Cy's Bio 
(a work in progress)

Music has always been an important part of my life.
I sang in the church when I was very young.
Attempted cello trumpet and drums through grade school.
I finally found the guitar in HS along with my "changed" voice.
Did the singer strummer thing during the first couple years of college.

Enter the choir.
A life changing experience (thanks Dr Burswald and John Luziak) caused me to switch schools and major in music.
As a  guitarist I  along with all the other non band orchestra instrumental majors had to be in choir.
I was sold. 
I ended up studying conducting, founded the Mt Prospect Community Choir and ultimately earned a teaching certificate.
Developed an excellent middle school choir program in Lake Bluff IL from 84 to 91. In 1992 I moved to the newly combined Waukegan HS and laid the ground work for their choir program from 92-95.
In addition to teaching full time I also did choir clinics, judged contests, Directed Musicals, got married, had two wonderful children, went back to school and earned a MA in Music, played in a couple of "weekend warrior" bands, and helped start "The Bog Theatre" on my home town of Des Plaines IL.

Next Stop Richmond VA.

My better half’s job took us to Richmond VA.
With two young children I became stay home dad.
Started Playing with the band Solid Gold Fish Bowl.
Stayed with them for two very enjoyable years.
We produced a CD, opened for Los Lobos, and regularly played at many of the larger venues in Richmond. 
I also started an acoustic band called "Down To Earth" with John Walls and Amy Henderson, a great acoustic trio. We played a few shows and then Amy moved to Boston; end of band.
During this time I also started a home based musicians rental service called www.AffordableAudio.com 

After fishbowl I played with the Boucan Brothers, a southern rock band, that in 3 years played two state fairs and opened for Mark Wills at Innsbrook. 
Also played with Scott Haskins in the "Scott & Cy" duo.
Started another "DownTo Earth" type band Called CBJR.
Cy Taggart  Bobby Jorgenson John Leedes and Rod Hyner.
This was in my opinion a "super group", unfortunately we all played in multiple bands and booking became near impossible.

Then I worked with Bobby Jorgensen and Chip Farnsworth in an electric trio called "Blind Carbon Copy" (Bobby Chip and Cy) this ultimately became the basis for the Chicago Cy Band. I still like the "Blind Carbon Copy" name. 

Enter Chicago Cy

Bubba Boucan of the Boucan Bothers would introduce me 
"From Chicago Cy Taggart".
The name stuck.
Chicago Cy started playing solo shows in 2003, including an opening spot for Paul Rishell and Annie Raines a national touring blues act.

I soon added drums and then bass to complete the "Chicago Cy Band". 
In 2004 Chicago Cy / Chicago Cy Band played over 140 shows. 
Chicago Cy "solo" played restaurants country clubs private parties and also opened for the national blues artist Ernie Hawkins. 
In addition to the many club and private dates the Chicago Cy Band played at the "Rolling on the River" Harley Party, got the call to open for 38 Special at Innsbrook and for the Kings of Swing at the July 4^th festival in Chesterfield. 
2004 was a great year we continued Jive in 05 with over 100 shows including an opening spot for Deborah Coleman at "Swingin' on the Tracks".

The Band was "up in the mix in 06" with a new line up.
Tim Stanton on bass /Vocal & Tom Lenahan on Drums /Vocal.
With the addition of these fine players who after 2 years are still putting up with me.  
I decided it was time to go into the studio. 
In Sept of 2007 we released the CD "It's Alright" through Digitone Records.
Click below to purchase
 

The song "Peace In Our Time" is still charting on Neil Young's website.
Click below to listen and help move it up the chart.  

Also in 07 I became a Board member of The Richmond Blues Society.
I am heading up the "Blues In The Schools" Program.
I am excited about getting into the classroom again.

In '08 we recorded the tracks for a new disk titled
"Beet The Meetles"
And have been chosen to appear on 
"The Music Seen"

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