The Avenue

The Avenue band is one of Cleveland's hottest and Jerry Bruno's busiest for weddings and all occasion. Fronted by three talented vocalists of varied backgrounds, this band comes with a young, fresh sound that can stylishly perform decades of music.

:: The Singers ::
With a uniquely modern R&B/pop style, Tiffany Marchak has been wooing audiences all over Northeast Ohio since her return from the American Idol Season 2 National Semi-Finals in L.A. She was also a National Semi-Finalist (top 25) for ABC's The One. In addition to winning WKYC's In The Spotlight, she was a Cleveland Idol finalist and has appeared at Pickwick & Frolic, Geauga Lake, and participated in various commercials, corporate videos, and events. When not singing with and acting as band leader for The Avenue, she assists Guinness world record holding magician Rick Smith, Jr.

Geoff Short has become a veteran singer and songwriter who has performed in many musical theater productions, bands and other performing groups over the years. He has written music for radio and television as well as the stage and his jingles and parodies have been heard frequently on Cleveland airwaves. Geoff can often be seen at the area's most popular live theatres, and has been honored with and nominated for many acting awards.

Leigh Peterson began performing professionally at Pickwick & Frolic along with Tiffany. Once named an "Outstanding Jazz Musician" for vocal performance by the IAJE, her proudest moment was appearing live with Neil Young in his musical, Greendale, as an extra dancer. She's also performed as a backup singer for jazz vocalist Helen Welch.


:: The Band ::
Ray Porrello is the former personal drummer of Sammy Davis Jr. Ray toured the world with Sammy and appeared with him on his TV appearances including The Tonight Show, Merv Griffin, and Mike Douglas, as well as on Sammy's own show, Sammy & Company.

L.R. Smith, the former Keyboard player for the Jerry Bruno Orchestra, has performed with noted acts such as Peter Duchin and The Mills Brothers Show. LR can literally play anything--by memory--at the drop of a hat!

Rounding out The Avenue is a great lineup of professional musicians, including Joe Blues on guitar, Bob Kessler on bass, and optionally, The Avenue Horns to kick it up a notch: featuring BJ Bishop on trombone, Chris Vollstadt on sax, and Mark Russo on trumpet.

Above photo by Ken Pagliaro Photography

:: CLIENT COMMENTS ::
"The Avenue were outstanding and made the wedding even more special than we thought. We saw the band at the MetroHealth benefit and the Cleveland Zoo event--In my opinion they are the best band in the Cleveland area, hands down! Thanks so much for making Andrew's and Caitlin's wedding a very special evening!" Sean & Jennifer Boyle (Caitlin Boyle wedding) - Aug. 25, 2012 @ Ritz-Carlton/Cleveland

"The Avenue was fabulous! Music was great for all ages. Geoff was a wonderful MC. The only problem was that we should have gotten a bigger dance floor because everybody danced all night!" Randy Graham - Aug. 18, 2012 @ Silver Grille

"Very talented group....our alumni gave us great feedback! Thank you!" Sharon Rice, Alumni Event - June 9, 2012 @ College of Wooster

"The Avenue was the life of the party and kept the dance floor packed! If anything went wrong, nobody knew it. We got all kinds of compliments on how much fun the band was. Thank you for making our day smooth, special, and a blast!" Jamael (Sadallah) & Nick Szucs - May 26, 2012 @ Akron Art Museum

"They were great, the sound and the choice of music kept everyone dancing all night long. They definitely added to the success of the wedding." Eileen Mone (Kate Mone & Jim Patton) - April 21, 2012 @ Marriott Cleveland Airport

Above photo by New Image Photography

"We would like to thank Geoff and the band The Avenue for playing at our son and daughter in laws wedding at Westwood Country Club on New Years Eve. So many of our guests came up to us at the wedding or called the next day and said that it was the best wedding, the best New Years Eve, and the best band that they have ever heard at a wedding. Every aspect of working with the band was excellent. Geoff provided great guidance that made the flow of the evening work perfectly. The dance floor was filled from the first dance to the last dance at 1:00 am. You guys are the best and we hope you're around for our three other kids' weddings." John & Karen Blackburn (Scott Blackburn & Lauren Pangrace) - Dec. 31, 2011 @ Westwood Country Club

"The Avenue Band was excellent! Our guests really enjoyed the entertainment. Thanks so much for your part in making it one of our most enjoyable holiday parties ever!" Jenny Maskol, Sagequest Corp - Dec. 7, 2011 @ Winking Lizard Bedford Heights

