2018 SUPERBAND ARTISTS
The Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts is producing a tribute to Music Legends, The Jacksons, and they have assembled a super band of performers including guest singers and musicians. The Superband will be performing their tribute at the exclusive 2018 DMW Gala Evening and the Day of Concerts for FREE!
Kern Brantley
Creative Director
Kern is the bassist and musical director for some of the biggest names in music including Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Mary J Blige, Ne-Yo, Destiny’s Child, Chris Brown, and many more. He is an accomplished producer, songwriter, and arranger who credits his Detroit upbringing with electrifying his style.
Valdez Brantley
MD Arranger, Keys
Detroit native musical director, producer, songwriter, programmer, and arranger, Valdez has most recently toured with Usher and Chris Brown. He has served as musical director for many artists on numerous network television shows, and on concert tours for Mary J. Blige, Sean Combs, Teddy Riley, Keith Sweat, Lil Wayne and other legendary performers.
Greg Phillinganes
Keyboard
Greg is an American keyboardist, singer, songwriter, and musical director based in Los Angeles, California. A prolific session musician, Phillinganes has contributed keyboard tracks to numerous albums representing a broad array of artists and genres. He has toured with notable artists such as Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour and Toto, served as musical director for Michael Jackson, and has released two solo albums.
Derrick Benford
Keyboard
Detroit native, Derrick Benford currently serves as Founder & Band Leader of Detroit-based band, Derrick Benford Trio, that meshes gospel, jazz, hip-hop, and R&B. He is also the Musical Director for the Mt. Zion Baptist Church and keyboardist for The Gene Dunlap Band. He has performed across the U.S., U.K., and Asia - working alongside Vassal Benford, Mike Powel, Chantae Cann, and more.
Mike Harrington
Bass
This much sought after Detroit based bass player has toured extensively in the U.S., Europe, Asia, Mexico and Canada. His 25 years experience includes bassist/musical director for both Sean Kingston and K’Jon, as well as the bassist for Brian Culbertson, The Spinners, KEM, and many more.
Drew Schultz
Percussion
Drew Schultz is a songwriter, drummer, percussionist, producer, and educator who has worked with legendary artists including the Temptations, Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, the Miracles, Dramatics, Maurice White of Earth Wind & Fire, and more. As a Pre-Production Engineer for Universal Motown Records, Drew has credits on multiple releases by the Jackson 5, David Ruffin & Jimmy Ruffin, and the Cellarful of Motown Series.
Nick Behnan
Guitar
As guitarist and co-writer for popular band, The Infatuations, Nick Behnan has performed at some of the most noted venues in Detroit. The band has also accumulated over a dozen Detroit Music Awards and landed licensing placements on network TV shows including Chicago Fire, and Jane The Virgin. Nick’s music has appeared on network television, commercials, and films in the US and abroad.
Garrett Jones
Guitar
Garrett is an American guitarist, producer, and composer that by continuing his practice and hard work, has positioned himself to be a part of Detroit’s finest musicians. Gratefully, he has been blessed to share the stage with numerous Grammy and Stellar Award winning/nominated Gospel artists such as Tasha Page-Lockhart, Shana Wilson-Williams, Todd Dulaney, Jonathan Nelson, Kierra Sheard, and many more.
Jibreel Mawry
Vocalist (The Jackson Boys)
Jibreel Mawry played the original little Michael jackson in “Motown the Musical,” and was hand selected by the genius himself. Attending the Alvin Ailey School of Dance and professional Performing Arts School, Mawry has honed his skills as a performer.
Elijah Johnson
Vocalist (The Jackson Boys)
Elijah Johnson is a 18 year old phenom talent. Selected in 2010 from among thousands for the role of young Simba in Disney’s Broadway Musical, "The Lion King", he has since won numerous talent showcases around the country, appeared in a feature film, a gospel stage play and several commercials/infomercials. He performed for the Governor at the State of Michigan's Christmas party and is currently preparing his debut album.
Jason Kolbusz
Vocalist (The Jackson Boys)
Detroit’s Own 10 Year Old Jason Kolbusz is an Inspiring Singer/Actor that is deeply inspired by Motown’s Finest along with his favorite, the late Great Whitney Houston. Jason is mostly known for his Powerful Rendition of the National Anthem and Performances in the local Theaters.
Beth Griffith
Vocalist (The Jackson Girls)
Beth is a vocalist who has performed in more than 10 countries around the world including South Africa, Nigeria, London, and has provided background and support vocals to Mary J. Blige, Boyz II Men, Kenny Rogers, and many more. Beth is currently working on her solo CD, touring with Universal-Motown artist KEM, and is part of the crew on Greg Davis Morning Show.
Stephanie Christ'ian
Vocalist (The Jackson Girls)
Steffanie Christi’an is a rock maven with magnificent presence. Take some Tina Turner, add a dash of Rage Against the Machine, along with a sprinkling of Alanis Morissette, and you have the perfect combination of Rock and Roll and Motown personified by Steff Chris. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Steffanie is a natural born singer who was blessed to begin performing at local events around the city while she was a young child.
Alise King
Vocalist (The Jackson Girls)
Detroit Native, Alise King is a R&B soul artist better known as The Soulful D.I.V.A. She is an 6 time Award Winning POWERHOUSE vocalist and is the embodiment of soul. Alise King has sung The National Anthem for The Detroit Tigers as well as opened for Aretha Franklin, Funk Legend George Clinton & Parliament Funk, CeCe Peniston, Bobby Brown, Kelly Price, Chante Moore, Klymaxx, Dru Hill, Next and The Emotions
Eboni Tierra
Vocalist (The Jackson Girls)
Detroit’s own, Eboni Tierra is an actress, singer and creative director. She is best known for her performance in countless stag plays including Angela Barrow-Dunlap For Colored Girls as Lady in Green; co-starring Kelly Price, Angie Stone and Robin Givens. She has worked alongside director/producer Donald Welch as Coordinating Producer for TV One’s popular inspirational stage play, The Lost Souls Café starring Loretta Devine and Christian Keyes.
More information on the following artists coming soon!
DoRohn Gough (Keyboard) - Buddy Brown (Drums) - Charles Laster (Vocalist The Jackson Boys) - Brandon Rose (Vocalist The Jackson Boys) - Kiko Douglas (Vocalist The Jackson Girls)
DMW SUPERBAND ARCHIVE
2017 SUPERBAND ARTISTS - Tribute to Aretha Franklin
The Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts is poduced a tribute to Aretha Franklin and they have assembled a super band of performers including guest singers and musicians. Below are some of the fantastic artists that participated in the very first Detroit Music Weekend.
Kern Brantley - Valdez Brantley - Luis Resto - Thornetta Davis - Greg Phillinganes - Kamau Kenyatta - Larry Fratangelo - Ron Otis - Beth Griffith - Cherri Black - Curtis Boone - Gloria Ridgeway - Walter White - Dave McMurray - Andre Frappier - John Rutherford
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