Our dedicated team comprises seasoned professionals who relentlessly strive to elevate the quality of our services, ensuring that every facet of your event is a resounding success. Drawing from years of expertise and a profound understanding of the entertainment industry, we curate an unparalleled selection of the finest bands available for hire in Utah. Each member of our team embodies the epitome of professionalism, equipped with a wealth of experience to guide you seamlessly through the process of selecting the perfect musical ensemble for your occasion. Their commitment extends beyond merely providing entertainment; they’re devoted to transforming your event into an unforgettable experience. Get acquainted with our team below, and discover the individuals who stand ready to turn your musical aspirations into reality.
Michael Tobian
Owner/CEO
Michael Tobian has been in the event industry for over 17 years. He has owned many companies including Utah Live Bands, Empire Casino Parties, Dinosaur Events, Slaplaughter, Morning Rain Cleaning Solutions, Platinum Pictures Photo Booths, Cuddle Couch and more. In 2021, Michael was recognized in Utah Business Magazine as one of the “40 Under 40” Utah business leaders. He is a licensed Realtor and Certified Intermediary (with the IBBA). As a consultant and business broker, he has facilitated the sale of over 100 businesses.
Mike’s music career started in college in which he graduated as a Jazz Studies major at BYU. There he won several national scholarships and awards including the Stan Kenton National Memorial Scholarship for jazz solo work. As a professional musician that plays 4 instruments, he has performed all over the world and with some of the biggest names in the music industry. He taught as a music professor at two different Universities (BYU and UVU). He ran the entire jazz program at UVU for a year. During that time, authored the textbook “Fundamentals of Jazz Improvisation”. Michael continues to guest lecture and teach at universities and music and business programs. Many of the bands that are represented by Utah Live Bands were started by him.
More information on Michael Tobian can be found at http://www.michaeltobian.net/
Stephen Tobian
General Manager
Stephen has been performing since grade school. Graduating from Brigham Young University in Jazz Studies was a milestone in his music performing career — just as graduating with his MBA was a milestone in his business career. Since 2009, Stephen has managed operations at Utah Live Bands and coordinated the music for countless, high-profile events. From international corporate events to weddings to City Concerts and Festivals.
As a performer, Stephen focused primarily on the saxophone, but has professional experience in guitar, vocals, clarinet, and keys. Currently, Stephen performs with the Groove Merchants, Dance Doctors, Utah Swing Orchestra, and ULB Jazz Combos. He continues to be one of the first-call jazz musicians in the state.
Susanna Robison
Office Manager
Susanna makes things run smooth at Utah Live Bands. She helps coordinate important processes like contracting, invoicing, paying our musicians, sales meetings, and many other logistics important to keeping ULB efficient. Not only that, but Susanna is our resident “pit boss” and manages Empire Casino Parties.
Needless to say, she’s important, super good at her job, and we love her 🙂
Jordan Robbins
Booking Agent
Jordan is one our talented agents who helps clients navigate to the best band for their events. Jordan is also the band leader for one of our most popular bands, the Salamanders. Our clients tell us all of the time how much they love working with Jordan.
Jordan started performing shows for Lagoon Amusement park in his youth and never stopped. He is an expert in musical performances and has performed all over the globe for large corporate events, concerts, and shows.
Jefferson Tuke
Booking Agent
Jefferson is another one of our talented booking agents. He has a wealth of experience in both the business world and the performing world. At Utah Live Bands, he brings a visionary outlook on how we can be perpetually making our bands, customer service, and products the very best.
Jefferson’s first soiree into the major performing world began when his band signed with Sony Records in his youth. Since then, he’s performed all over the world for audiences large and small. He’s also acquired experience in the business world and has founded, owned, and sold several successful businesses. Jefferson is currently a part-owner and front-man in the Groove Merchants band
Curtis Tobian
Videographer
Curtis has been filming and making all sorts of videos since early 2017. Lately he’s been focusing on commercial products and has been bringing that expertise to Utah Live Bands with a myriad of projects. CJ helped start the youtube channel Business Tips with Michael Tobian and a series called Vendor Spotlights where we go out and highlight other companies that we work with on events. To sum it up, CJ makes us look great.
Adam Overacker
Sales and Marketing
Adam has worked as a bassist and band leader with Utah Live Bands for many years, and beginning in 2020 he stepped in on the business side. Adam Overacker is a consummate bassist, having graduated from the University of Utah in 2005 in music, and is a part of Covered, Moonshine Gang, Mimi Valentine, SugaTones, and many of our other groups. Before joining the Utah Live Bands team Adam founded numerous groups including String Love, Take 3, Unbranded, and The Patsy Cline Tribute Show. Learn more about Adam (and the two years he spent as the bassist for the national tour of Book of Mormon) here.
Eric Eriksen
Production Manager
Eric comes to Utah Live Bands with a background in public relations. He manages the production arm of Utah Live Bands (a separate entity called Skylark Productions). Eric handles the coordinating of equipment and crew as it pertains to audio visual services, staging, lighting, pipe and drape, event design and event production
“Your team really was the heart and soul of the night! I couldn’t imagine it without you guys there bringing down the house. I am pretty sure that today is the first day my voice is back to normal and my feet aren’t sore. I don’t think I have sung and danced that much at any event ever along with pretty much all of our guests.”