"The Avenue was wonderful- everyone had a great time dancing and everyone complimented me on how great they were!" Valerie Pervo - Oct. 8, 2011 @ Columbus Athletic Club

Above photo by New Image Photography

"Geoff was great! He kept every thing on schedule and the dance floor was packed all night!" Liesle (Nikrant) & Justin Macke - Sept. 24, 2011 @ Marriott Key Center

"Thank you so much to Jerry Bruno productions and The Avenue Band for helping to make our wedding unforgettable! From the time we came to the office to decide what we would book, everyone was very helpful and nice. Our reception was awesome and the dance floor stayed packed the whole night...we wish we would have paid for extra :) Our family and friends are still talking abuot how great everything was- band included! Thanks again!" Michelle & Kevin Sirey - Aug. 13, 2011 @ New Orleans Party Center

"Thank you so much for the wonderful job you did at my daughter's wedding at the Hyatt Old Arcade. I know the size and layout of the venue provided challenges but you handled these challenges masterfully. Your number one task - keeping people on the dance floor - was quite successful as evidenced by the photos and the chants 'One More Set, One More Set!' which occured after your final song. Emily and Jeff could not have been happier! Thank you for making their reception so much fun!!!" Paula Klecka (Emily Klecka wedding) - July 30, 2011 @ Hyatt Regency at the Arcade

"The Avenue is an amazing group. Their talent kept our guests on the dance floor all night long. Thank you for making our daughter's wedding extra special. It has been a pleasure working with Jerry Bruno Productions. From our first meeting to the time the band packed up, everyone was incredibly professional and easy to work with. We will recommend your agency to all of our friends and family. THANK YOU!" Sharon K. Spooner (Hallie Spooner & John Coughlin) - July 9, 2011 @ Ritz-Carlton

"We would like to thank the entire staff and the band for a job well done. The entire staff made our special day that more special." Mark & Ginger Berry - Jun 18, 2011 @ Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Aurora

"The Avenue did an incredible job at our wedding. Geoff was very helpful in all aspects of planning. The band actually arranged and learned two new songs specifically for us, which showed an extremely high level of service and dedication to the client. Most of our guests were musicians and were very impressed with the quality of the band. Thank you, Jerry Bruno Productions!" Donna Dehn & Todd Jelen - June 12, 2011 @ Greystone Hall

"The Avenue was so much fun. They played great music all night long and kept everyone dancing. Geoff was so great to work with in the time leading up to the event. Thank you!" Zach Guren & Lauren Krug - June 11, 2011 @ Manakiki Country Club

"The Avenue was AWESOME!!!! They really made the party and we could not have been happier! I highly recommend them." Sarah Gordon - May 28, 2011 @ Glenmoor Country Club

"The Avenue added a magical note to my son's Engagement/New Years Eve Party. They knocked everyone out with their talent and warmth. I couldn't have asked for a better performance...everything was seamless and tight. They made the gig!! BRAVO!!" Jim Prokell - Dec. 31, 2010 @ Pittsburgh Athletic Association

"The Avenue is an awesome band that is always a hit for any venue." Jane Sardelle, Cole Eye Institute, Holday Party - Dec. 11, 2010 @ the Intercontinental Hotel

"'The Avenue' was excellent! My husband and I couldn't have asked for a better group to perform at our reception. From the beginning of our search for the right band to the end of our party, this group made us feel number one. Thank you so much for working with us and making our night so much fun and so memorable." Abby Hemm - Nov. 6, 2010 @ Piqua Country Club

"The band was so wonderful that no one wanted to go home! The songs were a huge mix for all ages and everyone was up and dancing...even my 90 year old Mom!" Tracy Bellino & Bill Benson - Oct. 23, 2010 @ The Ritz-Carlton Cleveland

"The Avenue completely exceeded our expectations and made our night a night to remember." Christina Axelrod & Rick Mead - Oct. 16, 2010 @ Walden Inn

"The Avenue was excellent!! The dance floor was packed all night!! I would recommend them to anyone!!" Katie Klemenc & Don Swindell - Sept. 25, 2010 @ Pine Ridge Country Club

"Everyone commented on how great The Avenue was! They had the whole place dancing the night away. Thank you for making our wedding reception so fabulous!" Lisa (Grandinetti) & Jason Swoger - Aug. 28, 2010 @ Walden Inn

