Festival Entertainers
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Festival Epicure 2008 has a musical lineup featuring the best musicians
the Windsor/Detroit area has to offer! Whether you are into R&B,
Pop, Blues, Bluegrass or Jazz, Festival Epicure is second to none.

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Alexander Zonjic
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Alexander Zonjic knows all the best places for music—past, present and future. Whether the best is found in the words of classic composition,
cutting edge jazz or original work, Zonjic perpetually transports enchanted listeners to that amazing scene through his playing. Immediately
recognized by the artistry and brilliance of his sound, Zonjic creates music that is remembered for its originality, vital energy and sheer
beauty. Whether he is performing a Mozart concerto or constructing soulful jazz blues rhapsody, the sound resonates with Zonjic’s own unique magic.
Performing Live:
9:00 - 10:30pm Sunday, July 6th
With Special Guest
The Motor City Horns
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The Motor City Horns are comprised of Detroit's most versatile musicians.
Individually, MCH members have worked with a variety of artists, bands, and orchestras including: Yo-Yo Ma, Justin Timberlake, The Verve Pipe,
The Temptations, The Four Tops, and The Detroit Symphony Orchestra. In addition to Alexander Zonic, they have collaborated as a group with Bob
Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, Clarence Clemons and the Temple of Soul, and locally with The Brothers Groove, Root Doctor, and Johnnie Bassett.
There debut feature CD, DIVERSE-CITY, is due out this Fall.
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The Miracles
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The Miracles are pleased to announce the addition of lead singer, Mark Scott. A Flint, Michigan native - Scott is no stranger to the entertainment world,
beginning his career as a featured vocalist in the 1985 film "Breaking II Electric Boogaloo".
The Miracles performed as a trio with their band, “The Miracle Workers”, with Tee Turner as musical director/bass player and background vocalist. An
accomplished writer, producer and vocalist, Tee's satin, airy vocal qualities with the ability to sing first and second tenor moved Tee to the front line -
once again completing the four man group. It is noteworthy that The Miracles have maintained their professionalism and cannot be duplicated in a time when
clone groups are unfortunately on the rise.
The Miracles sweet sounds are loved throughout the world and with the positive energy of these four gentlemen, MIRACLES WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN
Performing Live:
7:30 - 8:30pm Sunday, July 6th
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The Kimmie Horne Show
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A native Detroiter, is considered by many to be one of the most outstanding vocalist/entertainers to emerge from this area in years! Billed as
the "Kimmie Horne" show (with an 8 piece band), featuring classy blends of Jazz, Pop and R&B, Kimmie takes her audiences on a journey
through time and an electrifying ride through various musical idioms. Having just been voted "Casino performer of the year 2002" by the
Casino writers guild of America, Kimmie's career is presently streaking like a meteor! Her repertoire includes standards like "Sweetest Georgia
Brown", contemporary hits like Desiree's "Gotta Be", Sade's "Sweetest Taboo", bluesy hits like "Last Two Dollars"
and "Ain't Misbehavin'". Kimmie has appeared with The Neville Brothers, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, En Vogue, Pieces of a Dream, as
well as, performing at the Emmy's, Super Bowl, Caesar's Palace and Trumps Plaza.
Performing Live:
10:45 - 12:15am Friday, July 4th
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Johannes Linstead |
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Get ready for a fiesta with award-winning Latin guitarist Johannes Linstead and his ensemble of Afro-Cuban & World percussion! Johannes' live performances are
nothing short of phenomenal. Bursting with tropical sounds and rhythms from the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, Johannes and his group create a high-energy, festive
mood with plenty of lightning fast guitar improvisations and spicy percussion solos. Johannes' latest CD, Mediterranea, recently won "Best World Album" in
the US and has reached the Top Ten on the Billboard magazine music charts.
