PHOTOS COURTESY OF JODY HILL AND ALEX DEAN

ALEX DEAN
South Florida is full of talented musicians. One of its standouts is saxophonist, Alex Dean, whose performance track record reaches back to his days at Bethune Cookman University (then College) student, where he earned a Bachelor’s in music education. While studying, he managed to also perform regularly with local bands at night clubs and music festivals, even snagging opening gigs for popular R&B groups like the Dazz Band, S.O.S. Run D.M.C. and the legendary Chuck Berry.

A native Floridian, Dean grew up in Miami, where at an early age he showed great interest in music. He began playing the saxophone in junior high school and continued honing his craft at Miami Northwestern senior high, where he studied jazz improvisation with world renowned jazz musician and teacher, Charlie Austin.

After college, Dean returned to Miami and began working with prominent local artists, including Ruby Baker, Bobby Pruitt and others. During the mid-nineties, he hit the road and toured nationally and internationally with disco legends KC and the Sunshine Band. Known for his soulful sax and smooth vocals, Dean is one of South Florida’s most talented performers.

For information, more Facebook.com/alxdean.visit

JODY HILL

Condensing Jody Hill’s musical resume to a short space is challenging because of his vast accomplishments. The three time Grammy nominated drummer displays his talent in any genre, from gospel to hip hop to jazz, funk, rock and reggae. David Jody Hill has earned the respect of fans and fellow musicians with his enormous talent.

A native of Miami, Hill was one of the youngest drummers in the music industry playing for hit gospel artists, among them The Clark Sisters, Ron Winans, BeBe Winans, and the late James Cleveland.

After earning a full scholarship to Bethune Cookman College, now University, he left after two years to pursue his musical career with the Churches of God in Christ’s various conventions.

Afterwards Hill toured with another famous Miamian, R&B artist Betty Wright, completed four successful tours with KC and the Sunshine Band, and became one of the most requested drummers in the nation. His three Grammy nominations were for his work with Joss Stone for the album Mind Body and Soul. In addition to numerous television appearances, Hill also performed for Michelle Obama in 2012.

As popular as he is on the national stage, Hill maintains strong ties to the South Florida area. He and his band, Deep Fried Funk can be found each month at Overtown’s Historic Lyric Theater for its popular Apollo-like talent competition, Lyric Live.

In addition to Hill, the Deep Fried Funk Band members include Todrick Hunter-bass guitarist and musical director, A.J.Nilo-lead guitarist; Marcus Beneby-keyboards/strings; Deanette Rivaslead singer and Ellison Kendrick-singer.

For more information, visit jodyhilllive.com.