496 West

Like most bands, 496 West band mates didn't start in the music business without having a day job. Their careers include a college administrator,  a jazz studies student, a professional musician/ songwriter/ producer,  an educator,  an aspiring lawyer and a sound engineer.

With a vibrant blend of multi-generation musicians and vocalists, 496 West swings into a lavish brand of music with a fresh groove for a smaller ensemble to a larger 14-piece powerhouse. 

Since debuting in 2008, they've embraced the music landscape and opened for 

• Larry Braggs (former lead vocalist for Tower of Power
• Alexander Zonjic
• Smooth as silk, Mr. Phil Perry
• Jazz stalwarts Nick Colionne
• Grammy-nominated Gerald Albright
• The legendary Kirk Whalum (Grammy Award Winner)
• Saxman Euge Groove
• Smooth jazz guitarist Tim Bowman
• International Grammy-nominated keyboardist, Bob Baldwin
• The electrifying sounds of saxophonist Eric Darius
• Jackiem Joyner (Lil Man Soul)  

Reflecting on modern music, 496 West has released three CD projects.  

• Their latest CD, Key Change was released in 2017 and original songs The Groove;  St Joe Highway, Black Eagle Re mix; Slow Movin'; Out the Box and Key Change.  Cover songs include the 496 seasonings for I Ain't Got You, Mr. Magic, God Bless the Child and  For the Love of You.  

• The self-titled debut CD "496 West" was released July 2012 under the BMRW image.  

• CD 'Auxiliary Lane' followed in 2014 with original compositions and a few cover tunes including popular hits like You Rock My World, Georgy Porgy and My Funny Valentine . 

Core band members include:

Charlie (guitar) is the founder and organizer of the band.  As an offensive guard for Michigan State University, this letter winner showcased his instrumental ability during the teams freshman talent night.

Andres (percussion) is a native of Puerto Rico residing in Jackson, MI.  In addition to percussion he has won several local talent shows as a vocalist. 

Al (keys) is the music adviser for the band.  Al has his own record label AMAC Records and he is a former Music Director and keyboardist for The Temptations (Motown).

Chris (drums) is a multi-instrumentalist who plays in the Lansing area.

Zakiya (vocals) hails from Howard University where she was a member of the world-renowned Howard Gospel Choir.  She has appeared the Apollo, auditioned for Sundays Best, and has sang background vocals for Ministers Dorinda Clark-Cole and David Minor 

Reggie (sax) began playing the bass at an early age.  He  is a graduate of the Michigan State University Jazz Studies Program and is an educator in the Detroit MI area.

Terrence (sax) is a phenomenal saxophonist with experience in  sound engineering, production and recording.  

Dennis (drums) is a high school student originally from Lansing MI.  He is a current understudy with the band. 

Jeff (trumpet)  is a soulful musician without boundaries.  He has a rich diversity of experience ranging from performing with small and large jazz ensembles.  Jeff  is a Michigan native who enjoys winter sports. 

Lexi (vocals)  is a New Orleans native whose graceful style infuses  R&B, soul and classics into ear caressing melodies.