Dancing with The Kraze Band at the Starting Gate in Los Alamitos

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JOIN US for a ROCKIN' NIGHT of DANCING FUN with THE KRAZE BAND playing Rhythm & Blues, Funk, Rock, Jazz, Reggae, and Latin Music at THE STARTING GATE!

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Billy Meza and Mark Paul Meza, grew up together playing piano and drums. Years ago, they formed THE KRAZE with Los Angeles musicians, whose individual sounds and personalities come together, producing a smooth and colorful variety of styles (R&B, Funk, Rock, Jazz, Reggae, & Latin).

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THE KRAZE "Core" Band

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The KRAZE is a group of unique musicians who collectively thrill audiences throughout Southern California! Over 15 years ago, Billy and brother Mark Meza formed the KRAZE from a network of talented musicians in Los Angeles and Southern California. The KRAZE "core" Band are the perfect blend that defines their soulful sound as "High-Energy Rhythm & Blues!". The KRAZE attracts a variety of talented musicians who help them out from time to time.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/7/d/5/600_455250677.jpegBilly Meza Keyboards / Lead Vocals.

Billy Meza has distinguished himself in the L.A. music scene as a singer, piano/keyboard player and musical director. Born in Southern California, Billy began playing piano at the age of seven. He has worked as a solo performer and in a multiple of bands touring, recording and performing across the U.S., Europe and Asia where his easy-listening blend of jazz, fusion, R&B, and funk has earned him legions of fans across the globe. His live sets are both energetic and soulful, providing the perfect setting for listeners of all interests.

Billy's distinct playing ability and strong presence has placed him alongside such musical talents as Gladys Knight (Atlantic), Emotions (Capitol), The Fifth Dimension (ABC Dunhill), Marilyn McCoo (ABC Dunhill), The Temptations, The Marvelous Marvellettes and the Supreme Forever Show, and Atlantic recording star Micki Howard. Billy has performed throughout the Southern California in venues such as The House of Blues, Pantages Theater, B.B. Kings Blues Club, Universal City Walk, and The Grove.

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Mark Meza Drummer / Lead Vocals

Southern California Home-Grown, Mark Meza is a L.A. musician with class and style. He is a funky drummer who can play in any genre, including Jazz, Salsa, Rock, R&B and Reggae.

On stage Mark explodes into a super rhythm machine playing with the likes of Juan Carlos Quintero (Nova Records), Vicki Carr (Capital Records), Sherman Andrews (Word Music), Julio Sabala, El Pollo Loco, Pan American Bank commercials and Street Wide Records (Programming House/Dance tracks).

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/7/d/e/600_455250686.jpegDerrick Lee Murdock Bass

Derrick Lee Murdock (aka "Dock"), a native of Philadelphia, began playing the bass at the age of seventeen. While most musicians consider this a late start, Derrick was able to overcome this by intensive practice and study of his favorite bassist. Among his early influences were Bootsy Collins, Kool, Larry Graham, Geddy Lee, James Jamerson, Darryl Brown, Michael Pedicin Jr., Stanley Clarke, Jaco Pastorius, Marcus Miller, Victor Wooten, Tony Smith, Jef Lee Johnson, Niles Henning Orsted Pederson, Ron Carter, Eddie Gomez, Rufus Reed, and Dave Holland to name a few. Derrick performed at clubs in and around the Philadelphia area while developing his talent and fine tuning his craft. Then in 1994 Derrick relocated to Los Angeles to tour and perform with Sheena Easton before performing and touring the world with a host of talented performers including Capital Cities, Dr Dre , Will Smith, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Jay Leno Show, The Ask Mike Show , Kevin Eubanks, The Jazz Crusaders, Marilyn MaCoo and Billy Davis Jr., Mandrill, Tom Scott, Jeff Lorber, Rose Royce, The Dazz Band, Cherrelle, BB King, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, Cedric the Entertainer, Patti Austin, Bobby Caldwell, Aaron Neville, Angela Bofill, David Benoit, Hugh Masekela, Eric Marienthal, Bobby Lyle, Bob Mamet, Jim Carrey, Bill Cosby, Michael Bolton, Denise Williams, The 5th Dimension, Solomon Burke, Chuck Berry, Peter Frampton, Huey Lewis, Jon Lucien, Andre Crouch and Miles Jaye just to name a few.

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Mark Nonisa Lead Guitar / Lead Vocals

Mark (El Nino) Nonisa is a Southern California native who began his professional entertainment career 34 years ago. The span of his career encompasses live performances, songwriting, audio engineering, acting and teaching. Some professional highlights include acting in Castle Rock Entertainment's, Christopher Guest directed motion picture, "A Mighty Wind", Guitarist on Babyface's Yab Yum label "Hav Plenty" soundtrack CD, as well as vocals on Jazz/Blues fusion guitarist Scott Henderson's "Tore Down House" CD.

Mark has also been on staff at Musician's Institute in Hollywood CA. for 15 years. One of the earliest members of the Kraze in the 90's, he's excited to be back and co-leading with Billy Meza, the future Kraze.

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The Starting Gate

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We'll be meeting in the VIP area (immediately inside the door to the left) at 8:00 PM, and The Kraze starts rocking around 8:30 PM.

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In addition to a full bar, attentive service, and good reasonably-priced drinks, the Starting Gate has a full food menu as well, so don't hesitate to come early for an appetizer or dinner.

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If you have any questions, please call or text host Rick at 714.767.8722 at anytime. I hope to see you on December 1st - we're gonna have a BLAST!