“MAKE IT BIG” BAND
ANTONIO DIDIANO (Lead Singer)
Antonio is a Canadian pop singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer of Italian descent, born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. He began singing, writing and recording music at thirteen. Growing up in the mid-1980s, he was drawn to dance-pop and R&B, with a strong influence from George Michael. He atended Humber College’s Jazz Music Program, during his audition he performed George Michael’s “Faith”.In 1996, he signed with Captain Records and released his debut single, a dance remake of “Father Figure.” The track became a hit on dance radio across Canada and the U.S., leading to tours in major cities and Italy. In 2019, he released “Someone Just Like You.”
Antonio Didiano mesmerizes audiences with his uncanny soulful vocal resemblance, energy, and charisma – “Hailed as the modern-day George Michael.” by many of his fans and followers, Today, he headlines “MAKE IT BIG,” a full-scale George Michael tribute show celebrating the music that inspired his career.
DANIEL SANTOS (Keyboardist)
Daniel is a seasoned keyboardist and musical director with over 15 years of professional experience in Brazil’s vibrant music industry. He has performed and served as musical director for the bands of renowned Brazilian singers, delivering high-caliber performances at major music festivals, national television programs, and large-scale concerts. His career includes extensive national and international touring, numerous studio recordings, music videos, and the composition of notable musical works.
Now based in Toronto, Daniel is eager to contribute to Canada’s cultural landscape while deepening his understanding of Canadian musical traditions. He views this new chapter as a strategic expansion of his artistic career, blending his rich Brazilian experience with fresh creative opportunities in the Canadian music scene.
URI KLEINMAN (Bass)
Uri Kleinman has been living inside music since he was three years old. What started as a child’s fascination with sound grew into one of the most versatile careers in contemporary music — over 5,000 recordings, platinum credits, and three decades of work with artists he genuinely loves.
Raised in Israel, Uri became a professional musician in his teens, navigating everything from American soul to African rhythms, Brazilian grooves, and Eastern European folk. By 15 he was already working professionally alongside legendary Israeli artists — Idan Raichel, David Broza, Matti Caspi, Shiri Maimon, and Boaz Sharabi — earning platinum credits and touring the world.
That journey brought him to New York City, where he deepened his craft with Martha Wash, Darlene Love, and a wide range of touring acts. He has since built Mouthparty Studios in Toronto — combining live bass, guitars, synths, percussion, and programming into productions that are layered, intentional, and undeniably alive.
Uri’s philosophy is simple: make the artist shine. Whether holding down the low end on a world stage, shaping the sound of an album, or steering a full production as musical director — everything is in service of the song.
CRAIG McRAE (Guitarist)
Born into a musical family, with his father being a professional musician and high school music teacher who among many other accolades, played with Elvis Presley when he appeared in Toronto in 1957, Craig was surrounded by music his entire life. Over the years and with his parent’s guidance, he played all manner of instruments growing up before settling in on guitar and vocals.
Craig’s pure admiration for all things music along with his musical talents have led him to appear on CBC, CityTV, Much Music, and display his guitar and vocal abilities on stages and radio programs across North America, Brazil, Africa, Europe, and his second home – Ireland. Craig has done hundreds of studio sessions with his guitar abilities, plays in some of Toronto’s top wedding and corporate bands, and was a regular as one of the house band members at The Hard Rock Cafe in Toronto for many years.
Craig has played thousands of gigs over the years, covering every genre imaginable, and he lives for live music!
JORGE GIORNO (Drummer)
Jorge Giorno is a seasoned session drummer and music educator with over 20 years of experience spanning live performance, musical theatre, and studio recording. He has performed with internationally acclaimed artists including Grammy winners Armando Manzanero and Lila Downs, Spanish singer‑songwriter Ismael Serrano, and platinum‑selling artist Alfred García.In musical theatre, Jorge has served as pit drummer for major productions such as Kinky Boots, Rock of Ages, Cabaret, The Rocky Horror Show, Blood Brothers, Rent, Ghost, and A Chorus Line. His live performance highlights include collaborations with the Argentinian folk dance company Malevo (America’s Got Talent semifinalists), Elvis Presley’s Live in Concert symphonic show featuring Priscilla Presley, and appearances at renowned venues including Mexico City’s National Auditorium, Luna Park Stadium, and Buenos Aires’ Colón Theatre.
