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For the past fourteen years 24 Karat Funk has been delivering their dynamic style of music in and |
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Born in Boston, Massachusetts "Richie Rich" is a homegrown singer, songwriter, and entertainer who has been in the entertainment business for over thirty years. He was introduced to the soulful sounds of Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and many of the Gospel, Funk, and R&B legends that graced the radio and turntables during the 50's, 60's and 70's. At the age of 11 he attended the New England Conservatory of music studying Piano. Richie says "Meeting Duke Ellington, when I was thirteen years old and getting the opportunity to tell him about my love for music and singing was a golden moment for me. Mr. Ellington told me not to let anyone ever talk me out of my dreams." During the 1970's he started his first band "Osimuim", named after the first 1966 Parliament album. Looking to grow musically he got together with other musicians and formed "The Flight Of The New Born" playing music the like of Stanley Clark, Chick Corea and Quincy Jones. Funk, being the premier sound during the 70's lead him to a profound twenty-eight year friendship with the "Funk Master" George Clinton. One of Richie's prized moments was performing on stage with George and the P-Funk Allstars at The Apollo Theatre's 75th Anniversary 2004. Another special time was performing on tour with Rick James in 1983 at the Reggae Sunsplash in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Recently Richie has played at Foxwoods Casino & Resort and they are in the process of completing their 1st CD. All of these musical experiences lead Richie to start his current band 24 Karat Funk, which has been together for the past 14years. Collectively, the band hits the stage delivering their original material and covering the best in Funk, R&B, Reggae, Jazz and Rock.
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Steve "Stevo" Thorpe
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Born in Boston, Massachusetts (under the sign of Capricorn) "Stevo", or "the man with four hands" is the bands keyboard/bass player (hence the man with four hands). If you don't listen carefully you are liable to hear any sound coming from his side of the stage. Between 1983 and 1990 "Stevo" played with the Jonzun Crew (the songs Pac-Jam and Space Cowboy made the Billboard list) and then when he met Richie Rich there was instant musical chemistry. He has been with 24kt Funk ever since. "Stevo" has also worked with and toured along side of famous acts like New Edition, The System, Lakeside, Grand Master Flash & The Furious Five and the Blue Notes. "Stevo" says he was inspired by Prince, James Brown and Sly & The Family Stone. Favorite Color: Blue |
Bobby Faria
Bobby Faria grew up in a musical family in Newport, R.I. His great uncle was a best selling recording artist in Europe during the 1920's. His father was a classically trained violinist and singer who became the leader of a busy swing band in the 1930's that had New England's Lindy-Hoppers kicking up their heels all night long... Bobby started out in music at the age of 7 strumming the ukulele while his Dad picked melodies on the guitar or violin. He got his first electric guitar at the age of 13 and quickly formed a rock band playing school dances and parties. Since 1992 he's been the guitarist behind Boston favorite Jose Ramos in "The No Way Jose" Band. Over the years Bobby's sound has evolved from those Rock roots, combining with other influences including blues, jazz, fusion gospel, soul, country and of course "Funk".
Michael Reid
His natural ability is evident and his style of play is a combination of this natural talent and 'know-how'. Michael can make you jump out of your seat with his Funk and R&B riffs or make you swoon with his smooth/contemporary Jazz playing. Either way it goes we know that once you hear Michael play you'll agree that he is one of if not 'THE' best drummers you will ever have the honor to experience.