For Fans :: CBO Band Bios

CBO (Casablanca Orchestra): Overview

CBO is one of the top show bands in the country and performs nationally. They’ve opened for such acts as The Mama’s & the Papa’s, Pat Benatar, Loverboy, Peter Noon, The Buckinghams, The Guess Who, Rare Earth, The Shirelle’s, The Young Rascal’s and Quiet Riot.

In 1990 Melanie Moos and Tom Garven set out to develop a band that combined Theater and Rock & Roll. Their first concept was called “Carlotta & the Cool-lots.” They banded January 3rd 1991 as a 7 piece.

In the summer of 1992 they were asked to put together a house band for a nightclub, newly named Bogart’s. There were only two stipulations; add 2 horn players (no problem) and change the name. The club owner liked the name Casablanca Orchestra because of it’s tie in. That then became the obvious choice.

They were the house band for almost two years. Just before stretching out on their own they realized the name Casablanca Orchestra, didn’t appeal to everyone, thus the acronym CBO was born. At the same time they decided to add another horn and Melanie became the sole leader.

In the summer of 1995 Gatlin’s Music City, at the Mall of America, hired CBO to promote a weekly 70’s dance party. It caught on quickly. So quickly, that Gatlin’s management decided to change their entire format, which would involve CBO.

Many people were put in place and a small team was developed to research music. This team consisted of management, Melanie, and several DJ’s. The whole purpose was to focus on the biggest hits of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, and to do it in a manner where the audience was taken in to the genre. This meant adding the clothes, hair & choreography (the details that most specifically define each era). Gatlin’s closed its doors May of 1996 but CBO’s concept had already caught on. It was just a matter of finding venues where they could all fit on stage.

They no longer stay within the confines of the 70’s-90’s. Currently they play everything from the Swingin’ 40’s to the Top 40. Every show is different. CBO thrives on its versatility and flexibility; referring to their play list as “the arsenal.”

To date, the live music scene is thriving in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro, as well as surrounding areas. CBO keeps expanding their market and is playing more and more arenas and special events, including the 55th Presidential Inaugural, “Freedom Ball” held at Union Station in Washington, D.C., January 2005.

There is no other band like CBO. Not with all of these elements. CBO combines high energy, exciting arrangements, staging, costumes and comedy, all in a fast paced, yet relaxed format. CBO considers itself a free agent, which travels the globe.