The Band | Tim Akers & The Smoking Section

FULL NAME: TIM AKERS NICK NAME: GRAND MASTER OF FUNK PLACE OF BIRTH: NASHVILLE , TENNESSEE OCCUPATION: BAND LEADER	BEST KNOWN FOR: Tim Akers is a keyboard player, songwriter, arranger and producer living in Nashville, TN. His work as a studio session player has landed him on recordings for Kid Rock, Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald (including the Platinum selling “Motown” record), Faith Hill, Keith Urban, Megadeth, Michael Bolton, Rascal Flatts, SHeDAISY, Jewel, LeAnn Rimes, Trace Adkins, Glen Campbell, Barry Manilow, actor Jeff Bridges, Pam Tillis, Patti LaBelle, Joss Stone, Wynonna, Josh Gracin (of American Idol fame), and many others too numerous to mention. He has also performed on the movie soundtracks for “Chicken Little”, “Evan Almighty”, “Herbie Fully Loaded”, “The Prince of Egypt”, “We Were Soldiers”, “Kissing Jessica Stein”, and “Anastasia”. SYNOPSIS: For 3 years (from 1997 through 1999) Tim was the Music Director for TNN’s flagship music/talkshow “Prime Time Country” starring Gary Chapman. He performed with literally hundreds of artists from all genre’s including Dolly Parton, SHeDAISY, many of the founding stars of country music, as well as Bruce Hornsby, Paul Williams, Jimmy Webb, Lou Rawls, and actor/performer Kevin Bacon. As a conductor/arranger/bandleader, Tim has directed countless “all-star” shows with such artists as Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Patti LaBelle, Donna Summer, Gino Vanelli, Isaac Slade (The Fray), Jamie Cullum, John Legend, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Alan Parsons, and many, many others too numerous to mention. His songs have been played on such television shows as “Lois and Clark”, Late Night with Conan O’Brian, and “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous”. Tim is currently touring with Big Machine recording artists Rascal Flatts.
FULL NAME: JOEY RICHIE OCCUPATION: SINGER
FULL NAME: KIM FLEMING NICK NAME: THE VOICE OCCUPATION: SINGER	SYNOPSIS: A native of Nashville, Kim Fleming got her education in music through the Nashville educational system. She attended Fisk University, Belmont College, and Tennessee State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Music. During her years of study, Kim was also touring and performing. One of her first monumental stage performances was at Carnegie Hall in New York City. There, she appeared with world renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers, under the direction of Dr. Matthew Kennedy.Then, Kim began her professional career in music, touring with Amy Grant. The experience with Grant launched a very impressive & extensive career in music. Fleming has been the number one call for contracting & arranging background vocals for master recordings in film, television & radio, to date. Kim has had the opportunity to work with some of the industry’s greatest artists: Patti Austin, Patti Labelle, Bette Midler, Jon Bon Jovi, Michael Jackson, B. B. King, George Harrison (The Beatles), Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones), Billy Joel, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, Shirley Caesar, Andre Crouch, Stevie Wonder, Arif Martin, Desmond Childs, Michael Narada Walden, Ray Charles, Isaac Hayes, Motley Crue, Will Downing, Alex Benoit, Jean Carne, Michael Bolton, Paul Simon, Brian McKnight & Kelli Price. Kim’s vocal ability is not limited to just one genre of music. She has appeared on hundreds of recordings, jingles, and film scores, and variety shows such as: Johnny Carson, Arsenio Hall, Jay Leno, David Letterman, Ellen Degeneres, The Today Show at NBC, Good Morning America, Regis & Kelly and The View. She has sung on the television series, “Touched By An Angel” ,” ER.” as well as the television special “Music In High Places.” Kim Fleming sang in the remake of the movie, “Footloose.” Ms. Fleming has perfomed on the Grammy Awards with Amy Grant, The Dove Awards, the Stellar Awards, the Billboard Awards, the CMA Awards and the ACM Awards. Ms. Fleming has performed at the opening ceremonies of the Paralympics with Stevie Wonder, Donnie Osmond and Wynonna Judd. Kimberly Fleming has performed for four Presidents. Kim has also done very well in the world of theater, as an actress, a casting director and songwriter. One of her most memorable roles was that of “Armelia” in the Broadway Musical “Ain’t Misbehavin.” In recent years, Fleming was asked to be the casting director for the