The Claudettes in Des Moines

The Claudettes are an American band formed in Chicago by pianist Johnny Iguana, initially as a duo with drummer Michael Caskey. Their piano-led music draws on blues, jazz, ragtime and rock, documented on albums including No Hotel, Dance Scandal at the Gymnasium!, High Times in the Dark and The Claudettes Go Out!. Johnny Iguana and Michael Caskey began performing together at Claudette’s Bar in Oglesby, Illinois, an engagement that gave the group its name. The Claudettes later expanded into a vocal band and carried their club-tested repertoire to larger festival stages, including the Montreal International Jazz Festival.