Stephan Michael Lead Vocals/Harmonica
Growing up in the Detroit area it's easy to see how he keeps being pulled back to his roots of 70s Soul and Funk. The whole Mo'Town, Stax & Hi Records style is where he's most at home. Listening to CKLW and WRIF he received a healthy portion of Pickett to Al Green, the Staple Singers to Marvin Gaye, Cocker to Mitch Ryder and even early J. Geils and Bob Seger. Stephan has cut his teeth on the greatest music ever written. Though his roots are there, in that rich soil of black and blue eyed soul, he has branched out at times to a more "heavy" sound which is where he made a name for himself as the front man for the band Arch Rival. With three full length CDs that did very well in the early 90s, making the charts in the European countries, England and Japan and opening for bands such as Bad Company and Savatage. Dubbed “the voice” in many music publications, he has been placed in the ranks with greats such as Dio (for his power) and Paul Rodgers (for his soul). Eventually finding his way back to the more “soulfull” side with his band Stephan Michael and the Truth which also produced a full length CD in mid ‘94. Now fronting his newest venture, grounded in that Funk and Soul that he was raised and nurtured by, The Stephan Michael Connection has made that circle complete. “Take every opportunity you get to see this non stop groovin show . . . . . the Stephan Michael Connection”
John F. Neil
Jay Yerkes Keyboards/Vocals
Jay has been playing keyboards in working bands for almost 40 years. Growing up in New Jersey, he played in bands in the Philadelphia area and the Jersey shore from the late 60’s to the early 80’s. Living in Florida since 1982, he had his own band for 18 years and with his soulful roots from the Philadelphia area in the early 70’s he now plays soulf/funk with the Stephan Michael Connection. Jay has played with or opened for such names as Bruce Johnston of the Beach Boys, The Rascals, Gary US Bonds, Johnny Thunder and has played for Impersonators such as Buddy Holly, Big Bopper, Richie Valens, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis.
Caesar D. ('licious) Sax, Flute, Vocals
Originally from Hollywood, California, Caesar D. grew up playing sax on funk and soul music as well as all styles of music. A seasoned studio musicain, Caesar spent most of his musical career in the L.A. area. Sources from Gannett Publications say,"...Caesar is one of the best sax players in the industry today. Excellent section player and dynamic soloist. You have to hear him play to appreciate his powerful, diverse style..." Caesar adds the horn sounds that give the Stepan Michael Connection the original sound of the soul and funk music of the 70's.
Johnnie Cable Guitar/vocals
Johnnie brings a multitude of experience to the band. Having toured with show groups from Canada to the Caribbean. He has performed with and opened for acts as diverse as Bo Diddley, Charlie Daniels, Billy Preston Lee Greenwood, Eddie Rabbit, The Grass Roots and the Coasters before returning to his home on the Space Coast. He creates authentic sounds from a cool soulful flow to the rhythm of funk or high-energy rock. Johnnie delivers the top level of musicianship that The Stephan Michael Connection is known for.
George Wilson Drummer
Relocated to Central Florida from Connecticut where he gained extensive playing experience from rock to jazz. There’s nothing like “The Power of the Positive Groove”! George is one of the most power groove oriented drummers you will ever experience.
Born in Hartford, CT. George was surrounded by music from the get go. His Dad, being a High School Band director by day and professional Jazz pianist by night, would bring home instruments for George to explore. By high school he was often called upon to “fill in” sections of the band on different instruments. George’s calling was definitely drums and at the age of 9 joined one of the many fife & drum corps popular to the North East. Through his teen years George played with many a band in the local Conn. Club scene. George attended University of Hartford’s Hartt School of Music to round out an already career player and had the privilege of taking lessons from jazz drummer extroadinare Bob Moses. George spent many an hour in the studio back in the day and has had the honor of recording demo’s with the like’s of Frank Previte, song writer for the movie “ Dirty Dancing” and leader of Frankie & the Knockouts, touring and recording with Paul Carney, son of actor Art Carney and a host of others too numerous to mention.
Locally George has played with just about anybody you can think of. Here’s the laundry list: The Usual Suspects, Signals, The Farside Band, Smith & Western, The Puzzlers, Killer Dudes, Michelle Allen, The Groove Monsters, Swing This, Mint Condition, One of a Kind Ron Jon Band, Lil’ Red & the Boogie Men, Rory Pastorius, Don’t Quit your Day Job Band, and Michael Leasure. If that wasn’t enough, George works by day at 89.5, WFIT radio as an Underwriting Executive.