​The Players features Keith Howland and Jeff Coffey,

2 former members of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame band “Chicago”

and their allstar band, along with a kickin' horn section!

 

Keith Howland served as lead guitarist and occasional lead vocalist with Chicago for 27 years and was the longest tenured guitarist in the band’s history. Several highlights during that time include, performing at the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll HOF, playing for several Presidents, and writing/arranging and recording on many of the bands albums. Also, a bonus of working with such a legendary act, he got to tour and in many cases perform with acts such as, The Doobie Bros, REO Speedwagon, Hall & Oates, Huey Lewis, EWF, and Crosby, Stills, and Nash just to name a few. Keith has also worked with Rick Springfield, Patty Smyth, Olivia Newton John, and jazz saxophonist Warren Hill.

 

Jeff Coffey, bassist and tenor vocalist extraordinaire, who replaced Jason Scheff in 2016. Effortlessly singing all those great Peter Cetera hits that everyone knows and loves, made him a perfect fit to carry on the legacy of one of the greatest voices in rock history.  His immediate impact on the band was profound as he brought an energy and talent that was undeniable to anyone who saw the band during his tenure. One diehard fan described listening to Jeff as “easy” and “comfortable” and feeling that “he never struggled with those infamous Cetera high notes!” Jeff has also performed with Don Felder (formerly of The Eagles) and Brian Howe (formerly of Bad Company) and has recorded with the likes of Gino Vannelli and many others.  He has also topped the FMQB radio charts as a solo artist.

 

One of the brightest spots of Keith and Jeff’s time with the band was sharing the stage with the great Earth, Wind, and Fire on a sold out arena tour where both bands would share the stage for a 6 song encore that always brought the house down! A 3 night sold out 4th of July weekend at the infamous Hollywood Bowl featuring the LA Philharmonic stands out as a magical event never to be forgotten.

 

Keith and Jeff, who had become fast friends during their time together with Chicago, decided to form a new band and call it
“The Players” which brings a blend of classic Chicago hits, grooving Earth Wind and Fire tunes, as well as a few choice favorites from that same era, “Rosanna” by the great Toto being one example.

 

Rob Arthur has been the band leader, keyboardist and vocalist for RRHOF artist Peter Frampton for over 20 years.  He also currently plays with Kenny Loggins.  His past credits include Chicago, Don Felder, Leann Rimes, Joan Osborne and Five For Fighting.  He is also an accomplished film maker and is the director of the new Peter Frampton documentary coming out on streaming channels in 2026.

 

Ed Toth has been playing drums nearly his whole life. He first came onto the scene in 1996 as a member of Vertical Horizon.  With VH he played on 3 albums and one DVD.  They scored a multi-platinum smash hit in 2000 with the album, “Everything You Want”.  The title track reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and follow up single “You’re A God” reached the Top 10.  The band went on to win 3 Billboard Music Awards.  The follow up album “Go” was released in 2003.  In 2005, Ed joined the legendary RRHOF band Doobie Brothers.  He plays on the “Live At The Beacon Theater” recording and DVD.  Ed has also played on several albums for a variety of artists including Harriet Street, Cooper and Button.

 

“The Players” deliver on every level. One very important fact to point out is that this is most definitely NOT a “tribute” band. This is 2 former members of the “real deal” Chicago, bringing you the songs and the energy you would expect at this level of musicianship and experience.

 

Finally, “The Players” bring with it many relationships with other great artists/musicians so you never know who might show up and join in the fun!

 

Available for public shows, private parties, and corporate events. We also offer a power trio version, “The Howland/Coffey Trio” that brings similar material but with a larger catalogue of 70’s and 80’s classic rock.

 

We look forward to seeing you on the happy highway of Rock and Roll soon…..🤘

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For booking:

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