Meet The Band!
Michael Taylor
Baritone Sax/Vocalist/ Band Manager
A New Orleans native and second-generation musician, Mike grew up surrounded by music. His father was a bass player who opened for Al Green. In his childhood home, Motown or Old Soul music constantly filled the air. Eventually as a kid, Mike began to imitate the singers he heard and before long he had mastered the sounds of Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson before he could even ride a bike. That childhood skill stuck with him and now Michael’s vocal sound transforms and mimics the true sound of any song he is performing. In addition to leading the Phunky Monkeys and directing the delivery of their live music experience, Mike has performed with Flo-Rida, Journey, Patti Labelle, Kelly Price, 112, Jagged Edge, Baby Face and many others. Mike even has a featured musical role in the box-office hit “Contraband” featuring Mark Wahlberg. So, from the big-screen to the 2010 Super Bowl Celebration with the New Orleans Saints, Mike brings an electricity and sound to the stage that can’t be matched. The band has consistently grown under his leadership to the 14 piece powerhouse it is today!
Ken Thomas
Drummer
Ken Thomas is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. At a very young age, he began tapping on the drums, which led to his extraordinary drum and percussion skills today. He drew inspiration from the sounds of Earth, Wind and Fire, Cameo, and James Brown. For over two decades, Ken has continued perfecting his skills behind the drums, as well as on the microphone as a vocalist. Ken played internationally, for more than 10 years, while traveling to continents such as Europe and South America. For a period of time, he was the drummer for the SOS band and The Drifters. Look for Ken to always bring high energy and entertainment either behind the kit playing or upfront singing.
Jeremy Billiot
Bassist
Jeremy Billiot is a Louisiana-based bassist with decades of professional live experience across funk, rock, soul, and blues. He has performed with artists including Ryan Foret, Todd O'Neil, Karma and spent nearly 20 years performing regularly on Bourbon Street. Over the years, he has also shared the stage with legendary artists such as Bryan Stolz, Jean Knight and Percy Sledge, along with numerous regional and touring bands. Known for a deep pocket, strong time, and a feel-first approach, his focus is always on serving the song and connecting with both the band and the audience.
Miles Johnson
Guitarist
Miles is a guitarist born in Los Angeles and attended UCLA before playing in dozens of bands in multiple cities. He also produces original music under the name Elderchild. After touring and US and Europe Miles moved to New Orleans and has been playing with the Phunky Monkeys for 1 year.
Mark Liuzza
Keyboard/Guitar/Trombone/Trumpet/Accordion/Vocals
Born in the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter, Mark was destined to play music. While most kids were just learning to read and write, Mark was also learning to play piano with his mom and watching his father, “Tex” play Dixieland music throughout the French Quarter. As a kid, Mark won music competitions, performed in jam sessions with prominent New Orleans bands. In high school, Mark played trumpet in the marching band and attended Loyola University continuing to perform with The Murmurs and working at Allied Music Store. During the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans, Mark performed as the house bass player. In the late 80’s, Mark solidified his recording career, launching a recording studio in his childhood home and beginning to write jingles for prominent businesses. In the 90’s, Mark began his Bourbon Street career serving as a musical director for several clubs. After a brief departure to Destin, FL after Hurricane Katrina, Mark returned to New Orleans and reclaimed his place in the New Orleans music scene. Mark has shared the stage with Chuck Berry, Johnny Adams, Marva Wright, and Harry Connick, Jr. Mark is excited to bring his depth and breadth of musical experiences to perfect the sound of the Phunky Monkeys.
Lillie Smith
Trumpet/Vocalist
Lillie is a trumpet player from Thomasville, Georgia. Her father is a musician, and she followed in his footsteps. She got a degree in music at the University of Georgia and moved to New Orleans shortly after. Lillie has performed with various groups/artists such as Spirit of Atlanta drum corps, Disneyland’s All American College Band, and The Temptations!
Michelle Shorter
Tenor Sax/Baritone Sax/Violin/Flute/Vocalist
Michelle is a Multi-instrumentalist of the highest order. Hailing from the great state of Oregon, Michelle brings a wealth of performance experience to the show. Being able to switch seamlessly and flawlessly between instruments allows her to be one of the most vital pieces of the unit. She also performs with her creation March 4th throughout the year all over the United States.
Krystal Jackson
Lead Vocals
Krystal "Gem" Jackson is a Grammy nominated vocalist, performing artist, and talent coach. She received her MFA from the California Institute of the Arts and holds a BFA from Millsaps College. Gem has performed in Italy, Mexico, Carnegie Hall, and across the Caribbean. She has composed scores for the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, independent films, and brands that align with her personal conviction of uplifting Magical Black Girls through the conduit of performing arts. With over 20 years of performing experience, Krystal has done voice work for and with John Musker, Flo-Rida, John Legend, Kevin Costner, Bill Gates, the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection, and many more.She is currently a Miss America partner, professor of Theatre at Dillard University, and PhD candidate at Jackson State University.
