Perry Simmons – The Entertainer. A Chicago Native, who attended Elmhurst College, where he received a BA in Music and Jazz Studies.  He's been singing professionally in the Chicago-land area for over 20 years. Perry is currently working on a couple of new music project venture; the debut of his group , “The Perry Simmons Jazz Ensemble”, a five member ensemble that includes, pianist, bassist, guitar player and drummer and Perry Simmons on vocals.  He also sings and writes/ arranges background vocals for Mister E. Machine: a local Chicago indi rock band.

 

In 2012 Perry completed his first music video under the direction of Brandon Vejseli of Enez Productions  and Steve Maxey of  Maxey Media Works entitle “Not By You” music and lyrics written by Peter Kallstorm. In addition, Perry has performed in various shows including The Lord of the Rings Concert at Chicago’s Roosevelt University Auditorium Theater, conducted by Academy Award winning composer Howard Shore and Carl Orff’s; Carmina Burana with the Elmhurst Symphony Chorus & Orchestra at Ravinia Music Festival. He’s also made television appearances on ABC Channel 7's Oprah Winfrey Show, Rosie O’Donnell Show, Windy City Live Morning Talk show, WGN Morning Show, and local cable television’s; The Pat Shaffer Show.  

 

He’s been a part of a number of award winning ensembles and choruses including Late Night Blues Vocal Jazz Ensemble (Chicago IL), A Cooler Climate Vocal Jazz Ensemble (Milan, Italy), The Chicago Mass Gospel Choir (Chicago IL) and this fall he is celebrating his 11th season as a member of Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus.  Perry loves to use his talent and dedicate his time volunteering for lgbt youth organizations such as Pride Café, The Soul Children of Chicago, the Chicago youth chorus and Illinois Safe Schools Alliance.

 

“If singing makes you saintly, Simmons is half way to beatification."

-Lawrence Bommer
CFP theater editor
CHICAGO FREE PRESS