The core group is John Tashjian (piano, vocals), Jim Tashjian (guitar/bass, vocals), and Pete Tashjian (drums, vocals). Brothers that grew up on the Beatles, studied the likes of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, and have listened to everything from Nirvana to Nusrat. Add in the gorgeous vocal stylings of Leslie Beukelman with bass player Martin Stonikas and the band is complete! Their eclectic style and song-list helps to cater to a young party crowd as well as more distinguished settings. Available as a trio or a larger ensemble, MIXTAPE aims to invoke a “can’t wait to see what comes next” reaction from the audience. They comfortable in all different settings, whether a midday celebration or a late-night party. And they are willing to learn any request with enough notice. Add in a BeatMix DJ and horns to really have a non stop dance party!
(leader, rapper, vocals, keyboard)
John Tashjian’s musical talent is on full display with MIXTAPE. Whether he’s singing, rapping, playing keys, or doing all three, John is an electric presence on stage. After graduating from Augustana College, John returned to the Chicago where he continues to play, perform, and write and performing with his brothers, Jim and Pete. John is a favorite at his other stomping ground, Howl at the Moon Chicago, entertaining locals and tourists when not performing with MIXTAPE.
(guitar, bass, vocals)
Jim Tashjian is the guitarist’s guitarist. His broad experience allows MIXTAPE to flourish on stage. Jim studied jazz and contemporary music as well as classical guitar at the Chicago College of Performing Arts. In college, he had the opportunity to perform with great jazz artists like Paul Wertico and Wynton Marsalis. In 2009, Jim was featured in the film Public Enemies starring Johnny Depp, backing up jazz superstar Dianna Krall. He is involved in a number of original music projects including District 97; a progressive hard rock band, Miss Remember; an indy rock band that performs his original songs, and a trio he leads with bassist Matt Ulery and drummer Jon Deitemyer. Additionally, Jim is an active freelance musician and teacher.
(drums, vocals)
Pete Tashjian is the bedrock of MIXTAPE as his drumming gets the crowd on its feet and dancing. As an active member of the Chicago music scene, Pete has performed with a variety of groups across a range of styles, including Miss Remember, the Goran Ivanovic Trio, Matt Ulery, and Marquis Hill (2014 Thelonious Monk Competition Winner). Since 2010, Pete has been involved in El Sistema US and music education for social change, working with the Tuned-In Program (Peabody Institute) and ORCHkids (Baltimore Symphony Orchestra) in Baltimore and the YOURS Project in Chicago. Pete currently leads a bucket band program at SHIFT: Englewood on the south side of Chicago.
(vocals)
Leslie Beukelman’s eclectic vocal flair makes her perfect for MIXTAPE Whether baring heart and soul her with singer/songwriter band Brite Lite, bathed in red light in the corner of a bar with her girl trio The Oh Yeahs, rocking out with indie-rock-grunge group Miss Remember, belting out standards with an 18 piece swing band, or adorning a full length gown serenading the newlyweds and their friends in one of the historic ballrooms of Chicago, Leslie loves what she does and it shows. Leslie grew up in the small town of Sandwich, Illinois and soon moved to Chicago to earn her degree in Jazz Voice/Jazz Studies at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Since then, she has been a first call singer for a variety of groups and studio sessions around the world, in addition to being an active local performer and educator.
Originally from Kansas City, MO, Brad has loved music since the tender age of 2. He started obsessing about concerts at the age of 7, when his dad took him to a concert featuring Brooks & Dunn and Reba McEntire. Brad was in many bands growing up and discovered that playing instruments was not necessarily his forte, but he had an ear for making people sound good. Over the years, Brad has worked with a number of artists behind the scenes, from Post Malone to Lionel Richie. Nowadays, he’ll always catch a show from Coheed and Cambria, Underoath, Brand New, and Senses Fail whenever he can. As Production Manager at BeatMix Music, he makes every single musician and every single performance sound exceptional. Outside of the office, you can find Brad on the golf course staying under par.
Tammy is more than an office manager, she is the glue that keeps BeatMix Music together. A Chicagoland native, Tammy is the BeatMix Music gatekeeper. She is the kind voice clients first hear when calling the office and the initial one to respond to inquiries. She has an amazing ability to juggle multiple tasks at one time, yet still finds ways to keep everyone and everything organized and balanced. Tammy thrives on creativity and fits right in with our diverse crew. Her top 3 live performances so far have been Richard Marx, Jason Mraz, and Sarah McLachlan. When not on Facebook, you can find Tammy hanging out with her family and friends, giving back to multiple organizations that are close to her heart, and drinking a fair amount of Diet Coke.
Mike hails from the state of Cal-i-for-ni-yay and has been involved in the music industry since the age of 16. After working his first wedding at the Standard Club in Chicago, he quickly realized how integrated music is in every moment of a couple’s celebration. Mike has dedicated his career to understanding all particulars of an event, while maintaining an open ear to his clients, to meld a harmonious flow of the event. As Director of Sales & Logistics at BeatMix Music, he oversees the details of every event, behind the scenes. He is a favorite with clients and BeatMix Music bandleaders because of his authenticity and compassion. Mike ensures that the client’s musical vision is accomplished and that all elements of each performance are meticulously planned and executed. Days off are rare for Mike, but when he is not helping to make memories for his clients, he is out fishing.
A native New Yorker, Becca moved to Chicago to attend Northwestern University’s renowned theatre program. Beginning her career as one of the most sought-after jingle writers/session vocalists in Chicago, Becca quickly expanded her talents to producing musical showcases and albums, providing commercial voice overs, and becoming a wedding expert featured on TV and radio—including her own radio show “I Do, I Do” on 105.9fm, WCKG. Becca has been leading her own society band, BKO, for the past twelve years and eight years ago, launched BeatMix Music, hoping to match every client with an unparalleled music experience. Becca has appeared on stage with performers such as Lily Tomlin, Brooke Shields, Phoebe Snow, Tony Roberts, and Ellen Burstyn and a few years ago was a spotlight performer in the Broadway Chicago Concert in Millennium Park singing for over 19,000 people. She is also in the feature film Scrooge & Marley, appearing as a comedic cabaret singer. And, should you wonder where her hometown loyalties reside—she has sung the National Anthem for both the world-champion Chicago Bulls and her forever-losing New York Knicks. Becca feels privileged to have a life and career in music.