Jenny Guthrie/DJ OH2
Lead Vocals/DJ
Jenny Leigh has nonstop party energy. With 15+ years onstage, she’s rocked everything from luxury events to major brand showcases. Big voice, real swagger, and a vibe that keeps the dance floor packed.
Elyse Jones
Lead Vocals/Keyboards
Elyse has a very pure quality to her vocals. Hailing from Minnesota, Elysa always brings a fun and happy element to the shows. Her smile and crowd engagement is infections and draws people in at every show.
Nigel Bourgeois
Lead Vocals
Nigel Bourgeois was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. She began singing when she was 12 years old and slowly found her footing in choirs and singing competitions, auditioning for both American Idol and The Voice. After two years of studying Musical Theatre at NOCCA, she went on to obtain her Bachelor’s in Music Industry Studies at Loyola University. After graduating in 2017 and working on a personal recording project, she came in contact with Mike and the Phunky Monkeys and found a love for the corporate band scene and has been going strong ever since!
Brandon Wilson
Keyboards/Trombone/Tuba/Trumpet/Lead Vocals
“Tip” as he is known to his friends and colleagues is a lifelong musician. Coming from an HBCU that is known for Marching Band excellence, Tip brings that experience and discipline and musicianship to his performances.
Dakota Wilburn
Trombone/Tuba/Guitar/Trumpet/Lead Vocals
Dakota plays trombone, tuba, guitar, and sings occasionally.
Michael Mullins
Trombone/Guitar/Lead Vocals
Michael Mullins, a New Orleans-based musician, is a singer, trombonist, horn arranger, and songwriter. Influenced by his upbringing in New Orleans, but guided by his love of classic rock, his style blends R&B, funk, and classic rock to create a distinctive and energetic sound. With a nod to Robert Plant’s vocal style and Allen Toussaint’s songwriting and arranging, Mullins has a distinctive sound all his own.
Performing all over the world, Michael’s concerts have taken him to various locations, including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and New York City’s Carnegie Hall. Over the past 12 years, he has consistently performed across the New Orleans festival circuit, participating in events such as the Jazz and Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival, and Hogs for the Cause.
Reginald Smith
Alto Sax/Lead Vocals
Born in Germany and raised in California, Reginald Smith Jr. picked up his =rst saxophone at the age of 12. By 13, he performed his =rst solo in church and eventually went on to become a prominent gospel artist performing with Vinard Johnson and Twinkie Clark & the Clark Sisters. After graduating high school, Reggie attended Alabama A&M University majoring in music education and leading the saxophone section in the marching band. Reggie continued performing for prominent people, including Senator Johnny Isakson and Wally “Famous” Amos, and eventually launched his =rst gospel album “Walk with Me.” Putting his music education degree to work, Reggie has taught the art of music to students throughout Alabama and Louisiana. He has also toured in Eastern Europe, South America France, Switzerland and Brazil. After touring, Reggie released another original album, “Elephant Shoes.” He has also served as the Music Director of Kirk Franklin’s House of Blues Gospel Brunch, performed and recorded with Reggie Smith and the Smithsonians and is the author of an e-book and DVD entitled “Note Expressions Explained.” Reggie is known as the “Saxsation,” in the Phunky Monkeys and contributes his technical and performance expertise to electrify the performance.
Faith Wattigney
Wardrobe Coordinator/Lighting Design
Faith Wattigney was born and raised in Gretna, Louisiana. She has always been surrounded by music since she was born. Her father and brother were trumpet players and country singer Amie Comeaux was her cousin. In college, she found her way into the life of being “a roadie” when she met her friend BJ Triay. She was hooked and has been doing it for over 30 years now. During those years, Faith has worked with bands such as Archangel and The Molly Ringwalds doing lighting, selling merchandise, making costumes and video production. Faith decided to say goodbye to the roadie life in 2009 when she left The Molly Ringwalds. That was until she met Michael Taylor and Ken Thomas in December 2009 and she was back on the road in 2010. She has been with them ever since doing things from light production, to coordinating wardrobe for the band, to being the “Band Mom”. When she is not doing “band” related jobs at night or on the weekend, she is a Special Education teacher.
Ronald Cagle/DJ CRUSH
Sound Engineer/Lighting Design
DJ Crush is an unknown legend. He has performed alongside some of music's most legendary DJ’s and artists. Dj Crush was Lil Jon’s video DJ for the better part of a decade. As a part of the Crooklyn Clanfamily of DJ’s, he boasts trophies from DJ competitions against some of the top DJ’s in the world. After transitioning into the production side of things he has brought the wealth of experience into helping provide lighting and video backdrops to the bands performances, elevating the dhow to National Talent Level quality.