The Players

The Players features Keith Howland and Jeff Coffey, 2 former members of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame band “Chicago” and their allstar band, along with a kickin' horn section!

Keith Howland served as lead guitarist and occasional lead vocalist with Chicago for 27 years and was the longest tenured guitarist in the band’s history. Several highlights during that time include, performing at the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll HOF, playing for several Presidents, and writing/arranging and recording on many of the bands albums. Also, a bonus of working with such a legendary act, he got to tour and in many cases perform with acts such as, The Doobie Bros, REO Speedwagon, Hall & Oates, Huey Lewis, EWF, and Crosby, Stills, and Nash just to name a few. Keith has also worked with Rick Springfield, Patty Smyth, Olivia Newton John, and jazz saxophonist Warren Hill.

Jeff Coffey, bassist and tenor vocalist extraordinaire, who replaced Jason Scheff in 2016. Effortlessly singing all those great Peter Cetera hits that everyone knows and loves, made him a perfect fit to carry on the legacy of one of the greatest voices in rock history. His immediate impact on the band was profound as he brought an energy and talent that was undeniable to anyone who saw the band during his tenure. One diehard fan described listening to Jeff as “easy” and “comfortable” and feeling that “he never struggled with those infamous Cetera high notes!” Jeff has also performed with Don Felder (formerly of The Eagles) and Brian Howe (formerly of Bad Company) and has recorded with the likes of Gino Vannelli and many others. He has also topped the FMQB radio charts as a solo artist.

One of the brightest spots of Keith and Jeff’s time with the band was sharing the stage with the great Earth, Wind, and Fire on a sold out arena tour where both bands would share the stage for a 6 song encore that always brought the house down! A 3 night sold out 4th of July weekend at the infamous Hollywood Bowl featuring the LA Philharmonic stands out as a magical event never to be forgotten.

Keith and Jeff, who had become fast friends during their time together with Chicago, decided to form a new band called “The Players” which brings a blend of classic Chicago hits, grooving Earth Wind and Fire tunes, as well as a few choice favorites from that same era, “Rosanna” by the great Toto being one example.

Surrounded by an all star band featuring Doug Carter (Lee Greenwood) on keys/vocals, the fiery Antony Livoti on drums, and a smokin’ 3 piece horn section, “The Players” deliver on every level. One very important fact to point out is that this is most definitely NOT a “tribute” band. This is 2 former members of the “real deal” Chicago, bringing you the songs and the energy you would expect at this level of musicianship and experience.

Finally, “The Players” bring with it many relationships with other great artists/musicians so you never know who might show up and join in the fun!

The Players are available for public shows, private parties, and corporate events. We also offer a power trio version, “The Howland/Coffey Trio” that brings similar material but with a larger catalogue of 70’s and 80’s classic rock.

We look forward to seeing you on the happy highway of Rock and Roll soon…..🤘