Artist Bio

Chuck Currie performs with the Meridiem Wind Orchestra and The Island Big Band in Victoria BC, and has recorded with the Vancouver Island Symphony, the Vancouver Philharmonic, the Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Royal Canadian Artillery Regimental Band, and the Vancouver Saxophone Ensemble.  He is the saxophone and clarinet coach of the BC Honour Wind Ensemble.  He has been a clinician for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the British Columbia Music Teachers Association. Mr. Currie is a Backun Clarinet, Yanagisawa Saxophone, Vandoren and Hercules artist-clinician-endorser.

He has performed world-wide at Wind Ensemble, Clarinet and Saxophone Festivals. The reviewer of the opening concert of the 2007 International Clarinet Association Clarinetfest  wrote: “Chuck Currie’s interpretation of the bass clarinet solos in Frank Ticheli’s Blue Shades was astonishing.  Never have I heard a bass clarinet shape and bend notes like that…what amazing projection! His a Capella duet with Eddie Daniels was magnificent.”

He operates Sax Noir Studio and was the sax and clarinet instructor for St Georges School for 20 years.  Students have auditioned successfully for the International Honors Wind Symphony at Lincoln Center, the Canadian Wind Orchestra, the National Youth Band of Canada, The Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra, the British Columbia Honour Orchestra, the UBC School of Music, the Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra, and the Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Mr. Currie’s articles on pedagogy and equipment  have been published by The BC Band Journal, Canadian Winds Magazine, Saxophone Journal, The BC Music Educator and Clarinet & Saxophone Magazine.

Read his blog on Hercules Stands here: Hercules Stands-The Only Choice

Artist Bio

BRASSFIELD is a country vocal trio based in Nashville, consisting of brothers Bradley and Chadley Brassfield and Chadley's wife, Jessie Rose Brassfield. It's certainly a family affair that makes for airtight three-part harmonies and a stellar vocal blend. Musical roots run deep for all of them.

The brothers were born in Tupelo, Mississippi, where music is undoubtedly a way of life. In the Brassfield bloodline, being a great singer is commonplace, and the boys are no exception to this phenomenon. Growing up, they toured the southern US playing and singing in churches, fell in love with being on stage, and knew that they wanted to continue their career together in Nashville. That's where they met Jessie Rose.

Born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, Jessie has spent her whole life in a musical bubble. She's been a happy student of music from the start, and her love of music encompasses all genres. She's been singing, playing piano, and writing songs for as long as she can remember. She comes from a long line of professional singers/musicians/writers, her dad being JP Pennington of the country hit-making group Exile. Following in his footsteps, she moved to Nashville to pursue country music, met the boys, the stars aligned, and two important things happened. Jessie and Chadley fell in love, and the trio discovered that their three unique voices came together to form a killer vocal blend. The rest is history.

Brassfield is a popular and in-demand Nashville act. They are well known in Music City and often play five to seven shows a week. Performance credits include opening for major label acts such as Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town, Lady A, Sarah Evans, Jeff Foxworthy, Trace Adkins, The Frontmen, Barenaked Ladies, Ernest, and Exile. Also, they were selected by Peyton Manning to perform at his benefit for the Pat Summitt Foundation.

Brassfield got their start as a trio by being the house band for the famous Opry Backstage Grill and hosting weekly hit songwriter nights that put them on stage with many of country music's most prolific songwriters. All three members of Brassfield are songwriters themselves, with Chadley Brassfield being awarded a recent Grammy for his songwriting. Bradley, Chadley, and Jessie Rose are beyond thrilled to have rising superstar producer Oscar Charles onboard to bring their original music to life in the studio.

For more information, visit www.brassfieldmusic.com.

They'd love to hear from you! Connect with Brassfield on all the social media platforms, including Facebook Instagram Twitter, Tiktokat @brassfieldmusic.

Stream or download Brassfield music on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, and Amazon Music.

Subscribe to Brassfield's YouTube channel for more music, videos, and news.

Artist Bio

Mo'Horns began in 1991 when Marvin Thompson and James Cheeks first met on a live recording during John P. Kee's VIP Convention in Washington, D. C. Many musical engagements followed as Marvin and James collaborated with renowned musical director Steve Lawrence. After creating horn arrangements for several artists and multi-media outlets, Marvin and James formed what is now Mo’Horns. The band consists of members, Marvin Thompson (trombone), James Cheeks (saxophones), and Theljon Allen (trumpet). Mo'Horns are voting members of the Recording Academy (Grammys), and also appear on several Grammy nominated and winning projects.

Mo’Horns recently appeared on TBN's "K Love Fan Awards," performing with Dante Bowe on June 4, 2021. They also appeared on TV One's "Urban Honors Awards 2020". Mo'Horns appeared on the soundtrack for the feature film entitled, “The High Note”, starring Tracey Ellis Ross. Other Mo’Horns performances include The Tonight Show (Jay Leno) and the Dave Letterman Show. Performance venues include the renowned John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Blues Alley (Washington, D. C.), Madison Square Garden, The Royal Albert Hall (London, England). Tokyo, Japan, Billboard and more.

