Chan Poling is a doyen of the Minnesota Arts Community, an award-winning pop songwriter, composer of theatrical scores, and a seasoned performer.
Chan's alternative rock band, The Suburbs, alongside groups like The Replacements and Prince, became a touchstone of the “Minneapolis Sound” in the 1980’s, recording albums for Polygram, A&M Records and Universal Music. Chan continues to record and tour with the latest incarnation of that groundbreaking group.
His jazz trio, The New Standards, performs their unique spin on pop music in theaters and clubs around the world, whether with their Holiday Show extravaganzas, performing with the world-class Minnesota Orchestra, or holding court in intimate clubs like Joe’s Pub in NYC or the Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis.
Chan's alternative rock band, The Suburbs, alongside groups like The Replacements and Prince, became a touchstone of the “Minneapolis Sound” in the 1980’s, recording albums for Polygram, A&M Records and Universal Music. Chan continues to record and tour with the latest incarnation of that groundbreaking group.
His jazz trio, The New Standards, performs their unique spin on pop music in theaters and clubs around the world, whether with their Holiday Show extravaganzas, performing with the world-class Minnesota Orchestra, or holding court in intimate clubs like Joe’s Pub in NYC or the Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis.
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Chan's other great love is Musical Theater. He has written the musical scores and songs for a variety of shows, starting with his work with Tony Award winners Theatre de la Jeune Lune, “Heaven”, commissioned by producer Kevin McCollum ("Rent", "Avenue Q", etc) and directed by Joe Chvala, and continuing with the Ivey Award-winning “Glensheen”, the wild musical comedy "Lord Gordon Gordon" and teen fantasy “A Night in Olympus”, all three written with the esteemed playwright Jeffrey Hatcher (“Mr. Holmes”, “A Confederacy of Dunces”, etc.).
Music Licensing. Producers also license from his large catalogue or commission Chan to write tunes for TV shows as well as numerous commercials award-winning documentaries, and the occasional indie film. Among many honors for his work, including the "Best Overall" Ivey for “Glensheen”, two Regional Midwest Emmys and a Cine Golden Eagle for documentaries featuring his music, Adweek Magazine "Ad of the Week" awards, and more, the Minnesota Music Awards recognized Chan with their lifetime “POP” (Perpetually Outstanding Performer) Award, and The Suburbs were voted among the "100 Most Influential Minnesota Musical Entities of the Twentieth Century" by The Minneapolis Star Tribune. |
MN Original's Profile of Chan Poling
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