About Encore 33
A legacy of live music excellence, reimagined for today’s most memorable events.
Our Story
The Story Behind Encore 33
Encore 33 carries forward a rich musical tradition built on experience, versatility, and a deep respect for live performance.
Encore 33 setting the tone with dynamic live music and crowd-focused performances.
Encore 33 traces its roots to Orchestra 33, a Chicago-based band known for delivering high-quality, sophisticated live music for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations. Founded by Dave Farley, Orchestra 33 built its reputation on musical excellence, professionalism, and an ability to connect with audiences of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large-scale events.
The band’s journey began as the exclusive in-house entertainment at the legendary Rupert’s 33 Club in suburban Chicago, where Orchestra 33 performed five nights a week for five memorable years. That residency earned widespread recognition from both fans and music critics, helping inspire the opening of similar Rupert’s clubs in cities such as Minneapolis, Atlanta, and St. Louis. As demand grew, Orchestra 33 expanded beyond the club scene, performing at hundreds of venues and events across the country and abroad.
Dave Farley, Orchestra 33 Founder
Today, Encore 33 represents the next chapter of that story. Built on the same foundation of musical integrity and crowd-focused performance, Encore 33 blends contemporary hits with timeless classics to create an energetic, polished experience tailored to each event. Dave Farley remains closely connected to the band as a bassist, emcee, and trusted advisor, ensuring that the values, standards, and spirit that defined Orchestra 33 continue to shape Encore 33’s performances. Today, Encore 33 is owned and led by 2 core band members: Evan Rea and Pamela Rose. They are proud to continue the legacy of Orchestra 33, bringing a new fresh new name but keeping all the classic elements that has made this great band so legendary.
Encore 33 is more than a name change. It is a continuation of a legacy — refined, modernized, and ready to create unforgettable moments on today’s stages. By honoring where the band came from while evolving how it shows up today, Encore 33 bridges tradition and innovation with intention. Every performance reflects a commitment to excellence that has been decades in the making.
Our Band
The Artists of Encore 33
Each member of Encore 33 is a seasoned performer, bringing talent, professionalism, and personality to every stage.
Pamela Rose
co-owner & vocalist
Rich Perez
vocalist
Chris Miller
vocalist
Hanna Samawi
vocalist
Evan Rea
co-owner, music director/arranger, keyboard
David Farley
bass, founder of Orchestra 33
Grant Cramer
trumpet, flugelhorn
David Polk
tenor saxophone/flute
Barbara Farley
violin
Scot Ashley
guitar
Tom Hipskind
drums
David Lopez
audio engineer
Garen Hudson
audio engineer
Barbara Farley
violin
Barb Farley is a freelance violinist working as a solo and orchestral instrumentalist in the Chicago area and beyond. She has performed back stage with the Chicago Lyric Opera, onstage with the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic and is a founding member of The Orchestra 33, now known as Encore 33.
Barb is Coordinator of the Preparatory Division at Wheaton College’s accredited Community School of the Arts teaching violin and viola. She enjoys playing all different styles of music and making the audience feel like dancing!
coming soon!Chris Miller
vocalist
THE MUSICIAN
Chris maintains a busy performance schedule as a guitar player and vocalist. Currently he sings with Chicago's own Encore 33 and is a frequent solo acoustic performer throughout Chicagoland. He also enjoys collaboration as a guitarist and vocalist in a number of other projects with his many musician friends throughout the country.
In 2025, Miller was inducted into the South Dakota Rock and Rollers Hall of Fame as a former member of Spooncat. One of the highlights of his career was performing alongside Bob Schieffer (CBS Face the Nation) and premiering some original compositions written by the famous journalist in 2006. Mr. Miller has opened or performed with the likes of Filter, Fastball, Kenny Rogers, Point of Grace, Williams and Ree, Warrant, Danny Hein and the Fabulous Flippers, Black Oak Arkansas, Head East, The Little River Band, George Clinton and the P-Funk All- Stars, Mitch Ryder, Bobby Vinton, The Buckinghams, Big and Rich, Joan Jett and Rick Springfield.