"They were the highlight of our wedding and had all of our guests raving about how phenomenal they were! They kept the dance floor full all night. They played a variety of music that met the needs of all of all guests. We would highly recommend them to anyone." Robin & Doug Dever - Aug. 7, 2010 @ Embassy Suites Independence

"From beginning to end, The Avenue continued to please their listeners with a very top notch performance. We have booked them for our event four years in a row and they continue to please. You simply cannot go wrong with this band!" Bill Furman, City of Independence - Aug. 6, 2010 @ Independence Home Days

"The Avenue did a great job at our daughter's wedding. From the wedding party introductions to the dinner music to the dance music everything was done professionally and without a hitch. After dinner was completed, they got the place rocking and the dance floor was full all night. We received many favorable comments on the band and the vocalists. Well done and thanks to Geoff and The Avenue for their part in making this a memorable event." Jim Cundey (Joanie Cundey) - July 17, 2010 @ Westwood Country Club

"We are so happy with our choice of bands! They kept the energy high and had people of all ages on the dance floor the entire night." Toni Congeni & Christopher DeAngelo - June 26, 2010 @ Kalahari Water Park, Sundusky

"The Avenue was, without question, exceptional! We had a fun-loving, dancing crowd at our wedding and without the right band the reception could have flopped. Instead, The Avenue kept us going all night, and were extremely professional from start to finish. The song we requested for the mother-son dance sounded better than the original. Thank you, Geoff, and the rest of The Avenue for contributing (in a BIG way) to an amazing wedding recepion!" Mary Clemens & Mike Kokkinen - June 19, 2010 @ Chautauqua Suites, New York

"You guys did an amazing job, people are still commenting about the band. Thank you once again for learning the father/daughter song. I thought it sounded great and I know they were both happy with it. Take care, we'll be sure to use you in the future as well as recommending the band to others." Joel Carney (Lauren Cecconi wedding) - June 5, 2010 @ Brookside Country Club

"As my children would say, 'They rocked!' The Avenue was recommended to us by Amy Hissa. It was the best advice we received. Our guests all commented that the group catered to all ages...and I can tell you our large dance floor was packed all night. We couldn't believe when Last Dance played at midnight. The night flew by. My daughter and son-in-law loved the current songs and I must admit that 'I Need You Now by Lady Antebellum brought the house down." Linda Schwartz (Erin Schwartz-Forehand wedding) - May 15, 2010 @ Ritz-Carlton

"The Avenue was fabulous! My clients were very pleased with the band and felt they exceeded their expectations! Thanks again!" Amy Hissa, At Last Event Planning (Erin Schwartz wedding) - May 15, 2010 @ Ritz-Carlton

"The Avenue is extremely professional and talented - excellent singers, performers and musicians. A 'class act.' Thank you for helping to make our wedding celebration a lovely evening for all!" Virginia (Aimee) Chappelow - May 1, 2010 @ Walden Country Inn & Stables

"The Avenue made our wedding celebration SPECTACULAR! The dance floor was packed the entire night and guests were shouting for more at the end of the evening. The band certainly knew what to do to keep the party going all night. Thanks so much to Geoff and the Avenue for a fabulous performance!" Danielle Donofrio & Jason Job - Oct. 17, 2009 @ Hilton-Fairlawn

"The Avenue was a fantastic band! They kept the guests on the dance floor all night. We have had a million compliments on how much fun people had at our wedding and how fantastic the band was. Geoff and his crew were top notch and even came out onto the dance floor to dance and sing with our guests. We would (and have) recommended The Avenue and Jerry Bruno to all of our friends and family. Thank you to all of The Avenue for helping to make our wedding a blast!" Rebecca (Avram) & Jimmy Ruggles - Oct. 3, 2009 @ Hillbrook Club

"We had the best night of our life and The Avenue was key to whole plan! They kept everyone on the dance floor all night and provided amazing entertainment! The night couldn't have been better and everyone came up to tell us that the band was amazing! Thank you so much for being creative in working with us to find a way to work within our budget and provide an exceptional band. I hope that they also had a fun night and were well taken care of by the staff at The Country Club." Liz Feldman & Alan Gillmore - Sept. 26, 2009 @ The Country Club

"Chris and I wanted to thank you for the wonderful job your whole band did at our wedding. You made the night special and the singing and dancing you provided were above and beyond. I wanted you to know that our guests are still talking about what a wonderful band 'The Avenue' is and how unique and special they made the night. Thank you again for everything, we had a blast." Erin Neumann & Chris Beard - Sept. 12, 2009 @ Marriott Key Center

