Minneapolis Public Schools

A veteran of theaters, clubs, ballrooms and cabarets Raymond’s work spans nearly every musical style and format, but he is best known for his work in Music Theater.

You’ve probably heard him and not even known it!

Often tucked into the darkened orchestra pit at the Ordway Center, Raymond has been involved with over 34 shows on site, serving in varying capacities as Music Director, Conductor, Arranger and Performer. His arrangements have been published by both Music Theatre International and Rodgers and Hammerstein groups, featuring vocal charts for Forever Plaid- Plaid Tidings and the Andrew Sisters musical Sisters of Swing. His years as a jingle writer included a wide array of clients ranging from McDonald’s and Target to Volvo, Perkins and more. A recipient of two Ivey Awards as Best Music Director (Love, Janis Ordway and Urinetown Jungle Theater) Raymond is known for his fabulous piano accompaniment.

JENNIFER ECKES is a life-long Minnesotan who has been singing professionally for over two decades as a soloist in jazz/pop concerts and cabaret shows, as well as in countless theatrical productions, from operas to rock musicals. A versatile vocalist, she has enjoyed musical revue and solo opportunities at Twin Cities venues including the Ordway Center, Bloomington Center for the Arts, Hastings Arts Center, Hanifl Performing Arts Center, Phipps Center for the Arts, Bryant-Lake Bowl, Honey Lounge, Crooners, Nicollet Island Inn, and the MetroNOME. Often touted by reviewers for her “strong, lovely voice” and an “engaging gift for song”, Jennifer loves performing contemporary music and Great American Songbook standards alike. Eckes holds a B.A. in Vocal Performance from Luther College, was twice a fellow of the Cabaret Conference at Yale, and is a founding member of the Twin Cities Cabaret Artists Network. You can find and follow her on YouTube (Jennifer Eckes), Facebook (Jennifer Eckes, vocalist), and on Instagram (@jennifer_eckes_sings).

A youngster named Jamie Alexander made his recording debut, singing a few lines on FRANK SINATRA'S WATERTOWN album, produced by Bob Gaudio of The Four Seasons. Shortly after that, he headed to Los Angeles to make a series of masters at the legendary Gold Star Studios, home of The Righteous Brothers, The Ronettes, and Darlene Love. This started a musical career that took Jamie Alexander, now James A. Rocco, to The Kennedy Center, Théâtre Du Châtelet, tours with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Larry Coryell, and The Duke Ellington Orchestra. In between singing gigs, Rocco starred on Broadway in CATS, all over the USA in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and he holds the distinction of being the first man to play The Witch in INTO THE WOODS. Behind the scenes, he has directed over 200 productions, including THE WIZARD OF OZ with Eartha Kitt and Mickey Rooney and a re-envisioned stage adaptation of SINIGIN' IN THE RAIN. He is the co-creator of the cult hit, NITE CLUB CONFIDENTIAL and the creator of THE SONGBOOK EXPERIENCE live and virtual "Edu"-tainments that tell the stories behind the songs that have become the soundtrack to your life. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rer7ixUf9pM) In 2012, his single, AND THE NIGHT STOOD, STILL hit the FMQB Top 40, followed by the EP, COLD ENUF 4 U?. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNlCUweti8M), Jamie sings the role of Sloan on the Angel/Nonesuch recording of George and Ira Gershwin's STRIKE UP THE BAND, conducted by John Maceri and can also be heard on the Painted Smiles Revisited Series singing Rodger's and Hart, Harold Arlen, Cole Porter, and Everyone Else! as well as numerous soundtracks, jingles, and pop recordings.