Over the years, several great musicians have been a part of the Uptown sound, including drummers such as Dave Kies, Chris Wills, and Ryan Korb, and bassists such as Cully Swanson and Catalin Rotaru.  Still, Uptown's musical core has always been its founding members Monica Barden, Mike Barden, and Bill Jordan.  To learn more about Monica, Mike, and Bill, read on...

"Monica is an inspiration!  Her voice reaches for its limits and her heart reaches for her passions...Monica is real." -Janet Planet

Uptown's lead vocalist, Monica Barden, is already known to thousands for her strong, warm vocal tone and and her soulful, passionate way of crafting a song.  She began performing at age six, and has found her musical influences in soul and jazz artists such as Aretha Franklin, Steely Dan, Jane Monheit, and Jamiroquai. She has performed all across the Wisconsin, having shared the stage with Janet Planet, Tim Dorsey, gospel vocalist Kenneth L. Daniel, Sr. and contemporary Christian artist Aracely.  In addition to singing with Uptown, she is also a songwriter and solo artist under the name MonicaBe, having released a CD of her original songs, entitled "Broken Pieces".  To email Monica, click here.

"Mike has blown my mind...he is one of those few breed of 'Scary' talented individuals...'Uber-Competance'" -Tim Dorsey

On keyboard is Mike Barden, known for his abundant technical skills, free-wheeling improvisations, and a big, full sound.  As a professional pianist, he plays regularly, both with Uptown, and as a freelance perfomer. Over his professional career, which began when he was just thirteen years old, he has worked with the Neville Brothers, Joe Piscopo's SNL reunion show featuring Victoria Jackson and Father Guido Sarducci, Joan Rivers, Maynard Ferguson, Greg Koch, Janet Planet, Tom Theabo, Tom Washatka, and Tim Dorsey, among others.  Mike also owns and operates Chain-O-Lakes Recording studio, in which he produced Uptown's "Coverage" CD, as well as four of his own solo releases, all of which are available on CD Baby.  To email Mike, click here.

"Take a lesson in funk and taste from saxophonist Bill Jordan...his superb tenor solos are a dynamic ride that will bring to mind the best of any live jazz you've heard." -Andy Nelson

Bill Jordan's warm tone, impeccable musicianship and improvistory skills have made him the tenor saxophonist of choice--not only for Uptown, but for many other bands and artists throughout Wisconsin.  Equally adept at providing rhythmic puncuation, countermelodies to Monica's vocals, or full-out instrumental solos, Bill brings a wealth of talent and experience to the Uptown sound.  Over the course of his performing career, he has performed with acts such as funk band Section 8, jazz artist Janet Macklin, and reggae band Unity; he has also shared the stage with artists such as Michael Brecker, Red Rodney, Bill Evans, Charlie Hayden and Carl Allen. To email Bill, click here.