|
The
band is made up of 4 to 6 (the band size can vary,
depending on the event) extremely talented musicians and
vocalists, from diverse backgrounds and experience. Browse
this page for more information about the individual
members.
Barb
Vocals, keyboards, flute, guitar
Barbara has been performing for as long as
she can remember (these days – that’s not so long!). Church
and school choirs, pantomime troupes,
theatrical productions,
musicals, barbershop, country music, rock music,
popular music –
even Elvis. You name it – she’s sung it. Barb
toured
for two summers with “Suitcase Theater”, traveling to
Japan and Europe
and performed for twelve years with an all
occasion band as lead singer
and keyboardist. Self
proclaimed as a jack-of-all-trades and
regretfully master of
none, Barb dabbles in guitar and flute as well.
Barb is
employed by the University of Michigan and is married to
fellow
musician and soul mate, James. They reside in
Ypsilanti with their two
cats, Buddy & Leon.
Bing
Lead Guitar, vocals Bing has been playing music since 5th
grade in elementary school. He "cut his teeth" listening to
the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Carlos Santana, Jeff Beck, and Eric
Clapton. His guitar influences were shaped by Larry
Carlton, George Benson, Johnny Winter, Rick Derringer, and Lee
Ritenhour. Bing has played with top 40 dance bands around the
Detroit and Flint Metro areas in the 70's, 80's and
90's. Mostly, he just loves to perform live music
and have a good time!
Ron
Drums, vocals 
Born and raised in Detroit, Ron
started “banging on the drums all day” back in 1966 at the age of
13. A great time to become a musician – a classic era for rock
and roll, Motown, Funk, Blues, Jazz and everything in between.
Influenced by ALL types of music from groups like Hendrix ,
Led Zepplin , Santana , Joe Cocker, Chicago to Motown, Big Band
and blues/jazz collections.
Ron has played for countless
Detroit area clubs, rock bands, and variety/show group. He
presently plays drums for 3 bands… one of which is “Paradise” – a
wide mix of styles ranging from the 50’s to present, an Elvis/Motown
(Vega’s style show band), and a 15 piece Christian praise jazz horn
band.
“I hope that what we do brings a smile to your face and
joy to your soul…
after all… that’s why we do it!!!”
Roger
Vocals, acoustic and electric guitars
Began musical career in 1968 with the band
that won the Michigan State "Battle of the Bands" in 1969.
Began playing drums with the
group since I couldn't play
anything else. Began playing rhythm guitar in 1980 with
"Woodwork", which eventually led to playing with founding member
Dale Williams in the So-Fine Bros. Began playing keyboards as the
band evolved and now play both acoustic and electic guitars in
"Paradise". I am a dedicated Jimmy Buffett "parrothead".
Joe Scott
Saxophone and vocals
James
Niemi 
Bass,
guitar, vocals
A life-long multi-instrumentalist musician and fine
artist for over 35 years, James Browneagle Niemi enjoys making art
in many forms. A local veteran of many dance and cover bands,
playing electric and acoustic guitar, bass, mandolin, percussion and
singing lead or background vocals. In addition to playing bass
and singing with Paradise, he plays lead guitar, and writes and
performs with the award winning Detroit area world music group
Zebula Avenue.
With a passion for oil painting, and a style that
represents impressionistic surrealism, his work can be seen at local
fine Art Galleries and may be viewed and purchased at
www.jamesniemi.com.
In love with his wife Barbara (also with Paradise!)
they both cherish the arts and have been able to travel extensively
to view some of the most famous pieces from the contemporary
masters.
|
