The Smoogies

What do you call a group of diverse, talented, multi-instrumentalist composers? You call them 'The Smoogies' — a musical smoothie blended with many cultures, life experiences, and certainly "a vibe."

Meet The Smoogies—a vibrant assembly of diverse, multi-talented composers steeped in a rich blend of cultures and life experiences. This musical smoothie, led by Vaughn "V.KEYS" Henry on keys and vocals, Dion Kerr on bass, Harvel Nakundi on drums and percussion, and David Chiverton on drums, embodies a fusion of formal musical training rooted in Miami and South Florida.

Individually, each member has graced stages worldwide, lending their expertise to acclaimed acts like Lauryn Hill, Snarky Puppy, Ghost Note, Richard Bona, Marcus Strickland, Kirk Franklin, Ignacio Berroa, Godwin Louis, Etienne Charles, and more. Their versatility as both leaders and accompanists underscores their collective prowess.

Pioneers of a distinctive movement called "People Music," The Smoogies advocate for inclusivity through their music, a philosophy evident in their eponymous second album. As they delve deeper into their sound as a quartet, they're poised to unveil their third album, a vibrant, live recording captured against the backdrop of Miami.

Their journey began with a buzz-inducing feature on "The Chivertone Sessions," which caught the attention of trumpeter Nicholas Payton and resulted in their debut release, "Planet Smoogies."

For those seeking an unparalleled musical odyssey, The Smoogies invites audiences on an unforgettable live experience meticulously crafted to foster a sense of community and inspiration among listeners. Get ready to embark on a unique musical voyage with The Smoogies.

Want to go on a unique musical journey? The Smoogies provide an unforgettable live experience, intentionally crafted to inspire a greater fellowship amongst their listeners.

Tags

Bass Drums Keys Dion Kerr Harvel Nakundi vaughn "v.keys" henry David Chiverton The Smoogies Planet Smoogies Miami

"Genuinely, this is going to be one of the best shows you see this year" -Ronnie Scott's London

"A new and fresh sound that combines some of the finest aspects of Funk, Afro-Cuban, and Brazilian music." -Ignacio Berroa

"I love The Smoogies! They're always grooving and always interesting. The music has a vibe that's unique to them" -Ben Wolfe.

"The Smoogies' new single "Violet" is as funky as adventurous. It's a colorful blend of timbres and textures that provides a joyfully unpredictable sonic portrait. These world-class improvisers constitute a one-of-a-kind ensemble whose members play with unapologetic soulfulness and share a collective commitment to grooving at all costs. The harmonic and rhythmic creativity of this band is stunning. There are no wasted notes here; they make their melodies matter, too. And every song is a fantastic voyage through stellar soundscapes of beautiful Black music." -Melvin Butler.