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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.
Mark
J. Stewart - Bass, guitar, harmonica, vocals 
A multi-faceted musician who constantly strives for a certain
authenticity in the music he creates, Mark is most comfortable
performing blues, funk, jazz, rock, country, soul, and swing. He has
played
with numerous bands in the Southeast Michigan and Dallas, TX.
areas where he has resided over the years on bass and guitar. He is
extremely pleased to be working in a band of talented musicians with
such diverse capabilities as Paradise and is especially intrigued with
the band's vocal capabilities and harmonies. "What it all comes down to
is: performing at a high level, the material I love, for an audience
that is truly having a great time! That's what makes me happy."
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 groups. He presently plays drums for 4
bands…
one of which is “Paradise”
– a wide mix of styles ranging from the 50’s to
present, The
Leaky Tiki's ( Jimmy Buffett
Tribute band), Tony Poma's Elvis
(Vega’s style show band), and a Christian
praise band @ HOTS.
“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".
Ted
Saxophones, Flute, Percussion
Ted has been performing in the
Detroit and surrounding area from the mid 70's, and has played beside
some of Detroit's most famed artist's such as George Benson, Marcus
Belgrave, Pete Woodman, Bill Myer, John Smith, Lanny Austin, Emil Moro,
Gary Sarnowski, Rick Swicki, Jeff Borgis, Jason Harper, singer Sue
Woodman, and the likes of trumpeter Maynard Freguson, singer Johnnie
Mathis and comedian Rich Little, Mick Fleetwood, and the
Romantics. Most recently, collaborating with The Marshall
Tucker Band road guitarist, the late Jessie VanOver.
Major Influences are: John
Coltrane, Sonny Sitt, Ronnie & Hubbie Laws, Herbie Hancock,
Buddy Rich, Dave Matthews, Phis, Jason Mraz.
Likes: Alexander Keith's India
Pale Ale, Gin & Tonic, the Wind,
BIG
Porches, football,
anything not moving in the fridge.
Dis-likes: I'll let you know...
James
Lead
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 lead 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.
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