THE EDUCATOR
Chris Miller is in his 19th year as a High School Vocal Music Director. He is the Head Vocal Director at Wheaton Warrenville South High School in Wheaton, IL where he directs the JV Choir, Varsity Choir, Chamber Singers, The Tiger Jazz Band, and the nationally recognized Classics Show Choir. He also teaches Music Technology and Rock and Roll History. From 2020-2024, Miller served as the District 9 Senior Chorus Representative for ILMEA, working with a statewide committee to coordinate the District and All State events. Chris received a Wheaton CUSD 200 Distinguished Educator Award in 2018. In 2013, he was nominated for the Grammy Music Educator Award and was selected as one of 217 quarter finalists from a field of over 30,000 nominees. In 2011, Mr. Miller was selected as the National FAME Aspire “Best New Director” Award.
He is active as an adjudicator for regional and national show choir festivals and has conducted regional choral festivals. His first years of teaching were spent in Mitchell, SD where Miller directed the worldwide phenomenon known as Friend De Coup. While in SD, Mr. Miller served as the Choral Chair for SDHSAA where he organized and managed the 1000-plus voice All-State Chorus for 3 years. Chris received his undergraduate BFA in Music Education from the University of South Dakota and an MA in Educational Policy and Administration from Dakota Wesleyan University. He's married to his amazing wife Mindy (just celebrated 23rd anniversary in June of 2025) and together they have two children Madison (Music Ed Major-Elmhurst University) and Owen (History/Psychology Education Major-Illinois State University).
David Polk
tenor saxophone/flute
David Polk is a Chicago born & bred professional saxophonist, studying with Chicago legends Joe Daly & Hobart Grimes. David has played the solo tenor chair for the incomparable Encore 33 (formally Orchestra 33) entertainment group the last 34 years.
David continues to freelance, teach and pursue his original music, check out davidpolk.com and David Polk Project on Youtube!
David Lopez
audio engineer
David Lopez is a musician and professional audio engineer with years of experience working in live sound, studio recording, and private events. He has worked extensively with bands and artists across a variety of genres, providing reliable, polished sound for weddings, concerts, and special events.
In addition to live audio, David is involved in music production and mixing projects, and continues to pursue his own creative and collaborative musical endeavors. Known for his calm demeanor and attention to detail, he takes pride in supporting performers and helping events run smoothly from a technical standpoint.
David Farley
bass, founder of Orchestra 33
Dave Farley is the founder of the legendary Orchestra 33, which is known for delivering high-quality, sophisticated live music for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations. Orchestra 33 built its reputation on musical excellence, professionalism, and an ability to connect with audiences of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large-scale events.
After 38 years at the helm as creator, band leader, and 'director of everything else' at Orchestra 33 Entertainment, Dave has stepped into a more laid back role at Encore 33 as bass player and lawn-chair consultant - Manhattan in hand.
Evan Rea
co-owner, music director/arranger, keyboard
Evan Rea is an accomplished pianist/keyboardist in the Chicago area. He has played keyboards full-time with Encore 33 since 1992. He was the keyboardist/associate conductor for Billy Elliot in Chicago. Also, from 2003 to 2008 he was the Music Director for American Girl Theater.
Broadway In Chicago credits include the full run of Wicked, Big Fish, Mama Mia, Hairspray, A Chorus Line, and most recently, Hamilton. Artists he has played for include Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, Martin Short, as well as many others. He is also a Chicago-area talent scout for Cirque Du Soleil. In addition to his performing career, he maintains a private piano studio, instructing over 50 students per week.
Hanna Samawi
vocalist
Hanna Samawi is the Choir Director at Lincoln-Way East High School, where she conducts four choirs, produces the Madrigal program, and stage directs the musical productions. A proud alumna of East, she returned to the community that shaped her as a student. Her first directed production, The Phantom of the Opera, received a nomination from the Broadway In Chicago Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards in 2024. Last year, Hadestown was honored with the Best Production award. Hanna earned her degree in Vocal Music Education from New York University.
While at NYU, she performed in mainstage productions, toured internationally with the NYU Jazz Choir, and appeared annually on Good Morning America. In 2023 Hanna received her Master’s Degree from Roosevelt University in Performing Arts Administration. Hanna has been singing for as long as she can remember and is thrilled to share the stage with the talented musicians of Encore 33. She remains deeply committed to creating meaningful musical experiences for young performers, both on stage and in the classroom.
Grant Cramer
trumpet, flugelhorn
As with other Encore 33 bandmates, Grant’s music opportunities in Chicago began as an alumni and lead trumpet for the Emmy Award winning NIU Jazz Ensemble; the Ruperts 33 Club Orchestra & Late Nite Band; and dedicated member of Orchestra 33.
