| Biographies |
5000fadenonetransparentrepeatfalseMarissa Beatini
Marissa Beatini found her singing voice at age six. Born into a musical family in Rhode Island, she has performed in community and school theatre programs ever since. At 16, with her brother and close friends, Marissa formed a singing group that competed in the Talent America Contest. Their ensemble won first place for vocal group and Marissa won first place for top teen solo.
Marissa is in high demand at local recording studios and for special appearances. She also spends her time working with children directing several musicals. She is currently head of the drama program at the Stephen Orly School in Providence, RI.
5000fadenonetransparentrepeatfalseTim Smith
Tim Smith is a 22 year-old up-and-coming singer / percussionist from Pittsburgh, PA. He is currently a student at Berklee College Of Music entering his 5th semester. He performs a variety of genres and styles such as Pop, Hip Hop, Jazz, Funk, Gospel, R&B and Latin. He has played with many jazz greats such as Kenny Garrett, Sean Jones, Larry Coryell, and Roger Humphries. As well as had the honor of playing for the likes of Pratrice Rushin, Wynton Marsalis, James Moody, Ralph Peterson, Neil Smith and many others. As a drummer with Kenny Garrett he has played at venues such as the Iridium in New York, Theaters in Arizona, as well as a Billboards tour in Japan and Korea.
Tim’s talents have also been employed by local R&B singers and Hip-Hop ensembles such as Jaguar Wright, Choklate and J Dilla. Aside from performing with the Kahootz band, He is a member of a house band at Wally’s Jazz Club, a member of a trio named All Of The Above that plays through the Boston Metro area, and a independent artist singing and playing with a variety of groups.
Tim is majoring in Professional Music at Berklee and after graduating he aspires for a performing career.
5000fadenonetransparentrepeatfalseLeon Spradley
Leon Spradley was born into a musical family in Springfield MA. Encouraged by his siblings to continue the family tradition of performing gospel and soul music from an early age Leon got an early start singing professionally. He spent much of his early career singing in R&B, soul revue and show bands.
Career highlights include performances in Florida, Hawaii, Las Vegas, the Caribbean Islands and throughout New England. Last year, Leon was invited as a guest singer to open for Earth, Wind & Fire’s Boston performance.
Leon’s on stage energy and exuberance has a way of winning over any crowd. Whether it be Motown favorites, dance classics from the 50’s through the 90’s, the latest R&B or Hip Hop groove or an 80’s rock classic Leon turns heads at every event he plays.
5000fadenonetransparentrepeatfalseChris Cole
Chris Cole grew up in Seattle Washington and came to Boston in 1988 with a full scholarship to pursue studies at the prestigious Berklee School of Music.
He has been playing professionally since he was 17 and has worked with such well known artists as Tom Jones, Toshiko Akioshi and the Steve Allen Big Band among many others.
Besides his Berklee studies he has completed extensive private lessons with Jerry Bergonzi on Saxophone, Charlie Banacos on music theory and Mark Baxter on vocal technique.
5000fadenonetransparentrepeatfalseRandy Manhart
Keyboardist Randy Manhart is one of Boston’s most versatile musicians; a sought after pianist, synth player, vocalist, and audio engineer with extensive experience on stage and in recording studios all over New England.
Initially a self-taught native of Iowa, Manhart began his professional career at age 16, performing with his own band throughout the Midwest and touring the Caribbean via the USO.
He is an alumni of the Berklee College of Music and the University of Northern Iowa, where he studied jazz composition, synth programming, and classical piano performance.
5000fadenonetransparentrepeatfalseKyle Miles
Kyle Miles began playing the bass at the tender age of 5 years old.
Although the first musician in his family, Kyle has been constantly surrounded by the great music that his father, an avid jazz listener, exposed him to. This exposure helped him to develop a good “ear” for music, and jumpstarted his journey as a musician.
Now, as a twenty year-old up-and-coming electric and acoustic bassist from the Boston area, he’s had the opportunity to play at many well-known venues such as the Reggatta Bar, Symphony Hall, the Berklee Performance Center, and Wally’s Jazz Club in Boston.
