Our
Band Leaders
Meet The Best Band Leaders
Bob Schilling
Bob comes from a musical family and began playing the piano at an early age. His grandmother was a Pianist and his grandfather hosted a classical music radio show. “My father was a respected bandleader in the Washington D.C. area, and we would often have band rehearsals right in our living room!” We always had great musicians around the house (often living in our basement!), and they would show me a few things here and there.” Bob began playing by ear, but later studied music in college and graduated from FAU in 1993 under the direction of Bill Prince, Tim Walters, and Dave Hammer.
Bob began playing in bands while still in high school and played with several successful bands while living in the Maryland,Virginia,D.C. area where he grew up. From cover bands to original projects, Country to Rock, and even a 13-piece Funk band! “I always loved and was interested in all kinds of music so nothing was off-limits to me.” While in Washington Bob worked for “The Studio” and did some radio and TV jingles including one for “The Gap” and some spots for radio station WPGC.
Bob relocated to Florida and worked as a freelance musician which included stints with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Chuck Berry (Johnny B. Goode, Roll Over Beethoven), as well as the Drifters (Under The Boardwalk, This Magic Moment). In the late 80’s Bob partnered with the amazing vocalist Ben DiGeorge to form the popular Florida group “Fifth Avenue” which was together for over 20 years! “I really learned how to run the business side of the band while working as a partner in Fifth Avenue.” Ben had formed and toured with several very successful show bands in New York prior to moving to Florida, and he brought his vast experience to our show.
Bob formed The Headliners in 2009, and as they say, the rest is history! “This is a business where you can never rest on your laurels, it requires constant and consistent work to stay on top of your game not only as a musician but also as a group.”
Bob found something extra special with The Headliners and the group is a true labor of love. “you can control many things in a band, but you can’t control the chemistry between the members, and this is where I really did get lucky.” “To have members who are not only highly talented, but are also best friends, really does make a huge difference in our live performances, and everyone can see it from the minute we take the stage.” It is this, along with their mutual love for music and the enjoyment from seeing the interaction of friends and family in the crowd that keeps the best band working hard.
Andrew Garrison
Andrew Garrison was born and raised in Northern Virginia. His parents were both talented musicians and singers and Andrew is the youngest of six from a very musical household. His mother directed the church choir and Andrews’s earliest experiences were participating in the choir.
Andrew’s musical journey continued through high school where he joined the marching band to fill a trumpet spot. He honed his musical skills and by his senior year he was section leader of an award winning high school program under the direction of Mr. John Easley. After high school, Andrew attended Radford University where he received his Bachelor of Music degree. “They had a great program at Radford and we were mentored by many touring artists.” It was at Radford where Andrew met trumpet legend Arturo Sandoval who inspired him to move to Miami and pursue his Master’s degree.
While attending University of Miami Andrew gained many invaluable performing opportunities with local bands as well as touring artists. He performed in nightclubs as well as other private events. He discovered a love for Latin music and Jazz as well as the many other diverse styles found here in South Florida. While attending college Andrew also taught jazz at South Miami Middle School, and ran the Jazz Band for Coral Reef Senior High. “This experience really helped me refine my skills as a group leader.” Andrew joined the band Fifth Avenue in 2007 and was an instrumental part of the creation of the group The Headliners. You can find him playing trumpet as well as fronting the group in their 2010 and 2014 videos!
Andrew relocated to the Tampa area and put together the popular club band D42. “We worked in pretty much every club in the Tampa Bay area, and I began networking with some of Tampa’s great musicians.” This formed the building blocks for “The Hit Factory.” “Although I loved the local scene, I had this vision of building something bigger, something extra special that we can share with our audience.” About the same time, Andrew met the amazingly talented R. Anthony from “The Voice.” “It was a match made in heaven, he was a dynamic powerful vocalist and the perfect fit for what I had envisioned.” Andrew had already been working with guitarist and master showman Ralph Yulo (formerly with the popular touring group (Black River Circus), as well as keyboardist and multi-instrumentalist Joe Cosas (formerly with Jon Anderson of the rock band “Yes”). It was through this powerful network that they met female powerhouse vocalist Sierra.
Andrew’s Wife Jaricah, shares the stage as a female vocalist, and his Nephew Nate is the band’s drummer. The entire band is ONE BIG FAMILY and this creates a chemistry and energy that is evident in their performance.
