Age: 38 Instruments: Vocalist Band: Soul Operation, with keyboardist Taray White, bassist Ernest Attaberry, guitarist Dave Jones and drummer Phil Reed Day job: Risk manager/workers' compensation for Acosta Sales & Marketing Hometown: Jacksonville Current residence: Daytona Beach Type of music you perform: Jazz, blues, neo-soul, R&B and rock 'n' roll Repertoire sampler: "Same Ole Love," Anita Baker; "Addicted to Love," Tina Turner; "It Hurt So Bad," Susan Tedeschi; "Just the Way You Are," Diana Krall arrangement; "Baby Baby Sweet Baby," Aretha Franklin; "Let's Stay Together," Al Green; "Something to Talk About," Bonnie Raitt; "Can't Live Without Your Love," original. Upcoming area gigs: 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Sept. 26, Angell & Phelps Café, 156 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach. 386-257-2677. Web site: amyalysia.net
Taking Notes
Who or what inspired you to take up music?
Watching performers on television, whether it was rock 'n' roll, gospel, R&B, opera, or my mother in choir rehearsal, music has always intrigued me and it's something that I am passionate about. I've experienced a lot of disappointments that made me considering quitting.
I met the love of my life and soul mate, Phil Reed. He inspired me to run hard after what I enjoy and that is music. He inspired me to pursue what I was born to do.
What was the most unusual or memorable gig you've ever played?
My most memorable gig was in my teenage years in Indianapolis. It was the first time singing for a crowd of over 2,000 people though it seemed like 100,000! As I began to sing, my legs started shaking, but after the initial shock, I pulled myself together and finished the song. I got rave reviews from everyone.
What musician/celebrity/historical person would you most like to have dinner with?
Without question, Tina Turner. She has influenced me to persevere through all obstacles that life will bring. I celebrate her because through her challenges she remained strong, and performed from her heart even though she was hurting.
She wasn't afraid to pursue her style of music despite Ike and what others thought she should perform. She remained unafraid to evolve musically and become transparent to the world. What an extraordinary woman!
What was the last book you read?
"The Laws of Thinking: 20 Secrets to Using the Divine Power of Your Mind to Manifest Prosperity" by Bishop E. Bernard Jordan. This book promotes me to change the way that I view myself and the things in this life that I have the power to achieve. I am who I say I am. I have the power to possess whatever I tell myself to possess. If I see it and desire it, only then will I possess it. What CD/tape/music is in your car/home stereo/iPod right now?
I have put all of my show tunes on CD to listen to as I travel to work and back home.
What is your favorite movie?
"Pretty Woman." What was the best concert you ever attended?
Wow! The Yellow Jackets, Daytona Beach, 2009. They were the height of musical perfection.
"If I didn't play music, I would .. ":
I can't imagine not performing music.
"I'd sell my soul for ...":
I couldn't sell my soul for anything. Music IS my soul!
Mike Hill of Whiskey Basin - Athens theater - Deland , Florida - Call Me The Breeze
Vital Stats Age: 29.
Instruments: Vocals, guitar, bass, piano.
Band: Whiskey Basin.
Day job: Web and database technician.
Hometown: Okeechobee.
Current residence: South Daytona.
Type of music you perform: Rock, country, metal.
Repertoire sampler: "Medicine" (an original song I wrote), a bunch of Whiskey Basin originals --"Blame It on Boston," "Invisible to You," "Plans We Made." Also Brad Paisley's "The World," Ted Nugent's "Stranglehold," Keith Urban's "Better Life."
Upcoming area gigs: 9 p.m. Sept. 12, Boot Hill Saloon, 310 Main St., Daytona Beach. 9 p.m. Sept. 18, Airport Bar, 1120 Flight Line Blvd., Deland.
