"Again, thanks for a great show, Kenny and I loved it. Your CDs are wonderful"
— Charlene Renner,Director of Sales and Marketing - Bloomington/Monroe County Convention Center "Hi Lesley, thank YOU for driving all the way down to Bloomington for our little gig. It was certainly most fun - some of my students were there and told me how they enjoyed the evening. It's so wonderful to work with someone as swinging and solid as you."
— Monika Herzig, Musician
"Hi Lesley, I just wanted to thank you and your band again for a great performance. I have received so many compliments on the entertainment selection for the event last night. It was sooooo nice to meet you and I look forward to working with you again on our Summer Concerts. Happy Holidays!"
— Jessica Strattard,City of Highland Park "Lesley, you folks were absolutely amazing. You provided a performance this Inn has not seen in decades. I will be working with Loren to bring you folks back when in the area again. Thank you for such a great show.
— Fred Strackhouse, Owner, Stockton Inn, Stockton, NJ
"Thank you, Lesley. The kids sounded great yesterday. You are just wonderful with the kids. We could not have found a better mentor, director, teacher for them. Thank you!"
— Donna Birney,Director of Communications, First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest "...you were spectacular on Friday and we would definitely like to have you back in the future!! Thanks for all your work on the Phantom songs; they sounded so sweet and were a nice ending for our evening. Thanks again for everything!
— Liz Palm, Lake Forest College
"I listened to your CDs this weekend -- including Christmas ;-D -- and LOVED them! You are incredibly talented. I got even MORE excited about your performing at our event Oct. 6 and opportunities for our students to meet you!"
— Barb Dietrich Boose, JO'83, GR'90Director of Alumni and Parent Programs, Drake University "Hi Lesley, Thank you for sending me a schedule. I am looking forward to seeing you again soon. I absolutely love listening and dancing to your music!!
— Chelli, new fan, Chicago 7/07
"You are a dream to work with, and your music kicks butt!! I hope to have you out here again for another gig."
— Caryn CarbonaroDenver, CO swing dance club president 8/07 "...Thank YOU for always being so professional and such a pleasure to work with. I know the Art Institute staff and guests really love you!"
— Denise McGowan, booking agent, Art Institute, Chicago 8/07
"Hello Lesley. Arigato (Thank You) for sending me the photo! It's good memory to remind of you and your singing. That was really nice live and I could enjoy a lot. I also enjoyed your CD's too. Hope to see you again. Matane (see you)."
— KaoruFan from Y & Y Club in Nara, Japan, 3/07 "Thanks Lesley...you were fabulous! Everybody loved you and the guys. Maybe you would like to play for us again next year or even at our 2007 Christmas Party?"
— Ian, President, Brookfield Jazz Society 2/07
"Thank You, Lesley. Everyone I spoke with enjoyed your program (tribute to Connee Boswell and Mildred Bailey) - even the camera peole and the sound techs."
— Christorpher Popa, Chicago Public Library, 3/07 "Lesley - Everyone loved the music & I had so many comments that it was so upbeat, easy to listen to, and we could actually carry on a conversation while you played. We did have a record-breaking evening and it was so much fun, to boot! Thanks for being such a valuable addition to the evening and also for being such a pleasure to work with. Hope we can do something together again soon!"
— Janis Smith, Boys & Girls Club of Lake County 3/07
"I caught you folks in Madison (Jazz at Five) last night. Super show! I know outdoor gigs are never really easy but I thought it was an outstanding concert. Please come back soon!"
— Wayne Corey, 8/18/05 "Thank you for a fantastic musical performance yesterday! You did a great job pulling it all together."
— Karen Sorenson, UW-Parkside Music Department 2/07
"Thank you so much for a great night!! It was wonderful"
— Brenda Kogan, bride, 5/06 "Thanks Lesley! It was really great having you at our wedding. We got so many comments about how good the band was. I think it made the reception much more unique and special to have live music rather than just a DJ."
— Scott Mikula, groom, 6/30/05
"Thanks, Lesley, you were terrific!"
— Maureen Blaha, Executive Director, Natioanl Runaway Swtichboard, 11/8/05 "We really enjoyed your show (in Lake Geneva, WI). Your band is extremely talented!! Maybe we can catch you again whenever we are in Chicago."
— Maggie Lambi, 8/1/05
"The music at our wedding reception was amazing and lots of people commented on how much they liked you. Thank you very much!"
— Erik Garnett, groom, 7/05 "Dear Lesley, thank you again for Friday night. You and your band are terrific and everyone enjoyed it immensely. We will recommend you to anyone who asks! Thanks again!"
— Jill Wilker, TheatreDreams - The Chicago Theatre, 4/04
"It's been 2 1/2 months since our wedding and we're STILL getting compliments on you and the band!"
— Rick & Vicki Kwarciany, bride & groom, 9/6/04 "Lesley, How can I thank you enough for your tremendous performance at the Bohemian Hall in Cleveland? What a wonderful night. All your promo stuff says you can work a room, but that was really unbelievable. We definitely have to bring you back here soon. Was that the first time you ever danced with the cook? Thank you again for the best time in a long time around here!"
