indiana for twenty-five years singing blues, rock and R&B. Her 1989 release A Love Like You’ve Never Seen, for Chi-Sound records, catapulted her to cult fame in the early 1990s. An ongoing stint with Q95’s Bob and Tom, and her steady work with First Impression, provide a wonderful outlet for DaRon’s powerhouse “old school” interpretations of Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner, as well as her many exciting contemporary offerings.

Michael Stricklin

Saxophones, Flute, Background Vocals

A graduate of the rigorous University of North Texas jazz school, Michael has played saxophones for the last twenty years with such notables as Frank Sinatra Jr., Martha Reeve, Ben Vereen, the Smithsonian Masterworks Jazz Orchestra, and the Indy-based Buselli/Wallarab Jazz Orchestra. His constant participation in the local and regional music-studio scenes has produced countless jingles and engendered several solo CDs. Michael also leads the popular instrumental combo Super Funk.

Jonathon Wood

6-string Electric Bass

Jonathan’s quiet dedication to the six-string bass has earned him an open invitation to nearly any stage on the planet. A long list of credits includes multiple tours with Blue Note jazz-organ legends Jimmy Smith and Jack MacDuff, avante garde jazz and funk guitarist Larry Coryell, as well as 1980s pop superstar Tina Marie (“Lovergirl”). Jonathan is quite simply one of the best!

Gary Myers

Drums, Vocals

The true veteran of our ensemble, Gary has played all “bags”—from Bach to rock—from Tokyo to New York—over the past thirty years. He adds just the right kick and nuance to every beat. His steady groove, the occasional lead vocal, and some very welcome humor place Gary firmly at the core of the First Impression mix.