CDs: Whiskey Basin, "Seven Sundays" -- $11.99 at whiskeybasin.com and at shows. Web site: Whiskey Basin Official Site www.whiskeybasin.com
Vital Stats Age: 11 Instruments: Steel drums and I sing. Day job: I am in fifth grade at Sweetwater Elementary School, Port Orange. Hometown: Port Orange Current residence: Port Orange Type of music you perform: My steel drum playing is Caribbean and my singing is kiddie pop. Repertoire sampler: My steel drums are mostly cover songs: "Red Red Wine," "Don't Worry, Be Happy," "Turn the World Around," "Volcano," " Hot Hot Hot," " Three Little Birds," "Amazing Grace," "Limbo Rock," "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," "Under the Sea," "Jump in Line," the national anthem and some originals (area steel drum player) Kelvin Hart has taught me.
My singing has the "Chihuahua" song, and I'm working in the recording studio on my first CD being produced by Gold Star Productions at Tower Sound in Orlando. My songs are "Magic Balloon Ride in the Sky"; "Perfectly Pavlina" (about me), which will be the theme song for my new TV pilot being produced by Gold Star Productions; and a song about best friends.
These are all originals written by Tad Jennings of Amsden.
Upcoming area gigs: Steel drum performance, 6 p.m. Friday May 15, May 22 and May 29, part of the Bandshell Live! summer concert series, Bandshell, behind the Ocean Walk Shoppes, 250 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach.
Steel drum performance, 12:30-1:30 p.m. May 25, part of the Second Annual Missing Children's Benefit, Speed Park Motorsports, 201 Fentress Blvd., Daytona Beach.
Singing the national anthem prior to the Daytona Cubs vs. Sarasota Reds baseball game, 7:05 p.m. June 2, Jackie Robinson Ballpark, 105 E. Orange Ave., Daytona Beach. Information: daytonacubs.com or 386-257-3172.
Web sites: myspace.com/pavlinamusic and sceneinteractive.com/talents/pavlinaosta.
Taking Notes
What or who inspired you to pursue music, especially the steel drums? And how did you learn to play the steel drums?
I've always loved music because I've been dancing for five years, but I love it more in the last year or so because of all my trips to New York City and seeing Broadway shows.
My school has a steel drum band for fifth graders. I wasn't interested in playing a band instrument but the steel drums were different! So my parents asked if I really liked them and then they had Tommy Reynolds, of (the pop group) Hamilton, Joe Frank and Reynolds, make me a pair. So when I got back from being in the Macy's Parade, I started playing on my own. Now I take private lessons with Kelvin Hart.
What was the most unusual or memorable steel drum performance you've ever played?
Each performance is different but my first performance was on the beach in front of the Bandshell. People from all over were watching me. There were kids, bikers, tourists and there was this older guy making roses and grasshoppers out of palm fronds. He talked about just being happy and do what you can for the world. How good is that?
So I started getting tips for my playing and wanted to help animals so I donate my money for spaying and neutering, and I go to city council meetings asking for animal help, too.What musician/celebrity/historical person would you most like to have dinner with?
I love all the Broadway stars and to have them all give me some of their energy and a hug would be the best dinner ever. I'd really like to have dinner with (local Olympic gold medalist swimmer) Ryan Lochte because he's done a lot and is very focused.
What was the last book you read?
"The Tale of Despereaux."
What CD/tape/music is in your car/home stereo/iPod right now?
In my iPod are a lot of songs from "Wicked," "Seasons of Love" from "Rent," Rihanna and Coldplay.
What is your favorite movie?
Disney's "Bedtime Stories."
What was the best concert you ever attended?
I've never been to a concert but I'd like to see Coldplay. I love the song "Viva la Vida" and the instruments they use.
"If I didn't play music, I would ...": I already go to Orlando Ballet three to four times a week, but if I didn't perform music I would do even more dancing. I love dancing so much I never want to stop.
I also want to be an actress! I would love to be on a Disney show! That would be an ultimate dream. Joy Star of Gold Star says I'm a triple threat which means I can sing/act/dance plus I play the steel drums. So I have a lot of choices.
"I'd sell my soul for...": There's a lot of things I would like to do but I'm a kid and kids have power and time so I'll just do what I'm doing. I'm good. It's all good.