5000fadenonetransparentrepeatfalseDavid Prout
David Prout is a self-taught guitarist and who is accomplished in many aspects of the music industry. He picked up the guitar at the age of 10 and started his first Top 40/ R&B band “StarChild” by time he was 16.
Shortly after high school, he spent a year studying Music Composition at The Modern School (an extension of Boston’s Berkeley School of Music). He went on to head the band “Strike Force” where he had his first taste of studio work at Normandy Sound in Bristol, RI.
5000fadenonetransparentrepeatfalseHikaru Sato
Hikaru Sato on trombone and hand percussion brings a wealth of experience and a ton of fun to the Kahootz bandstand. Originally from Japan, Sato is a player of both fire and grace.
Mr. Sato embarked on a professional career at the age of 16, performing and recording across Tokyo before moving to United States. He began his training at the Tokyo College of Music, majoring in classical trombone and piano. A 1991 graduate of the Berklee College of Music, he holds dual degrees in trombone and jazz composition.
5000fadenonetransparentrepeatfalseJustin Wilson
Boston native Justin Wilson is a well-versed veteran of the New England music scene. Growing up in a musical family, Justin started drumming at age 13 and began attending the esteemed Berklee College of Music at 14.
At 15, Justin was the youngest artist ever to be signed to Elektra Records with his band Reveille. With Reveille, Justin toured the country over many times, performing at the famed Woodstock ’99, Ozzfest, Warped Tour and many others. Reveille had two international releases and with them Justin was endorsed by Zildjian and Vic Firth.
In New England, Justin developed Drum Hall, a popular club act that combined energetic live drumming with a DJ and dancers. He has also appeared on numerous studio and film recordings. Justin has been bringing his lively drumming to Kahootz since 2004.
| Testimonials |
|
March 30, 2012 - Pinebrook Country Club - Weston , MA Performance Review: 1) Quality of Music: Excellent. The band sounded amazing! 2) Choice of Music: Excellent. Putting on an event of this size takes a lot of work, having the band choose the right songs for the timing during the event takes a tremendous amount of pressure off me! I couldn't have asked for a better selection between apps, dining and dancing! 3) Grooming and Attire: Excellent. What can be said here? Well dressed and always appropriate! 4) Emceeing: Excellent. 5) Break Schedule: Excellent. 6) Use Wilson Stevens again?: Yes. As always, it's as simple as a phone call or an email to book Kahootz 7) Use artist again?: Yes. Once again, the feedback from our guests was all positive and lots of smiles as people left the dance floor! We are very satisfied and look forward to next years annual ball with Kahootz! Keith Kasprzak October 18, 2011 – The Royal Sonesta Hotel, Cambridge, MA Dear Chris and the entire KAHOOTZ Band, We would like to thank you for the wonderful job you did at Rachael and Mike’s wedding on September 18, 2011 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. From the 1st time we discussed the wedding until the end of the evening you were very professional and easy to talk with. Chris, you were always available whether by e-mail, phone or in-person to discuss and help plan the “perfect” wedding for Rachael and Mike. Planning this wedding from Chicago, with Rachael and Mike in Boston, took a lot of effort, but we all thought that KAHOOTZ was the right band for everyone. Most of our guests were not from the Boston area, but came from California, Chicago, up and down the east coast and everywhere in between. Everyone, even one month later, is still talking about how wonderful and fun KAHOOTZ made the evening. Everything from the superb lead singers joining the guests on the dance floor, to the arrangements of the bride and groom’s 1stdance, the father-bride dance, and the mother-son dance to the choice of music for the entire reception was outstanding !!!!! We knew that our guests would dance but you truly had everyone dancing the entire night….the dance floor was never empty. You were not only helpful in details and suggestions for the reception but also for the music for the ceremony. Randy was extremely helpful to Rachael and Mike in picking out the music for the processional during the ceremony. Chris, you certainly helped the reception run smoothly with the timing and introductions throughout the entire reception. Rachael and Mike wanted a “FUN” wedding and when I look at the photos they are all full of smiles and certainly dancing the night away. When we first spoke, we mentioned that the “hora” was a very important dance at the wedding. You certainly did not disappoint us with your version !!! Guests did listen to the music and were aware and liked the mixture of songs for the hora. The