FEATURED ARTISTS

'Johnny Dee and the Rocket 88's'

'Johnny Dee and the Rocket 88's' ' during the past 10 years, has performed their brand of zany nostalgia and fast-paced medleys for millions of people in the U.S. Their national TY. appearances such as 'Real People', 'P.M. Magazine, 'PBS Birthday Show, 'Atlanta Superstation w/Bill Tush', and the' Bob Hope Telethon" have reached countries all over the world.

'Johnny Dee and the Rocket 88's' has performed with such notables as Dick Clark, Wolfman Jack, James Brown, The Pointer Sisters, Statler Bros., Dotty West, Peaches and Herb, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ricky Nelson, John Lee Hooker, The Diamonds, Danny and the Juniors, Roy Head, Wyatt Earp (Hugh O'Brien), and believe it or not, Marlon Perkins of T.V's 'Wild Kingdom'.

'Johnny Dee and the Rocket 88's' has performed alongside Shirley Jones, Lisa Hartman, Bob Hope, and Kathryn Crosby, for functions and T.V. Shows benefitting The Epilesy Foundation, United Way, MD, MS, West Texas Rehab Center, Houston Ballet, Zachary Scott Theater, Stehlim Cancer Foundation,. 1979 Pepsi Challenge w/Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers, Texas Respiratory Therapy, and The Endangered Wildlife Fund Raiser.

'Johnny Dee and the Rocket 88's' perform arrangements from such greats as Glenn Miller, The Beach Boys, Diana Ross, Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, Platters, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, The Beatles and their own original songs. The group has an uncanny ability to delight any and every audience for which they perform. JD and the Rocket 88's have two LP's and five singles under their belt, with more on the drawing board.

'Johnny Dee and the Rocket 88's' have been celebrated by many publications: Esquire Magazine, Atlanta Journal, New York Times, Houston Post, Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle, Austin AmericanStatesman, Daily Texan, and Singles Magazine. 'JD and the 88's' remind me of Sid Caesar's version of rock and roll in the '50's - The Haircuts. They offer the humor for those who've always suspected rock and roll was pretty funny . . . and for those who didn't, their music is serious and true to it's firm." Dallas Morning News

'Isn't it time you made a date with an 88.'

CUSTOM MADE - KEEPS THE HOUSE ROCKIN' & THE DANCE FLOOR PACKED WITH HITS FROM THE 60'S - 90'S KEEPS THE PARTY LIVELY WITH AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION AND GREAT IMPERSONATIONS: -JOE COCKER -MADONNA -TINA TURNER    50's WHOLE LOTTA SHAKIN - JERRY LEE LEWIS YOU SEND ME - SAM COOKE JAILHOUSE ROCK - ELVIS 60's STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE - SUPREMES MY GIRL - TEMPTATIONS I CAN'T HELP MYSELF - FOUR TOPS OOH BABY BABY - SMOKEY ROBINSON MONY MONY - TOMMY JAMES PRETTY WOMAN - ROY ORBISON GOOD LOVIN - RASCALS BROWN SUGAR - ROLLING STONES USSR - BEATLES 70's BRICK HOUSE - COMMODORES WE ARE FAMILY - SISTER SLEDGE GET DOWN TONIGHT - KC LE FREAK - CHIC SUPERSTITION - STEVIE WONDER PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC - WILD CHERRY BORN ON THE BAYOU - CREEDENCE WALK THIS WAY - AEROSMITH ROCK AND ROLL - LED ZEPPELIN 80's LOVE SHACK - B 52'S MY SHARONA - THE KNACK BAD CASE OF LOVIN YOU - ROBERT PALMER SHARP DRESSED MAN - ZZ TOP WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU - ROMANTICS ANY WAY YOU WANT IT - JOURNEY YOU SHOOK ME - AC DC 90's AND SONGS FROM THESE CURRENT POP AND COUNTRY ARTISTS: GLORIA ESTEFAN, MADONNA, SHERYL CROW, WALLFLOWERS, SHANIA TWAIN, LEANN RIMES, VINCE GILL, GEORGE STRAIT. VIDEO AND PROMO PAK available on request.

CUSTOM MADE The original stars of two hit musical revues, "American Jukebox", which toured Japan after itÃs successful runs in Dallas, San Francisco, Washington, D. C. and Atlanta. And also, "RockÃnÃRoll U.S.A." staged at the historic Lakewood Theater in Dallas.    This powerful and energetic group of performers combines great musicianship and showmanship to give you one of the most entertaining evenings of your life! What clients have to say about Custom Made:   "As close to perfect as I've heard" Ron Chapman - KVIL Radio "They are GREAT! When I walked in I thought I was listening to a record" Jack Binion - Horseshoe Casino The SMASH HIT MUSICAL - "American Jukebox" sells out again at the Majestic theater - With Custom Made - "The hits just keep on coming'!" Jerome Weeks - Dallas Morning News Saint Joseph's Hospital Ball was fantastic! "Mercy Motown" was a huge success, and Custom Made was a key to our success. They were wonderful! Jane M. Human, Ball Chairman, Saint Joseph's Hospital Ball Oh what a night!! - Thanks for providing us a GREAT band for our dinner dance. Custom Made was an excellent choice....everyone was up and dancing all night long. Denise K. Lowman, President, World Headquarters Exxon Club, Inc. Our presentation for the Coors Brewing Company at their National Distributor Convention in New Orleans was dependent on many elements. One of the key elements was the on stage performance by Custom Made, one of the outstanding groups your agency represents. The two "Block Party" performances on Bourbon Street was incredible, they not only gave 250% - they even played in the rain! Olin Terry, Vice President, Corporate Magic Enclosed is a picture for your souvenir frame from our Christmas party at the Plaza. It is only fitting that you have a perfect picture from a perfect evening with absolutely perfect music! Judy Hale Vetkoetter, Executive Director, Gardere & Wynne

