Since its beginning in 2003, Uptown has been an ongoing musical collaboration and friendship between Monica Barden, Mike Barden, and Bill Jordan. Mike and Monica are married, and live in Waupaca with their two children; Bill lives in Stevens Point with his wife Gina and their three children.
Before 2003, Mike and Monica had worked together musically--as had Mike and Bill--but not the three together. Then, a jazz duo between Mike and Bill began a conversation about starting a group with all three that could incorporate Mike and Bill's jazz background, Monica's R&B influences, and the appreciation all three had for jazz-influenced pop music. An idea was developed, and a band was born.
Uptown started their performing career playing at the Casa Loma in Marshfield, but rapidly expanded to include other venues such as the Deja Vu and the Seasons in Appleton, the City Grill in Wausau, the Clark Place in Stevens Point and the Starlight Lounge in LaCrosse.
As Uptown's set list became more established, they felt they were ready to record their debut CD, Coverage, made up of the band's "cover" versions of a variety of songs, ranging from pop to R&B to jazz. Coverage was released in 2005, was well-received by fans, and continues to sell in digital format all around the world through distributors such as iTunes.
After the release of Coverage, Uptown continued to develop its sound and its reputation as a quality ensemble, performing at private parties, corporate events such as The Noel Group's company-wide summer celebration, festivals such as Stevens Point's Riverfront Rendezvous and Wausau's Festival of the Arts, and venues such as The Velvet Room in Milwaukee, Sentryworld's "Jazz on the Patio"--even a standing-ovation performance at the exclusive Fox Note jazz club.
Uptown continues to grow as an ensemble, meeting and exceeding the expectations of their fans. The latest live shows reveal a stronger and more developed ensemble, and an even more distinctive "Uptown sound". Also, another CD is in the works, so stay posted!
