Soulz of Rhythm

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	DIEGO Lead Singer, Rhythm Guitar, Harmonica, Tambourine Diego was "talked into" performing by long time friend Gary Oshust, but never seemed to make a connection with any real musicians who were motivated enough to undertake a long-term musical direction, until by chance he met "Trapper" John in the fall of 2000. It was John who put together the first of several groups Diego would front over the next few years; groups such as De Ja Kool, Blind Ride, Hard Drive, The Goodfellas and Holland Swing. During his time with Holland Swing he met several future Soulz and a great bond was created, the rest is music history. He's been called the Cuban Sam Cooke, and is heavily influenced by Sam, Elvis, Bobby Darin, Tom Jones, Jay Black and Tony Orlando. "Life's a party and somebody has to entertain" - Diego.
	TIM DENBESTEN "Mr. Fabulous" Trumpet, Backing Vocals With over 35 years experience playing trumpet, Tim has been the foundation of the Soulz horn section. He has been with the Soulz since it's inception in 2005. In college, he played first trumpet in the Grand Valley University Jazz Orchestra and was the principle trumpeter in the University of Michigan all-campus symphony orchestra during his final year. Tim has been a member of the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band, the Zeeland Community Band and the Holland Swing band, as well as guest muscian at many West Michigan churches and weddings. Outside the Soulz he has participatede in various Holland area Organ-plus-one concerts and Tulip time shows with local professional musicians. Tim has recorded, engineered and produced CDs for other area entertainers. An accomplished muscian and technician, he runs the sound system for most of our shows.
	MARK WEYMOUTH Drums Mark comes to the Soulz with a wide-variety of playing experience. Born and raised in the metro-Detroit area, Mark grew up on Jazz, Fusion, R & B, and Motown. He has played for several Christian recording artists as well as many West Michigan area cover bands. Mark credits his style of playing to all of the teachers and musicians who have influenced and continue to shape him as a player. With an open mind and an eye on the groove, his goal is to make the music feel good.
	MARK HICKS Bass Born, and currently living in the Western Michigan area, Mark has a unique connection to music. His father at one time traveled the country as a gospel musician, and a brother considered by many to be a child prodigy on lead guitar, while still in elementary school. Mark gladly followed by picking up the bass guitar. To this day, many years and life experiences later, the music remains as a major element of the journey. He has often shared the stage with the Rick Hicks band, led by his legendary brother, and also performed with the all original alternative band Peace On Mars. Whether jazz, blues, classical or soul, making music is a passion for this bass player. In his words ~ "Good music makes the world a better place; I feel privileged to be a part of the process".
	MARK LANDAUER Guitar Mark was born and raised in West Michigan. Since the late 70's, Mark has played in the Great Lakes region with various original and cover rock, pop, jazz ensembles and theater productions. A lover of vintage soul music as well as jazz fusion and British progressive rock, he is influenced by artists as diverse as B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, Yes, Genesis, America, Pink Floyd, Santana, Gladys Knight and of course... the Beatles and The Stones.
	BOB BATASTINI Keyboard From the time he became the organist at his parish church as a13 year-old high school freshman, until this day, virtually every dollar Bob has earned has come from music. Though he played in bands during his high school and college years, and some years beyond, most of his career has been as a choir director and organist in Chicago area Catholic churches, as well as senior editor of a church music publishing company. Upon retiring from publishing he moved to West Michigan, where he soon found himself assisting the music director at St. Francis de Sales Church in Holland—there he directs the choir at the 10:30 mass on most Sundays, hopefully providing music that inspires. And now as a member of the Soulz, he’s back to enjoying his other musical love, serving up music that entertains.
	GARY GRAMER Percussion, Lead Vocals, Backup Vocals Gary Gramer, now in his sixth decade of show business, is one of West Michigan's most in-demand terpsichores. His long career has found him performing with the Holland, West Shore and Grand Rapids Symphonies, and opening for or sharing the stage with a wide array of legendary artists, including Bob Newhart, B.J. Thomas, Jim Nabors, Jerry VanDyke, George Goebel, PegLeg Bates, the Stepp Brothers and Opera's reknown Verdi baritone, Mark Rucker. His opera and theatrical credits include roles as Sciarrone (opposite Rucker's Scarpia) in Opera Grand Rapids' "Tosca", the Imperial Commisioner in OGR's "Madama Butterfly", chorus roles in OGR's productions of "Carmen", "Romeo et Julliette", "The Marriage of Figaro", "The Flying Dutchman", "Rigoletto" (also with Rucker), and "Turandot", Pickering in Grand Rapids' Circle Theatre's "My Fair Lady", Maurice in Circle Theatre's "Beauty and the Beast", and King Melchiore in "Amahl and the Night Visitors". Since relocating to West Michigan, Gary has also performed gospel and sacred literature in area churches, as well as song and dance/Broadway style shows for benefits and private events. Gary joins Soulz as a lead and back-up vocalist and percussionist.