length was great for the hora and fulfilled our expectations. Please feel free to use us as a reference for future clients as well as including any or all of this letter on your website and blog. Once again, thank you for an absolutely fun and unforgettable wedding. Sincerely, Judy and Gary Katz October 1, 2011 – The World Trade Center, Boston, MA Chris, I just wanted to thank you and the band again for a fabulous time! Everyone at the wedding is still talking about how great the band was. We had a blast and I am so thankful for everything you did to make it such an enjoyable time! Emily September 30, 2011 – The State Room, Boston, MA Hi Chris, I just wanted to thank you all again for such an amazing performance at our wedding on 9/30. EVERYONE is STILL talking about how awesome you were! We absolutely loved everything you played – especially learning that song for my parents. It really made the day extra special. Thank you again and I will be sure to recommend you guys to ANYONE interested in booking a band! Meg & Brian Ravenelle September 4, 2011 – Jacob’s Pillow Dance, Becket, MA Chris…we cannot even begin to thank you and the rest of the crew. I mean…you gave us the most perfect wedding and were so receptive to what we wanted. It was honestly the best night…the best party…the best everything, all because of you guys. Every song choice, and the timing…everything. Make Me Smile and of course, ethan’s performance were both unreal and you guys helped make them even more memorable than we ever imagined. Your energy was so contagious and your performance was amazing. You guys sounded absolutely wonderful and everyone complimented you a thousand times. You are honestly the best wedding band We’ve ever seen. I could go on and on…but ill just close with another thank you. Please pass this on to everyone. We hope they had as good a time as we did. Rebecca and Ethan Blum August 27, 2011 – Willowdale Estate Hi Chris, John and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for making Jackie and Jim’s wedding so memorable. EVERYONE raved about Kahootz – you guys rocked it! I don’t think there was anyone who wasn’t on the dance floor. You knew how to keep the crowd going with just the right blend of music and the band members were all so friendly and talented. We loved it when they came into the crowd to sing! In particular, the man who sang “The Luckiest,” their wedding song was truly a dead ringer for the original artist Ben Folds -there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. You are incredible on the sax and your Sinatra-style voice was just beautiful. Between the music, the venue and the food the wedding was nothing short of incredible. Everyone has been telling me it was the best wedding they have ever been to. I attached some candid photos I thought you might like to see. Thanks again and have a great weekend. Cristine Burke August 26, 2011 – The Barn at Gibbet Hill, Groton, MA Chris, Thank you and all the members of the Kahootz Band, truly Boston’s Best Band. We had an incredible night, Thanks in great part to you guys! Everyone has been raving about our wedding band! You guys truly made it an unforgettable night! Tricia & Juan Eslava July 29, 2011 – The Barn at Gibbett Hill, Groton MA Chris, We just wanted to thank you and the band again for a rocking party. Everyone is still talking about you guys and keeps telling us how awesome the band was. Elizabeth’s dad even said “They [you] were the best band I’ve ever seen live, ever…that includes bands like Aerosmith!” You guys had everyone dancing all night and we couldn’t have asked for anything more. So thanks again, and for our friends who are/will be planning a wedding in the future, Kahootz most definitely has our recommendation and endorsement! Thanks again, Vann and Elizabeth June 6, 2011 – The Marriot Long Wharf, Boston, MA We all love Kahootz!!!! Donna Harris Darling Consulting July 3, 2011 – The Four Seasons Hotel, Boston, MA Dear Chris, We want to thank you so much for an absolutely outstanding evening. Kahootz brought energy, talent and incredible entertainment to our wedding. We appreciate your ability to customize the night in a way that created a wonderful aura of love, excitement, celebration and happiness. Choosing the band for our wedding was a critical decision for us, and Kahootz surpassed all expectations. Thank you for giving us the most wonderful memories from our first dance to our last song. All the Best with Gratitude, Fara & Jay Goldsetein May 14, 2011 – The mandarin Oriental They were so awesome! Everyone loved them, they are the best band we ever saw in recent yrs. Everyone is still raving! They kept the party fun and going all night long. Linda Goldman May 7, 2011 – The State Room, Boston, MA Dear Chris, We wanted to thank you and the rest of the band so much for your incredible performance at