Several changes have happened recently within some of the most popular bands in the Beach Music industry and the latest was confirmed by David Hicks with the Band of Oz. In a Facebook post earlier this morning, May 11, 2019 David announced the addition of two new members; Chris Jennings and Dustin Ahkuoi.
Last month it was announced that guitarist, Jerry West would be leaving BOZ to pursue the formation of the newest band in Beach Music, "Cat 5". We had the opportunity to attend the Beach Music Cruise-in last night at the oceanfront in Virginia Beach, Virginia with BOZ including Jerry and as always, they did not disappoint. (Videos coming soon!)
David's Facebook post:
"Change is the only constant in life. I didn't come up with that. Some Greek guy from 2500 years ago did. They were called philosophers.They sat around all day in a bathrobe and came up with stuff like that to avoid getting a real job or going into battle like all the other men. Never the less the quote is very true.There are changes that we create and there are changes that are thrust upon us. We have to deal with change in the most positive way possible and I believe we have done that..As many of you that follow The Band of Oz have heard that change is coming to our band.Chris Jennings will be joining our band at the end of the month. I had to talk Chris into coming out of retirement.He is without a doubt one of the best players in the business. More to follow about Chris.
I met Dustin Ahkuoi about a year ago. I have stayed in touch with him trying to put something together in one way or another. We have finally made that work.. Dustin came out of the Atlanta show band circuit.. He is the most versatile singer I have ever worked with.. More about Dustin to follow. There is also more change coming to our business and that is the formation of the new group Cat 5. I have known some of those guys for over 30 years and I wish them much success.
Chris began playing guitar in his teens after being inspired by a friend's rock music collection. After moving through the ranks within the local band scene he landed the guitar position with a signed recording act and moved to Florida.Over the next 10 years Chris traveled all over the US and abroad with various acts before moving back home to the Carolinas. Throughout his his career Chris performed and recorded with many notable artists including Paul Davis,Nigel Olssen and The Righteous Brothers.Chris spent several years performing with The Fantastic Shakers..
Dustin was born and raised in Chapel Hill NC. From a very early age music and art have been a huge part of his life.His father who is from the island of American Samoa played instruments and sang in bands as well as in the home with Dustin almost everyday of his childhood.His mother is a poet and comes from a family of poets,painters.authors and musicians.
In 2003 Dustin moved to Atlanta to pursue his musical dreams and called Atlanta home for 15 years. While in Atlanta Dustin worked full time in the music industry for over a decade. He has traveled the US and internationally with successful bands that have opened for acts such as Usher. Pitbull,Sister Sledge. Jason Derulo,Blondie and many more. He has been honored to perform for former first lady Michelle Obama and share the stage with Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn and Brian Littrell of the Backstreet Boys.He has also released viral comedic videos that have amassed millions of views on You Tube and Facebook.
Dustin recently moved back to Chapel Hill to be nearer to his family and has loved reconnecting with his North Carolina roots.He is beyond excited and deeply honored to join the legendary Band of Oz.Dustin spent every one of his childhood summers in the Outer Banks of NC so the Carolina beach is embedded deep in his heart. He is looking forward to sharing the stage with BOZ and connecting with all of you through the gift of music!"
We will of course update you with any new information released by the band. Be sure to like us on Facebook and join our mailing for the latest in Beach Music news and events.
Earlier tonight on their Facebook page, the Tim Clark Band
announced the addition of their newest member, Jonathan
Kuehling of Florence, South Carolina on keyboards.
Jonathan will make his debut appearance with the TCB in the
Myrtle Beach area this Friday, May 10, 2019 at Maxwell's Lounge
located at 3438 Highway 9E, Little River, South Carolina. According
to the venue's calendar the band starts at: 9:00 PM.
The band posted: " Lets all show Jonathan a warm welcome and
some TCB love as he begins his musical journey with us!"
Flip Flop Live would like to welcome Jonathan to the band and from
the samples we've heard online, he's going to be a great addition.
We can't wait to hear you live!
Earlier today, Steve Owens and Summertime announced the addition of their newest
member, Ben Shaw on trumpet. Ben performed previously during the first year after
the formation of SOaS as well as filling in at various events throughout the years
according to the Facebook post from the band. Their post also mentioned that Ben
was previously a member of: "The Fanstastic Shakers, Castaways, Legends of Beach,
Holiday Band and others". In a statement Ben said: "It feels good to be back with
Steve Owens and Summertime ... it feels like family".
