KHEA EMMANUEL
KHEA EMMANUEL
musicians
BIOGRAPHIES
WARREN STIRTZINGER
Warren Stirtzinger hails from St. Catharines, Ontario, where he has been a full-time musician since graduating from Brock University in 1977. He has worked in a variety of groups in the Niagara area, including the John Sherwood Trio, the Bill Stevens Dixieland Band, and the Niagara College Jazz Band. In 1999 he joined the Bar-room Buzzards of Buffalo, New York, playing both guitar and banjo in this popular group. In 2002 the "Buzzards" were inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. He has also appeared with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Niagara Symphony Orchestra.
KENNETH BALBAR
Having shared the stage and the studio with such note worthiness as Ron Sexsmith, Dutch Mason, Blues Legend Muddy Waters, opened for James Cotton, Rod Philips, Bassist extraordinaire, Peter Bleakney ( Anne Murray ), Chuck Jackson ( Down Child Blues Band ), Eric Schenkman ( The Spin Doctors ) opened for Big Sugar, Michael Francis ( 5 time Grammy award winning Saxophonist, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Conan O'Brien and the Tonight Show Orchestra ) and former world renowned diatonic Hohner Blues/ Jazz Harmonica virtuoso, Carlos Del Junco.
These and more musical spotlights shared with such great talents as the multiple Juno Award winning Blues guitarist, Jack de Keyzer.
Ken has hosted and performed in a variety of shows up close and personal with the likes of John Sherwood World Class Jazz Pianist ( Peter Appleyard ), Mr. R&B, George Oliver ( The Mandala ), former Santana Drummer, Graham Lear, Mark Kelso ( Gino Vannelli, Shania Twain ) and Canada's fastest fingers on the 88 ivories, Mr. Boogie Woogie Pianist, Michael Keys.
Also, Buffalo New York's own consummate master crooner reprising the Sounds of Sinatra, Mr. Michael Mirand.
Ken admits to feeling most at home with the Jazz style after having met his idol and most steadfast influence to date, the late great Buddy Rich.
Presently, Ken is " rolling " the musical wheel of harmony forward in support of Khea Emmanuel and her Jazz Quartet.
Khea is a young jazz vocalist whom has what it takes. She has worked with, opened for in VIP style, the likes of Gloria Gaynor, Natalie Cole, to name a few.
Ken also performs regularly with her father, the Legendary Motown artist, Leroy Emmanuel. ( Funk Brothers, Diana Ross, Dione Warwick, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder ).
Ken continues to deliver the "swing" to the music they sing.
MICHAEL FRANCIS
Five time Grammy Award winning saxophonist.
Twenty Year member of the Internationally acclaimed Western Swing Band “ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL”. During his time with the band, Michael recorded 12 Albums on 5 major Recording Labels resulting in his receiving 5 Grammy Awards.
Michael has performed and or recorded with many International Recording Artists including Willie Nelson, Manhattan Transfer, Bela Fleck, Chet Atkins, Dr. John, Bruce Hornsby, Jimmy Vaughan, Delbert McCLinton, Sly & Robbie….. to name but a few.
His numerous Television and Radio shows appearances include the 1990 NBC Movie “Wild Texas Wind”, starring Dolly Pardon, Gary Busey and “Asleep At The Wheel” as Dolly’s Band; The Tonight Show with Jay Leno; Late Night with Conan O’Brian; over a dozen appearances on both the Internationally acclaimed “Austin City Limits” music show and the “Nashville Network”.
In 1978, Michael earned a National Endowment for the Arts “Jazz Fellowship Grant”.
