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, Hand Percussion
With over 30 years experience playing trumpet, Tim has been the foundation of our 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. 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. Tim has recorded, engineered and produced CDs for other area entertainers.

MIKE BIANCHI
Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Accomplished and Versatile Piano and Keyboard Artist, Mike has toured with R&B Artist “Baby Face”, “After 7” and country artist “Chris Cagle.” He has played with show bands on the east coast and also works as a session player, composes, arranges and produces his own music.

Michael's musical talents and arrangements are from jazz to pop, music of yesterday and today and is an accomplished Jazz Pianist with his own unique style.

EARL TOLLIVER
Drums, Backing Vocals
Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Earl Tolliver, Jr. is a true West Michigan native. Earl is an accomplished musician who has shared the stage with a many musicians including Joe Walsh, Buddy Guy, Larry McCray, and the Verve Pipe. He has been a member of many bands including Domestic Problems, Gypsy, Azz-Izz, and Left Coast Blues.

At the age of 9, Earl's parents bought him a drum set and he taught himself to play. While drums are his first love, he has also mastered and played bass professionally for over 20 years. I

Earl can keep the rhythm to many types of music including 60's to 80's rock, Motown, jazz, R&B, and today's pop sounds. Earl's inspiration and motivation to perform come from great performers including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, and Jimi Hendrix.

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.

ED WALTERS
Sound Engineer