Performing Live:
5:30 - 7:00pm Sunday, July 6th
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Impact 7
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Bernard Allen, George Anderson, Mark Croft, Frank Kelley Jr., James E. Payton, Jon D. Pettiford and Ronald A. Wallace make up the harmonies and sounds
of Impact 7. These seven gentlemen have been working on various forms of music individually for over 20 years. The group was formed in 1993 and began to
blend their wide influences into a soulful assortment of Blues, Rock & Roll, Motown, Jazz and may other various styles of music. Impact 7 shows are
somewhat patterned after the old Motown Revue shows of yesteryear with tight harmonies and choreography with a a lot of high energy!!
Performing Live:
11:00 - 12:30am Saturday, July 5th
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REGULAR BOYS featuring Stewart Francke
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Regular Boys is a ten-member band from Detroit, featuring music that is the pulse of the city today. The band features the rocking but soulful vocals
of Ms. Jeannie Stales (formerly of “Jeannie and The Dreams”), a blastin' four-piece horn section and a rock solid rhythm section. Since their formation
in 1984, Regular Boys has developed an impressive following of music lovers from the Detroit and Chicago area. Their fans thrive on the excitement of a
truly authentic rhythm and blues sound.
Performing Live:
9:00 - 10:15pm Friday, July 4th
Featuring
Stewart Francke
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Stewart Francke began making music when he was 19, thrown into playing bass in a band that often backed Chuck Berry, Del Shannon and other early rock and
R&B legends. He received a “priceless and intense education” in every facet of the music business under the tutelage of fabled Midwestern
blues man and founding member of The Woolies, Boogie Bob Baldori. Stewart didn’t make his first record, however, until 35, when his first child was born.
Since making that first record in 1995, Where The River Meets The Bay, (a record that illuminated his Michigan surroundings with dusty stories and simple
melodies) he's made nine more, capped by the breakthrough blue eyed soul cd, Motor City Serenade, released initially in England in 2005 by Zane Records.
A bit of a late bloomer, Stewart has found his voice and vision through hard work, expressive songwriting, and soulful singing that's often compared to the
classic soul singers.
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Chick Willis
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It is no exaggeration to state that the blues is one of the most flexible of musical forms. While most people associate this music with despair,
the down and out, and the overcoming of adversity, it is also a sanctuary for much humor about the human condition. While the majority of performers
only hint at this and even fewer utilize it effectively, hilarity and good times permeate the music of Blues Recording Artist “Chick Willis”.
He can, and often does lay down some serious Blues. But his good nature and concern for his audience almost demand that he keep it on the light side.
His early influences included Sam “Lighting” Hopkins, Guitar Slim, T-Bone Walker, and Little Milton in the later years. He became good enough in his late
teens to begin working professionally in Atlanta at the old Royal Peacock Club, where he backed or played with a wide variety of talent such as Jackie Wilson,
The Five Royals, Ray Charles, Big Joe Turner, Nappy Brown, Sam Cooke, Jimmy Reed, and many others at venues ranging from the Apollo Theater to the Magnolia Ballroom.
Performing Live:
5:45 - 7:00pm Saturday, July 5th
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Priscilla Price
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Singing the blues for royalty and heads of state is enough of a stretch for the young daughter of a West Virginia coal miner. For Priscilla Price to be
introduced to John F. Kennedy on the White House lawn, and get invited to perform at Hyannisport was “totally off the charts”.
After moving to the Brooklyn the fledgling singer got to the Brooklyn Apollo Theater, where she met up with Leo Price as well as his brother, Lloyd,
Millie Jackson and blues legend Ruth Brown. She was soon appearing on the same ticket with Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson and Patti LaBelle. Or she was on the
road with the bands of Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Solomon Burke and Sam & Dave - and meeting royalty and heads of state.
When not touring, she worked steadily at Brooklyn's Apollo Theater. Priscilla's first single, in 1973, was a re-release of "Funny." Picked up by
BASF, it went to No. 17 on Billboard's top 30 R&B chart.
Decades later, in October 1998, Priscilla Price, the seasoned performer, joined Alberta Adams and Bettye LaVette in a Detroit Blues Society performance to
honour her as one of the Women of Detroit Blues
Performing Live:
4:00 - 5:15pm Saturday, July 5th
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Persuasion Band
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Persuasion band has been performing in the Metro Detroit area for more than 15 years and are considered one of the most high-energy bands in the Midwest.
