Five minutes with a Naperville neighbor who’s in tune…

Stacie Steinke

Essentials: Naperville resident Stacie Steinke is the found and artistic director of Festive Singers. She began the group in 1999 with a desire to bring music to people wherever they gather.

What do you provide your clients?
We provide a vocal quality that is a strong, rich, trained voice in whatever the setting. We go to venues where people meet and want some entertainment.

How many people are in Festive Singers?
We have a roster of 20, but we function as individuals generally performing in ones, twos, threes, fours or even eight. The program is tailored to whatever the customer wants for their function.

What are the backgrounds of the singers?
Most of the singers are either voice teachers or performers with the Chicago Symphony Chorus or the Chicago Lyric Opera Chorus. We have several voice majors who perform with the DuPage Opera Theater, Chicago Light Opera, Chicago Opera Theater and some of the dinner theaters in the area.

How do people use your singers?
It depends on the function. We could walk through the crowds and mingle. We could have a set entertainment with a soloist or duet. We have done business Christmas parties, rehearsal dinners, family gatherings and programs at a retirement center. We could do a short concert as part of a banquet or be a gift to an important account.

Do you wear costumes?
For the holidays, we dress like the Dickens carolers with bonnets and capes and muffs. The men wear a long, two-tiered cape with a period hat. Year-round, we generally wear formal attire, although we can do casual wear. We can do singing waiters that add a fun atmosphere to a meal. We also can rent a costume to become a singing Santa or elf.

Do you sing a cappella or accompanied by an instrument?
We sing with a piano most of the time. During the Christmas season, we also have an a cappella four-part harmony caroling group. I also can bring in a violinist or harp.

How do you tailor your music to a client?
We do research to get the right music to tie into the theme of the party. There is a huge wealth of music available. I try to be as creative as we can with people to find something that will be meaningful to what they are trying to do. One time we serenaded a couple celebrating an anniversary as they disembarked from a boat. Soon, we’ll be doing a Sinatra lounge feeling.

What is the cost for your service?
That depends on the number of people involved and the length of a performance. Fees vary but generally begin at $200. For the four carolers, it’s $450.

What is the best part of being in the group?
Performing, no doubt about it. Singing to people, seeing the smiles on their faces and knowing they have had an enjoyable experience.

Where can people contact you?
By calling (630) 917-8032 or on the Web at www.festivesingers.com.