Gretchen Grube

Hailing from the northside of Chicago, Tall Girl and the Bangers has a unique sound that is truly one of a kind. The band, which includes an unmistakable 6’5” violinist (the Tall Girl), arranges everyone's favorite jams (the Bangers) into unique tapestries featuring vocals and guitar, but driven by violin, a sound that keeps fans coming back show after show. The musicians of Tall Girl and the Bangers cover a wide range of sounds, genres, and musical eras, although they focus on the music of their lives: the 90s, 2000s, and today. 

The resident tall girl is violin virtuoso Gretchen Grube. Gretchen has been playing violin since age 7 and earned a Masters in Music in Violin Performance from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville.. While by night she is ripping through lead lines and melodies for the Bangers, during the day she wears her super hero cape as a violin teacher for students ages 3 and up.. In addition to playing with Tall Girl and the Bangers, Gretchen has had vast success as a member of Milwaukee Irish Folk band, The Gleasons.

Madison Jone is a classically trained mezzo-soprano who has been singing for over 30 years. She has recorded several studio and live albums (covers and originals), which she sold to raise thousands of dollars for charity. She has soloed for countless community and private events, and has sung the national anthem for an array of sporting events, including minor league baseball teams and as a regular for multiple Division 1 and 3 collegiate sports teams. Prior to becoming one of the Bangers, she performed as a lead singer for bands Mad for Justice (mix of covers and originals) in New York City and bands Hitstorm and Shooter McGavin (both coverbands) in the Chicago area, performing at bars and public events, including the Rock and Roll Half Marathon. In Tall Girl and the Bangers, she sings lead vocals and is excited to make her first foray into procession. Her range and sultry tone perfectly complements any band lucky enough to have her provide the vocals.

Jimmy Hill, a mysterious unknown to the music world, fills out the sound with unique guitar lines that act as both the rhythm and percussion to the band's sound, in addition to supporting vocals. (Although not classically trained like the other members of the band) Jimmy’s musical curiosity was the drive behind his self-training and his penchant for generating new ideas for the group's ever growing setlist.

The band members keep things interesting through their musical range, always adding new songs to their repertoire that other bands may not attempt or that may not sound as good without the violin. Because they are not exclusive to a certain genre or time period, their song list includes something for everyone. 

Rising from the ashes of Jimmy and Gretchen’s former band, The Hell Yeahs, Tall Girl immediately found success by quickly securing a steady monthly gig at a northside Chicago bar. They have since gone on to play bars all over Chicago and private events. 

Fan engagement has been the band's calling card since its first gig. Many audience members arrive planning to stay for a few songs and enjoy the show so much they are prompted to stay well into the night. Several fans have been to every single one of their shows, not wanting to miss out on a chance to sing along and be part of the energy that is Tall Girl and the Bangers. Fans have never heard anything like it, and are bringing friends and family to be part of the experience. 

The Tall Girl sound is perfect for a resort setting. The string arrangements can transform the hardest rock or fastest punk song into a sing along with a chill and relaxing vibe. With only the three band members they can easily play any venue, from small rooms to large stages.