The band has a strong rhythm section, outstanding horn section and three up front vocalists that are not only great singers, but interact and involve your
guests to keep the party happening.
Performing Live:
7:15 - 8:45pm Saturday, July 5th
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Serieux
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Innovative, Fantastic, Awesome, and Dynamic - These are the words used by audiences all over the world to describe the explosive entertainment provided by
the group, Serieux. Serieux is a high impact, group of singers and musicians, who has re-surfaced the “back in the day” Motown sound that once captivated the entire world.
Serieux was founded in 1998 by Larry Griffin, vocalist, choreographer and CEO/Group Manager, Valenica Taylor, Chief of Staff, Donovan Johnson, Musical Director and
Robert Grande Road Manager. Mr. Griffins vision has joined together a 10 - member group who has perfected the entertainment style provided in the 60's and 70's by world
renowned groups like the Temptations, The Contours, The Miracles, The Four Tops and many others that made up the “Motown Sound.”
Performing Live:
7:15 - 8:30pm Friday, July 4th
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The Unsettlers
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Based out of Montreal, with roots in Windsor On, and Vancouver BC, THE UNSETTLERS, bring their foot stompin', beatnik/klezmer, turn of the century
“Folka” music to the Epicure stage for the first time. Blacklight theatre meets old time roots music with a brand new twist…ladies and
gentlemen …The Unsettlers
Check out myspace.com/theunsettlers, for more information.
Performing Live:
5:30 - 6:45pm Friday, July 4th
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Nemesis
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Now in it's 32th year of performing, this 7-piece ensemble originating from the Leamington/Kingsville area, continues to rank as one of the most
popular shows on the festival scene. Original members Bob Gabriele, Greg Sims, Tony Masciotra and Walt Jakob kick out tight rhythms and sweet
harmonies, while the slick horn section of Andrew Wasilewski, Clint Weir, and Corey Fitzpatrick add the colour and diversity culminating in a
memorable show of versatility ranging from blues to high energy rock and roll. Be prepared to boogie when Nemesis takes the stage!
Performing Live:
12:45 - 1:45pm Saturday, July 5th
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Mr. Chill & the Witnesses
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Mr. Chill & The Witnesses are one of Canada's finest roots music aggregations. Fronted by lead vocalist Mr. Chill (aka Kelly Hoppe) on harmonica,
tenor sax and melodica, they whip up a spicy-hot feast of blues, soul, funk, rock, bluegrass, folk, gospel and country in a style all their own. Mr. Chill,
as a member of rock/reggae outfit Big Sugar from 1994 to 2003, performed throughout North America and Europe sharing stages with the Rolling Stones, the
Allman Brothers Band, Blues Traveler, Gov't Mule and Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes, to name a few. His trademark harmonica and sax can be heard on CDs
by the aforementioned Chris Robinson, The Trews, and Halifax indie-rocker Joel Plaskett. Joining Mr. Chill will be The Witnesses: guitarist Greg Cox, bassist
Josh Zalev and drummer Bradford Helner.
Performing Live:
4:00 - 5:00pm Friday, July 4th
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Greg Cox Roots Combo
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Greg Cox is a guitarist of many suits and his group serves up even portions of early jazz, ragtime, delta blues, swing, jump blues, and bebop. Take a tour through
the evolution of the guitar and its ascension to the frontlines as a mainstay instrument in 20th century popular music. Joined by musicians well versed in multiple
idioms, Greg recreates seminal guitar playing to the letter. Beginning with 1920’s pioneer plectrist Nick Lucas, and moving gracefully through the styles of some of
the mythic figures of early guitar: Skip James, Reverend Gary Davis, Blind Blake, Robert Johnson and Django Reinhardt. Acknowledging the rise of the electric guitar
in the 1940’s, Greg Cox and band summon the voices of Charlie Christian, T-Bone Walker, and Hank Garland. Rhythm and blues, soul, country, gospel, and rock and roll
all factor into the mix as The Greg Cox Roots Combo put their personal stamp on the genesis of modern music.
Performing Live:
2:00 - 3:00pm Sunday, July 6th
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