Vocals
Stormy
Born into a military family, Stormy grew up all around the United States. Today she considers herself a Houstonian by Choice, and has been a resident of the Houston and Galveston area since 1984. Shy by nature, her first singing experience wasn’t until her 30th birthday. It was 1996, and her friend convinced a local band to let her sit in. Terrified is how she describes the experience, but she survived and just one month later, she joined the Mambo Jazz Kings and her singing career was born. For nearly 25 years, she’s performed with a variety of cover bands and loves how music brings people together. She understands her purpose as an entertainer is to create an experience where people can have fun and enjoy life! She took a brief hiatus from music to focus on her work career, and now she’s super excited to be back performing with the MJK’s and pay homage to some of her Soul, R&B, Motown, Funk and Disco music idols and influences.
Viveka Starr
Brought up in a musical family, Viveka Starr of Alvin, TX is a 3rd generation musician. Her mother, Liberty, was in fact herself, once a long time front line vocalist for The Mambo Jazz Kings boasting a tenure spanning over eleven years. She submitted into the history books, performances that, in a unique twist of fate, an unborn Viveka Starr would share with her mother on countless stages. Viveka dreams and aspires to evolve into a legendary singer and performer one the people will always remember not only for her voice but because of the messages she conveys through her music. Viveka is the 1st legacy performer of the Mambo Jazz Kings and has had the torch passed down to her not only by her mother but by another Mambo Jazz Kings alum, her biological father, Nando Dominguez. Music is what Viveka is called to do and it is who she is meant to be. While it runs in her blood, she fell in love with music at a young age when she would see her mother on stage performing. She knew even then, that singing was her passion. She began recording music with her mother, step-father and father in professional studios when she was just still an elementary school student. The Mambo Jazz Kings are beyond excited to bring Viveka Starr to the fore-front for audiences everywhere to adore and enjoy! People all over are in for the show of a life-time any moment she grabs a hold of a microphone and begins to belt her multi-octave range. Get ready to be wow’d by this young superstar as The Mambo Jazz Kings proudly give you, Viveka Starr!
HORNS
BRAD NIEMI
Now a Houston resident , Brad is originally from Chicago, Illinois.He graduated from VanderCook College of Music, in Chicago, earning the degree Bachelor of Music Education. In addition to professional musician work, Brad is also a private lesson teacher with the CyFair Independent School District.
During college, Brad held the positions of principal trumpet and lead trumpet with the VanderCook College Of Music Symphonic and Jazz bands.
Since 1969, Brad has been active as a trumpet player with numerous Chicago and Houston area bands, for various private and public music performance engagements, including a performance at one of the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Balls held in Washington, DC.
Brad maintains busy performance and teaching schedules, and among Houston area bands he has performed with as lead trumpet are “Echoz”, “Twist And Shout”, “Midlife Crisis”, “Funksion”, and “The Mambo Jazz Kings”, as well as working as an on-call professional trumpet player.
Brad’s primary musical influence is Doc Severinsen. He currently performs primarily on Scodwell Standard / Las Vegas and Benge trumpets.
TONY RICHARDSON
Anthony (Tony for short) played sax all through middle school, four years of high school, attended Berklee College of Music, and studied music at Five Towns College for two years. In 2000 Tony joined 3rd alarm Jazz band and stayed with them for six years! In the year 2006 Tony moved to Houston,Texas and found himself joining Echoz disco band. Tony played for Echoz for four years. His musical influences include Grover Washington Jr who he considers his idol and gave him the inspiration to start playing Alto Sax. Tony also is fond of Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and David Sanborn (just to name a few).
CraiG ZLATNIK
Originally from Topeka, Kansas, Craig began playing trombone in the 4th grade and has played throughout High School and College. He graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. During college, he played lead trombone in the Concert Jazz Ensemble which toured Europe and were featured artist at the North Seas and Montreaux Jazz festivals. Since1987, Craig has performed with numerous professional, community, and church bands in the Houston area as well as playing with the Arabia Shrine Drum and Bugle Corps. Craig plays all brass instruments but mainly trombone and an occasionally tuba.
Teddy Ludwig
Theodore “Ted” Ludwig, III, born in New Orleans began playing saxophone professionally at the age of 12. Ted graduated from Loyola University, while in college he toured with Wayne Cochran and the CC Riders and Ray Charles. Ted has performed with Cannonball Adderley, Herbie Hancock, Ike and Tina Turner, Jerry Lee Lewis and many other artists. Ted has also performed on various television shows such as All-American College show, Midnight Special, In Concert (Saturday Night Live) to name a few. Ted’s style and passion for Rhythm and Blues, Jazz and Rock came from his deep roots in New Orleans. Ted plays Alto and Tenor saxophone with the full soulful sound from his years of experience and musical influences.
Strings & Keys
Art Lopez
musical director of the Mambo Jazz Kings. He is the glue that Art Lopez is the founder and keeps the act together and the driving force behind this entertainment package. On stage he is the lead/rhythm guitar player. Art has played with many bands throughout his life. He started off playing the drums at an early age but in high school made the switch to guitar. His local mentors growing up were, “The Boogie Kings” and “The TSU Tornados.” Arts style of direction and influence for the Mambo Jazz Kings has ome from none other than the great Tower of Power. Art lays down a sweet and smooth melody that keeps the audience groovin every time the band takes the stage!
Fritz Shiring
Guitarist Fritz Shiring is originally from Pittsburgh, PA but has lived in Houston for over 25 years. Having enjoyed music with friends in high school and afterwards, his love for music was rekindled when he moved to Houston. Starting out jamming with new friends, he eventually ventured out to the local blues scene open mike jams. After meeting and playing with numerous local musicians, it eventually led to offers to join several bands. At one point he was playing over 50 gigs a year. His signature artists are Carlos Santana, SRV, Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Cropper, Jimmy Hendrix, Johnny Guitar Watson, Joe Pass, BB King and Jeff Beck. A strong believer in blues, jazz, rock and funk he continues to learn and enjoying playing guitar. Looking forward to a new start with the Mambo Jazz Kings! ..
Tim Tonkin
Tim began playing Bass Guitar at age 14. He knew it was the instrument for him. He has played in numerous bands in and around Houston. Genres including Rock, Blues, Oldies, R&B, Trop Rock, Reggae, Variety, and many others. in 2003, Tim was in the band MONICA-MARIE and BLUES CRUIZERS that represented Texas at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Tim has occasionally filled in on Bass Guitar for the Mambo Jazz Kings over the last several years and is now looking forward to permanently joining the MJK Band.
DANNY 'Disco' HERNANDEZ
Known for his ultra-cool style, Danny Fires up his vast musical experience to brew hot funky keyboard sound. Cool Dan connected to Houston and Texas music started with junior high playing trumpet. A veteran player, Danny continued with Bands from Funk, R and B, Tejano, such as Brown Sugar. Exiles, Ventura, Norma Zeneno, Dan Electros Blues Band, Groove City and his own Nightlife Band. As a Houston Firefighter, Cool Dan continues to saves lives daily and encourages everyone to Live for his or her passion and find joy in Life. DISCO DAN continues to express his Fiery skills on Keyboards.