Chris Smith -- Trumpet -- The Shingle Shakers
Following graduation and a 4 year "career" at the University of Missouri with the Shingle Shakers, Chris Smith moved back to St. Louis where he worked as a commercial banker for the next 18 years. From 1983 thru 1989 Chris fronted the St. Louis Stompers playing trumpet, valve trombone, and securing numerous gigs through his banking connections. Chris served as President of First Missouri Bank West County and President of Landmark Bank of Creve Coeur during the 1980's. In 1990 Chris moved to Cincinnati Ohio and worked as a commercial broker / property manager for Duke Realty, one of the nation's largest development firms.
Chris began playing with a great trad band in Cincinnati,The Blue Chip Jazz Band in 1992. In 2000, in order to appeal to a broader audience, The Blue Chip Band began expanding their repertoire to big band swing style music as well. This has allowed the band to continue to perform at a wide variety of corporate, organizational, and festival venues throughout the greater Cincinnati area. Following employment with the Chamber of Commerce,Chris joined the staff of Governor Bob Taft of Ohio until the fall of 2006 at the conclusion of the governor's term of office. Chris now co-manages the Blue Chip Jazz Band and is currently employed by Uible Management Group, a small merger and acquisition company.