Mo’Horns recently recorded a single entitled "Unity" featuring Dennis Chambers and Jae Deal now available on Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music.

Artist Bio

Ben Mauro released his 2nd EP entitled "From N.Y." on February 23rd, 2016. It is already receiving great reviews. He is currently performing in Las Vegas with Lionel Richie for a four week residency at Planet Hollywood Casino.

On November 3rd, 2015 singer, guitarist and songwriter Ben Mauro released his debut EP as a solo artist entitled "To L.A." He also just finished a European tour with pop/funk icon Lionel Richie that included Europe's biggest summer festivals including a stand put performance at Glastonbury that won live festival performance of the year. Ben’s extraordinary musical skills and dynamic stage presence has been the reason that he has remained a core member of Lionel Richie’s band for over fifteen years. Ben has also worked with many other artists including Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears, Don Felder from the Eagles, John Fogerty, Christina Aquilera, Toni Braxton and also worked on projects produced by Peter Frampton and Prince.

But with Ben it’s not just about the music, it’s also about giving back. On every trip to Syracuse he goes to his old high school (West Genesee HS) and college (Onondaga Community College where he studied classical guitar) to talk with students. Ben gives them advice on how to have longevity in the music business and gives clinics to teach them the basics of music theory. In 2014 he started the Ben Mauro Endowment for Music Education at West Genesee; over the next four years he will make a donation to the school’s music department. He wants every kid to have every advantage to be able to play if that is their passion. Ben grew up playing the clubs of Syracuse then eventually moved to NYC where he landed the gig with Lionel Richie. Ben now lives in Los Angeles, California.

And if all that isn’t enough to keep him busy, Ben is also the host of his own travel music show called “Let’s Go! with Ben Mauro.” During his downtime on tour, Ben explores the cities he’s in and takes the viewer behind-the-scenes of the touring musician’s life.

Artist Bio

Saxophonist, Dr. Alvin McKinney, is known around the world as ‘THE PRIME MINISTER OF JOYFUL JAZZ’. He is the CEO of Prophetic Management & Entertainment, and the Co-Pastor & Minister of Music for Redeemer Church of Christ - Power of God Ministries. He was the host of “THE JOYFUL JAZZ SHOW,” and “JOYFUL JAZZ MINISTRIES”. He's an Artist/Clinician with The Buffet Group USA/Julius Keilwerth Saxophones, Beechler Mouthpieces, Legere Reeds LTD, Neotech NeckStraps, Rovner Product Ligatures, Hercules Stands, Audio-Technica, Inc. Microphones, and KORG USA Keyboards; also, Founder of The Alvin & Elizabeth McKinney Foundation. Dr. McKinney performed in the 2005 Panafest in Cape Coast, Ghana, Official Invitation by Omanhene Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II; and he has performed with such Notable Greats as: B. B. King, Louie Bellson, Clark Terry, Billy Preston, Kirk Whalum, Rufus and Carla Thomas, William Bell, David Longoria, Daniello DeLaurentiis, Ellis Hall, Ruby Wilson, Joyce Cobb, Paul McKinney and Kurl McKinney; also, for the Regional Black Chamber of Commerce (RBCC) and the Black American Political Association of California (BAPAC). He's Ministered in Music with Praisefest Ministries, Pastors Andre & Sandra Crouch, and the Praise and Worship Teams for Benny Hinn Ministries, Morris Cerullo World Wide Evangelism, and at the White House in Washington, D.C. USA for President Barack Obama.

To learn more about The Alvin & Elizabeth McKinney Foundaion, please go to http://aemfdtn4music.org/

Artist Bio

Since hitting the scene with his band, Downtown, in 1991, Se-Hwang has been one of the hardest working guitarists in the world. Currently working with K-Pop band, N.EX.T, solo artist, Korean TV personality, guest soloist, political activist, and educator he has collaborated/performed with such notable artists as Steve Vai, Wyclef Jean, Guthrie Govan, Victor Wooten, Muriel Anderson, Scott Henderson, Stu Hamm, Simon Phillips, Alex Skolnick, Lee Ritenour, Martin Taylor, Vinnie Moore, Steve Bailey, Mitch Forman, Jeff Bowders, Loudness, and many other world-renowned artists.

Se-Hwang Kim is currently based in L.A. producing, writing songs, recording guitars, and performing live based in L.A. He is also a member of Louie and the Legends, performing with members of James Brown Band, Parliament Funkadelic, Pfunk, Toto, Pink Floyd, and session recording musicians for Christina Aguilera, etc.. He is also a member of METal International (media, entertainment, and technology alpha leaders).

Se-Hwang proudly uses Orange Amplifiers, Boss Pedals, D’Addario Strings, AKG Microphones, and he trusts his Signature Gibson Guitar to Hercules Stands.

