Bio: Aloe Blacc performs original songs that evoke soul music of the 60s and 70s fused with a hip hop sensibility. His band is made up of versatile music lovers with a repertoire of various styles including jazz, rock, Latin, Brazilian, R&B, soul reggae and hip hop.
Bio: Lori Andrews takes the harp beyond tradition and into the elements of jazz, fusion and R&B. She's performed for Presidents Clinton and Ford, as well as royalty from Europe to Hollywood. "If you think you've heard it all, check out Lori Andrews who...double handedly redefines the possibilities of the harp and turns it into a funky jazz instrument." -Bob James, jazz musician and recording artist
Instrumentation: Electric harp, saxophone/flute, electric and acoustic bass, and drums.
Number of musicians: 1-4 Additional Equipment Available: P.A. system
Bio: The Bonedaddys is L.A.'s original 8-piece World-Beat dance band; playing a lively and rhythmic musical gumbo of African, Caribbean, & New Orleans-influenced American Pop/Rock that Rolling Stone magazine describes as "designed to set pelvises gyrating."
Instrumentation: 2 Guitars, bass, drums, 2 saxophones, percussion, and vocals with possible guest vocalists and instrumentalists.
Bio: The Bricks create and perform music that combines a mix of rock, soul, hip-hop, jazz and roots music. Crafting music from real life experiences that today’s youth face daily, The Bricks use their songs to speak to their generation about social issues, including racism, homophobia, sexism and promoting acceptance for everyone.
Bio: This band’s repertoire spans seven decades, and includes a choice of classic covers and original compositions. Floyd and the Flyboys create a unique sound influenced by classic rock ‘n’ soul, blues, funk, and New Orleans R&B.
Bio: The JD Hall Band is a high energy live dance band playing the best Top 40 R&B, Rock and Roll, and Old School music dating from the 50s to the present. Their interactive performances are fit to entertain audiences of all ages.
Instrumentation: Keys, Drums, Guitar, Bass, Horns
Number of Musicians: 4 – 9 Additional Equipment: P.A. System
Bio: King Cotton is the ringleader of what BAM Magazine describes as "a musical circus," and the Crewe is an energetic party band that is as serious about their eclectic, highly danceable music as they are about creating a festive concert vibe. Their repertoire is a jambalaya of soulful sounds seasoned with reggae, roots, Latin, and a healthy dose of funk.
Instrumentation: Bass, drums, guitar, keyboards, saxophone/flute, 3-4 vocalists with hand percussion.
Number of musicians: 10-12 Additional Equipment Available: P.A. system
Bio: Monique DeBose and the Choose the Experience Band blends jazzy pop with sensual soul. Whether as an intimate voice/guitar duo or a full band, their passion for music fuels their performance.
Instrumentation: Keyboards/piano, bass, guitar, drums, percussion and vocals.
Number of musicians: 2-7 Additional Equipment Available: P.A. system
Bio: Michael Haggins Group combines jazz and R&B influences to generate a smooth funk sound. The group plays original music and cover tunes of songs by Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker, Sade and R&B classics from the 70s and 80s.
Bio: Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps is a soulful blend of seasoned musicians whose lead vocalist has been called "one of the most honest, gutsy, incredible singers you'll find" (Pasadena Weekly). Together they have created a sound that is funky and greasy - where New Orleans meets Texas blues.
Instrumentation: Guitar, keyboard, bass, drums, saxophone, percussion, and vocals.
Number of musicians: 2-6 Additional Equipment Available: P.A. system
Bio: L.A. Bluescasters is a sextet that's been performing different flavors of the blues - from rock to jazz, and swing to acoustic - for over ten years. Appearances include the Glendale Blues Festival, MOCA and the Troubadour.
Instrumentation: Vocals, harmonica, two guitars, bass, keyboards and drums.
Number of musicians: 6 Additional Equipment Available: P.A. system
Bio: Renaissance celebrates street corner style doo wop and classic R&B from the 50s and 60s performed a cappella or with acoustic guitar accompaniment.
Instrumentation: Vocals, Guitar
Number of Musicians: 4 - 5 Additional Equipment: P.A. System
Bio: Brandon Salaam Bailey leads the group STIX, a high energy hip hop band based in Watts. Influenced by the rhythm and stylings of popular rap artists Kanye West, B.O.B., and Will Smith, STIX performs upbeat and positive hip hop music appropriate for all audiences.
Instrumentation: Vocals, Drums, Bass guitar, Lead Guitar, Keyboard, DJ
Number of Musicians: 3-6 Additional Equipment Available: P.A. system
Bio: Taniq is a Soul band fronted by a husband & wife vocal duo that fuses elements of Jazz, Funk, Hip-Hop, and Gospel. "The singers have a blend that harmonizes well- sweet, easy and soulful. The band adds plenty of flavor with keys, horns, etc." –Music Connection Magazine.
Bio: Louis Van Taylor has been a supporting musician for such artists as Ray Charles, Bobby Womack, Kool and the Gang, and Sheila E. The music he plays is influenced by acid-jazz, Brazilian, Afro-Caribbean, funk, blues and traditional jazz sounds.
Instrumentation: Saxophone/flute, keyboards, bass and drums. Additionally: guitar, trumpet, trombone, percussion and vocals.
Number of musicians: 4-9 Additional Equipment Available: P.A. system