The Level One Band

CEO / DRUMMER

Drummer Reginald Wheatley developed a penchant for music at an early age. He began taking drum lessons in the sixth grade and played percussion throughout high school, where he received scholarship offers from numerous colleges.

After settling on Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi, he studied under Dr. Russel Thomas, a jazz band director and president of the National Jazz Association.

While performing under Dr. Thomas, Reginald Wheatley was privileged to perform with entertainment icons such as Clark Terry, Roy Aires, Slide Hampton and James Williams. Reginald also worked with artists from Malaco Records and Ace Records.

He ultimately developed a strong following that kept him in constant demand with R&B artists throughout the country. Reginald, born Jan. 23,1963, is a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and has been with Level One Band since its inception in 1991.

Director Of Operations

I am passionately dedicated to the development of emerging Artists with a desire, drive and passion to extend the boundaries of R&B, Neo-Soul, Hip-Hop, Blues, Jazz & Inspirational Sounds.

I am personally committed to producing Artists that will inject an artistic expression of its urban contemporary sound, while devoting myself to the representation of Artists with a life experience message that demands while communicating the complexities of our everyday lives.

I will continue to support Artists through music and entertainment that will enrich the beauty of its origin of Diversity Culture.

Tribute Artist

Alvin ‘NikkiBoy’ Norris is a Charismatic, charming, energetic and exceptionally talented dancer and singer.

He is Tribute Artist to Michael Jackson going for his dreams thru song & dance. NikkiBoy has been featured on Showtime at the Apollo, America’s Got Talent, and a cast member of Houston’s America’s Next Big TV Star. He was also a special guest on American Idol Underground and had the honor to tour with his good friend Rickey Smiley from 2007 to 2011.”

Bass Player

Born in in Houston, Texas has been interested and extremely active in music since a very early age.

Was a member of the awarding winning high school Kashmere Stage Band under the direction of Conrad O. Johnson. Appears and perform in the critically acclaimed documentary “Thunder Soul”. Nominated by the NAACP for best documentary.

Attended University of North Texas State and received a Bachelor of Music degree.

Songwriter for R&B group “Con Funk Shun”, toured with R&B vocal group “Bloodstone”.

Studied acting classes for TV, film and commercials in Dallas,Texas and Atlanta, Georgia. Which led to perform in the musical theater production of “American Jukebox” under the direction of Edward Love.

Received Platinum album for the debut of “Pebbles”, as a contributing songwriter in collaboration with Michael Cooper of Con Funk Shun.

Moved to Europe as backing vocalist touring internationally with “The Magic Platter’s”, and also landed a role in another musical in Antwerp, Belgium called “Soul Baby June” which was a Motown Revue.

Shared the stage and / or worked with: The Temptations, Average White Band, Patti LaBelle, Mary Wells, Herbie Hancock, Kool & The Gang, Grover Washington Jr, The Ohio Players, Con Funk Shun, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Gino Vannelli, Bloodstone, The Tramps, George McCrae, Boney M. Patric Hernandez, Michael Henderson, and many others

Released 2 solo dance CD’s in Europe. “It’s A Reason To Love” that single went to #1 in Portugal, and “Don’t Stop” with it’s single “Get This Party Started” duet with Queen of samba “Alcione” to the top of the charts in Portugal and Spain.

Piano / Keyboards

Originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, Edwin Brown has played piano since middle school under the teachings of renowned pianist Eddie Kozak. He went on to study music at Grambling State University and classical piano studies under Karl Rubrecht. After moving to the Houston area, he has played with several bands like Soul Sound System and Password Band. He is also a music producer and has written and produced music for saxophonist Theresa Grayson and Church on the Rock.

Edwin is a versatile musician having played classical, Jazz, Gospel, Hip Hop, R&B, Rock, and Latin musical styles. Some of his musical influences are George Duke, Earth Wind and Fire, Oscar Peterson, Chick Corea, The Yellow Jackets, and Herbie Hancock.

Vocalist

Though Ronald “Pee Wee” Smith is a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Houston, Texas is his home and has been for 30 years.

Ronald begin his music career at an early age of 12 years starting from Linear Middle School, Green Oaks High to the marching stepping Tigers of Grambling State University under the leadership of Conrad Hutchinson and Larry Parnell.

