Michael Jackson Tribute Band to come to Tri-Cities
from Ansley Roberts
They have become the hottest live act on the East Coast, but in February, everyone will get to see the show that America is talking about. Although I thought it could never be done, Who's Bad has put together an 7-piece live band performing 100% Michael Jackson.
Who's Bad sold out the Georgia Theatre in Athens, with over 1,200 fans on their first visit. The response was so positive, that a second appearance came only weeks later. They are relatively new on the circuit, so I was able to work out a deal for this amazing band to come to Gatsby's. Due to growing popularity, it might be their only visit.
Make plans now, and don't get stuck outside. I may have to sale advanced tickets, so I will update later if we decide to do so.
WHO'S BAD
A tribute to Michael Jackson
Friday, February 4
Gatsby's
$10
10:45 p.m.
http://www.whosbadmusic.com
Bio:
This music can be pulled off only with the support of a fine cast. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Who's Bad is a compilation of some of the Triangle's most talented musicians and performers:
Taalib York (lead vocals), a New York City native whose gene pool is filled with artists and musicians, has been singing and dancing for as long as he can remember. By age 11, singing became his focus as he developed an amazing vocal range which he used to win talent shows and dance competitions all though elementary, middle, and high school. After finishing high school, he moved back home to New York where he performed at numerous small clubs, jazz jam sessions, and poetry shows. He also spent time recording his own music and singing hooks for under ground hip hop artists from New York to Georgia. In addition to singing and dancing, Taalib also choreographs dance routines professionally, which have led some groups into Tony award winning classes. But when it comes down to it, actions speak louder than words. You'll watch Taalib perform, you’ll see the influence Michael Jackson has had and you’ll agree: the similarities between the two are simply amazing.
Chris Boerner (guitar/vocals) Born in Durham, raised in Raleigh, Chris's interest in music began at the ripe age of 8 when he picked up the alto saxophone. Interest soon shifted to the guitar a few years later and then it was all over. Chris honed his chops playing in rock bands throughout middle and high school. As college came around, jazz and classical music took hold as he studied music at Duke University. Since college he has been involved in a plethora of projects including The Mighty Burners, his own quartet, and Mosadi Music. This has led to sharing the stage with The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Jazz Mandolin Project, and Scratch from the legendary Roots crew to name a few. Chris likes to spend his free time recording but he ends up mostly just shredding.
Matt Brandau (bass/vocals) has been playing electric and upright bass professionally for over 7 years. He is currently working in the triangle as a performing and session bassist. Since his introduction to bass he has performed and recorded with a wide variety of groups ranging from jazz, hip-hop, celtic and rock. He is a founding member of the hip-hop group Sankofa and also The Remix Project. His versatility has included him on over 13 albums including Sankofa, Portastatic, Astronauts of Antiquity, Tain Collins and Mark Wells.
Ray McCall (trumpet) has been involved in music since the age of 12. After putting down the string bass and picking up the trumpet, life seemed perfect. From early success in concert, marching, and jazz band at the high school level, the experience continued at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While at UNC, his musical outlet was in the form of the jazz band and marching band, getting much guidance from Jim Ketch and David McChesney. He has been playing and gigging professionally for 3 years, playing solo events mostly, yet has had stints with groups around the hometown of Erwin, NC as well. So, now tell me..."Who's Bad?".
Matt McCaughan (drums/vocals) has been playing the drums for over half of his life. During that time he has played in numerous jazz ensembles, with funk cover band, The Bridge, with the eclectic electric band, Hose, and subbing stints with Thad Cockrell and the Starlight Country Band. Currently, he plays and records with the rock trio stylings of The Balance, funk-hop stylings of The Mighty Burners and the melodious indy-fi stylings of Portastatic. He likes all of these groups. Do not make him pick just one.
Asher Stein (saxophones) is a New Jersey native and has been playing the saxophone professionally for the past 10 years. His first musical attempts were made at the Peppermint Lounge jazz jam session in Orange, NJ at the age of 10. Since then, he has appeared with many jazz greats including Jimmy Heath, Slide Hampton, and James Moody. He now co-leads “The Stein Bros. Jazz Quintet” with his brother Alex, which plays throughout the greater New York metropolitan area. He also studies with the legendary teacher/pianist Dr. Barry Harris. He is currently enrolled at the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill where he studies music. Asher would like to thank Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones for making the judo groove possible.
Vamsi Tadepalli (saxophones/vocals) is the founder and musical director of Who’s Bad and has been playing the saxophone professionally for over 10 years. Graduating from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in music, Vamsi is now pursuing the dream. He has appeared with several bands all across the country ranging in many styles including classical, jazz, rock, and funk. Currently, he is studying with alto saxophonist Justin Robinson and the legendary Dr. Barry Harris to hone his bebop skills!
Kevin Timmons (keyboards/vocals) began playing piano in the second grade and has since used the instrument as a vehicle for exploring and cultivating his love of music. He has studied music extensively both privately and under the guidance of instructors at UNC Chapel Hill. He is at home playing in any number of styles including rock, funk, jazz, R&B, and hip hop. Kevin has played professionally since his early teenage years and has dazzled audiences at some of the Southeast's hottest concert venues with his funky and fiery keyboard style.
