About the Band
The Blue Stone Phoenix Band is a premier cover show band based out of Chicago, IL. This 11-piece band features highly talented, professional musicians assembled from around the US to perform music from the 60s, 70s, to today's modern Pop. The band enjoys performing music from Classic Rock, R&B/Soul, and Pop artists such as The Doobie Brothers, Chicago, Tina Turner, Blues Brothers, Bruno Mars, Dave Matthews Band, Bon Jovi, and many more! The Blue Stone Phoenix Band is no ordinary Chicago-based cover band. The band features strong lead vocals, lead and rhythm guitars, a tight 3-piece rhythm section, and a commanding 5-piece horn section. One of the hallmarks of this band is the soloing talent each of the members provide to give Blue Stone Phoenix Band its unique mark to its audience and fan base.
Mike Mullen
Band Leader, Lead Guitar, Lead and Supporting Vocals, Arranger
Mike is a Chicago based, lifelong musician favoring close friendships and performance over business. His inspiration and determination come from channeling the power of Page, Clapton, Kath, Santana and Johnston. Building on his history of leading a classic rock band with a brass section, he now leads the Blue Stone Phoenix Band, a premier high-energy show band featuring a professional brass section and an electrifying front line of captivating and high-energy singers.
Courtney Kurzhals
Lead Vocals
Born and raised in Cincinnati, OH, Courtney is a powerhouse vocalist known for her soulful tone, big belting vocal range, and love of genre-blending music. Drawing inspiration from artists like Stevie Nicks, Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, she brings both grit and emotion to every performance. Whether delivering smooth, smoky verses or soaring choruses, Courtney’s style combines technical control with raw, upbeat energy and engagement that connects with audiences. Off stage, she works just as hard -- whether she's busy teaching group fitness classes, playing in softball, volleyball, euchre, and billiards leagues, or training for her next Chicago Marathon — she never fails to bring power, passion and drive to everything that she does.
Fran McCann
Guitar, Lead and Supporting Vocals
Originally a native of Buffalo, NY, Fran has been living in Chicago for almost a decade. One of his favorite hobbies is to listen to the diverse music the city has to offer. Inspired mostly by classic rock, Fran loves every genre of music from the 60’s to today. Look for him on rhythm guitar, vocals, or catch him at the bar between sets… Fran will happily accept a free beer.
Bobby Schiff
Keys, Arranger
Bobby is a pianist working primarily in Chicago as one of the nation's premier vocal arrangers and accompanists. He plays, arranges, and produces albums for numerous independent artists; he also performs with his own jazz trio at several Chicago venues. He served as Music Director for the Women of Southport Jazz Festival in Chicago for a number of years. He leads several of his own successful event bands: Phoenix, The Bobby Schiff Band and the Bobby Schiff Jazz Trio. Bobby is also a recent recipient of the Dal Segno Award, recognition from his colleagues and peers for his contributions to music, music production, and for being an inspiration in all areas of his endeavors.
Bill Surma
Bass
Bill is a native of Chicago. At age nine, Bill started playing saxophone. At age 14, he switched over to guitar because he wanted to play in a rock band. At 16, Bill made the switch to Bass due to a lack of competition and guaranteed work. He took a hiatus from music to raise a family, but now he's back… older, grayer, and a whole lot better!