Chicago OGD

Chicago OGD (organ, guitar, drums) played it's inaugural show in July 2009.  Initially, the band was dedicated to the organ trio format of Hammond B-3 organ, guitar, and drums, focusing on standard and smooth jazz.  Through hundreds of shows and concerts in the Chicago area, the group greatly expanded their repertoire by adding vocals and all popular music styles.  With the recent addition of stellar vocalist, Sonja Hicks, the band is fully able all popular music genres, from the 50's era to today's hits.  

Chicago OGD has the flexibility to expand beyond its core members and performs with additional musicians if desired.  We also have the flexibility of trio and duo formats that still retain the full rich sound of our larger format.  With our vast repertoire, clients can tailor a show to match their preferences.  Chicago OGD does it all!!!

A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Darryl moved to the Chicago area in 2003.  He has been a vocalist, musician and band-leader for over thirty years with many different bands that have performed in the Midwest.  In Chicago, he has entertained many audiences as lead singer and keyboardist with many area bands.  Darryl brings his hot keyboard chops and soulful vocals to every performance!

Sonja has one of the most versatile voices in the Chicagoland area.  Sonja has been performing for various groups for many years touring with Barry Manilow’s “One Voice Tour”, JoAnn Castle from the “Lawrence Welk show”, The Rick Warren Orchestra, and The Newt Graber Band. Sonja now stays closer to home performing with local bands like The Connexion Band, The Sounds of Soul and other groups doing top-40 dance music for clubs, corporate parties, weddings and special events. 

Guitarist Barry White has won several musical awards for his musical abilities while playing with Speed Limits, a Jazz & Rhythm and Blues band in Ansbach, West Germany. Barry also won several awards and accolades for his participation in the US Army Worlds Finals competition on two occasions.   Barry has opened for such major acts like of Jerald Daemon, Jean Carne with Confirmation, while a member of Just US an award wining Jazz & Variety Band.   Barry has been interviewed on TV and Radio about his musical skills and his musical direction.

Tony Bussone formally starting playing drums when he was 10 years old.  In high school, he studied percussion & performed under the direction of Bruce Mack at the College of Lake County in the Monday Night Jazz Band.  This led to performance & tours with #1 UW Madison Jazz Orchestra in 1988 under the direction of Les Thimmig, then a scholarship for drum set performance at the University of IL at Chicago in the early 90’s.  There he fell under the spell of Edward Petersen and the Chicago Jazz Scene.  Among others he has gigged, shared stages, and recorded with Conte Condoli, Ed Petersen, Ernie Watts, Frank Catalano, Suede Stout, Chris Greene, Michael Hesiak, & Darryl Armistead.  He continues to do freelance jazz and theater work while holding down the drum chair for the Chicago OGD and The Reason Why bands.