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RITA LACKEY, Lead Vocals

Originally from Los Angeles, Rita began at an early age singing and playing the piano in the gospel choir. Today she is a versatile entertainer who has lent her distinctive vocal abilities to the recordings of Tina Turner's Ikettes and Taj Mahal's Grammy nominated C.D. "Shake It To The West".

Currently, she performs as a featured vocalist with Sonic Strut, and at various national and International festivals, concerts and special events. Her song writing abilities include, the B.M.I. published songs "Begin By Loving Me" and "Love is Gonna Getcha". These songs were also performed at the Bay Area Bammie Awards show, and received a nomination.

Ms. Lackey also has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music, from the University of Santa Cruz in music. She has opened shows for such well known stars as B. B. King, Maria Mauldaur, Sly and the Family Stones, Tower of Power and the Persuasions.

KELVIN DIXON, Lead Vocals, Drums

Kelvin has played with John Lee Hooker, Charles Brown, Otis Rush, Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas and Irma Thomas, toured and recorded with Sylvester, Two Tons of Fun (Weathergirls), Tom Mazzolini's Blues Cavalcade, Otis Rush, Lady Bianca, and Joe Louis Walker among others.

Kelvin's Texas-Louisiana roots come through loud and clear with his soulful singing and that heavy swamp groove that makes you want to get up and dance. Kelvin received his formal music training under scholarship at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

TODD SWENSON, Guitarist

Todd has been performing in the Bay Area for over 15 years. He has worked with such performers as MVP, Big Bang Beat, Jules Broussard, Mary Wells (motown artist) and as a solo artist and band leader.

The knowledge and depth of expression that Todd brings to this music is extraordinary. He is the center piece of the band’s sound.

Educated at Hartt School of Music and Boston University, he currently teaches at the Community Music Center, San Francisco, and at UCSF.

TONY STEAD, Keyboards

Tony Stead is the keyboardist for Sly and The Family Stone when not playing with The Sonic Strut Band. A versatile musician, vocalist, producer and songwriter known for his Hammond B-3 Organ, Piano, and Synth Playing. Tony is featured as the main keyboardist on two albums currently charting (2007) in Billboard Magazine; Tommy Castro's "Painkiller" and Coco Montoya's, "Dirty Deal". Tony is set to record with Sly Stone following the European tour this Summer (2007). Some of Tony's recording, touring, concert, television, and radio credits have been with Chris Isaac, Ike Turner, Latoya London (American Idol), The Pointer Sisters, Evelyn Champaign King, Joe Louis Walker, Little Anthony, The Coasters, The Drifters, The Supremes, Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste (Drummer of The Meters), Pablo Cruise, Dave Meniketti (Y & T), Tommy Castro, Coco Montoya, Gospel Hummingbirds, Lenny Williams, Johnny Adams, Rodney Franklin, Robbie Shakespeare, Chris Cobb, Pamela Rose, Chris Cain, EC Scott, Tracy Lyons, Wolfman Jack, Bowzer (from Sha Na Na). Dick Bright, Leah Tysse, Garrick Davis, Hershel Yatovitz (Chris Isaac), Members of Tower of Power and numerous others. Born and raised Palo Alto, California, He attended Berklee College Of Music In Boston. Later studied with Tom Coster, Dave Stroud, and Seth Riggs. Tony currently resides in San Francisco CA.

NICOLAS BEARDE, Lead Vocals

Nicolas is the lead singer for The Sonic Strut band and a nationally known recording artist and founding member of Bobby McFerrin's a capella ensemble, "Voicestra." His most recent project is a remarkable Lou Rawls Tribute show, which he performs along with his jazz quartet, "The Right Groove." This tribute show, "Live at Yoshi's ~ A Salute to Lou" (which is now available on CD) was originally recorded live at Yoshi's Jazz House in October, 2007. In addition to his music, Bearde is also a noted stage, screen and television actor and voice-over talent. His credits include films with Clint Eastwood, Richard Gere, Kim Basinger, Michael Keaton and Uma Thurman. His television credits include recurring roles in Nash Bridges and numerous made-for-TV movies.

WILLIE RISER, Bass

Willie Riser, one of the unsung heroes in America's Music History, has been a full time, professional musician since 1973. He is proud to say, he has only lived in two places in his life, both of them important centers of American Music. Born in the musical hub of Chicago, Illinois, Willie is now a long time, loyal resident of Oakland, California and is a highly respected member of the Bay Area Music Scene.

The countless singers & performers who have sought out his superb supportive playing include: Otis Clay, Memphis R&B Singer, Carla Thomas, Lady Bianca, Frank Biner & The Night Shift, Jules Broussard, Jackie Paynes, & Ernie Johnson - and the list goes on. He has over 9,000 live gigs in his career so far and is still counting,

RAY FERNANDEZ, Saxophones

Musician and band leader Ray Fernandez has played professionally for 29 years.

He has played and toured with Club Ed, Beat Freaks, Trousers, Party of Five, Kings Hat, The Essentials, Action Jackson, Spare Parts, Joyce Rooks, All the Kings Men, Bohemian Luv Jones, Private View, Stiff Upper Lip and The Blue Light Revue.

He has opened and shared the stage with The Chambers Brothers, Violent Femmes, Lydia Lunch and Weird Al Yankovich among many others.

RICH ARMSTRONG, Trumpet and Percussion

Rich Armstrong is a touring multi-instrumentalist, mostly known for his effected and looped trumpet/flugelhorn, congas, bongos, percussion, rhythm guitar and bass. He also sings lead and background vocals. On occasion, he’ll whip out the harmonica, mandolin, keyboards, DJ turntables, electric percussion pads, and even washboard. He is featured on Michelle Shocked’s "Dub Natural/Deep Natural" double album and also on two of the “Threesome” CDs, “Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and "Mexican Standoff”. With her, he has toured every major city in the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia, and even was featured as a duo in the largest music festival in Tai Pei.

He has recently:

• Performed with Bruce Springsteen
• Recorded horns for Tony, Toni, Tone's live show
• Toured the U.S. with guitarist Joyce Cooling
• Toured with Boz Scaggs, all through the U.S. and Japan culminating in a live DVD and album entitled "Greatest Hits: Live!".
• Recorded section horns and solos for Hot House Flowers new album
• Recorded trombone and trumpet with the top underground rap group, Lyrics Born
• Sat in with Tower of Power, Ozomatli, Spearhead, Los Mocosos, and Clair Dee
• Toured with Lydia Pense & Cold Blood
• He is preparing for a gig in Russia to perform in an all-star band comprised of Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, and Boz Scaggs alumni.