With fall approaching quickly, the calendar is telling the technology integration industry that it’s almost time for the annual CEDIA Expo.
CEDIA Expo is a dedicated trade event for the residential technologies market, including lighting, AV, security, networking, home automation and more. Naturally, with AV being a big part of the services the industry offers, it’s no surprise that music is a big part of the show. This year’s show takes place on Sept. 1-4 in Denver Colo., at the Colorado Convention Center, and underscoring the fun and passion that music provides, CEDIA Expo offers one of the most unique after-hours events: The live performance of the CE Pro All Star Band.
The band is set to hit the stage around 8 p.m. on Wednesday Sept. 2, at the Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom, which is about a mile from the convention center. During their performance after the closing of the CEDIA Expo show floor, the CE Pro All Star Band will play a mix of classic rock, pop and R&B.
Tim Bigoness, chief marketing officer/VP of business development at D-Tools, and drummer and vocalist for the band, emphasizes there is a lot of work and risk that goes into performing with the band, but playing live for show attendees is fun.
“We always have a good time. This kind of gig you just want to have fun, you want songs that people know and recognize, and most importantly, songs we can do well,” admits Bigoness.
“Nobody wants to hear bad covers. We really strive to make sure the songs sound good, despite that we get one rehearsal.”
CEDIA Expo CE Pro All Star Band Members
The band, like the technology integration industry reflects diversity. Band members in the podcast discuss their early influences and how those influences shaped the way they consume music as adults.
Richard Charschan, president and CEO, AcousticSmart, recalls in this episode of the AV Trade Talk Podcast, that he started with the blues before expanding his musical tastes into rock music.
“With me, when you are guitar player, especially playing lead guitar, you are always influenced by the blues first with B.B. King, then [Eric] Clapton and Mick Taylor, and then you go from there,” says Charschan.
“Then I got into Gary Moore—I got into heavy metal, and I was really into Richie Blackmore.”
To learn more about the band, their influences, and their thoughts of the 2026 setlist check out the KMB Communications AV Trade Tech Talk Podcast with the CE Pro All Star Band here.
Here is the complete list of band members for this year’s CEDIA Expo after hours event:
- Carley Knobloch, AudioVisions, lead and background vocals, and guitar
- Diana Gallagher, Emerald lead and background vocals
- Jason McGraw, Emerald, guitar
- Patrick Shaughnessy, AudioQuest, lead vocals, rhythm and lead guitar
- Richard Charschan, AcousticSmart, rhythm and lead guitar
- Tim Bigoness, D-Tools, drums, lead vocals, guitar
- Mitch Klein, bass and backing vocals
- Jeff Vandewege, keyboards and backing vocals
- Dave Silkin, DSG Metro and DSG Distributors, bass and vocals
- Bob Archer, KMB Communications, guitar
To listen to more KMB Communications AV Trade Tech Talk Podcast episodes, click here. To learn more about KMB Communications’ clients, click here.