our wedding this past Saturday. We knew you were great but you really delivered the fantastic party we were looking for. Our guests were so impressed by you. As one person said, “Lady Gaga, really? That’s impressive.” You were so great to work with in the planning process and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Please feel free to add us to your references list. We couldn’t recommend you more. Sincerely, Katie and Brook Ames April 2, 2011 – The Liberty Hotel, Boston, MA Dear Chris and all of Kahootz We just got back and wanted to say one more time that you all rock. It is unanimous all over town that the hit of the party was the music. We can’t thank you enough for all you did to add to our perfect day. My kids have decided that a Bar Mitzvah can’t be too bad if they get to have a band, no not a band, only Kahootz! xo’s one and all Beth and Lisa March 25, 2011 – Pine Brook Country Club Every year Kahootz continues to impress us and finds an excellent balance of different types of music! Always a pleasure to have them perform! Thanks Again! Keith Kasprzak Weston Police Department December 4, 2010 – Ipswitch Country Club Everyone loves Kahootz at the company and they definitely make the evening a success. They kept the party going until the very end. We would love to have them back next year! Donna Harris Darling Consulting Group October 24, 2010 – Ocean View Inn and Resort Performance Review: 1) Quality of Music: Excellent. 2) Choice of Music: Excellent. 3) Grooming and Attire: Excellent. 4) Emceeing: Excellent. 5) Break Schedule: Excellent. Joanne Silver April 30, 2010 – The Crane Estate Chris! Thank you SO much for last night. You guys totally rocked. Everyone can’t stop talking about how GOOD you guys are!!! We couldn’t have imagined that it would be as great as it was. Thank you, and please, thank the rest of the band!!! You guys are awesome. Francie & Greg Dorman March 30, 2010 – Eastland Park Hotel, Portland, Maine Hey Chris, I just wanted to email you guys and thank you again for an amazing job! So many of our guests were blown away by your band!! I can’t compliment all of your members enough!! Our crowd stayed until the last song which is usually not the case at many weddings! Gus and I had an incredible time also!! Thank you Thank you Thank you! If I can be of any help for a reference please feel free to use my name, email or phone. I would love to rave about more about you guys! Thanks again for helping to make our day perfect! Alicia & Gustav Lipin March 6, 2010 – Hotel Marlowe Chris, We wanted to thank you and Kahootz for such a great time at our wedding! We had a blast and so did our friends and family. We hope you all did, too. People are still talking about you – weeks later. Thanks again for everything! It was more perfect than we could have ever imagined. Rachael and Josh January 30, 2010 – Beechwood Hotel Dear Chris and the Kahootz Band, We don’t know how to begin to thank you for the fantastic job you did playing at our wedding on January 30th. You guys were absolutely amazing! After seeing your showcase we were thrilled to have you play at our wedding and couldn’t wait to see how you would engage the crowd. Needless to say, we were not disappointed. We have never seen a dance floor fill up so quickly in our lives! Everybody was dancing all night, and the floor was packed as you played great song after great song. When you played Jay Z and Alicia Keys ‘Empire State of Mind’, we were all blown away – Kyle sounded amazing! The same goes for Leon’s version of ‘Fire Burning’ and Amy’s of ‘Bad Romance’ – just fantastic. David playing the guitar with his teeth? Insane! Randy’s cocktail music was beautiful, as was his rendition of our song “Steady as We Go.” Chris, your playing, singing, and most especially your MC-ing was perfect and moved our night along beautifully. And, of course, Hikaru on the trombone and Tim on the drums rounded out the band perfectly. Kahootz made our reception a party – one of the best people have ever been to – and your presence at our wedding is something we will remember our entire lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are definitely Boston’s best band. Sincerely, Matt and Elena Palladino September 26, 2009- Scituate Harbor Yacht Club Chris, Tommy and I just wanted to thank you guys for such an amazing time last night. You guys literally made the party– you definitely completely understood what we were hoping for!! I cannot tell you how many people were raving about you guys today, I think you might have some new groupies! At one point I looked around and pretty much all of our 250 guests were up dancing to some degree! People were saying it was the best wedding they have ever been to–that was definitely what we were hoping for! We just wanted to send you a quick email before we head to PR tomorrow morning. Thanks