Upping the game at the wedding reception with Windstorm
Weddings should be a celebration of love and for the reception, the choice of music or entertainment is important to set the mood and keep things upbeat and lively.
Wedding requests for the band Windstorm are growing in numbers.
Formed in 1986 by guitarist Ron Johnson, the band first set revelers dancing at the Time Out Club, which was on Line Avenue at the time. Their repertoire included the hits of some of their major influences and inspirations. Those influences included The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, The Four Tops, Earth, Wind and Fire, The Commodores, Kool and the Gang, The BarKays, Rare Earth and of course the legendary James Brown.
Fueled by a stunning horn section like most of their idols, Windstorm immediately began packing the dance floors at local clubs across the Ark-La- Tex.
As the band’s reputation grew, they began playing farther and farther afield but always coming back to their home base and their area fan base. Over the years, they have played clubs, casino showrooms, as well as entertaining at some of the region’s most exciting private parties and fundraisers. And almost from the very beginning, they have played weddings.
Primarily, the band remains self-booked and self-managed.
Founder Ron Johnson plays guitar; Eric Hunter is one of the lead vocalists along with Rodney Gant and Volton Wright; bassist Franklin Monroe; Reginald “Maestro” Harper and Alex “Kidd” Johnson on keyboards; Chevis Ross on drums; and Anthony Parish on percussion. About half the members also hold down day jobs while the rest do music full-time.
“Weddings are special to us. They are much more personal and laid back,” vocalist Eric Hunter said.
Though they normally stay within the band will travel when the need arises and the gig is worth making the trip. The farthest away the band has traveled so far it to London, England.
“In 1999, we were involved with an independent label out of Houston. They sent us to play in England where we played a couple of weeks of club dates in London and around England,” Hunter said.
The group has opened for some major concert acts around the country including Earth, Wind and Fire; Usher; The Isley Bros; B.B. King; and New Edition. Johnson has also played with some major acts himself like Ike and Tina Turner, The Chi-Lites, Betty Wright, The Temptations and actor Kevin Costner’s band.
Johnson was also honored to play in Washington, D.C. for President Barack Obama and the 82nd Airborne Brigade.
No matter the occasion, Windstorm
“We love to interact with the wedding parties and guests to give everyone a very memorable night they will never forget. A wedding is one of the most special nights of a person’s life and we will do whatever we need to do to make sure the couple and their guests have a great time,” Hunter said.
A wedding offers a special opportunity for the band to do what they do best and to even tailor a performance to accommodate the couple’s particular tastes.
“The band has a pretty wide repertoire, but we will also learn a particular song that is special to the couple is they request it,” Hunter said.
Check them out at windstormband.com or call 518-8045.
–Karl Hasten