We were able to see Ben in action this past weekend at The Pointe at Lake Gaston as
the band opened the 2019 Summer Beach Music Series on May 5, 2019. We'd like to
officially welcome Ben and we look forward to seeing a lot more of you in the coming
months.
In April the Beach Music community was saddened to learn of the passing of longtime
member, Alex Almasy. The band suffered a huge loss and even inspired Steve to write a
song: "A Song for Alex". Listen to the song here! Condolences can still be sent to the
family. To send your condolences, please click here!
**Photo property of the James Michael Brown Band**
The James Michael Brown Band has released a new single titled: "A Love Thang". It's
currently available on iTunes as well as their online store. Also available on various
stations you can request the song with your favorite DJ's and radio stations. You can
take a listen on the WDZD 99.1 FM Facebook page with Eric Bowman!
On a recent post by Michael Roberts on his page "I'll Go Where the Music Takes Me"
he says: "This track is a solid groove with an awesomely smooth flavor that just reaches
out and says “Let’s Party”. Contemporary in sound and production. The lyric has a natural
hook with the repetition of the title which just pulls you in. Pair this with a strong rhythm
and vocal track and you have a winner.
Technical engineering involves the use of vocal stacking, a little reverb, a voice box and
several other very nice techniques which makes this one a winner. Plus Instead of having
the typical instrumental bridge the instrumentation ( a great Sax) is positioned in the last
30 or so seconds and it just rocks.
On The “Ole Give It To Mikey, He’ll Play It Rating Scale” This one is way up there. That’s
right it is a solid A+. The reason being it’s a contemporary sound that works for multiple
levels of dancers. It is very well engineered and produced with its multiple levels and lastly,
the performance is exceptional. High energy paired with vocal clarity makes this one the
winner it is.
I believe this one you will want to add to your collection. It should be available on CDBaby,
Itunes and other retail sources. Be sure to check it out.
Until Next Time…..
Keep On Dancin’…"
" You can visit Michael's page for all of his reviews here!
You can download your copy today on iTunes or on the Band's Store!
Patman and Robin Records release a new compilation titled, "I Count the Tears".
The seventeen song album features songs from:
- Rick Strickland - Jimbo Durham and Shag Attack - Phil Evans & Jimbo Chapman
- Vance Kennedy and Barksdale Station
- Bubba D. Liverance & The Corn Hole Prophets
- The Embers feat. Craig Woolard w/ Matt Thomas of Parmalee - Lesa Hudson - Dana Jones & The Bruce Caldwell Project
- Sylvia Ritchie - The Gold Standard Band - Feature Attraction Band - Clyde Sanders & The Reunion Band
- LGB
- The Shag Doctorz - East Coast Rhythm and Blues Band - Seabreeze featuring Sherry Laughlin
- Dip Ferrell and the Truetones feat. Rick Blackwell
The album was released during the official release party on May 3, 2019 at
Deckerz in N. Myrtle Beach, SC. The album is available for purchase on their
online store by CLICKING HERE!
Jim Quick & Coastline posted a photo yesterday, April 16th of the newest members of the band and people have been anxious to find out more. Earlier tonight the band posted a video and it gave the members a chance to introduce themselves which include: Jim Quick on vocals, Casey Meyer on guitar, Daniel Anderson on keys and guitar, Norman Allred on drums and Derek Wesley Arnold on bass.
The band sampled two of their songs giving fans a taste of what’s to come during a recent practice including “Turn Me Over” and “Mama’s Drinkin’ Liquor”.
You can catch them live tomorrow night at TJ's Night Life in Raleigh, Friday at Break Time Billiards & Sports Bar in Winston Salem, Saturday at Ribeyes of Cape Carteret in Cape Carteret, NC and Sunday at Captain Archie's in Cherry Grove, SC.
You can check out the video below and be sure to visit our website for any new updates on Coastline! www.FlipFlopLive.com
Group 5 Entertainment Inc. is excited to announce the formation of The “Cat5 Band”
Mission Statement
"A group of professional musicians that have come together with a common purpose to provide the best music possible to audiences all over the country.
We are excited to announce the formation of band members Jerry Thomas West, Camron Dudley, Glen Tippett, Hugh Blanton, and Tim Sidden.