musical “Marrying Up” based on the novel written by Nina Fox. Kim cast “American Idol’s” Melinda Doolittle in the leading role as “Paris”. And as a songwriter, Kim wrote the melodies and lyrics to all of the songs performed in the play. Kim was assisted by the great composer John Forbes (Tyler Perry film “Diary of a Mad Black Woman”).Together they wrote a wonderful score for the play which was revived in 2009 If you are a country fan, you will know Kim from her 15 years of touring with Wynonna Judd. Kim has also toured with Trisha Yearwood and Randy Owens, who is the lead singer for the famed country group “Alabama”. Ms. Fleming sang at two of Wynonna Judd’s weddings. She sang at Ashley Judd’s wedding at Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, singing “Ave Maria” Kim sang at Will Downing’s wedding in New Jersey. Kim sang at Tammy Wynette’s funeral and Carl Perkins’ funeral (with George Harrison of the Beatles.) Kim Fleming sang at Bob Hope’s ” Bag Full Of Christmas Memories” last special. This is what Kim does to make a living. But, Kim grew up singing jazz and gospel. She has been in the studio working on her own record, which is a mixture of Smooth jazz, smooth R & B, with a Neo-soul edge. Her record is being produced and co-written by Aaron Mason & Chris (Big Dog) Davis and the Hamilton Brothers; Tim, Tyronn, and Walter Jr. The lyrics and tracks of this project are all state of the art performances. Kim’s mentor & inspiration on this project has been the great jazz saxophonist Joe Johnson & jazz trumpeter Rod McGaha. Kim has also been touring with Joe Johnson, Phil Perry, Maysa Leak, Chrisette Michelle, Glenn Jones, Howard Hewitt, and Angela Winbush. Kim is the vocal contractor for the Stellar Awards Orchestra , for the past 10 years. You can see Kim on BET’s “Bobby Jones Gospel”, which is celebrating its 33rd year in existence. Be on the look out for Kim Fleming’s new CD, which is soon to be released.
FULL NAME: KIM KEYES PLACE OF BIRTH: JACKSON, MS. OCCUPATION: VOCALIST	BEST KNOWN FOR: My biggest break came when I was invited to audition for Amy Grant’s “House of Love” tour in 1994. I still tour with Amy. What a gift to meet her. In fact, my daughter’s middle name is Grant. In addition to Amy, I’ve toured with Vince Gill, Billy Joel, Reba McEntire, Peter Cetera, Lee Ann Womack, Leann Rimes and Jewel. SYNOPSIS: I moved to Nashville right after high school and auditioned for Opryland theme park. I made the cut and got cast in the rock & roll show. Looking back now, that’s really where I learned about performing. From there, I made my way into recording studios by singing on songwriter demos & jingles.
FULL NAME: BARRY GREEN OCCUPATION: TROMBONE PLAYER
FULL NAME: DOUG SARRETT OCCUPATION: SOUND ENGINEER
FULL NAME: MARK BALDWIN NICK NAME: MARKY MARK PLACE OF BIRTH: NASHVILLE, TN. OCCUPATION: GUITARIST	BEST KNOWN FOR: Mark has performed/recorded with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Michael McDonald, Amy Grant, Chicago, Michael W Smith.
FULL NAME: STEVE PATRICK NICK NAME: STEVE-O PLACE OF BIRTH: NASHVILLE, TN. OCCUPATION: LEAD TRUMPET PLAYER	BEST KNOWN FOR: Steve is a 1st-call Nashville session musician as well, and he has played with Marc Broussard, Vince Gill, Take Six, Colbie Caillat, Kenny Chesney, Matchbox 20, Brooks and Dunn, Willie Nelson, Glenn Frey, Rascal Flatts, Trey Anastasio, Toby Keith, The Mavericks, Elton John, Sara Evans, Garth Brooks, Norah Jones, and many, many others.
FULL NAME: DOUG MOFFET NICK NAME: LIL’ DOUGIE PLACE OF BIRTH: NASHVILLE, TN. OCCUPATION: SAXOPHONIST	BEST KNOWN FOR: Doug has recorded on over FORTY Grammy-nominated projects! Among the numerous artists he has appeared with are Vince Gill, Keith Urban, Michael McDonald, Larry Carlton, Ben Folds, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Garth Brooks, Take Six, CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin, Faith Hill and many others.
FULL NAME: GENE MILLER NICK NAME: MILLER TIME IS GOOD TIME. PLACE OF BIRTH: NASHVILLE, TN. OCCUPATION: LEAD VOCALIST
FULL NAME: BLAIR MASTERS NICK NAME: HOW BLAIR YOU! PLACE OF BIRTH: NASHVILLE, TN. OCCUPATION: KEYBOARDIST	BEST KNOWN FOR: Blair has recorded with a staggering amount of artists, including Barry Manilow, CeCe Winans, Amy Grant, Ricky Skaggs, Phil Stacey of American Idol fame, Mandisa, Steven Curtis Chapman, Point of Grace, Chris Sligh (another Idol alum) Peter Frampton, Michael W. Smith, Lorrie Morgan, Garth Brooks, and too many others to count.