— Johnny Favorite, President, Radio King Productions
"Lesley is a vivacious and talented vocalist who has one of the strongest and most appealing female voices around. She has managed to recruit a group of the very best players...simply fabulous performers. Their snazzy arrangements of vintage gems are upbeat, danceable and extremely entertaining."
— Grace Moore, Grace Moore Associates, 7/13/01 "Lesley Byers and the Jazz Cats had the place swingin' from 8pm on. Thank you Lesley and Jazz Cats. Please put us on your come-back list whenever you're this way again - Ithaca LOVES you!! -And there are some fellows here who will never be the same....- Thank you, too to Peter Chwazik, an incredible Ithaca bass player who filled in at the last minute. You were awesome!"
— Iska Ziver, Ithaca Swing Dance Network
"We hired Lesley's band to play at our wedding because of her range, artistry and band leadership."
— Julie N., Bride "I was on holiday in Chicago and had the good fortune to catch your session at Grant Park on the 14th. I just have to tell you how much I enjoyed it. To hear some of the oldies you sang was indeed a real treat. As an ex-session musician, it was good to hear the youngsters in the group interpreting them as they did. I bought the CD and my pals hear in Manchester, UK are really knocked out with it. So Lesley, thanks for the best music I heard in Chicago."
— Ken Leyland, Manchester, UK 7/28/01
"We had a great time and you are welcome back anytime. Your energy made Tuesday one of our best nights ever!"
— Bill Perno, Swing Dance Long Island "Sunday at Maxwell's we had a great time because of the upfront and personal performance of Lesley Byers & The Jazz Cats. They came from Chicago and stole our hearts."
— Earl Hicks, Earl of Swing 11/5/01
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"Lesley, thanks for helping to make the wedding so wonderful. And, don't forget about the Iron Horse in Northampton, MA. I think you'd be a bit hit there if you're ever out this way. I'll bring all my friends! Best, Kathy Mellen (Gretchen's mom)"
— Kathy Mellen, Mother of the bride, 8/23/05
"The Windy City swing-style singer is loaded with charisma and upbeat repertoire."
— The Capitol Times, Madison, WI, 8/05 "Lesley, Thank you for doing such a great job at our fundraiser at the National Runaway Switchboard. Everyone was so impressed and excited to hear that you were returning next year."
— Brenda Courim, 11/21/05
"How can I say this.....? YOU RULE! I love you! You are awesome and I can not express enough how much of an amazing wonderful night I had. You are the sweetest most awesomest person in the world. everyone loved you. my mom RAVED about you. you are charming and entertaining, and fantastic.
Another compliment that I heard that was new to me, was that people loved you because you didn't blast them out. Apparently a lot of wedding bands play so loud you can't talk and you have to leave the room just to have a conversation. People loved that were able to stay in the room and have a conversation and STILL be able to listen to music and not miss anything.
I adore you!"
— Tracy Hogan, Bride, 9/1/05 "I just want to say thanks for a great experience! It was wonderful to meet you and I hope to work with you again."
— Buzz, sound engineer and president, Audio For The Arts, Madison, WI, 8/23/05
"Dear Lesley, we got a ton of complements on how great the band was at out wedding, and our only regret is that we didn't have time to dance much. You and the guys looked like you were having such a great time and it was infectious. It just set the mood for the whole event. Thanks again!"
— Vicki & Rick, bride & groom, 6/21/04 "My Dad saw you at the Illinois Center building downtown today. He called me raving about you and suggested I check you out for my wedding. You should know my Dad rarely picks up the phone if it's not working hours, so the fact that he called me in the evening to rave about you, well...you must be something else."
— Sarah P., referring to a 7/11/01 outdoor performance
"Lesley Byers & The Jazz Cats are FANTASTIC! I had the pleasure of seeing them for the first time today and I loved every minute of it. Lesley belongs on stage...what an amazing voice!! Go see them whenever you have the chance."
— Cheri T., 7/11/01 "What a pleasure to listen to you this evening. I was working the tent next door
and you made the evening wonderful."
— Linda, Pride of The Fox River Fest 6/01
"Thank you so much for coming to Minneapolis to play for us. Here's the feedback, THEY LOVED YOU! We'd DEFINITELY like to have you back!"
— Cindy Gardner, TC Swing 11/4/02 "Lesley, what can I say, I'm in love with your voice."
— Todd Parquette, Fan
"Not only does Lesley sparkle on stage and connect with her audience, she steps off stage and says hello and thank you to nearly everyone in the room. She's amazing."
— Stephanie, Fan referring to a 12/00 show at Boulevard Swing Club "Lesley Byers is a brunette belter with a powerful, clear voice that can be so sweet on ballads and then take the paint off the walls on a stomper...she reminded me of New Orleans hot jazz singer Banu Gibson at her best."
— Dave Hager, Kalamazoo Gazette 1/99
"Lesley, you are amazing! Boy, can you work a room...and a true professional."
— Sam Schmidt, Michelle's Ballroom, Chicago 6/01 "Lesley - Everyone loved you at the wedding! Thank YOU so much for being a part of our day! We were so thrilled with the music...my friend Amy
is getting married next year and they are interested in having you guys as the band. How can we blame them! Thank you again! All the best!"
— Steph & Bob, 6/03
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