Skip to main content
Weddings
x10 Award winner
Award winner thanks to recommendations from couples on WeddingWire.com.
  • 2026
  • 2024
  • 2023
  • 2022
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • 2019
  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016

Chicago Catz

Reception Music
Cocktail Hour Music
Ceremony Music
Music During Breaks
Nick
Scott
Mike
Carol
K

Recommended by 100% of couples

What is the story behind Chicago Catz?

Bring legendary energy to your big day with The Chicago Catz, a premier wedding band delivering authentic live music across the Chicagoland area. With a 30-year track record of headlining high-profile events and rocking Chicago’s top venues, these expert musicians specialize in keeping crowds on their feet.

Their massive, versatile song list covers everything from classic jazz and soulful R&B to hip-hop and high-octane disco. The Chicago Catz fully customizes the soundtrack to match your vision, whether you prefer the romantic, intimate tones of a violin, guitar, and keyboard for the ceremony, or the big, bold sound of a full horn section with trumpet and trombone for the reception. From the rehearsal dinner to the last dance, they are dedicated to giving you the unforgettable celebration you deserve.

Features

Black-owned

Links

Visit website

What is included in Chicago Catz's packages?

Which of the following are included in your wedding reception music package?

Ceremony Music
Learning New Songs
Lighting
MC
Music During Breaks
Reception Music
Sound/PA System
Travel Expenses

Which of the following are included in your popular wedding package?

Learning New Songs
Sound/PA System

Are you an agency or a band?

Band

How many musicians are in your band(s)?

7+

What genres of music does (do) your band(s) play?

Blues
Funk
Jazz
Motown
Oldies
R&B / Soul
Reggae
Rock

What music services do you provide?

Instrumentals
Ceremony Music
Cocktail Hour Music
MC
Reception Music
Music During Breaks
Rehearsal Dinner Music
Vocals
Liability Insurance
Willing to Travel

What items are available?

Lighting
Microphones
Sound/PA System
illustration question

Any other questions?

Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!

What are real couples saying about their experience with Chicago Catz in reviews?

This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

Powered by AI

Chicago Catz are an energetic, highly professional wedding band that consistently kept dance floors packed with polished, engaging performances. They covered ceremony, cocktail, dinner and reception music, learned special requests, and communicated clearly throughout planning. Reviewers highly recommend them.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Chicago Catz are an energetic, highly professional wedding band that consistently kept dance floors packed with polished, engaging performances. They covered ceremony, cocktail, dinner and reception music, learned special requests, and communicated clearly throughout planning. Reviewers highly recommend them.

Nick
Nick Sent on 01/01/2026
5 out of 5 rating

The Chicago Catz made our wedding great!

I was beyond thrilled when the Catz told me they were free for our wedding (they book up fast!). Their reputation precedes them and I can confirm they are an amazingly talented band. Additionally, it was so nice working with Richie who was prompt in communication and always willing to answer all our questions. As a seasoned professional, he knew how to make sure our wedding reception ran smoothly. He even took extra time to work with my brother ahead of the big day so we could play Greek music during the band break and had back up CD versions of our playlist made just in case the aux cord failed us. The night went off without any technical difficulties and the dance floor stayed full & lively. Would highly recommend.
K
Kevin Sent on 11/07/2026
5 out of 5 rating

The Chicago Catz — An Exemplar of Musical Excellence and Professionalism.


I have had the privilege of knowing the Chicago Catz from a rather unique perspective. As the band’s lead audio engineer, I have worked closely with these extraordinarily talented musicians and have come to regard them not merely as professional colleagues, but as dear friends. Consequently, when the occasion arose to select entertainment for our own wedding, the decision required very little deliberation.

Having spent decades in the professional audio and entertainment industry, I have developed a profound appreciation for the distinction between competent performers and truly exceptional practitioners of their craft. The Chicago Catz reside unequivocally in the latter category.

