FORTE'

If this is your first encounter with FORTE', be forewarned they are likely to become an indispensable part of the Jazz Scene. Their irresistible melodic blend of Funk, Blues, Jazz, R&B, and Latin influences is often called "The Sound of the San Francisco Bay Area".

FORTE' tours nationally and performs local events on a regular basis featuring some of the top recognized musicians in the country. FORTE's top musicians include Tom Politzer (Tower of Power), Dave Stone (Strokeland, Cold Blood), Napolean Brock (Frank Zappa), Sonya Jason (Sheila E, Joyce Cooling, Narada Michael Walden), Vince Lars (Janet Jackson, Tony Toni, Eric Benet, Boz Scaggs), and Robin Duhe (Frankie Beverly and Maze).

The current members include Vince Lars on Sax, William Beatty on Piano, Morris LeGrande on Guitar, Joe "JB" Baribeau on Drums, and Andius Jent on Bass. All are highly regarded and seasoned Bay Area musicians.

They have shared the same stage and opened for many national artists that include Chris Botti, Mindi Abir, Gerald Albright, George Duke, Boney James, Chaka Kan, Chuck Mangione, Joe Sample, Peabo Bryson, Jeff Lorber, Peter White, Jeff Golub, KEM, Earl Klugh, Pete Escovedo, Marion Meadows, Norman Brown, Pancho Sanchez and the list goes on.