Jacin Nagao
Guitarist, saxophonist, vocalist, and musical director. The Miami Beats are in good hands under the leadership of this established touring artist and musician. Jacin received his master’s degree in music from the University of Miami in 2003. While in school Jacin was already submerged in the South Florida music scene and performed in some of the area’s top groups. From there he went on to tour with Danny Wood from “New Kids On The Block”, then Jon Secada, followed by Starbucks label artist Hilary Mcrae in 2007. Jacin got his first big break joining the Grammy award-winning, multiplatinum English singer, songwriter Joss Stone’s band in 2008 for her European Tour.
Shortly afterward hewas asked to join Flo Rida on the Pitbull 2010 tour. In early 2011 Jacin joined the international superstar Ricky Martin’s band playing guitar and saxophone on the MAS world tour. Jacin was a major part of Ricky’s amazing Viña del Mar festival show in 2014 and appeared on “A Quien Quiere Escuchar” which went on to win Best Latin Pop Album of the Year on the American Grammy Awards. More recently Jacin Joined Ricky for the “Ricky Martin All In” residency in Las Vegas at the Park Theatre. Shortly thereafter Jacin was asked to join mega superstar Enrique Iglesias! Jacin still tours selectively with Ricky and Enrique, but with a family and two small children has opted for a more relaxed lifestyle which allows for more time at home.
“It is truly a pleasure to share my experience and musicianship to all the amazing clients we have with The Miami Beats…we love to share our energy to help make your party the amazing experience it should be.”
David Martin
Dave grew up in a musical family and began playing alto saxophone at age seven. “Music was always around, my mom was a pianist and singer and she often played and sang songs and hymns on our piano.” Dave always loved singing as well and joined the high school choir in his freshman year. “I honestly didn’t know if I was any good or not, but they kept giving me solos!”
Dave Martin has enjoyed a long career as a Singer, Saxophonist, Vocal Coach, Radio broadcaster, and Voice-over artist. He is a graduate of University of Central Florida with B.A. in music performance. He has toured with his own “Blues Brothers” show band which included performances for The Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. He has shared the stage with many great artists including The Spinners, Three Dog Night, Kool and the Gang, and Bo Diddley. Dave’s numerous performance opportunities have included working for Disney, as well as Universal Studios. He also worked in television with TBN ministries, and as a broadcaster for nine years with N.P.R and news radio.
Dave became lead vocalist of Popular Tampa based wedding and event band Southtown Fever in 1998 and worked with them for several years. Dave relocated to Orlando in 2008 and joined the popular South Florida group Fifth Avenue. Dave was instrumental in the creation of the Headliners band in 2009, and worked with that group for many years.
While working at Orlandos various theme parks, Dave had the opportunity to meet and work with Orlandos finest musicians and performers. “The performers working at the theme parks are a very small select group chosen out of hundreds of people who audition, what better place to lay the ground work for a top band!”
The groups members had already been working together on shows and other projects, but they hadn’t yet organized as an actual band. “We had already worked together in everything from the Jimmy Fallon show, to Universal’s Mel’s Diner, to the Blues Brothers act, to A Merry Grinchmas!”
“I’m very fortunate to have such a dream team! “We have an energy that raises the roof and that is what we do each time we play together!
“Raucous Vocalist” – Washington Post
“Vocals superbly performed” – Lake Mary life Magazine
“Energetic young voice for Jazz” –Orlando Arts magazine
Let's Make Your Event Amazing!
Are you looking for a great live band that will keep your guests entertained and on the dance floor? No matter if it’s a gala, a fundraiser, a wedding, or a corporate event, Florida Music Group will have the perfect band to fit all of your needs! Featuring four top Florida wedding and event bands, we promise total professionalism. We know that running an event or wedding is extremely stressful, so when you book Florida Music Group we’ll have your entertainment covered and you won’t have to worry about a thing! Florida Music Group covers a wide variety of fun music from many different decades, and our bands are always on top of the latest hits. All of our bands perform in a fun, energetic, and entertaining style that is sure to be a hit at weddings and other events. We can handle all of the emcee duties along with the flow of events and perform in Tampa, Orlando, Palm Beach, Miami, Naples, Jacksonville, and all across Florida. Call Florida Music Group today for your Florida wedding music bands!