Their collective musicianship is extraordinary. Individually, these are consummate professionals possessing remarkable technical proficiency and artistic sensibility. Collectively, they demonstrate a musical cohesion, interpretive sophistication, and command of their audience that is exceedingly rare. Their ability to navigate an expansive repertoire while maintaining an authentic musical character is a testament to both their individual talents and the considerable discipline underlying their performances.

Equally noteworthy is the professionalism that permeates every aspect of their operation. Richie Davis and his colleagues are exemplars of what a truly professional practitioner should provide: meticulous preparation, thoughtful communication, gracious accommodation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. They understand that the responsibility of an entertainment professional extends well beyond the stage. It encompasses an appreciation for the significance of the occasion, the expectations of the client, and the subtle art of elevating an experience without ever becoming an intrusion upon it.

Our wedding afforded me the uncommon pleasure of experiencing their artistry from the other side of the mixing console. The performance was nothing short of magnificent. Beyond the exceptional music was something considerably more meaningful: the unmistakable generosity of spirit with which these individuals approached our celebration. Their contribution was not simply entertainment; it became an integral part of an occasion we will cherish for the remainder of our lives.

I recognize that my friendship with these musicians might reasonably invite some skepticism concerning my objectivity. I would suggest precisely the opposite. My familiarity with their work provides an unusually informed basis for evaluating their abilities, their character, and their commitment to the people who entrust them with life’s most important celebrations.

The Chicago Catz have my unequivocal professional endorsement and, perhaps more importantly, my deepest personal gratitude. They represent the standard against which others in this profession ought to be measured.

To Richie and the entire Chicago Catz family: thank you for the extraordinary music, the friendship, and the privilege of having you share in our wedding day.
Scott
Scott Sent on 11/07/2026
5 out of 5 rating

11/10 no notes.

The Chicago Catz were phenomenal! As a musician myself, I was particularly picky about choosing the right band for our wedding, and they knocked it out of the park.

Richie, the bandleader, was a pleasure to work with. He was communicative, helpful, and flexible throughout the planning process, and incredibly generous with his time. He went above and beyond to accommodate our requests, and his attention to detail made the entire experience seamless.

The band itself was outstanding. Every musician was talented and professional, the energy was infectious, and the music was nonstop fun from beginning to end. They struck the perfect balance between musical proficiency and knowing how to entertain a room full of people. The dance floor was packed all night.

One of the highlights for me was getting to sit in and play a few songs with the band. They made the whole experience feel effortless, welcomed me right into the mix, and elevated what was already a special night into something I’ll never forget.

We couldn’t have asked for a better band for our wedding, and we’d hire them again in a heartbeat!
Mike
Mike Sent on 11/01/2026
5 out of 5 rating

Incredible Performance!

They were absolutely amazing and played a huge role in making our wedding day unforgettable. From the moment they started playing, the atmosphere was electric - the dance floor was packed all night long. The energy, professionalism, and talent they brought to our celebration exceeded every expectation!!

One of the most special moments of the evening was our first dance. The band performed At Last by Etta James, and we were completely swept away by their incredible talent. It was beautiful, emotional, and truly magical. We received so many compliments from our guests about how fantastic the band was throughout the night - worth every penny. Thanks Chicago Catz!
G
Grace Sent on 10/28/2026
5 out of 5 rating

The best band experience!

We loved the Chicago Catz! We came in with a small preference list of songs and trusted their expertise in the variety. They did an outstanding job of reading the vibe room, bringing a high energy and even learning new songs for the special dances. We watched a number of wedding bands at our venue and The Catz were truly the best. Thank you for making our wedding reception so much fun! 
Carol
Carol Sent on 10/27/2026
5 out of 5 rating

Chicago Catz - Unforgettable!

If you have the opportunity to hire The Chicago Catz, do not hesitate for ANY REASON! This band was absolutely incredible, and I cannot tell you how many guests were still talking about them weeks after our daughter's wedding. They truly surpassed our expectations in every way, including value.

Before the wedding, Richie communicated with the bride and groom numerous times about their song choices (and what to avoid!). He even called a few days before the wedding just to check in, a personal and appreciated touch we did not expect.

