The Gold Coast Orchestra is one of Chicago's most exciting party bands electrifying audiences since 1987. Playing approximately 125 events annually they perform for weddings, corporate parties, national and state associations, conventions and galas. We have 3,000 satisfied clients to prove it!

Dave "DJ" Dougherty is a very dynamic singer/musician/performer, who leads this very talented organization with an enthusiasm which is felt by every member of the Orchestra, as well as your guests. All the musicians in Chicago know DJ's incredible skills on keyboard, his ability to read an audience, and make any event...SPECTACULAR! The Gold Coast Orchestra will electrify your guests playing Big Band, Motown, R & B, Rock N' Roll, and Contemporary Hits!

The Gold Coast Orchestra ranges in size from 7 - 15 pieces! As a 9 piece, the fun begins with 2 dynamic singers up front, who are terrific vocalists, but also outstanding performers! Three of the musicians are also wonderful singers, which gives The Gold Coast Orchestra tremendous vocal power. Also, with 5 singers, every vocal performance can be reminiscent of the original artists. All selections are then seasoned with rich background harmonies to create that full, authentic, professional sound!

When The Gold Coast Orchestra was formed, we looked for multi-talented musicians who love to perform and give it 100% every night. There is a difference! When your guests see a band playing at a very high level, interacting with the crowd, that enthusiasm becomes contagious. The Gold Coast Orchestra has an outstanding horn section from 3 to 6 horns, and a tight rhythm section of keyboards, bass, drums, & guitar. Six of these musicians have been playing together since 1987!

Having played 3,000 events, The Gold Coast Orchestra has performed in almost every hotel, convention center, private club and banquet facility in the metro Chicago Area. As a result, many of the special event directors at these facilities recommend The Gold Coast Orchestra to their various clients, which is a very strong endorsement!

Check our credentials in about the band >>

Recent Kudos & Compliments...

McGinnis Wedding – Chicago Cultural Center

Scheffler Wedding – The Four Seasons

The Tuffy Wedding – The Renaissance Hotel

Thank you for playing at our wedding! You were all incredible! We have received lots of compliments on the reception, but most of them were about the band. You were professional and made the reception run smoothly. It was obvious our guests enjoyed you since so many of them were dancing. We loved how you did our first dance and the cake cutting ceremony. One of our favorite parts of the night was the way you introduced us with the music, we were so surprised and overwhelmed. Thanks you for making our wedding truly unforgettable. We would gladly refer you to anyone!

Black Tie Gala – The Penninsula

I am writing this letter today to express my extreme gratitude for your help with finding such a fabulous orchestra for our recent gala. I have never experienced such tremendous accolades from everyone attending the gala as well as receiving numerous phone calls from other physicians and administrative departments at the hospital who have already heard about the fantastic orchestra we had, and are hoping to obtain them for their events. It is my hope that if we continue to have a gala, in the future that only one band be considered, namely The Gold Coast Orchestra, because I see no reason to even consider that someone else would do such a magnificent job!