Early on in Ronald’s career, he opened for the likes of Con Funk Shun, Brick, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Shante Moore, Barkays, Midnight Star, SOS Band, Anita Baker, various blues artists Etc. while still performing ole school R&B soothing sounds throughout the Houston Metropolitan area.

Ronald has one child and is a brother of Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity.

Guitarist

Raised on Elvis as a kid. Dad taught me a little on guitar to get me started. Originally influenced by my grandfather, a lifetime navy man and a talented jazz guitarist who recorded his own album with RCA records in the fifties and also played on a Platters album. From there various rock and country guitarist moved me forward on the guitar, always looking to improve and expand. I’ve played in many rock and hard rock bands from the late 80’s to now. Worked in the computer industry for a while but now manage a music store. Kat’s Guitars in The Woodlands and playing in a Guns & Roses tribute band and developing other projects.

Keyboardist

Reginald is a gifted keyboardist, songwriter, arranger, producer and minister of the Gospel.

Born in Houston Texas, he was brought up in a spiritual environment, as his father is a Pentecostal Bishop (Bishop A. C. Nelson). From that background he became aware of his gifts performing in church and school talent shows. His talent flourished while in high school under the tutelage of an outstanding music professor (Prof), Conrad O. Johnson. At Kashmere high school he experienced a terrific music career. Traveling the US and the world, the Kashmere Stage Band became one of the most popular stage bands of the late 60s and 70s.

In 2008, the Kashmere Stage Band reunited to perform for their 92 year old professor. This event was filmed and entitled (“Thunder Soul”). The film reintroduced the music recorded by the Kashmere Stage Band over 35 years ago to a new audience. Reginald is one of the featured interviewees in the film. Thunder Soul was released in September 2011 to raving positive reviews.

Reginald also worked in the energy business for 29 years with Texaco, Duke Energy and NextEra Energy as a Trading Risk Analyst and IT specialist. He retired from the energy business in 2012 and now directs his energies toward mentoring young people especially in the field of music and arts.

Currently, Reginald is the leader of the “Thunder Soul Orchestra” where he handles management issues as well as performs with the group. Also he is minister of music at Ebenezer Methodist Church in Houston, where his talent and heart for music has captured the hearts and souls of the congregation. Reginald’s latest recording project was a gospel CD entitled “The Gift”.

Marketing

Dy’v-l “Dyvie” Davis is a socialite and people’s person with a background in Journalism and a love for the art of communication. Through her years of experience in media, working both behind the scenes and in front of the camera, she has developed a unique ability to communicate with a broad audience through various forms of communication, including verbal, nonverbal, written, and visual.

Her impeccable communication skills and relatability landed her various opportunities in marketing and promotions. Dyvie began representing various companies as a brand ambassador. From there, she sought to increase her knowledge of digital and social media marketing. She now implements a combination of grassroots strategies and unique, trending marketing tactics to increase brand visibility for companies both large and small.

Keyboardist

Kameron Brandon Williams is an American R&B, Pop, and Hip-Hop recording artist, singer, songwriter, record producer, musician – keyboards (multi-instrumentalist), actor, DJ and entrepreneur.

By the age of 7 Kameron was performing as the keyboardist and singer with many local R&B bands and started his own band at 12yrs that continues to perform today.

Kameron’s show consists of classic hits old and new and original material to entertain and create an experience guaranteed to move any audience and groove you in a way that only Kameron can.

Kameron is known for his entertaining high energy on stage performance and when he takes center stage he’s an artist of depth and brings a persona, swag and charm with his own sound and style that’s fresh and exciting. His music adds a high level of sophistication to pop-R&B while appealing to younger audiences he embraces dance pop while maintaining his connection to R&B similar to that of his contemporaries…Bruno Mars, Outkast, Keith Sweat, and more.

Kameron was dubbed “The Baddest Band In the Land” winner by radio station KMJQ Magic 102.1 and has performed with and continues to be inspired and learn from some of the best entertainers in the world.

Vocalist

Whether singing for a crowd or at home for her family, music has always been a constant for Texas-born singer/songwriter, Neci Hamilton. Growing up, Neci was exposed to a genre-crossing blend of music, including Bonnie Rait, Patsy Cline, Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole and Anita Baker. She accredits her earlier influences to her musical style,which incorporates elements of country, soul, pop and r&b. This is evident when listening to her original song, For the Ride.