"WOW, the wedding was a huge sucess due the performance of THE AVENUE. Erin and Chris were dancing all night, along with their friends and family, they LOVED every moment. We have had compliments on the band since we got home. Thank you for making our childrens wedding a memory to cherish. Needless to say they could have danced the night away, we had to ask for more music, and when you left they still hung around. This a a great band with lots of energy and we would recommend them anytime to anyone." Elaine & Michael Neumann (Erin Neumann & Chris Beard) - Sept. 12, 2009 @ Marriott Key Center

"The Avenue was terrific! Our wedding guests loved having a band to dance to and all of the music was perfect for the setting. Thank you so much!" Naomi (Halasz) & Ben Seeley - July 18, 2009 @ The Oaks Lakeside

"EVERYONE at the wedding has emailed, texted, phoned, or told us in person how amazing the music was. Your band surpassed everything we wished for. It was such a good time, and as you could tell, most people did not want to go home. The musicians were amazing, but your voices were unbelievable. Thanks for a magical night that we will never forget." Clara Stanic (Jessica Stanic & Johnathan Sumers) - June 27, 2009 @ Hillbrook Club

Above photo by Genevieve Nisly Photography

"The Avenue kept the party going all night! The energy was high, the guests were dancing and the whole gala was a success! I would recommend The Avenue to anyone planning a gala, a corporate function or a wedding. They are fantastic!" Carla Valyko, Ohio College Of Podiatric Medicine Gala - May 23, 2009 @ Embassy Suites Independence

"The Avenue's performance and professionalizm were far beyond our expecations. People were blown away by their sound, sophistication and stage presence. We have never heard a better band! We had many guests from NJ, NY and Philadelphia, and they were amazed at how great The Avenue was." Marsha Miller - May 24, 2009 @ Hilton-Easton, Columbus

"The Avenue and Jerry Bruno Productions did a fantastic job at making our big day unforgettable! We had numerous compliments and they kept the dance floor moving...always a must! I highly recommend booking them for your event." Kathy (Naso) & Kevin Alberty - May 16, 2009 @ Renaissance

"The Avenue was amazing and kept everyone dancing all night!" MacKensey Powers & David Tollon - May 2, 2009 @ Cleveland Browns Stadium

"From the keyboardist during the cocktail hour to the terrific dinner music and of course the phenomenal entertainment for the remainder of the reception, our guests continue to praise 'The Avenue.' You kept the energy high throughout the evening and even those guests who do not dance were greatly entertained listening to the group. Very few people left the wedding early--a sure tribute to 'The Avenue.' After the final song, several guests were chanting 'encore' hoping for the evening to continue." Jeff and Judy Shafer (Brooke Shafer & Steve Cornell) - April 25, 2009 @ Marriott Key Center

"The Avenue played at our wedding and got the guests dancing all night long. The #1 compliment from our guests was regarding how fantastic the band is. Everyone enjoyed the night from cocktails to the reception. We had them play our first dance song and it was sung and played perfectly. The memories created by a live band are priceless. We are so happy we chose The Avenue. The band was professional, fun to watch, and the musicians not only sounded great but looked amazing." Tina Hanna & Chris Seink - Oct. 17, 2008 @ Wyndham Cleveland

"Highly energetic, smooth, professional band. Kept our wedding reception hopping." Zeev Friedman (Father of Laurie Friedman) - Aug. 31, 2008 @ Marriott Cleveland East

"Geoff was great. In the midst of much chaos, he really kept the evening going in the right direction and helped us stay on schedule. We've had quite a few compliments from our friends and families about the band. Kudos to them for delivering such a great performance." Monica Fry & Griffin Ralson - Aug. 30, 2008 @ The Club - Key Center

"Our guests can't stop talking about how much they loved the band. They felt inspired to dance like never before. Thank you for your professionalism." Sharon Thomas - July 19, 2008 @ Inter-Continental

"We were extremely pleased. I will definitely call you again!" Kim Ross; Brian Ross' High School Graduation Party - June 21, 2008 in Courtland, OH

"We can't thank you enough!!! Everyone was on the dance floor ALL night---old and young alike. You truly helped make our wedding a memorable event. Everyone is still complimenting the 'AWESOME' band!!" Kristen (Campbell) & Michael Funovitz - May 10, 2008 @ Butler Country Club, PA

