Meet the Band

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I’ve been a huge Elton fan as long as I can remember, but never got a chance to own or learn an instrument till I was a teen in the 80s.  At 15, my Dad bought me a Radio Shack synthesizer that had Elton in the ad. Over the next year I spent countless hours trying to develop an ear for music and became a lead singer in a rock band called Traveler. My first gig as a piano player was old Elton style – just a 3 piece of Piano, bass and drums – 4 hours of over the top fun!  For many years I switched to guitar, playing rhythm, and composing.  In the late 80’- early 90’s I performed in an all-original band “Sin City” putting out an album and touring briefly. Since then I have performed with various South Florida artists and bands both in the studio as well as live performances.  Forming Elton and the Jets a few years ago has led me on a fantastical musical journey.  I get to play and share the soundtrack of my life with audiences that love these songs as much as I do alongside incredible musicians.  Most recently, I had the opportunity to perform a show in England - a dream of mine. Every musician should be so lucky! 

Antonio Martinez is a multi-talented musician who has made a name for himself as a singer, bass player, music director and electrical & sound engineer. He has over a decade of experience in studio recording, mixing and mastering, as well as live venues sound. Currently, he is the music director and bass guitarist of the Elton & The Jets, and also a Christian singer-songwriter. In 2008, he produced the album "Ten Confianza", which was released on all major web platforms like Apple Music. He is also the singer and bass player of the rock en español band TAXY which released the album "Cada Loco Con Su Tema" in 1987 by CBS Epic Records. With his vast experience and skills, Antonio Martinez continues to make a significant impact in the music industry. 

Our lead guitarist Greg Rose is a true master of the craft. Greg studied classical piano since a young age and performing performed in numerous recitals before switching his primary instrument to guitar.

Greg has has amassed an extensive amount of stage experience playing in a wide variety of rock bands, most recently with the popular cover band Arterra. Greg moves effortlessly between the slide guitar opening of Tiny Dancer to the full throttle sections of Funeral for a Friend.

Christian Martinez is a multi-talented musician, songwriter, recording artist, and producer. He is known for his expertise in drums, bass, and guitar, and has been an integral part of several notable musical projects.

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Christian's passion for music began at a young age, and he quickly developed into a highly skilled drummer. In 2013, he joined the Miami Honors Jazz Band, where he showcased his exceptional skills and talent. Christian's dedication and commitment to his craft led him to pursue a degree in Music Business with an emphasis in Production at Miami Dade College, which received in 2019.

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Christian has been the recipient of numerous awards for his outstanding contributions to the performing arts. In 2015, he was awarded the John Philip Sousa Band Award Plaque, which is restricted to one MPSH student per year for superior musicianship, dependability, loyalty, and cooperation. He was also recognized as the 2014-2015 Most Outstanding Twelfth Grade Jazz Band Member. Furthermore, Christian received the Award of Excellence at the Superintendent's Honor Music Festival for three consecutive years (2013, 2014, and 2015).

Andy is a talented rock and classical musician who has played multiple instruments throughout his career. He began his musical journey in Colombia, playing rock in Spanish with several bands, including Crisis and Modestia Aparte. After moving to the US in 2000, he continued to play rock music with various bands. However, he fell in love with Elton John's music and the idea of forming a purely instrumental tribute band that would not use prerecorded tracks.

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Andy is also a classical musician and a singer. He plays orchestration for the band, playing all the brass, strings, and special effects sections of every song. He is also a talented guitarist, bassist, singer, composer, and songwriter.

Giancarlo is a Colombian drummer who played with Mancini's band for many years.  He is an experienced musician and an amazing drummer and percusionist. 

His work includes live concerts since 1976 playing with multiple bands and symphonic orchestras in large venues.

Our "Kimmy-Dee" of the band - Kim Thompson is a talented singer and percussionist with a strong dance background. She has been performing since she was a kid, and her passion for music and dance is evident.
in her performances. Kim joined us a few years back to play some percussion and complete the duet of "Don't Go Breaking My Heart".  She has truly blossomed and become an interictal part of our vocal harmonies all while rounding out our vintage sound with tambourines, wood blocks, castanets - what ever is needed.

Last year Kim added her "international performer" credit with Elton and the Jets, appearing in the UK for the first time!

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Kim also performs as a backup singer for the Pat Benatar Tribute Band "Midnight Angel" when called upon. 

Anita Rivera, a graduate of the Barry University Vocal program, has performed in 7 countries in various capacities as lead or backing vocals in several pop/contemporary bands. Ms. Rivera majored in Vocal Performance where she performed songs from classical and musical theater genres. 
She has recorded backing vocals for Latin American music artists, as well as written and recorded her own songs in the Latin pop genre. 
Currently, Ms. Rivera teaches chorus in a local middle school in Hollywood, Fl;