Neci has been performing for years at festivals, private events, parties and sporting events. A United States Army Veteran, Neci had the opportunity to sing with the United States Army Band while serving her country in Iraq. She was selected to open for En Vogue while the group was touring for troops overseas. She was also the lead singer of a Dallas based Sheryl Crow cover band. 

She attributes her musical accomplishments and special gift of song to her late mother, Kathy Shepherd, who was also a gifted singer. Every performance, every song, every note is a tribute to her Mom, her biggest fan and supporter.

Stage Manager

Angie Norris was born into a military family in Madrid, Spain. And shortly afterwards her dad retired from the military and moved the family to Houston, Texas when she was 4 years of age. She considers herself a country girl and loves to horseback ride.

Angie developed a passion for music through her extended family which owned a recording studio that allowed them to travel and tour performing gospel music endlessly in churches all over the United States. She acted as promoter and booking agent and years later while living in Mississippi she and the family released a gospel CD.

Later Angie became a nurse who sincerely loves taking care of people and helping others. She especially enjoys family time with the two daughters she adopted from Puerto Rico.

As stage manager Angie is a priceless addition to the Level One Band team, as she displays her passion for being proactive, assuming responsibility, thinks ahead, is always organized and very dependable. She handles behind-the-scenes tasks necessary for putting on all performances with responsibilities such as stage design layouts, ensuring lighting, rigging, sound equipment required depending on event location ie arenas, parks, stadiums, social venues and many other places.

Angie has the ability to communicate and build great relationships with people on all levels.

Bassist

Bassist, Faustino Garcia AKA “Tino” was born in 1973 in Brownsville, TX. Although not coming from a musical family, his love for various genres of music comes as an influence from his parents. They were Music Lovers and listened to a mixture of Motown, 70’s Funk, Rock and Tejano. Growing up in Brownsville he played Trombone in the local high school band and dipped into the drums but at the age of 12 was his turning point when he discovered the progressive rock band Rush. Instantly he became a fan of Geddy Lee and this is where his obsession with playing Bass started.

Tino spent the next few years playing in local Rock bands around the Rio Grande Valley and Mexico. Then in 1998, he got the opportunity to play with an All-Variety band, Jeanette Silva and Latin Beat, which led to an introduction to Tejano Singer Margarita Huerta, where he had his First professional gig. With Margarita, he was able to perform throughout Texas including several television appearances and the 1999 Tejano Music Awards at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio. In 2002 he spent a few years performing with Pio Trevino Y Majic.

After moving to Houston in 2004 he decided to take a hiatus and focus on his family. While he stopped playing professionally his love for the bass never stopped so in 2013 when he was presented with the opportunity to play with a local Norteno Band he jumped on it.

Faustino played with Grupo Alcanzable for 3yrs. While he enjoyed his time during these 3 years, he was wanting to explore and experiment with other genres. Therefore, when he got the opportunity to audition for Houston’s own TJ Funk he was thrilled. This gave him a chance to play different styles of music which was exactly what he was looking for, the stuff that was deeply rooted in him since childhood.

In 2019 he decided to do more freelancing which opened many doors and has allowed him to play with various genres of music such as:Texas Brass Rock Band, The Late Albert Moguel, John Barraza Project, Mambo Jazz Kings, Alex Garibay and Tejano Knights, Level One Band, The Goods, Sister Sister and many more.

DJ

DJ Sho, hailing from Houston, Texas, From an early age, creating mixtape series CDs in middle school. He has always had a deep passion for music Dj Sho took his love for music to the next level by DJing his first family event in 2011. Music means the world to him, and there’s no better feeling than lighting up the room and seeing everybody having fun and collecting memories.

Since that initial gig, DJ Sho has been spinning tracks all over Texas, including notable performances in Navasota, San Antonio, Pearland, Dallas, and Humble. His versatile style allows him to seamlessly blend a wide variety of music genres, including hip-hop and R&B, disco, blues, chart music, and pop.

DJ Sho’s ability to cater to diverse audiences and create unforgettable experiences has earned him bookings from venues and events throughout Texas. His dynamic presence behind the turntables ensures that every event he DJs is filled with energy, excitement, and memorable moments.

Looking to the future, DJ Sho continues to expand his reach, bringing his unique mix of music to new audiences and creating lasting memories wherever he goes.

He is very proud and honored to be a part of the Houston Music Community, which has received him with nothing but a warm welcome.