“The Avenue was great! Their energy and talent were exactly what we wanted to make our party a SMASH!” Tina Goodman & Clint Lucas – Dec. 22, 2007 @ The Venue, Smith Bros. Warehouse in Columbus

"They were amazing!! We had a packed dance floor all night and people were actually stomping and screaming 'one more song!' by the end of the night. We could not have asked for a better band. Thank you so much, we have people asking us all the time what band we used, and we are passing around your info every chance we get!" Kate (Hageman) Abraham - Aug. 25, 2007 @ Windows on the River

"THE AVENUE ROCKED THE HOUSE!!! I am getting rave reviews on the performance. Thanks to all." Christopher Maduri, SVP/Market Manager, CBS Radio-Cleveland (Areal Maduri wedding) - Aug. 5, 2007 @ Bertram Inn

"The Avenue was super terrific. Professional and fun! Their great sound enticed young and old, even the teens to the dance floor. We'll want them again." Charlene Armenti, Home Days Entertainment Co-Chairman - Aug 3, 2007 @ Independence Home Days

"I am very glad we booked through Jerry Bruno Productions; they were prompt, reliable and a pleasure to work with. The Avenue was the best I've heard at a wedding!" Mark Carson & Rebekah Lee - July 21, 2007 @ Signature of Solon

"The Avenue exceeded all our expectations. It has been almost two weeks since the wedding and guests are still raving about the band at our wedding. Thank you for everything. You will definitely be in our plans for future functions." Heather Corso & Jeff Valus - June 30, 2007 @ Myers University Club

"Guests shared with us, 'they were the best band they had ever heard - very danceable and terrific musicians.'" Patti Null (Alexandria Null) - June 23, 2007 @ Hillbrook Club

"They played all the songs we requested perfectly, as well as many others. Our guests filled the dance floor all night!" Liz Normand & Steve Fowler - June 16, 2007 @ Carranor Club in Perrysburg, OH

"Such great musical talent and gifts, but just as important so customer service oriented and genuinely focused on providing a special atmosphere for family and guests. We'll show the Avenue contact info every opportunity we get." Deborah Normand (Liz Normand & Steve Fowler) - June 16, 2007 @ Carranor Club

"The Avenue did an excellent job at our daughter's wedding. The dance floor was always full; played music that was fun and great for ALL guests. Very professional; very classy." Susan (Kristen Hujarski & Paul Hadden) - June 9, 2007 @ Shaker CC

"We loved this band. Will use again!" Kathy Huckabee, Fairlawn Country Club President's Ball - June 2, 2007

"The Avenue is truly an exciting, fun and talented band that I would recommend for any event. They bring a lot of energy and sophistication and they helped make our Gala Benefit the best one yet." Mark Syroney, Director of Institutional Advancement, Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine - May 26, 2007 @ Sammy's at Legacy Village

"We just wanted to thank you for putting on such a great performance at our wedding. We received many compliments on the band and had lots of fun dancing!" Christy (Shumaker) & Greg Zydyk - May 5, 2007 @ Walden Country Inn & Stables

"What a great party band! They started off strong and kept the energy going all night long." Jennifer Atkins, Chagrin Valley Women's Leauge - April 21, 2007 @ Signature of Solon

"Oh, you guys were great! I was told that this was the first time in 20 years that the guests stayed and danced past 9:30!!! Thank you so much, I must say that you guys made our function a success!" Patricia Bragg - EMH Medical Center Auxiliary Fund Raiser Ball - Nov. 4, 2006 @ Elyria C.C.

"WOW – we were really happy with the way things turned out...it’s a real testament to the fun atmosphere that you guys helped create that there were still 100 people on the dance floor at the end of the night." Meredith Paige & Jason Kroot - Oct. 21, 2006 @ Fairlawn C.C.

"Your band did a great job at the Paige/Kroot wedding. It surely looked like everyone was having a good time and lots of dancing!! Thanks so much. All the dancing is proof that the guests are liking it!!" - Isabelle Gordon, wedding planner

 

 

 

 

Live Videos
New 2011 Demo! click here to view on YouTube
"Best of My Love" click here to view
"Boogie Shoes" click here to view
"One Fine Day" click here to view
"Vision of Love" click here to view
"Lady Marmalade" click here to view
"Ain't Too Proud To Beg " click here to view

Song List

View The Avenue's Song List in PDF File