--------------------------------- Jerry Thomas West
Cammy Award winning Vocalist, Guitarist for 24 years with the Band of Oz and the 80s Rock Band SugarCreek will be contributing his amazing vocals to Cat5. Jerry is best known for his hits “Somewhere Over The RainBow” and “Build Me Up” Jerry Has Won Multiple Cammy Awards including “Vocalist of the Year” and “Instrumentalist of the Year”.
-------------------------------- Camron Dudley
Vocals, Drums, Percussion: Camron, formally of the band Jim Quick and Coastline won the CBMA Instrumentalist Of The Year Award at the CBMA’s in 2014. Attending College in Elon N.C. He studied Jazz and was a member of the All State Band.
Camron is well known for his amazing Drum Solos performed nightly. And is a First Call Session Drummer for the North Carolina Recording Scene, having recorded 100 plus songs for various artist.
------------------------------- Glen Tippett
Vocalist, Multi Instrumentalist has won Multiple Cammy Awards during his tenure of 16 Years with Jim Quick and Coastline including 2 Instrumentalist of the Year Awards in 2008 and 2015. He sung the lead Vocals on the Hit Song remake of “Something Like Olivia” Glen makes his home in the greater Myrtle Beach Area.
------------------------------ Hugh Blanton
Vocals, Bass Guitar is a Multi Cammy Award Winning artist with credits including being an original member of the Entertainers, and The Breeze Band. the recipient of Song of the year with the Breeze Band and Instrumentalist of the Year in 2017 during his stint with Jim Quick and Coastline. His resume also includes the Spare Change, Unknown Hinson, Embers, David Caudle and Emily Minor.
------------------------------ Tim Sidden
Vocals, Keyboards, Harmonica. Tim Performed with the Band Hip Pocket for the past 4+ years.
In 2017 He won a Cammy Award for Collaboration for his Production of "We Are Beach Music" In 2018 He Co-Wrote and released the Song “Carolina Queen” which went Number “1” in the Beach Music World and Spawned the creation of its own Merchandise including Shirts, Mugs and other Items.
Tim’s credits include a 14 year stint at the World Famous Carolina Opry in Myrtle Beach S.C. as well as touring with National 90’s “Hit” Makers; Rhett Akins, Daryle Singletary, John “Bo Duke” Schneider, T. Graham Brown, Tom “Luke Duke’ Wopat, Jimmy Fortune, Grayson Hughes and many others.
Tim Currently Co-Owns Sand-City Productions in North Myrtle Beach S.C.
His recorded work has produced Multiple National Number 1 Hits and over 40 top 40 Hits.
-----------------------------
Visit us on Social Media @Cat5live
Cat5 Band is currently Booking dates for its 2019 Summer Fall Tour starting June 1st.
We were saddened to hear the news of the passing of Alex Almasy. Alex played
trumpet with Steve Owens and Summertime and was loved by so many in the
Beach Music community.
In a Facebook post earlier this morning the band wrote: "Alex was the kindest most easy going soul that has ever been in this band.
He was our brother, band mate, and friend".
We wish to extend our condolences to Alex's family, his band mates and to
those close to him. A private service for Alex was held but a public celebration of
life will be held at a later date. Once we receive this information we will be sure
to update you. If you'd like to read his full obituary and to send your condolences
to the family, Click Here!
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Kidznotes Raleigh at www.kidznotes.org/support-us, as a reflection of his love of both performing
and teaching music.
If you'd like to read more about Alex, his biography is below that can be
found on the band's website: www.steveowensandsummertime.com
" Alex Almasy, Trumpet, Saxophone, and Trombone. Originally from New York
but raised in NC multi-instrumentalist Alex Almasy learned his trade during
his time at William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ. He was a Music
Performance major and while there was able to perform with many world
renowned musicians and was in a highly paced learning environment.Upon
his return to North Carolina he has played with such groups as The Raleigh
Jazz Orchestra, NC Revelers (jazz trumpet soloist), The Triangle Jazz Orchestra
(lead trumpet) and various small mainstream jazz and Dixieland groups such
as Decatur Street Beat. He also played with the award winning Mighty Lester
Band (which played major blues festivals across the country) along with being
in the High Roller Band where he met Steve Owens. After the HRB dissolved
Alex enjoyed a few years with The Castaways based out of Durham, NC before
joining Steve Owens and Summertime as part of a three piece horn section.Alex
plays numerous brass and woodwind instruments with flawless proficiency.
Regardless of what he is performing, you will be treated to an energetic
experience whether he is part of the section or taking a fiery solo." From the Steve Owens and Summertime Website