Age: 49. Instruments: Electric upright bass, electric bass and vocals. Bands you perform with on a regular basis: L.A. Robinson and Streetlife, Reuben Morgan and Cooljams, Toots Lorraine and the Traffic, Jake Niceley. Day job: I gave up road gigs in 1994. Since then, I've worked as a carpenter with Augustine Builders in Daytona Beach. Hometown: Springfield, Ill. Current residence: Ormond Beach. Type of music you perform: Jazz, blues, R&B, country. Repertoire sampler: "Let It Roll" (Little Feat), "Treat Her Right" (Roy Buchanan's version), "Confidence Man" (Jeff Healey), "Crossfire" and "The Sky Is Cryin'" (Stevie Ray Vaughan), "So What" (Miles Davis). Upcoming area gigs: With the Denny Weaver Trio, Olympic Splashdown 2009, 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 30, Daytona State College, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. Web site: geocities.com/troxellbass.
Age: 34 Instruments: I play guitar, sing and play a little percussion from time to time (congas, djembe, etc.). Bands you perform with on a regular basis: Minister Theory, plus a duo with my sister Gina, and Casual Folklor. Day job: Mostly a full-time musician, but I also have a degree in graphic design and work on small projects here and there as well. Hometown: Detroit Current residence: New Smyrna Beach Type of music you perform: All types. I love a wide variety of music and like to experiment with it. There's really no limit. I love to meld all styles and get new sounds. For me it's all about where the music wants to take me. I never try and fight it. Repertoire sampler: Originals include "Tommy C," "Small Steps," "People," "Running Back," "Magic Poison Clown," "Little York," "Topenga." Cover -- "I Got You." (Gotta have James Brown! I mean come on, doesn't get much better.)
Upcoming area gigs: Minister Theory, 9 p.m. April 22, Ocean Deck, 127 S. Ocean Ave., Daytona Beach. Gina and Tony, 8 p.m. April 23, Flagler Tavern, 414 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach. Minister Theory, part of the Daytona Beach International Festival Battle of the Bands, noon-4 p.m. April 25, Bandshell, behind the Ocean Walk Shoppes, 250 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach. CDs: "Beautiful Life," Minister Theory, $10, available at CDBaby.com, iTunes, Rhapsody and other digital retailers. You can also buy them at shows and through our Web site. "Minister Theory," $10, available only at live shows and through our Web site at the moment. "Little Mary" by Casual Folklor, $10, available through CDBaby.com, itunes, Rhapsody and other digital retailers. Web site:MinisterTheory.com
AJ Belletto aka Mr. AJ, the True Guru of Obscure Blue
Vital Stats
Age: 63.
Instruments: Guitars and vocals.
Band: Besides as a solo act, just one: The School House Blues Band, with Steven "Funking" Maxcy on drums, Frank Santana on five-string bass and Keith Justice on guitar.
Day job: They say the three widest avenues to get to the Master Spirit are through children, music, and animals. I am blessed to have all three: a career counseling young children at Belle Terre Elementary in Flagler County, playing guitar, and I am surrounded by pets. Fortunately, I also get to do several "good choice" musical activities for children. If you want to teach children, music is an excellent source for learning.
Since moving to Florida, I have had several successful guitar clinics featuring some great players to inspire many aspiring young musicians. Barry Greene, professor of jazz guitar at the University of North Florida, was wonderful at my last clinic. After 20 years of teaching guitar, I now focus on my own musical growth and recording. I still plan to do some more guitar clinics this fall.
Hometown: New Orleans.
Current residence: Palm Coast.
Type of music you perform: Obscure blues. Most of my music, except for a few originals, is mostly from obscure artists who are terrific but not as readily known except by blues aficionados. The School House Blues Band is dedicated to playing hot dancing blues with great lyrics for life.
Repertoire sampler: Originals such as "Think Twice to Be Nice," "Late Fee Fever," "Don't Laugh at Me" and "Stranger Danger." Some of my covers include songs from the great blues artists Chris Cain, Bryan Lee, Matt Smith, Tommy McCoy, Tinsley Ellis, the Meters, Robert Johnson and T-Bone Walker to name a few.