again for everything, you guys did a great job too singing “Then”, you made it such a special night! Thanks!! Jessica and Tommy Leaver September 14, 2009- Boston Harbor Hotel Chris, I wanted to thank you and the rest of the band for a fantastic evening last Sunday night. We had an absolute blast and the night flew by with such great music. You collectively helped keep the energy level high and we have had tremendous feedback from our guests (of all ages!). Best of luck and we hope to attend a wedding with you soon! Please feel free to use us as a reference if you ever need one. Jake & Liz Grossman September 8, 2009- Nonantum Club, Kennebunkport, ME Dear Chris and Kahootz- Thank you doesn’t even come close to trying to describe our gratitude and enthusiasm following our wedding on Saturday! You guys blew the doors off the place and made our wedding the most fun one that we’ve ever been to (and we’re not just saying that because it was ours!). People cannot stop raving about all of you. Thanks for making the night flow so well–and for allowing my crazy uncle to “serenade” us. You did a phenomenal job with “My Wish” and “Stand by Me,” making our dances with our dad and mom even more awesome. We also realize you never took that second break that you said you would, and greatly appreciate you keeping the party going for 2 straight hours. As I am sure you could see by the sweat soaked tuxes and dresses, people did not stop dancing! You will come HIGHLY recommended to all of our friends who are getting married, so we hope that we’ll see you at more weddings! Thanks again, so much, Sara & Mike Stevens September 4, 2009- Flag Hill Winery, Lee, NH Dear Chris and Kahootz We simply could not ask for anything more! Kahootz was incredible and made our wedding a night we will never forget. I have no doubt that much of this success stemmed from your patience with us and professional preparation. Of course, everyone in the band is ridiculously talented and enthusiastic, I guess that helps too. Please let us know if we can ever provide a recommendation. All the Best Laura and Gabe Scheck August 30, 2009- Poppanessett Inn Hi Chris! Just back from my honeymoon, but wanted to send you and Kahootz a quick note to say THANK YOU. I knew Kahootz would do a fabulous job after I saw you at the showcase and read all the reviews. I was not, however, expecting such an unbelievably amazing performance!! The dance floor was packed for every song (people even danced through dinner!), the vocalists were incredibly interactive with all my guests and range of music played was incredible. Nobody wanted to go home, and I’ve had so many e-mails and phone calls since the wedding telling me what an incredible band I had. I’d tell all of New England to hire Kahootz, but then I’d be afraid they would be booked for my friends’ weddings! I am so so grateful to the entire band for making my wedding so special- I couldn’t have hoped for a better day! Thanks also for being so accommodating and for learning my special father-daughter dance song at the last minute, I really appreciate it- and it turned out great. You guys are the best! Thanks again, Meghan & Thomas Cobb July 25, 2009- Courageous Sailing Club, Boston, MA Dear Chris I wanted to thank you for an amazing night at Lauren’s wedding on Saturday! You guys were professional and FANTASTIC!! Everyone commented on how great you were. We had an amazing time and you certainly contributed to it. Thanks again – please feel free to use us for any references! Sally and Richie Weitzen (parents of the bride) September 26, 2008- The State Room Hi Chris! A belated, yet sincere, thank you for the wonderful time we had dancing to the music of Kahootz at our son’s reception! Everyone was raving about how great you were! We really could have used 1 more hour with the band! Thanks, too for “playing” with the timing of things to accommodate late-comers. Everything was just perfect! We’ll definitely keep Kahootz in mind for any future parties! Thanks again, Lynn Gibson (mother of the groom) September 13, 2008 – The Seaport Hotel Hi Chris, We just wanted to take a moment to thank you for playing such a huge part of the greatest day of our lives. You and the band were fantastic! We all had a great time. My friend who had “that other top band in Boston” said that if he knew of you guys he would have had you as instead Everyone from our family and friends to our photographer to our guests from California all came up to Bev and I and said “where did you find these guys?’ The band is a class act and when your lead singers went into the crowd it made the night even more memorable. Thanks so much Chris. We will be singing your praises to anyone who can hear us. Oh by the way, you may be getting a bill from our friend Sheila who warmed up the crowd while we were downstairs waiting for dress repairs. She wants to know if she can tour with the band and assist you in the future. (Ha) Talk to you soon. Fran and Bev Garafoli (Parents of the bride) September 6, 2008- Bel Mer Hi Chris, We just wanted to thank you for an amazing time at our wedding! I can’t even count how many people have raved about the band to us since 9/6 and I already have one person who has asked for your information — I have a feeling there will be more to come! You were fantastic – the songs you learned for the wedding sounded like you had known them for years, and it was so much fun having you all interact with the guests on the dance floor. We couldn’t be more pleased, thanks again, for everything. Best, Erica & Jay Wilcoxson August 31, 2008 -The Colonade Hotel Dear Chris & the Entire Kahootz Band Thanks you so much for your fantastic performance at our wedding August 31, 2008! Brian and I had heard you were great but we were really blown away. Our dance floor was packed the entire night and guests are still sending us emails and asking about you guys. Also, we know you learned our first dance song and we were so impressed with how fabulous you guys did with it. Throughout the planning process you were extremely helpful and professional. Thank you for making our wedding so fun!!! Feel free to use us as a reference anytime! We will continue to rave about Kahootz! Sincerely, Kate & Brian Murphy August 2, 2008 – Private Residence, Cape Ann Dear Chris & Kahootz We just wanted to send you a big thank you for all your hard work on our wedding day. The music was absolutely fabulous and everyone had a blast. You had young and old out on the dance floor – all night long. Not an easy feat! We really appreciate your willingness to stay and extra hour and play straight through after we sorted out all the issues with our power. Thank you! Please feel free to use us as a reference Katherine and Brian Schmidt June 29, 2008 – The Popanessett Inn Dear Chris My reason for writing is to say one more time that everyone thought you guys were just amazing, and we keep hearing that over and over, along with the classic “where in the world did you find that band??!!” …always a good indicator they really do mean it. And so do we. Alex and I could not have been happier about Kahootz’s role in the wedding, and know Erin & Chris were thrilled to have you there too. Special compliments to you personally Chris for being so attentive to our needs and good at the interview process over the phone, which I’m sure can be tricky sometimes…and to the entire band for being outstandingly good, incredibly professional, extremely friendly, and for bringing a very bright, enjoyable personality into the room for the entire evening. What a great combination! We’ll be seeing you at the Deerfield Inn for another family wedding this fall. Best wishes to you all for a great summer in the meantime, Bob Frazee (Father of the Bride) June 14, 2008 – The Harvard Club Dear Kahootz You all did an amazing job at our wedding!!! So many of our guests RAVED about your performance and we cannot agree more! Kahootz really made our special night spectacular! The music selection was perfect and you had everyone out of their seats and onto the dance floor. Exactly what we were hoping for! Thank you again. You truly exceeded all of our expectations With Care, Stephanie & Christian Richard June 7, 2008 – Bucksteep Manor, Berkshire Mountains Hi Chris! Oh – My – God! Kahootz was UNBELIEVABLE!! A THOUSAND thank yous could NEVER be enough! You were ALL absolutely wonderful! …everyone hasn’t stopped talking about how amazing you all were – you were THE BEST BAND I’ve ever seen at a wedding and I feel so blessed to have had you at ours! Thank you so much…and I certainly have never sang with a better band – just that memory alone will be with me forever… Jeb and I just got back from our honeymoon in Grenada and we had SO MANY emails to come home to and messages, ALL of them raving about our amazing band! Can I post a “proper thank you” on your website as others have done?? For now, please know that I had a blast as everyone else did and I couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out – you had everyone dancing all night – it was awesome! I only hope you guys had fun too! And to top it off, it was SO GREAT meeting you in person…you were a pleasure to work with! The moment I saw you I knew exactly who you were and felt like I’d known you for years…you kept me so calm and relaxed and in the same breath had me on my feet with my adrenaline pumping all night! (big sigh) Really…really….wonderful….thank you, Chris! Talk soon! Taryn Brady Bucksteep Manor Berkshire Mountains |
|
|
| Videos |
Video Player |

| Call us today at 978-256-0360. Copyright © 2011 Willson Stevens Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Website Design by VerseMedia | Photography by Nikki Cole |
|