Donna Menthol

Vocalist

Donna Menthol is an extraordinary singer with a rich mezzo-soprano voice and a sophisticated style of delivery. The Herald describes Donna Menthol as "a powerful singer who has many theories about the voice and its relationship to the inner soul." A veteran jazz and rhythm and blues singer, Donna was introduced to music by her mother and brother and has been singing and performing for enthusiastic audiences since she was seven. Donna has performed from her home town of New York, to the west coast and throughout the southwest.

Classically trained, Donna is a versatile performer who "makes things happen" on stage. Her vocal range glides gracefully through the upper registers of "Angel Eyes," and growls through the funky "Chuck E's In Love." Her stage appearance is compared with Barbara Streisand and Chaka Kahn, but Donna has a unique quality that is all her own; once heard, it will never be mistaken or forgotten. John Scarborough, Jazz Gitic for the Houston Chronicle, has said that Donna Menthol "...is the best vocalist to hit Houston since Roseanna Vitro. " In the Austin American Statesman, she was referred to as "Cool Menthol. " The Statesman also reports that "while many jazz singers have spent their time in the small club scene, Donna has taken the high road and her music reflects it. Donna is the consummate cabaret performer, always stylish and professional, and musically interesting. " Her act includes everything from torch ballads to up-tempo funk, all done with immaculate taste. A devoted fan wrote, "She is the Bette Midler of the 90's! Her singing blends strength with gentle muses, all of which comes from a massively caring heart!"

Donna's recording experiences include radio and television jingles for advertising companies, video tapes for public television, and original compositions for other artists. She has also been featured on several occasions on KUT's "Face the Music" radio show.

Donna's performances include many fund-raisers and gala openings for such renowned artists as The Lettermen and Dionne Warwick. Her repertoire includes four decades of jazz, Latin, samba, blues, ballads, and the best in contemporary, popular and funk music. She maintains a busy teaching schedule in addition to live performance, offering dynamic vocal workshops and private coaching to singers.

Schrodinger's Cat

Wow. I saw the group, saw they were from Texas, and was curious about it, as I don't get to hear much Texas a cappella. All I have to say is that if these guys don't at least make a rim at doing a cappella professionally, it will be an incredible loss to the a cappella community. What struck me first is their innovation. Vocal and body percussion is nothing new in a cappella, but the way they integrated it was like nothing I ever heard. They said in their liner notes that the musical group Stomp! was one of their influences, and it shows. The whole group uses vocal percussion, chest slaps, foot stomps, anything that gets their sound across. And it presents a wide and varied mixture of sounds to work from, deeply heightening their experience. Their song selections work very well for them. Their tightest stuff were the two Bobby McFerrin numbers ... incredibly put together. I wonder out loud where they got their version of In Your Eyes, which has an extended intro before it goes into the song most people know. They also seem to be movie buffs ... most songs that aren't covers of a cappella sources come from movies... In Your Eyes from Say Anything, When Doves Cry from Purple Rain, BOTH Day-O and Jump in the Line from Beetlejuice, and You Can Leave Your Hat On from both 9 1/2 Weeks and The Full Monty. BUY THIS. The liner notes say they all go to U. of Texas at Austin, but their sound and production value shows they have a potential future professionally. Well worth the money.
- Review by Shawn Pearce from the Recorded A Cappella Review Board

"SCHRODINGER'S CAT - The contemporary/urban/hip hop/soul group that has it all goin'on .... a little bit sexy, a little bit nasty, and a lot hip. An emphasis on vocal percussion (ahern... that's *body* percussion - J.P.) drives the arrangements, and the group recognizes Bobby McFerrin as a primary inspiration, covering two McFerrin originals: "All I Want" and "Yes, You." "In Your Eyes" has an extended intro vamp before it breaks into the familiar chorus; "Sexual Healing" bumps and grinds, a rhythmically complex performance that enhances the vocal, without overpowering it. "Jump In The Line," with its rapid 2/4 syncopation, is a reflection of the many facets of the Texan music scene, encompassing Tejano, Spanish and Latin influences. "Lonesome Road" is a fitting closing track: delivered almost as a church hymn, the group gradually opens up the arrangement, accenting the final verse with tasty passing chords and allowing the melody to soar."
-Review from Primarily A Cappella

"The first thing you'll notice is the percussion - vocal as well as body slaps, claps, stomps and more. Then you notice the singing, which is terrific, too. This group does covers that are either true to the originals, complete with the passion many groups lack in covers, or they create their own fire with a unique take. Their "Yes, You" is sensual, "Jump In The Line" will get your hips swaying, and "When Doves Cry" blazes - wow! "In Your Eyes" is much [more] true to the worldbeat-esque version Peter Gabriel often does than the straight pop version many groups cover, and the passion of the song just flows from these guys. It's not all hard-hitting percussion-oriented tunes, though - the album ends on a version of "That Lonesome Road" that is smooth and soulful. This is a group to watch!"
- Review from Mainely A Cappella