About Us

Willie “Mac” McElroy – keyboards, vocals:
Mac is a retired school principal with over 30 years of musical experience. He has performed with artists David Ruffin, Millie Jackson, The Commodores, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Teddy Pendergrass and many other renowned musicians. He also served as a jingle writer for Sound Trax Recording Studios in North Carolina, and has written over two hundred compositions for voice, jazz bands, marching bands, musical plays and solo instruments.

Dan Kiely – saxophones, flute, electronic wind instrument:
Dan started his musical career studying classical flute in elementary school and saxophone in high school. While in college, he played with various rock groups in clubs along the Jersey Shore. Dan left the club scene in the 1980s to join the military, attending the Defense Language Institute and serving in South Korea as a Korean linguist with the US Army Intelligence Command. He then moved to Bangkok, Thailand, for several years, working in the jewelry industry during the day and as a studio musician for various Thai TV production companies and pop recording studios at night. Dan eventually returned to the States and worked as a statistician for various international pharmaceutical companies. Since retiring from the commercial world, Dan has been playing R&B, funk, soul and jazz fusion with groups in the DMV. 

Greg Gaines – guitar, vocals:
Greg is a former marine biologist and retired U. S. Government employee with over 45 years of musical experience.  He first picked up the guitar at age 15 to impress girls and later studied studio guitar at USC in Los Angeles with Lee Ritenour.  He has written music for the theater as well as for his many bands over the years.  Since 1986, he has performed alternately in the Washington area and in Europe.

 “CJ” Lucas – drums:
CJ is a retired Chief Yeoman (Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist) in the United States Navy, with a 35 year background in music.  Born and raised in the Great State of Kansas, he has performed in various musical genres to include:  gospel, concert hall, marching, jazz, and rhythm & blues bands.  He has answered the call whenever or wherever there is a need for striking, scratching, and/or shaking a percussion instrument.  The last 27 years have been spent sailing the Pacific and performing as a freelance drummer throughout the western hemisphere. 
 
Linny "Bootzee" Burton – bass:
Born in Richmond, VA, Lin was introduced to music at an early age by his parents and cousins. While in the 7th grade, Lin began playing the tuba in high school marching and concert bands and continued playing through college. Lin started playing bass at age 12, upon realizing its appeal and captivating rhythms.  Lin has done studio work and has played in numerous R&B, jazz and gospel bands in Richmond and Maryland. Inspired by the call to "Make it Funky!", Lin enjoys contributing bottom groves that keep folk moving, whatever the song or genre. Lin is also proud husband, father and grandfather.