Lisa McClowry is an internationally touring stage performer and recording artist, and the creator of The Beat Goes On. Offstage, she bears little resemblance to Cher — making her onstage transformation especially compelling. Becoming Cher is a two-hour process blending makeup, movement, acting, and vocal performance, shaped by years of professional training and experience.

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A classically trained soprano, Lisa brings vocal precision, emotional depth, and authenticity to Cher’s iconic contralto sound. Rather than imitation, her performance honors the music while creating a genuine emotional connection with audiences.

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Lisa has been a professional performer since the age of 15 and wrote her first award-winning song at just seven years old. Her voice and music have been featured in major motion pictures, television, and national radio campaigns. Her recording career includes multiple original albums spanning contemporary, acoustic, and crossover styles.

Her theatrical credits include leading roles such as Eliza Doolittle (My Fair Lady), Maria (The Sound of Music), Sarah Brown (Guys and Dolls), and the dramatic role of Madge in Picnic. Her training spans singing, acting, comedy, and improvisation, including study at Second City Chicago. She holds a degree from Columbia College Chicago and received a scholarship to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

With more than 30 years as a professional performer, Lisa continues to tour internationally, creating what she calls “bonding moments” — shared experiences where music, storytelling, and memory meet.

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She is also the creator of A Very Cher-y Christmas, a seasonal theatrical concert celebrating Cher’s music through a festive holiday lens.

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When she’s not on stage, Lisa enjoys quiet walks in nature, gardening, and spending time with her husband Perry, her dog Huey, and the people she loves. She lives by a simple motto: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”

With a passion for music ignited at the age of 8, he began a professional journey at 16. Armed with an Associates Of The Arts Degree from College Of DuPage and a Degree in Music Education/Jazz Performance from Roosevelt University’s Chicago Music College, he embarked on a full-time career in music.

Currently performing with The Beat Goes On, Jim Peterik and World Stage, Cornerstones Of Rock, One Of These Nights, Pride Of Lions, and more, he’s a sought-after session guitarist and backup vocalist in Chicago. His studio work includes collaborations with Jim Peterik, Jimi Jamison, Lisa McClowry, Dennis DeYoung, Brian Wilson, Kelly Keagy, and numerous independent artists.

A versatile musician, he lends his talents to jingle sessions and is recognized for his work in commercials for K&N, Case International, and John Deere. Notable collaborations include performances with Jim Peterik, Cornerstones Of Rock, Steve Cropper, James Burton, and various iconic artists such as John Waite, Johnny VanZant, Mark Farner, and more. His musical journey encompasses a rich tapestry of experiences and collaborations. Outside of music, Mike is all about classic cars and warm weather.

Veteran Chicago-area Rock drummer played
and recorded with Epic Recording Artists The Insiders (Top 10 AOR hit Ghost On The Beach), Cathy Richardson (Jefferson Starship), Jim Peterik (Survivor, The Ides Of March), and many Classic Rock artists from bands like 38 Special, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Loverboy, Toto, etc. Ed has worked with BGO members Mike Aquino and Klem Hayes for 25 years, and BGO leader Lisa McClowry for 20 years. An avid bicyclist, Ed loves vintage Film Noir, British TV, his 2000+ album collection, and chocolate.

The musical journey of esteemed bass
player Klem Hayes has been deeply shaped by his Midwestern roots. Renowned for his versatile and innovative performances, Klem gained prominence as a founding member of the immensely popular Chicago band, Dick Holliday. His musicality and outlandish stage presence propelled the band to local stardom before Klem began a remarkable tenure with the Grammy Award-winning band Survivor. Klem has seen the world performing alongside scores of celebrated artists from across the
musical spectrum. He has appeared in front of the camera on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, PBS Soundstage, and the network television series CUPID. Beyond the spotlight, Klem is equally at home in the studio, contributing to a diverse array of projects. Klem is known for his love of dogs, passion for travel, and appreciation of
good food—a multifaceted artist who has endeared himself to fans and fellow musicians alike. Klem continues to captivate audiences, lending his singular style to "The Beat Goes On.”

Pianist, vocalist, and arranger Kara Kesselring is a bustling freelance musician and dedicated educator based in Chicago. For over a decade
she’s mined the Windy City’s vibrant music scene, establishing an eclectic career. Highlights include playing keys and singing in the Tony award-winning smash hit Jersey Boys (National Tour, Broadway in Chicago);

touring with, arranging, and accompanying breakout PBS retro-rock sensation Under the Streetlamp; as well as composing, arranging, and performing around the globe for the educational comedy troupe Wavelength.
 

She is a Broadway pit musician on shows Waitress, A Bronx Tale and The Grinch. She has worked at many Chicago theaters such as Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Marriott Lincolnshire Theater. Kara made her music directing debut on the show, A Taste of Things to Come at the Chicago Broadway Playhouse and recently conducted Rock of Ages at Paramount Theater in Aurora, IL.

Kara is the bandleader/keyboards/vocals of the celebrated and award-winning society band Standing Room Only Orchestra. A talented songwriter, Kara leads the homespun country/folk group Sugarcreek Road. Her original music is featured on the album, “Hurry Up & Relax." Kara performs solo, duo, and trio jazz/pop music shows for private and public events throughout the Midwest. She also teaches piano and voice in her home studio and has been a teacher at Old Town School of Folk Music for decades, providing toddler and youth music lessons. Kara is excited to join Lisa McClowry as CHER and her fantastic team of musicians in The Beat Goes On show! Kara lives in Brookfield, IL with her bass-playing husband, 18-year-old daughter, dog Daisy and their 4 chickens. When Kara isn’t performing, she hosts a funny musician storytelling podcast called The Weird Gig Podcast which can be found on all podcast services.

