**Photos and Logos property of the Band of Oz**
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.
