Paulina Project Band

Band History

Our band was founded in the mid-90s with a handful of musicians who met at the Bloom School of Jazz. That first iteration ran dozens of jam sessions in an attic on Paulina St in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood and played out at block parties, a few local dives, and friends’ house parties.

Over the years, the lineup changed as members moved on or out of town. The latest inception features two talented lead female vocalists with a full band that covers a variety R&B, soul, blues, groove-based, jam, funk, jazz and original tunes. 

Band Member Bios 

Eileen Anthony - Vocalist

One of our two lead vocalists, Eileen has been performing on stage since her high school musical career, including a stint as “I Cain’t Say No” Ado Annie in Oklahoma. She covers a range of vocal styles across the R&B, pop, blues, jazz, and soul spectrum. Her intonation is impeccable, and her vocal harmonizations add color and depth to our sound. Eileen’s tone character adds a range in color, as well, from bluesy to soulful and warm, lustrous and airy, to crystal clear.  

DeLonda Bonasera - Vocalist

A founding member of the latest iteration of our band is vocalist DeLonda Bonasera. For over 40 years, DeLonda sang in gospel choirs. Her passion for soul, neo-soul, R&B and related styles come through in all of our band’s music. Her powerful, soulful lead vocals are a key feature in our band, and her harmonies with Eileen and our guest vocalists are just gorgeous and inspiring. 

Phil Anthony - Saxophonist

Our saxophonist started playing piano at a young age then picked up the saxophone in college. He studied for two years at the Bloom School of Jazz in Chicago and has played out with several bands in the area including John Kimler & Friends. Phil loves jazz, R&B, blues, and classic rock. His horn lines are a key part of our sound, and his solos and accompanying improvisations add color and variety to our performances. 

Jarrod Courter – Electric and Acoustic Guitarist

Our rhythm and lead guitarist, Jarrod Courter, studied classical guitar and has played around Chicago and the Midwest for over a decade. Jarrod is accomplished at finger-style playing, and his versatility at rhythmic comping allows our band to cover a broad range of material. Jarrod is expert at both acoustic guitar and electric guitar, and his contributions are integral to our full band as well as our duet and trio compositions. 

Matt Tatlock – Drums and Percussion

Our drummer and percussionist is Matt Tatlock, who studied percussion and plays around Chicago at various music venues, clubs, street festivals, and his church. Matt plays a broad variety of musical styles, and he is an expert at rudimentary drumming, polyrhythms, syncopation and time. He is currently a music instructor and band leader for the Chicago Public School system. 

Tony Lewellen – Electric Bass

Laying down our floor is Tony Lewellen, a talented bass man who has been playing around Evanston and across the Chicago area for decades. Tony plays a range of musical styles including rock, pop, R&B, jazz, funk, and blues. He can lay down the beat when needed, and he can improvise bass lines and riffs through an entire song when so inspired. Tony adds energy to our grooves, and he grabs the mic and lays down some vocals every so often when so inspired.