Mike Jarosz was born and raised in north New Jersey and moved to Philadelphia in 1997 to attend college. Mike holds a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies and a Bachelors degree in Trumpet Performance from the University of the Arts. During his time as an aspiring musician, Mike established connections and relationships with many talented musicians in Philadelphia. These connections, in addition to his reputation of a talented and well respected musician, later helped him choose the top talent for his band, Elevation.
Mike Jarosz, Bandleader of Philly Wedding Band Elevation
About Elevation Bandleader, Mike Jarosz
After graduating college, Mike spent a decade performing and recording with some of the most well known pop artists in the world, in addition to performing with local Philadelphia bands and musicians. In 2003 he had the rare opportunity to tour with trumpet legend Maynard Ferguson. In 2004, Mike was invited to play trumpet with the house band at T.S.O.P. in the Atlantic City Tropicana, performing 2 shows 7 nights a week for several months. He again had the opportunity to connect with some very talented professionals from his field.
In 2005, Mike Jarosz was one of five trumpet players in the nation selected to attend the prestigious Henry Mancini Institute in Los Angeles, CA. Mike established close relationships with professional musicians in the LA recording and performing industry. In September of 2005, Mike and his soon to be wife Elena, embarked on a joint venture combining Elena’s business and marketing background with Mike’s music connections and experience. Soon after, Elevation band was born.
Learn More About Philly Bandleader, Mike Jarosz
In the following year, while building Elevation, Mike Jarosz continued to perform with pop artists. He had the privilege to play trumpet at Aretha Franklin’s birthday party in Detroit. He also performed with LL Cool J at the Essence Festival in Houston, TX as well as a VH1 performance in New York. Mike’s friendship with LL Cool J’s music director led to more work with LL. He not only recorded on, but also composed music for his album “Exit 13.”
When the album was being recorded, LL’s producer asked Mike to find him the best musicians in Philadelphia to record on many of the album’s tracks. Having full confidence in the new Elevation band, Mike asked them to perform and the record was a huge success. Mike’s experience with LL Cool J transcended onto perfecting the Elevation showmanship.
More About Philly Bandleader, Mike Jarosz
Other works by Mike include arranging a song for Jennifer Lopez, which she later sang along with at Mark Antony’s 40th birthday party; writing music for and playing trumpet on Celine Dion’s “Taking Chances” album; recording trumpet on Beyonce’s “A Woman Like Me” song; recording trumpet on R. Kelly’s “Happy People” album; recording trumpet on Will Smith’s “Lost & Found” album; recording trumpet on the “Love Train: The Sound of Philadelphia Live In Concert” DVD filmed live at the Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ; performed with Los Lonely Boys at the 2008 Farm Aid concert.
All throughout having these amazing experiences, Mike continued to strengthen and perfect the Elevation band and its position within the Philadelphia wedding and private event market. Mike enjoys outstanding relationships with many caterers and event planners in the Tri-state area.
Mike currently resides in Haddon Township, NJ with his wife Elena and daughter Sofia.
Lea Davis, Co-Bandleader of Elevation
Lea Davis is a Philadelphia based performer that began her career at age 15. Lea started singing with local cover bands at the early age of 15 and has since been one of the most in demand vocalists in the Philadelphia area.
Lea was born and raised in Philadelphia and attended Girard Academic Music Program where she got her start in musical theatre. A few notable roles were Princess Fiona in Shrek, Rizzo in Grease, and Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof. During this time, she also had the opportunity to work with R&B artist Al Jarreau and experience master classes with many touring Broadway performers. She doubled as a student and working musician during her last few years of
schooling.
Lea continued her performance career out of school, getting to travel the world for many years with private event groups based in the Tri-State area. She has experience working in original bands and duos which helped develop her understanding of multiple genres and styles. In addition to performing on stage, Lea has her hands in independent film work both as an actress and vocalist, lending her voice to film soundtracks. She is currently teaching vocal/performance lessons to children remotely in the Philadelphia area.
Book Philly Wedding Band, Elevation
With two seasoned Philadelphia event musicians leading the experienced luxury wedding band, Elevation, your special event will be nothing short of extraordinary. Mike Jarosz and Lea Davis bring years of entertainment and event experience to your special day, leaving your only worry to be how much fun you had on the dance floor!
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