FULL NAME: GARY LUNN NICK NAME: NOTES FOR LUNN TIME PLACE OF BIRTH: NASHVILLE, TN. OCCUPATION: BASS GUITARIST	BEST KNOWN FOR: A legend on the bass, has recorded with countless artists, including Glen Campbell, Toby Keith, The Gatlin Bros., Billy Ray Cyrus, Peter Cetera, Jeff Foxworthy, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Montgomery Gentry, Tracy Lawrence, Joe Diffie, Johnny Cash, and too many others to count!
FULL NAME: TOM HEMBY NICK NAME: STRING TICKLER PLACE OF BIRTH: NASHVILLE, TN. OCCUPATION: GUITARIST	BEST KNOWN FOR: Tom has been a studio mainstay in Nashville for over 30 years. He has recorded with Donna Summer, Peter Cetera, Brian McKnight, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Rob Thomas, Faith Hill, Vince Gill, Steve Winwood, Barry Manilow and many others.
FULL NAME: VICKI HAMPTON NICK NAME: ONLY IN THE HAMPTONS PLACE OF BIRTH: NASHVILLE, TN. OCCUPATION: VOCALIST	BEST KNOWN FOR: Vicki is another long-time Nashville presence who has recorded with innumerable artists including Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill, Lyle Lovett, Brooks & Dunn, Lou Rawls, Faith Hill, Wynonna, Tim McGraw, Amy Grant, Vanessa Williams, and Martina McBride.
FULL NAME: JOHN HAMMOND NICK NAME: THE HAM PLACE OF BIRTH: NASHVILLE, TN. OCCUPATION: DRUMMER	BEST KNOWN FOR: Not having a Bio …. ever.
FULL NAME: MARK DOUTHIT NICK NAME: DOUTHITS RIGHT PLACE OF BIRTH: NASHVILLE, TN. OCCUPATION: SAXOPHONIST	BEST KNOWN FOR: Mark D. is also a saxophone legend around Nashville. He can be heard on recordings by Elton John, Amy Grant, Billy Joel, Vanessa Williams, Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, Michael W. Smith, Hank Williams Jr., Whitney Houston, Billy Ray Cyrus, Michael McDonald, Neville Brothers, Peter Cetera, Faith Hill, Vince Gill, DC Talk, Donny Osmond, Patty Loveless, Wynonna Judd, Point of Grace, Steven Curtis Chapman, Tommy Sims, Brenda Lee, Bebe & Cece Winans, Larnelle Harris,The Imperials, Bob Carlisle, Brian Duncan, David Foster, Bryan White, Keith Thomas, Michael Omartian, Ben Folds, Yolanda Adams, Larry Carlton, and many others.
FULL NAME: ERIC DARKEN NICK NAME: THE DARKEST CONGA PLACE OF BIRTH: NASHVILLE, TN. OCCUPATION: PERCUSSIONIST	BEST KNOWN FOR: Eric has recorded with so many artists, it’s almost easier to say who he HASN’T recorded with! However, here are a few; Bon Jovi, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Bob Seger, Vince Gill, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks, Amy Grant, and Brad Paisley.
FULL NAME: MIKE BARRY NICK NAME: BARRY THE BARMAN PLACE OF BIRTH: NASHVILLE, TN. OCCUPATION: TRUMPET PLAYER	BEST KNOWN FOR: His studio experience is vast, and on air credits include station ID packages for EWTN and CNN International. He has recorded music for “Space Ghost: Coast to Coast”, CNN “Crossfire” and “Sports Tonight” and a major TNT promo for NBA Basketball. Mike has also played on CD’s for The Ohio Players, The Gap Band, matchboxtwenty (including solo’s on “If You’re Gone”) and on an upcoming CD for Jennifer Holliday. Over the past several years he has played on dozens of recording sessions in Nashville. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra calls Mike to perform with them on pops concerts, backing artists such as Linda Eder,Michael Feinstein, Idina Menzel, and Al Jarreau. He recently worked under the baton of Don Davis, composer for all three “Matrix” films, for the ASO presentation of “The Matrix Live”. SYNOPSIS: Born and raised in central Illinois, Mike Barry has been active in the Atlanta music scene since 1990. He played with the house band at Rupert’s nightclub from 1990 to late 1995, and has been a freelance trumpet player ever since. His abilities span a wide range of musical styles, and is comfortable performing anything from Bach to big band.