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Meet the
Band |
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Dawn Dehring has been singing professionally since the age of fourteen. In her prolific career she has performed on
national television and shared the stage with such notables as Steve Lawrence
and Tonight Show’s Ed McMahon. Dawn
has been blessed with perfect pitch and as such is Vocal Director for the
group, arranging vocal harmonies that amaze audiences. Because of her incredible vocal prowess and
generous personality it’s no surprise that Dawn is an in-demand vocalist in
the Metro area.
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Ryan Zachos has been amazing audiences since he began singing in
church productions at the age of four.
He has twice been named Male Vocal Solo Winner for the Church of God
State Teen Talent Competition, as well as qualified and competed in the
Assembly of God District Fine Arts Festival, the National Fine Arts Festival,
and the Church of God International Teen Talent Competition. To date Ryan has been featured on three
worship recordings, and his unique brand of blue-eyed soul has been described
as “nothing short of stunning.”
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Stan Mleczko is leader of the Smiling Faces. Besides being a master pianist, Stan is an
accomplished Master of Ceremonies with twenty-five years experience. This rare combination ensures that the
evening’s planned festivities happen exactly when and where they’re supposed
to. Stan is everywhere he’s needed,
period. With Stan Mleczko at the helm,
every one of your guests has a great time, and everyone leaves your event
with a smiling face… guaranteed!
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Robert Jeup, the bassist for the group, graduated from Wayne State
University with a double major in music and engineering. With the University’s Jazz Band he toured Europe, and afterwards was hired by the
Windsor Symphony Orchestra. Since then
he has appeared on Detroit’s own Kelly and Company, composed songs for the
Woodward Cruise Video, been signed to a recording contract, and toured
throughout the Midwest. Robert also
has a great voice and contributes rich, plush vocals throughout the night.
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Michael Mleczko is percussionist and another of the group’s lead
vocalists. In twenty-two years of
leading his own band Michael has performed at events and in groups as diverse
as The World’s Fair, the WDIV Easter Seals Telethon, many theatre
productions, Concert Bands, as well as numerous recording projects. This unique collection of musical
experiences gives him the ability to anticipate and supply the energy and
excitement needed to help create a successful and lively party. Michael also provides polished and
professional D.J. services during the band’s breaks to keep the celebration
going.
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After
earning his Master’s Degree from Wayne State University, guitarist
Mark
Summers
has scored music for numerous productions including the independent
film “The Unknown” and the Woodward Cruise video series.
He has performed for presidential candidate Jack Kemp, shared
the stage with Steve Lawrence, and done session work at several
Detroit studios. Mark also operates a successful music production
studio in
Grosse
Pointe, and his work has been played on WNIC, WRIF, WDET, and many
other radio stations across the Midwest.
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Drummer
John
Buffa
is the strong backbeat of the Smiling Faces band.
He has been entertaining people for over thirty years in the
Detroit market, and has studied under some of the most renowned
teachers in the business. As
a testament to his talent and discipline John now teaches drums at
two of the top studios in the State, and is also a teacher in the
Michigan Music Association. He
has been involved with some of the most successful dance and
top-forty groups in the Metro area, and even people that don’t
normally participate somehow find themselves on the dance floor
moving in time to John’s infectious grooves!
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Have
we got brass! Comprised
of some of the best talent Detroit has to offer, Smiling Faces horn
section has dazzled audiences across the country.
Trumpeter Craig Strain has led
jazz, blues, and rock bands, and arranged scores for shows
and big bands all over the world.
Saxophonist Rick Smith is an in-demand
recording artist in both Motown and Nashville, and once you hear him
play you’ll know why! Master
Trombonist Steve Fleck plays like no other.
Besides being an accomplished technician , Steve plays from
the heart, and he captures every audiences’ heart with his
artistry.
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