Meet The Band Members
CJ, Saxophonist CJ Saylor is a musician/ saxophonist. Born and raised in Virginia, he has worked as a musician his entire life performing multiple genres including Jazz/ R&B/ Hip Hop and more. His unique style offers a variety of sounds giving off a soulful essence. When you hear a tenor sax during a Future Band set, know that is CJ Saylor!
Gavin, Saxophonist Born in West Michigan, Gavin first picked up a saxophone to play the “Hey Arnold” theme song in elementary school. He fell in love with jazz and improvisation after hearing trumpeter Jon Faddis as a young teen. He embraced the DC music scene after moving to the city in 2010, playing in his college jazz ensemble and writing reviews of local concerts and album releases. His own playing recalls the hard-edged tone of Bari icon Pepper Adams with the blues inclinations of Leo Parker. When he’s not playing music, he’s either on the soccer field or at his day job writing about international trade and economics.
B Doyle, Trombone Born and raised in Washington D.C., he acquired piano lessons at the age of 6. He participated in several musical organizations throughout the Washington DC area. Brian was active in the DC Youth Orchestra (Bassoon), Eastern Senior High School Marching Band (Trombone), Howard University Marching Band and Concert Band. (Trombone), and UDC Jazz Ensemble (Trombone). Brian is also a member of Kappa Kappa Psi Notional Honorary Band Fraternity Inc. He enjoy traveling, collecting vinyls, and food blogging.
Reggie, Keyboardist Born and raised in Chicago. I started off playing drums as a young boy in the church but my heart was set on learning how to play the piano and the organ. Once my parents saw this, I was taken to piano lessons once a week where I learned how to read music as well as music theory. Some years into the future I began playing organ/keys in the church and other venues. I also got into music production as well. I was heavily inspired by Gospel, Neo-Soul, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Blues, Fusion, R&B, Funk, Rock, and Motown. I was exposed to Go-Go when my brother Nate presented me with the opportunity to move to DC in 2014 and that’s when I was hazed into FutureBandDC. Lol jk, they welcomed me with open arms. Outside of music, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling, cooking, trying new restaurants, good conversation, and more. Anything more you want to know, just hit me up.
Mel, Guitarist Mel "Guitarboi" Chung Mel has been entertaining audiences since the age 16 in the RnB and hip hop circuit. Mel attended Morgan state university in 2008 and graduated with a music performance degree in 2012, since then he worked with some amazing artist in the game such as Ryan Leslie, Trina, lil Kim, sevyn streeter, Kierra Kiki sheard, tweet and mya.
James Poet, Lead Singer Started singing at 5 years old. Participated in All County, All State, and All Euro Choirs throughout grade school. Studied Jazz, Gospel and Classical Music at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. Heavily influenced by Motown and Traditional Gospel music. such as James Brown. Fun Fact: Performances feel like a sporting event, and I am on the winning team
Kevin, Saxophonist Born in Seattle, raised in Buffalo. Started playing saxophone at 10. Grew up on bluegrass and jazz. Got into hip hop, funk, and R&B in high school. Fell in love with Gogo after moving to DC! Played in bands on and off throughout college and after. Met Ralph at looking glass one fateful night and been playing with Futureband ever since! China analyst by day. Hobbies include ultimate frisbee and video games.
Johnny, Bassist Born & Raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Started playing bass in 2004. Heavily inspired by Gogo music, R&B, and Trap music. Inspired by producers such as J Dilla and Zaytoven. Produced and performed with artists including Wale, Ari Lennox, Young Thug, Vedo, James Poet & Shawty Lo Fun Facts: Enjoy Traveling, Skating, and Discovering good restaurants.
Hogue, Trumpeter James Hogue (pronounced like Vogue) hails from Durham, NC aka Bull City Hogue began playing trumpet at 11 years old. Throughout high school he participated in marching, jazz, and symphonic bands. He also competed and won many talent competitions throughout the years and played regularly at church. Hogue is the former Drummajor of the Showtime Marching Band at Howard University. Where he was also initiated as a member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Hogue enjoys the business side of tech and startups, traveling, family, and binging a good tv show.
Ralph, Drummer Born & Raised in Washington, DC. Started playing drums at the tinder age of 5 years old. Influenced by Gospel, Gogo, and Hiphop. Fun Fact: I enjoy poetry and traveling the world.