Grant and his wife, Carol, live in Lake Zurich where they raised five kids including their eldest son, Michael, that works alongside his dad as a sound tech.
Pamela Rose
co-owner and vocalist
Pamela Rose Bucheit is an accomplished vocalist, musician, event producer, voice instructor, and dancer. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree (with Honors) in Music Business from Elmhurst College.
As an AFTRA/SAG vocalist, National and Regional commercial credits include: Ethan Allen, Old El Paso, McDonalds, Pledge “Grab It” among dozens of others, as well as popular video games such as “You Don’t Know Jack” and “NBA Hangtime.” Pamela has shared the stage and/or recorded with several major artists as well as toured across the globe to Germany, Japan, Greenland and England. Pamela taught private voice at Adlai E. Stevenson High School for 20 years, as well as performed at many popular Chicago dinner theaters including the well-known Tommy Guns Garage. She has performed globally with the popular a cappella singing group “The Sound” and she was also a featured performer at one of Chicago’s Premier Cigar/Martini lounges “The Green Orchid Lounge” at the Bismarck Hotel.
She has been the lead female vocalist for many bands since college and has sung with The Orchestra 33 (now Encore 33) since 1997. Pamela also started her own country band in 2010 called Pamela Rose and Windy City Country, which won “Chicago’s Best Country Western Band in 2014” at the Chicago Music Awards. In 1998, Pamela also became the co-founder and managing principal for Mystique Productions (www.MystiqueProductions.com) which continues to lead the Chicago corporate event scene in high-level corporate entertainment. She also often sings with the popular Steely Dan tribute band Deacon Blues. She is married to her corporate magician/emcee husband Tim and they share a beautiful daughter Samantha (along with 4 furry, feathered and aquatic pets).
coming soon!Rich Perez
vocalist
Rich Perez, known as “El Chameleon,” is a versatile vocalist with a remarkable talent for adapting his voice to embody the styles of various artists. His musical journey began in his childhood, bouncing between Chicago and Miami before settling in Peotone, IL. It was there that he formed his first band, Detour, which gained recognition by winning Ed McMahon’s “Next Big Star.” This victory paved the way for an original music career that includes the release of three full-length albums.
With a knack for captivating large audiences—sometimes up to 30,000—Rich has shared the stage with renowned artists such as George Clinton, Bad Company, Foghat, Foreigner, The Gin Blossoms, Joe Nichols, and Alex Lingerwood from Santana. He currently showcases his talents as a professional singer with Encore 33, a corporate band that evolved from the celebrated Orchestra 33, with whom he performed for many years.
Rich also records vocals for a professional jingle house and a record company, and he tours globally as the lead vocalist for Creedence Revived, the world’s premier tribute band celebrating the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival. (www.creedencerevived.com)
In 2010, he had the honor of performing for three-time Grammy Award winner Pink, who praised him as an “insanely great singer.”
His musical influences span a wide range, including legends like Pink Floyd, John Fogerty, Led Zeppelin, Elvis, The Beatles, and Johnny Cash. Rich excels in multiple genres, showcasing his versatility in Rock, Alternative, Progressive, Salsa, R&B, and Country.
Tom Hipskind
drums
Tom Hipskind received his undergraduate degree in jazz performance at Northern Illinois University, where he played with the NIU Jazz Ensemble and accompanied many jazz legends, before doing graduate work at DePaul University and taking residence in the Chicago area. He has performed, recorded and toured extensively with many artists, such as Howard Levy, Kenny Werner, Patricia Barber, Fred Simon, Kimo Williams’ Kimotion, Heather Headley, Gary Sinise’s Lt. Dan Band, John Elmquist's HardArt Groop, Aaron McEvers' M13 and many others.
Tom is a highly-regarded studio musician, having recorded on dozens of TV and radio commercials, film soundtracks, and record dates. Over the years, Tom has found a home in Broadway-style pit orchestras, performing on Chicago-based productions of “The Lion King”, “Shrek”, “Dirty Dancing”, "West Side Story" and "The Book Of Mormon". He spent over three years playing the drum part on the Chicago production of the Broadway smash hit "Hamilton". From 2004 to 2017, Tom was adjunct faculty in the music department at Columbia College Chicago, teaching private lessons and classes. He keeps an active teaching and recording schedule out of his home studio. Tom plays Sabian cymbals and Vic Firth drumsticks exclusively.