André Berry – Bassist

One of the busiest sidemen in the business these days is bassist André Berry. In recent days, André has been touring with Dave Koz, Rick Braun and Mindi Abair. In his past, he has supported the likes of Warren Hill, Peter White, Jeff Golub, Tom Scott, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, George Johnson of the Brothers Johnson, and a host of others. André continues to be one of the most sought after bass players in the industry.

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, André was destined to be a musician. His family consisted of a classical pianist, a church organist, a trumpeter and a singer. After stints with the piano, drums and guitar, he picked up the bass at 16 years old. Remembering the first time he played in front of an audience, André notes, “It was a natural experience for me. I remember thinking ‘I’m not nervous…I wonder why?’ And also the feeling hit me that I had the least experience of all the guys I was playing with, but I had the most enthusiasm. So, I knew I was going to be doing this no matter what.” Enthusiasm is an understatement. The groove is in his heart and truly comes out in every show he plays. André believes that the bass provides the foundation for the groove of the band and is more than thrilled for the chance to provide it.

Influenced in the early days by Louis Johnson of the Brothers Johnson, Larry Graham of Sly & The Family Stone, Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire, and his mentor, Sekou Bunch. “Growing up in Ohio, I was exposed to great funk bands which are now an extinct species. If you play instruments now in R&B music, it is pretty much a curse. So I decided I was going to try to keep the flame burning for the old-fashioned funk band with horns and guitars and bass and drums and vocals. I write all the songs and play a lot of the instruments, yet I do have some friends who lend their talents to the band. It is about expression and staying true to what I know should still be a viable music category in Black music.”  André also says that what keeps the funk and the groove going are the fans.

“I love to see people’s faces light up and enjoying the music! I don’t think people realize how much musicians feed off that. When a crowd is dry with a vibe of ‘impress me’ or ‘we’re dressed too nice to dance and party,’ it makes the night long, hard and un-energetic! But when the crowd is ready to party, and you feel the energy coming back, it makes you want to play incredibly and please them.”

Bruce Rubio – Saxophone

Bruce Rubio is a retired music educator, professional saxophonist and long-time Lake Arrowhead resident. Rubio grew up in our mountain communities where he taught music in the Rim of The World School District for 25 years, teaching concert band, jazz band, choir, and music appreciation. He continues educating students today, as the Blue Jay Jazz liaison to student scholarship recipients, preparing them for their stage time at the Blue Jay Jazz Festival.

Rubio retired from his band director chair to pursue his #1 passion of playing music and performing. He is now a full time musician and has ticked an impressive list of stints with top professional jazz bands, rock bands, and tribute bands. His current main musical endeavor is performing with the Digital Audio Projekt performing at the 2025 Blue Jay Jazz Festival!

Harold Allen, Jr. – Drums

A native of New Orleans, La., Harold has performed with various artists including The Brothers Johnson, Jermaine Jackson, Ivan Neville, Leo Nocentelli, Percy Sledge, Jean Knight, Harmonica Fats, Michael Haggins and many others.

As a song writer, he is co-author of the song “Be Your Number One”, produced by George Johnson, for artist Irene Cara’s “Carasmatic” album. Heavy on the Jazz/Funk influence, Harold holds the band together with that signature Crescent City back beat laying right in the pocket, never disturbing the groove. One look at how Harold plays and it’s more than clear that his laid back drumming swagger is indicative of the “Big Easy” lifestyle.