Take Two

Kate Bennett: Lead Vocals

Kate is Take Two’s power lead singer. She grew up in a musical family where everyone sang and played an instrument. While her influences include The Beatles, The Police, Annie Lennox and Sheryl Crow, her voice has been compared to Linda Ronstadt and Melissa Etheridge. “Belting out the big notes over those screaming guitars, or just me, a mic and an acoustic; I’m ready to rock.” One of Kate’s favorite moments with the band was the time they played Kingston Mines in Chicago. “Just knowing how many legendary greats had been on that stage, it was an amazing experience.”

Les Csuk: Lead Guitar

As one of suburban Chicago’s top lead guitarists, Les’s Gibson can shred eardrums and shatter glass. From rock ’n roll to blues, he is Take Two’s riff master. He never met a solo he did like. His influences are the great blues players: Buddy Guy, Freddy King, BB King. Johnny Winter, Robben Ford and Albert Collins. He has also studied the works of Chet Atkins, Joe Pass, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck. He plays many styles of music, and is a former guitar teacher. His solos shock and awe the senses.

Eli Orfanos: Lead, Rhythm, Acoustic Guitar/Lead & Back up Vocals

Most of Eli’s influences are rooted in classic rock and the soul music of the late 60s, and early 70s. At an early age, Eli emulated the vocal styles of the great Motown singers: Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin, Marvin Gaye, and Smokey Robinson. Guitar influences include, Carlos Santana, Duane Allman, BB King, Jimmy Page, and Pete Townshend. Eli is always on the lookout for a great melody and a good time. One of Eli’s rock ‘n’ roll highlights with Take Two included playing a gig in Springfield, Illinois in front of a thousand screaming University of Illinois students, “They were ready to party, and we delivered!

Ron Hoshizaki: Lead, Rhythm Guitar/Lead & Back up Vocals

“Hosh-man” brings a style of playing that’s both elegant and edgy. Ron’s guitar influences are Pete Townshend, Keith Richards, Jimmy Page, and Carlos Santana, but it was the thrash guitar of the 70s and 80s punk movements that sparked his aggressive style. Don’t let that fool you; he can blow you away with mind-bending melodic guitar solos, anytime, anywhere. He’s Take Two’s secret weapon.

Glenn McHenry: Bass Guitar/Backup vocals

Once Glenn joined the band, his presence elevated the rhythm section to great levels. Glenn brings years of expertise and immense talent to the mix. He has one of the largest music collections in Chicago. His influences come from blues, jazz and classic rock. When he plays you hear the styling of Jack Bruce, John Entwistle (The Ox) and if you listen closely, he might even pull off a Jaco P. run from time to time.

Larry Binder: Drums

Growing up, Larry felt there was nothing cooler than being a drummer. At the age of 10, Larry formed a band with his friends which turned out to be an early incarnation of Take Two. Larry’s roots are centered in the rock music of the 70s and 80s like The Who, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Scorpios and Heart. Some of Larry’s fondest Rock ‘n’ Roll memories include the destruction of countless bass drums, cymbals and sticks and driving from gig to gig in a carbon monoxide-filled band truck.

Ray Kirschner: Keyboards/Back up Vocals

Ray brings over 25 years of playing the keys, the last 10 of which have been with Take Two. His love of R&B, blues, Motown, and the classic rock of the 60s and 70s have provided some attention-grabbing soundscapes for the band. Count on Ray for the intricate backup harmonies and spot-on keyboard solos.

Mike Orfanos: Percussion

Mike (aka: "Bongo Mike") plays congas, bongos, timbales, shakers, assorted drums & percussion. Mike’s first performance with Take Two was at his own wedding, when the band brought him to play cowbell on “Get a Leg Up” and "Oye Como Va." He is Take Two’s true "rock historian" and is influenced by such musical acts as Santana, Rare Earth, The Grateful Dead, and all the modern jam bands. He’s known for coining the term “percussify.”