Thank you for your interest in Heartbeat Dance Band, LLC! We hope you will find this information helpful in planning your event.
Heartbeat Dance Band, LLC has successfully provided entertainment for weddings, corporate and special events in the New York, Connecticut and New Jersey area for over 10 years. During that time we have earned a reputation for exceptional musicianship, outstanding service and professionalism. From an elegant ensemble to a twelve-piece dance band we can fulfill all of your musical needs.
The band features 5 lead vocalists that enable them to cover all styles of music. Their hot horns and jamming' rhythm section promises to keep your guests on their feet all night long. They will find our energy and enthusiasm contagious!
Heartbeat offers a mix of music that includes Big Band, Swing, Motown, R&B, Rock & Roll and 70s-Current Dance Music. We invite you review their incredible song list. You have the option to decide what you would like the band to play or not to play. The choice is always yours!

Throughout the years Heartbeat Dance Band have received many unsolicited rave reviews. Please take a moment to read what their clients have said about them... including the editor of Modern Bride Magazine!

Barbara LaValle: Lead vocalist and Leader of the band
Professional Experience: For over 10 years, Barbara has been the manager and lead vocalist for "Heartbeat". As a singer/songwriter she, along with her husband Bob, have written original scores for Radio City Music Hall, soundtracks for documentaries, as well as their own original music. She has also had extensive recording experience as a jingle singer.
Ryan Jones: Lead vocalist - percussionist:
Professional Experience: Ryan has recorded and/or
performed with the following :
Opened for the R&B/Pop band "112"
Recorded and performed with Gospel artist Vernon Jones.

Lea Cabrera: Lead vocalist
Professional Experience: Lea has recorded and/or performed with the following:
American Idol Season 5 Finalist
Opening artist for Gladys Knight
National Anthem, NY Rangers- Madison Square Garden
National Anthem, Oakland A¹s- Oakland Coliseum
Stage performance of ³Footloose²- US National Tour

Bob LaValle: drummer/percussionist- lead vocalist
Professional Experience: Along with performing in the band "Heartbeat", Bob is a public school Instrumental Music Director. His work as a drummer/singer/songwriter has also been featured on many jingles and original projects.

Chris Toelken: keyboardist and lead vocalist
Chris owns and operates Toelken Music Productions in Fairfield, CT. Chris has produced, engineered and performed on projects ranging from singer/ songwriter and band demos to full productions for release, as well as scoring industrial films for international corporations.

Kevin Totoian: bass guitarist and lead vocalist
Professional Experience: Kevin has recorded and/or performed
with the following :
Opened for "Mr. Big" (U.S. Tour)
Edgar Winter (European tour)
Joe Cocker
Leslie West (Mountain)

Tony de Paolo: lead and rhythm guitarist
Professional Experience: Tony has recorded and/or performed
with the following :
Steve Morse (opened for)
Stanley Jordan (opened for)
Southside Johnny (opened for)
NRBQ (opened for)
Meatloaf (opened for)
Rob Sabino (Madonna)
Jorge Dalton (George Benson)
Jamie Oldaker (Eric Clapton)

Jim LaPine: saxophonist
Jim performs on tenor, alto, soprano sax and clarinet.
Education: Attended Berklee College of Music and is a graduate
of the Hartford Conservatory.
Professional Experience: Jimmy has recorded and/or performed with the following:
Gerry Mulligan
Woody Herman
The Coasters
Gunther Schueller
Mel Lewis Orchestra

John daSilva: trumpet player
Education: Berkeley School of Music and Western Connecticut
State University.
John performed with the following:
Ray Charles
Little Anthony
Blood, Sweat and Tears
Chubby Checker