Jorge has toured internationally across the UAE, Monaco, China, Spain, the USA, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and El Salvador. He is currently the touring drummer for The Beatles Symphonic Fantasy and This Is Michael, featuring Michael Jackson’s legendary guitarist Jennifer Batten. Since relocating to Canada, Jorge has performed in over 200 shows across Southern Ontario, including appearances at the CNE, Burlington Ribfest, Fallsview Casino, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Mississauga Living Arts Centre, where he shared the stage with pianist Zade Dirani. He also performs as a guest percussionist with the Oakville Symphony and has worked locally as pit drummer for BurlOak Theatre Group’s SpongeBob The Musical and as house drummer for Hamilton’s Good Shepherd event alongside Suzie McNeil, Brian Melo, and Alfie Zappacosta.
CHRIS AVALOS (Percussionist)
Toronto based artist Christopher Avalos is a versatile drummer and percussionist whose playing blends his Latin roots with a dynamic range across rock, pop, R&B, and jazz. He has performed and toured with many Grammy award winning artists including Sass Jordan, Kim Mitchell, Sum 41, Airbourne, Esthero, Alyssa Reid, and Alessia Cara.
Studying out of Humber College’s jazz program, he has also performed with Juno winning artists such as Jesse Cook, Brian Hughes, and Manteca. In the studio, he has worked alongside renowned producers including Bob Ezrin, Garth Richardson, David Ivory, and Brian Howes.
Known for his feel, adaptability, and musicality, Christopher brings a distinctive voice to every stage and session.
STUART BRIGNELL (Saxophonist)
An emerging soul/jazz saxophonist, producer and artist from Toronto, and currently operating Canada, the UK and abroad. He has had the pleasure to play and record with musicians such as Quincy Bullen, Ori Dagan, Joy Lapps, Michael Shand, Samuel Williams, Adrian Bent, Alexis Baro, Larnell Lewis, Dank (Frank’n’Dank), THEHONESTGUY, DJ Makten and many others.
He performs at a seasonal mega party in London UK called Legacy. It features the founding father DJs + MCs of UK electronic music, the genres of Garage, Jungle and Funky House hosted at EGG London. The rave is one of the biggest parties in London and features the likes of MC Creed, DJ Pied Piper, DJ Frost, MC Neat, Wigman and over 40 other integral artists in the UK music movement.
His past notable venue collaborations and corporate clients include Hermés, Google, News UK, Puma, SOCAN, TIFF, Candlelight Concerts, The Fairmont Royal York, The Shangri-La and he is a preferred music vendor at the Pearle Hotel and Spa.
Stuart was invited to contribute saxophone work on Samuel William‘s second album. The track “Hymn to Jazz” features Stuart on the alto saxophone, and Larnell Lewis on Drums
Stuart’s collaborations with THEHONESTGUY were up for JUNO nominations for the year of 2023, for the “How To Make Love” EP from 2022. Stuart contributed woodwind arrangements and performance on the song “Baby Mother” from this album.
DENICE TETI (Backup Singer)
Denice Teti is a passionate and versatile vocalist, blending elements of pop, blues, and rock to create a sound that resonates with audiences. With influences ranging from the iconic Stevie Nicks to the soulful Aretha Franklin and the dynamic Sheryl Crow, Denice draws inspiration from a diverse array of musical styles, crafting her own unique artistic identity. With extensive experience in live vocal performances, Denice has collaborated with various bands throughout the GTA. She brings authenticity and energy to every performance, as well as smooth harmonies and strong musical instincts. Denice is excited about channeling her talent as a member of “Make It Big,” helping to share George Michael’s timeless hits with fans old and new, and bringing the energy and spirit of hismusic to life.
SUZANNE DIDIANO (Backup Singer)
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Suzanna Didiano is a dynamic R&B and pop vocalist known for her sultry vocals, captivating harmonies, rich textured sound, and soulful delivery. Drawing early inspiration from legends like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Janet Jackson, Suzanna fell in love with the emotional power of R&B music at a young age, immersing herself in the genre’s emotional depth and melodic beauty.Having performed with various bands in the GTA, as well as weddings, open mics, and theatrical stages, Suzanna has built a reputation as a versatile and expressive performer. Her background spans musical theatre, live performance, and studio work. As a songwriter and producer, she works closely alongside “Make It Big” frontman Antonio Didiano, creating original tracks that blend smooth R&B with infectious pop-funk sounds, showcasing their shared love for groove-driven, emotionally rich music.
Deeply passionate about crafting beautiful, emotive music drives her continuous evolution as an artist and her collaborations with fellow artists.A lifelong fan of George Michael, Suzanna is honored to be part of “Make It Big,” bringing her signature soul and powerhouse vocals to the timeless hits of a pop icon she has long admired.
Copyright ©2026 SMG Concerts Inc. All Rights Reserved.