Dr. Bombay

TV interview - Windy City Live/Billy Dec

Zoo Ball: Rock & Roar

Friday, July 9th

More than 1,000 guests attended the sold-out Zoo Ball: Rock & Roar on Friday, July 9 at the Lincoln Park Zoo presented by the Zoo’s Women’s Board. LPZ was turned into a chic nightclub as guests danced to the sounds of School of Rock, Deejay Beep Media and Dr. Bombay. The event raised $820,000 to support the Lincoln Park Zoo educational initiatives and creation of the Nature Boardwalk. A.B • John Reilly & Paul Strabbing Photographs
- Today's Chicago Woman

If you're aching for killer covers scratch that itch, give that nose a twitch, and call for Dr. Bombay - they'll come right away! This basement band is sure to get your heart racing, your adrenaline pumping, your ears ringing, and your knees cracking.

- Looptopia

Men of the Month: Dr. Bombay Band

With sound as big as their heart
Center stage belting out covers like “Don't Stop Believin',” “Jessie's Girl” and even tunes by Lady Gaga, Dr. Bombay is the band that can bring any crowd to their feet. Known around town as a party band “with sound as big as their heart,” they juggle a full schedule on Chicago's charity circuit.

“We never thought we'd leave the basement,” says Lee Golub, who plays drums and started the band 11 years ago with two friends as a hobby. Now they have nine members, playing up to 16 charity and fundraising events a year. “We actually have to turn down some opportunities now because we just don't have the time.”

The band, whose title refers to the television show, “Bewitched,” (when Samantha, would call for help from her witch doctor by shouting, “Calling Dr. Bombay, calling Dr. Bombay”) was started in Mr. Golub's condo basement. When they played at a friend's party, it wasn't long before people started asking them to play at their fundraising events.

“We were a little nervous, but we thought it was cool,” says Mr. Golub, who is executive vice president of Golub & Company. “We spent a lot of time practicing, getting a set list together.” They play at annual charitable events such as Metropolitan Family Services, City of Hope Hospital and Misericordia to name a few.

The band's success can be attributed to their motto: Play songs people know, play ones that not all cover bands play and, lastly, make sure the music gets people dancing. “The worst thing a cover band can do is play songs that no one knows,” says Russ Steinberg, Dr. Bombay's vocalist whose day job is chief marketing officer at Trinity Life Settlements.

“Playing out in front of people is the best,” affirms Mr. Golub. “We'll keep doing it until somebody dies.”

“I love connecting with the audience [while on stage]. It's the ultimate version of fun,” adds Mr. Steinberg. “It's an amazing feeling — the rush, the adrenaline.”

Dr. Bombay Band consist of nine members, including Darren Cahr (bass), Cari Koss (vocals), Lee Golub (drums), Dave Harris (percussion), Scott Kaufman (piano), Geoff Koss (guitar), David Rhind (trumpet), Russ Steinberg (vocals) and Mike Thomas (guitar).

Photography by Maria Corley


- Today's Chicago Woman