From assisting with sound for the ceremony to providing a jazz trio during cocktail hour and a quartet during dinner, everything was executed beautifully from start to finish. And then came the reception! The dance floor was packed the ENTIRE evening, and every musician and vocalist was, quite honestly, flawless.

There were so many wonderful parts of our daughter's wedding, but The Chicago Catz brought it all to life. We will never forget their incredible energy, professionalism, talent, and genuine kindness. They were truly one of the highlights of an unforgettable evening!
A
A. Dulin Sent on 10/26/2026
5 out of 5 rating

A perfect night

My daughter had a clear idea of what she wanted her wedding reception to be like. Her number one priority was to have a great band that kept everyone dancing the whole evening. The Catz provided exactly that. In addition, Richie could not be easier to work with, so there was zero stress arranging the event. Weeks later, I continue to get compliments from our guests about the band.
K
Kate Sent on 10/25/2026
5 out of 5 rating

Best Band Ever

We are so glad we hired Chicago Catz for our wedding. Richie and team were super professional, talented, and know how to make sure everyone in the crowd is having a blast. We had the best time, I was sad when it ended!
N
Nick Sent on 11/06/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Best vocals, vibe, and musicality in all of Chicago (no joke)

Wow...WOw...WOW!!! That's what comes to mind when thinking of how amazing the Chicago Catz were at our wedding in September '25.

Working with them was one of the absolute highlights of our wedding. From the very beginning, the communication with Richie was outstanding — he responded quickly to every text and email and made everything so easy. Richie even came to our venue walk-through in person, asked all the right questions, and made sure every technical and logistical detail was covered before the big day. His professionalism and attention to detail immediately put us at ease. One of the most meaningful moments of our entire night was our first dance. The band learned a song that my late uncle wrote and recorded over 30 years ago — a song called All Ways. We only had one old recording, no sheet music, yet they somehow brought it to life in the most beautiful way imaginable. The Chicago Catz added their own personal touches while still honoring the original, and it was absolutely magical. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room — our family and friends were all in tears. It was a moment we’ll never forget. Beyond that, the band’s musicality and stage presence were just incredible. Every member of The Chicago Catz brought so much energy and talent to the stage — the vocals, harmonies, and instrumentals were flawless. They kept the dance floor packed all night long and had this amazing ability to read the crowd and keep the energy perfect. Their performance felt personal and electric, like a concert made just for us. We also loved how flexible and fun they were — they even performed a few ABBA songs at our request that weren’t originally on their setlist, and they completely nailed them. Between their professionalism, talent, and genuine warmth, The Chicago Catz were everything we could’ve hoped for and more. Our wedding wouldn’t have been the same without them. THANK YOU!!!!
P
Patti Sent on 11/05/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Best band you’ll ever find!

The Chicago Catz bring their enthusiasm, expertise and outstanding musicianship to every moment of the party, from the first note to the last.
The dance floor was packed all night long and no one wanted the evening to end.
Richie was so easy to work with and I was confident going into the evening that everything was going to be perfect and it was.
10/10 Five stars. The BEST
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

What awards has Chicago Catz won?

107
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2026 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2024 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2021 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
illustration message review

You've seen what other couples are saying

Share what you're looking for and see if it's the right fit for you.

Who is the team behind Chicago Catz?

Richie Davis
Richie Davis
President

Do wedding professionals recommend Chicago Catz? Which ones?

The Ivy Room
4.9 out of 5 rating , 45 reviews
· Banquet Halls

Where is Chicago Catz based?

Location

Why use Weddingwire to message vendors?

  • Messaging our verified vendors on WeddingWire is complimentary, safe, and secure.
  • Effortlessly manage vendor communications and planning details in one centralized location.
  • Our mobile apps ensure you can stay connected with vendors anytime, anywhere.
  • For customized pricing and package information, messaging the vendor directly is the quickest way to get the details you need.
View next Wedding Bands

Other vendors in Chicago for your wedding

Wedding Vendors

Responds within 24 hours