Performing at Singer Spotlight North Shore on Thursday, November 21 at Pops Highwood.

Joan Hammel
Joan's big performance this year was headlining a concert with her big band at the Olympics in Salt Lake City. She also just received the news that a couple of the recording projects she worked on are being considered for the first round of Grammy Award nominations. She has worked on commercials, television and radio. She hosted the Middawy Show on an ABC afilliate where the Chicago Tribune listed her as one of the top shows in the market and where she won a variety of media awards. Her movie work includes appearing as a television reporter in the film, "Ground Hog Day." and as Anastasia in "Last Day in Chicago" which won it's division of the Chicago International Film Festival. She has worked all around the globe in places like the Caribbean and Las Vegas including Caesar's Palace. She has shared billing with entertainers like Buddy Rich, Koko Taylor, Lonnie Brooks, the Chi-Lites, the Cryan' Shames, Rare Earth and Second City. She has sung for Cardinal George at Holy Name Cathedral more than once. "It's Fun To be Fit!" a television program she worked on at CBS TV Chicago, won an Emmy for Best Children's Program. She is currently performing with her ten piece band around the Chicago area and working on recording projects of her own as well as others.

Leigh Kossman
To some degree or another LEIGH KOSSMAN has been involved in theatre, dance, and music most of her life. During the past several years Leigh has: often been a featured singer at showcases in and around Chicago; performed in musical theatre, most recently as Maria in The Sound Of Music; created, produced and sung in community concerts and dinners; and has performed at The Omega Institute in New York. She and partner Mary Anderson produce and host a monthly singers' showcase called The Vocal Venue in Naperville. And they have just released their first album…a Christmas CD! Leigh has been a private voice coach since 1995; and has been a loyal, faithful, thankful student of Ed Farran's since 1991. Currently, she is studying with Fred Farran. This is Leigh's debut at Pop's! She wishes to thank Libby and Paula for this opportunity and is happy to be in the company of such amazing talent! Leigh lives in Hinckley with husband Scotto and daughters: Josie (8) and twins Annie and Lillie (3). (She also has 15+ alter egos living inside of her, and if you frequent her performances, you might just meet them all!)

Bob Filler
Bob Filler has been the leader of one of the most popular dance bands in the Chicago area since 1984. The Bob Filler Orchestra is sought after to perform at corporate parties and private affairs. Bob plays piano, bass, guitar and trumpet. As leader of the band, he performs on electric bass and is one of the featured vocalists. Bob also writes the musical arrangements for the group. He has performed for Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter and Reagan. He has also accompanied entertainers including Peter Noone, Englebert Humperdink, Frank Gorshin, Lola Falana, Bob Hope, Danny Gans, Harry Blackstone, Jr., Phyllis Diller, and many more. His voice is also heard on commercials, Sony PlayStation games and the popular "You Don't Know Jack 3"computer game. For many years Bob has also been associated with Chicago's ambassador of music, Franz Benteler and The Royal Strings.

Farah Zala