Upcoming area gigs: School House Blues Band, 2 p.m. April 26 as part of the "No Worries Benefit" for area musician Reuben "Lounge Lizard" Morgan, the Coliseum, 176 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach. Information on the benefit: 386-868-7181.
CDs: "Obscure Blue," presently complimentary in exchange for an e-mail or phone number to let people know when and where we will play again. E-mail: tightskins@earthlink.net or go to myspace.com/schoolhouseblues.
Instruments: I play rhythm, lead, bass and mandolin guitars, and lead vocals and harmonica. Band: Chuck Bob Carnes and the Honky Tonk Heroes. Day job: Due to my motorcycle accident, I'm not doing a day job. I just try to spend time writing, recording and performing. And getting my strength back.
Hometown: Born and raised in Louisville, Ky. Left and headed out on that honky-tonk highway when I was 18 years old. Current residence: Living in Ormond Beach now for 12 years. Type of music you perform: Definitely a honky-tonk country blues singer and a very alive performer and entertainer.
Repertoire sampler: "Honky-tonk Heroes," Waylon Jennings; "Mess of the Blues," Delbert McClinton; "Wheelin'," Lowell George; "Ring of Fire," Johnny Cash; "Mama's Song," original; "Cowboy Man," Lyle Lovett; "Angel Flying to Close to the Ground," Willie Nelson; "All Shook Up," Elvis. Upcoming area gigs: 7-11 p.m. March 20, Mosquito Cove, 5934 S. U.S. 1, Port Orange. Noon-7 p.m. March 29, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' Pet Fest, Valentine Park, 1511 W. French Ave., Orange City. Free admission. Information: 386-774-2227. CD: "My Old Guitar," available by e-mailing chuckbobcarnes@aol.com or calling 386-615-9828.
Instruments/duties: Vocals, guitar, harmonica, dobro, bass, a little piano, slide guitar.
Band: Moe Jackson Blues Band.
Day job: Nothin' but music.
Hometown: Boca Raton.
Current residence: Daytona Beach and Nashville, Tenn.
Type of music you perform: Blues 95 percent. Some favorite artists such as Johnny Cash, Merle, Hank, etc.
Repertoire sampler: All originals from my six CDs -- "Big Trouble," "Down in New Orleans," "Quit Buggin' Me Baby," "Nothin' Lasts Forever," "Rich Man's Woman," "Keep On Walkin'," "Zip It," "Leavin' Nashville." (Hear "Rich Man's Woman" online at news-journalonline.com.)
Upcoming area gigs: 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Hollywood Cantina, 116 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach. Information: 386-255-7827.
CDs: "Two Sides of the Blues," "Keep on Walkin' (Live WMNF Tampa)," "Want Some Candy/Candy Yams," "Big Trouble," "The Best of Moe Jackson." $10 each, available at Yancey Music in Ormond Beach and Total Entertainment in Daytona Beach, or by e-mailing jackson.moe0@gmail.com.
Music resume: Playing professionally for 26 years in North America and South America. Bass Institute of Technology grad (in Los Angeles) where I studied with Tim Bogert. Recorded with rock bands in my native Brazil and performed in open air prog-rock fests for over 5,000 people.
Instruments: My main instrument would be voice, but I also play piano and guitar.
Band: Minister Theory.
Musical resume: After graduation from Spruce Creek High in 1998, I began my studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston.I had the privilege of performing and working with some of the greatest musicians of our time while attending Berklee. Many of the names you can find on the charts, on television appearances and in CD stores across the world. I was a record-breaking eight time performer in the infamous Singers Showcase.
I had the opportunity to perform on the stage of the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, N.Y. My two-time win in the competition allowed me to go back and perform several times.
In the spring of 2002, I graduated from Berklee with a bachelor's degree in music for performance.
Day job: I teach private vocal and piano instruction at the Cuchetti School of Music/Indian River Institute in the Pappas Plaza in New Smyrna Beach. I also cantor at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church.
Amy Alysia Hall