Thomas Linsk, a musical virtuoso,
embodies the essence of exceptional performance with unbridled passion,
boundless talent, and a unique ability to captivate audiences. His approach to each song showcases a remarkable versatility that leaves audiences enthralled. With a style perfected over the years, Tom's performances reach a realm of supreme quality, spanning various genres from standards and jazz to rock and contemporary favorites. Starting his musical journey at the age of seven, Tom's lifelong dedication led him from the vibrant scenes of Las Vegas to the flourishing musical landscape of Chicago. Renowned as one of the city's finest entertainers, whether leading a trio, quartet, big band, or performing solo, Tom's 33 year musical legacy in Chicago is a testament to his unwavering passion and love for music. Thomas also has a very successful Billy Joel tribute band called Mulberry Street. Outside of music, Tom has a love of science and the universe.

With a diverse background ranging from a former correctional officer in a California maximum security men's prison to a seasoned registered nurse with 12 years of experience, 11 of which were dedicated to surgery, Mary has worn many hats throughout her career. As a dedicated mother of four and proud grandmother of three, family holds a special place in her heart. Presently, she serves as the Tour/Wardrobe Manager for The Beat Goes On where she has the unique privilege of working alongside one of her childhood best friends, Lisa McClowry, creator and star of the show. Over the years, her varied roles have earned her the affectionate nickname "Mama Bear," a testament to the nurturing and adaptive skills she brings to every endeavor. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and the Wisconsin "Lake Life.”

Sarah McSweeney, a celebrated singer-songwriter based in Austin, TX, is a versatile multi-instrumentalist known for her ability to seamlessly transition between operatic arias, classical piano, pop, folk, jazz, and adult contemporary music. Her impressive performance and recording resume include opening for Colbie Caillat, contributing keyboards and vocals to The Beat Goes On - Cher show, singing opera with the Vienna Light Orchestra, and performing the national anthem for a crowd of 40,000 at a Giants vs. Diamondbacks game. Beyond her musical pursuits, Sarah enjoys leisurely walks by the river, indulging in dark chocolate, practicing meditation, and delving into esoteric and personal growth topics during her free time.

Pianist, conductor, musical director, recording artist, composer and arranger Jo Ann Daugherty loves making all kinds of music. She recently returned to Chicago after touring the US as Music Director/Conductor of SIX the Musical first national tour.

Her work as a music director and keyboardist has led to conducting and playing with touring Broadway productions (SIX, Jersey Boys, Motown the Musical and more); arranging, directing, and performing concert specials for PBS with Under the Streetlamp; playing productions with Lyric Opera of Chicago (Jesus Christ Superstar, West Side Story); music-supervising and playing on the orchestral soundtrack of the wildlife documentary To The Ends of the Earth; and music-directing and playing on tour with An Unforgettable Nat King Cole Christmas.

She has led or collaborated on clinics with a focus on jazz and making a life as a professional musician at institutions such as Northwestern University, Florida State, Capital University, Truman State, University of Kansas, and Purdue University Fort Wayne, as well as numerous high schools and colleges in the Chicago area, and in Havana, Cuba. Past adventures include performing with the USO of Illinois, teaching jazz piano at Chicago’s Roosevelt University, and jamming with amazing musicians in Madagascar. Based in Chicago, she loves to bring joy to people through music.

One of The Beat Goes On’s audio wizards, Mike has been mixing tunes since braces and mix tapes! Armed with headphones and laughter, and with more gigs under his belt than socks in his drawer, he’s been rocking music, live events, and even TV shows since the age 14. Turning everyday noise into pure auditory magic is his specialty. Earplugs optional!

Our seasoned Front of House/Sound engineer, boasts nearly three decades of experience in the audio engineering realm. Originally aspiring
to be a lead guitarist or frontman, fate led him to discover his true calling behind the mixing board. From small local venues to large stages, Gary has mixed for a plethora of bands, finding immense joy in connecting performers with their audience through impeccable sound techniques. Renowned for his contributions to The Chicago Players, The Brooklyn Charmers, and Lisa McClowry's The Beat Goes On tour, Gary is the go-to sound maestro, ensuring the audience experiences the best possible
show. Beyond the stage, he finds fulfillment in repairing both sound equipment and cars, while cherishing quality time with loved ones. A man
of simple tastes, if Gary had to choose one food for the rest of his life, it would undoubtedly be broiled Cod – a culinary delight he finds utterly delicious!

Jesse Bourassa is a talented theatre technician who was born in Florida and raised in Wisconsin. While his primary expertise lies in lighting design, Jesse has gained experience in almost every aspect of performance production, including video production and laser light shows. With an impressive professional career spanning nearly a decade, Jesse has had the opportunity to work with renowned artists and organizations such as The Buckinghams, Franc D'Ambrosio, Creed, Steven Tyler, and Disney, among others.

Perry, a Southern Illinois University alum in radio & television production, took a path to
support the family business, Park Manor Coffee Company. Rising from sales to vice president, he played a key role until its sale in 2005. Simultaneously involved in Pamasco Service Center, Perry became its owner, overseeing nationwide sales and service for commercial coffee equipment. Now as administrator for The Beat Goes On Show and Beat Goes On Entertainment, his well-rounded business chops make him the BBOC. He and his wife share their home with a well-trained 100 lb German Shepherd. Perry's passions extend to cooking, as well as indulging in air guitar and dashboard drum sessions.