2018 SUPERBAND ARTISTS
Tribute to the 2018 Legend (to be announced!)
Last Year: Tribute to Aretha Franklin
The Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts is producing 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 will be participating in the very first Detroit Music Weekend. The DMW Superband will be performing at the following events...
Friday June 9th
Dedication Ceremony & Superstar "Tribute to Aretha Franklin
MUSIC HALL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
*Ticketed Event*
Saturday, June 10th
DMW Open Concerts
Madison Central Stage
*Free Event*
Musical Director
Kern Brantley
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.
keyboard
Valdez Brantley
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.
Keyboards
Luis Resto
Oscar-winning Detroit-based musician, producer, and keyboardist Luis Resto began by lending his supple fingers to artists as diverse as Anita Baker, Patti Smith, and Was (Not Was). His ‘best kept secret’ cover was blown in 2001 at the start of a longtime collaboration with Marshall Mathers on The Eminem Show, and he composed music and co-wrote the smash hit single “Lose Yourself”.
Detroit's Queen of the Blues
Thornetta Davis
Detroit’s own blues and rhythm-and-blues superstar, Thornetta entered a local talent contest at the age of 15 and never looked back. She has opened for Bonnie Raitt, Gladys Knight, and Etta James, sung backing vocals for Bob Seger and Kid Rock, and has released two full length solo albums.
Keyboards
Greg Phillinganes
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.
Saxophone
Kamau Kenyatta
Saxophonist, pianist, and composer using contemporary and modal themes in alliance with inspiration from Black poets and writers
Drums
Ron Otis
As one of the most established sidemen in contemporary American Jazz, Ron renowned for his versatility, improvisation, syncopated rhythms and funky accenting. Otis has worked with and supported artists Aretha Franklin, KEM, Earl Klugh, and Bob James.
Percussion
Larry Fratangelo
From his current gig with Kid Rock to previous work with Aretha Franklin, Earl Klugh, and Parliament Funkadelic, Larry brings the spirit of Detroit to a wide range of musical collaborators and his name appears on Gold, Platinum, and Grammy award-winning albums. He is currently producing several World Music projects under his label, BAP Records.
Vocals
Beth Griffith
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.
Vocals
Cherri Black
Cherri has worked with Kirk Franklin in The American Bible Challenge singing in the choir and is currently a backing vocalist for the pop artist Katy Perry. Follow her on her various social media platforms to see her latest covers, vlogs, and performances!
Vocals
Curtis Boone
A songwriter, producer, musician and vocal coach from Detroit who has worked with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, Wendy Moten, and Oleta Adams.
Vocals
Gloria Ridgeway
In her youth she was part of a vocal group comprised of her and her sisters title The Ridgeway Sisters, who provided background vocals for genres including Gospel, Jazz, Blues, Hip Hop, Soul, R&B and more. Gloria has worked with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Mary J Blige, Keith Washington, Nancy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald, and Barbra Streisand.
Trumpet
Walter White
Trumpeter, Bandleader, Composer, Arranger, Educator, and Producer, Walter White is a multi-talented musician. His expressive trumpet playing has led him to collaborate with may of the top names in music including Bob James, Maynard Ferguson, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and has enhanced the sound tracks of records, movies, and television.
Saxophone
Dave McMurray
A multi-instrumentalist who combines his mastery of the tenor, soprano, and alto saxophones with his additional talents with the flute, keyboards, and percussion. He has toured with Was (Not Was), Bob James, Chuck Loeb and Geri Allen’s electric band as well as worked with additional artists such as Iggy Pop, Nancy Wilson, and Freddie Jackson.
Guitar
Andre Frappier
He has worked with Ariana Grande, Ne-yo, Young Jeezy, and recording with Chris Brown.
Trombone
John Rutherford
One of the leading freelance trombonist is the city of Detroit, he has also held many teaching positions at the university level at facilities such as Albion College, Henry Ford Community College, and Oakland University. John has performed and recorded with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra, and is a founding member of Motor City Horns.