BongoGirl
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Bongogirl
Vocals, Percussion and DJ
Bongogirl began her musical career at the age of 14 with
regular performances on CBC TV in Montreal. She has a five
octave vocal range and sings in a dizzying array of styles and genres.
She sweeps from sultry jazz, to crystal clear opera and celtic,
then puts on her powerhouse vocals for rock and dance music. Heather
is also a dynamic percussionist - playing congas, bongos and latin
percussion, to give The Bongogirl Band a driving, energetic
and unique sound.
Heather is also DJ Bongogirl - mixing and pumping the beat
when the DJ system is in session.
BongoGirl is a member of SOCAN, the Society of Composers,
Authors and Music Publishers of Canada.
She is a member of The American Federation of Musicians of The
United States and Canada.
BongoGirl has dual Canadian and American Citizenship, allowing
her to work freely in both countries.
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Visit André's website
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André Roy
7-string Guitar, Vocals, Arrangements
Originally from Montréal, André was performing and touring with
Quebec recording artists while still in his teens. He then attended
Vanier College and McGill University, and became a fixture in the
Montréal Jazz scene.
He was awarded a prestigious Canada Council grant to further his
music study, which sent him to the world-renowned Berklee College
Of Music in Boston. Now based in Toronto, André is one of Canada's
few 7-string guitarists - and a crooning, grooving, rocking versatile
vocalist.
As the musical arranger for the band, André's committment and dedication
to every form of music has given the band a sound that will inspire
the music aficionados, create the perfect ambiance, get the ballroom
dancers on their feet, and totally rock the house.
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John Pagnotta Flute, Tenor & Soprano Saxophone, Percussion - Vocals
John holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from York University,
specializing in Jazz studies, along with a Bachelor of Education
from the University of Windsor. He is currently on faculty at the
Claude Watson school of Performing Arts where he teaches Jazz Band,
running class ensembles of 18 to 24 pieces. The Jazz Report credited
the school's program as "Top Jazz program in Canada".
John's outstanding musical talent adds immeasurably to The Royz
Band ; whether as the third member of the trio, or within the horn
section with the larger band. His depth of musicality is truly
amazing to watch as he switches from sax to flute to percussion
to vocals, bringing passion and musical energy to every song he
performs. John also speaks and sings Italian fluently.
Born and raised in Toronto, John has worked professionally as
a studio session player and has toured and performed with numerous
bands and musicians in North America.
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The Larger Band

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For engagements where the look and sound of a larger band is desirable
and a larger budget is available, the Incredible Trio expands
to The Bongogirl Big
Band.
Extra musicians and/or crew are added - from quartet to ten piece
band - and will include any combination of the following:
Expanded horn section
- Extra brass performers to create a Horn Section. Some of these
performers will also double on percussion instruments as well
as add extra vocal harmonies
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Pat Wheeler
Flute - Tenor & Soprano Saxophone
- Percussion - Backing Vocals |
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Saxophonist Patricia Wheeler has long been
a favorite musician in and about Toronto, lending her distinctive
voice to such ensembles as The Neufeld-Occhipinti Jazz Orchestra
(NOJO), Jim Clayton, Ritmo Azul, Ron Davis Ensemble, and
countless other musical tribes.
As either the third musician within The Royz Band trio,
or within the horn section of the larger band, Pat brings
incredible musicality, tone and excitement to the stage
as she performs on flute, tenor, alto and soprano saxophones,
percussion and backing vocals.
Pat teaches Jazz and saxophone at Humber College's Music
Department and like Heather, shares a passion for horses.
Pat trains and competes on the Trillium Circuit in the
Hunter Class with her Thoroughbred gelding Dexter. |

Pat also leads her own highly acclaimed band The
Absolute Faith Orchestra, performing her own original
jazz material. |
Expanded Rhythm Section
- Extra percussion performers on drum and percussion kits for
an even fuller, driving live beat
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Enrique Loyola
drums and percussion |
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Early in his career, Enrique Loyola became
one of the most sought-after drummers in Mexico. His work
with top artists allowed him to tour internationally, appear
regularly on television, collaborate in studio sessions and
jingles and back finalists in the famous Festival O.T.I.
as well as heading his own band at one of Mexico City’s
most renowned night spots.
After arriving in Canada, he expanded his musical base
by including percussion instruments (those from Brazil,
Cuba, the Middle-East and Africa-to name a few!) and continues
to study, appear in most jazz festivals and on television,
work in studio sessions, tour and back up well-known artists. |

Enrique performs with The Royz Band regularly. |
Expanded String Section
- Violin and/or other string instruments will add a sweetness
to the sound, as well as a driving visual performance during
the dance sections.
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Chris McKhool
Violin/Fiddle |
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Chris McKhool performed this past year with Club Django,
nominated for the 2004 National Jazz Awards in Canada, and
has also led his own quartet. He is the recipient of Ontario
Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council & PromoFact Awards.
Chris has performed in festivals, halls and schools on
all three coasts of Canada including Baffin Island. Touring
highlights include the Toronto Distillery Jazz Festival,
the Vancouver and London International Children's Festivals,
the National Gallery Auditorium in Ottawa and Toronto's
First Night at the Skydome. Abroad Chris has performed
in the U.S., England, Cuba and Tibetan schools across the
Indian Himalayas. |

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Expanded Keyboard Section
Expanded Vocal Section
Expanded Sound and Light
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We also have a dedicated and professional sound and light crew
to run the soundboard and light show. Extra sound and light
reinforcement will be added to the band's set-up, with concert
sized speakers for extra large events, and special effects to
enhance the band's performance and create visual and acoustical
magic.
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