Artist Bio

While many musicians fit easily into a single category, Steve Vai’s unique musical vision remains unclassifiable. After more than 30 years, Vai continues to use unbridled guitar virtuosity and soulful artistry to explore the spectrum of human emotion.

A virtuoso guitarist, visionary composer, and consummate producer who sculpts musical sound with infinite creativity and technical mastery, Steve Vai has awed fans of all genres with his exceptional guitar skills and musicianship for decades. At age 12, he started taking guitar lessons from Joe Satriani. At 18, he began his professional music career transcribing for, and then playing with, the legendary Frank Zappa. More than three decades, over 15 million in album sales, and three GRAMMY Awards later, Vai has proven himself, in his own right, to be one of music’s true originals.

Vai’s work has been recognized with a long list of awards and honors, including over 15 from Guitar Player magazine alone. His career accomplishments have earned him honorary doctorates from Berklee College of Music and Musicians Institute. The 2016 Long Island Music Hall of Fame inductee was voted the 10th “Greatest Guitarist” by Guitar World magazine and consistently lands among the best in various lists of the top guitarists of all time.

Artist Bio:

Rock fans around the world associate the name Tobias Sammet primarily with AVANTASIA, a unique collaboration project that Tobias founded in 1999. Originally planned as a one-off studio production, he reactivated the project in 2007 to cause a sensation all along the line with the album "The Scarecrow" in 2008. Shortly after its release, the conceptual work had officially crept into the ranks of the 20 best-selling recordings in Europe. "The Scarecrow" stormed the album charts in 15 countries (in Germany at number 8), contained a top 10 hit with "Lost In Space", and producer Sascha Paeth was awarded by the Association of German Sound Engineers (VDT) for the "Best Rock Production 2008".

For the album Tobias was able to win some illustrious colleagues like Alice Cooper, Jorn Lande, Eric Singer (KISS), Rudolf Schenker (SCORPIONS), Bob Catley (MAGNUM), Kai Hansen and Michael Kiske (ex-HELLOWEEN) and many more as guest musicians. The incredible success of the album led to a gigantic ensemble setting off on a festival tour in the summer of 2008, culminating in a headlining show at the prestigious Wacken Open Air in front of more than 85,000 people. After a 2-year Corona-related break, he was able to repeat this experience much to the delight of festival-goers at the Wacken Open Air in 2022.

Today, over 700,000 listeners on Spotify and more than three million records sold worldwide speak a clear language and make AVANTASIA one of the most successful German metal bands.

Tobias Sammet started his musical journey in 1992 when he founded the Power-Metal-Band EDGUY with his school friends and since then is the singer and composer. As one of the most internationally successful bands in Germany in the nineties, he was able to tour Europe, Australia, North, South and Central America and Asia several times. Their most recently released album "Monuments" from 2017 made it to #6 in the German charts.

Discography:

AVANTASIA:
The Metal Opera – 2001
The Metal Opera – 2002
Lost in Space Part I – EP – 2007
Lost in Space Part II – 2007
The Scarecrow – 2008
The Wicked Symphony / Angel of Babylon – 2010
The Mystery of Time – 2013
The Flying Opera – Live – 2013
Ghostlights – 2016
Moonglow – 2019
 
EDGUY:
Kingdom of Madness – 1997
Vain Glory Opera – 1998
Theater of Salvation – 1999
The Savage Poetry – 2000
Mandrake – 2001
Burning Down the Opera – Live – 2003
Hellfire Club – 2004
Rocket Ride – 2006
Tinnitus Sanctus – 2008
Fucking with F*** - Live – 2009
Age of the Joker – 2011
Space Police – Defenders of the Crown – 2014
Monuments – 2017

Artist Bio

Known for her work with Beyoncé, Jay Z and Demi Lovato; Saxophonist, Adison Evans draws on her influences, travels and life experience HEROes that have influenced her both musically and personally for a deeply personal offering, that encompasses a love for jazz, R&B and positive affirmation.

Adison Evans is a dynamic millennial who has shared the stage with several legendary artists including: Trisha Yearwood, Nicki Minaj, Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, Terence Blanchard, and many more. Evans made her debut in the pop world playing in the 2013 Superbowl with Beyoncé. Upon graduating from the Juilliard School, Evans embarked on a 3 year adventure playing and touring with Beyoncé in the ""Mrs. Carter Show World Tour,"" followed by Beyoncé and JayZ in the history making ""On The Run"" Tour. Evans can also be heard on the album that crashed iTunes, Beyoncé, and has been seen in many of her music videos including ""Countdown"" the HBO Beyoncé specials, and Beyoncé DVDs.

Evans is proud to release her debut album, ""Hero"", a tribute to those who have shaped her into the young woman and artist today. She combines pure excitement with a soulful saxophone sound and a contagious smile to create one compelling performance after another.