The Avenue

Photo by Genevieve Nisly Photography

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. Most recently, she was 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.

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. When not with The Avenue, she appears as "Heartbeat" with The ReBeats British Invasion Tribute band. Once named an "Outstanding Jazz Musician" for vocal performance by the IAJE, her proudest moment was appearing live with Neil Young in Greendale as an extra dancer.


:: 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 Ian Indorf on trumpet.

:: CLIENT COMMENTS ::

"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

Above photo by Genevieve Nisly Photography

"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

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Song List

View The Avenue's Sample Song List in PDF File

Above photos by www.CirinoPhoto.com


Above photo by New Image Photography


Above Photo by Genevieve Nisly Photography

Above photos by Grand Lubell Photography