Chris Cole: Saxophones, flute, background and lead vocals and leader:

Chris Cole grew up in Seattle Washington and came to Boston in 1988 with a full scholarship to pursue studies at the prestigious Berklee School of Music.

He has been playing professionally since he was 17 and has worked with such well known artists as Tom Jones, Toshiko Akioshi and the Steve Allen Big Band among many others.

Besides his Berklee studies he has completed extensive private lessons with Jerry Bergonzi on Saxophone, Charlie Banacos on music theory and Mark Baxter on vocal technique.

Early in his career, Chris’ great versatility and talent allowed him to perform with most major function bands in New England before forming Kahootz. As a result, he brings a wealth of experience along with a unique perspective to Kahootz clients in order to guarantee great parties.

Randy Manhart: Key boards, background and lead vocals

Keyboardist Randy Manhart is one of Boston’s most versatile musicians; a sought after pianist, synth player, vocalist, and audio engineer with extensive experience on stage and in recording studios all over New England.

Initially a self-taught native of Iowa, Manhart began his professional career at age 16, performing with his own band throughout the Midwest and touring the Caribbean via the USO.

He is an alumni of the Berklee College of Music and the University of Northern Iowa, where he studied jazz composition, synth programming, and classical piano performance.

In addition to a comprehensive background in solo and ensemble work covering a jam of styles, Randy’s playing encompasses a true sense of lyricism and feel, bringing to the listener, the story of the life within the song.

Kyle Miles: Acoustic and Electric Bass

Kyle Miles began playing the bass at the tender age of 5 years old.

Although the first musician in his family, Kyle has been constantly surrounded by the great music that his father, an avid jazz listener, exposed him to. This exposure helped him to develop a good “ear” for music, and jumpstarted his journey as a musician.

Now, as a twenty year-old up-and-coming electric and acoustic bassist from the Boston area, he’s had the opportunity to play at many well-known venues such as the Reggatta Bar, Symphony Hall, the Berklee Performance Center, and Wally’s Jazz Club in Boston. He’s had the privilege of meeting and playing with/for many prominent people such as: Herbie Hancock, Danilo Perez, Joe Lovano, Dave Samuels, Rufus Reid, Teddy Pendergrass, Phillip Bailey, Patrice Rushen, and many others.

As the recipient of a full-tuition scholarship, Kyle is currently attending Berklee College of Music, where his major is Music Business. Although a business major, he hopes to continue his career as a relatively prominent professional musician, as well as become successful in the field of music business.

David Prout: Electric Guitar and backgroud vocals

David Prout is a self-taught guitarist and who is accomplished in many aspects of the music industry. He picked up the guitar at the age of 10 and started his first Top 40/ R&B band “StarChild” by time he was 16.

Shortly after high school, he spent a year studying Music Composition at The Modern School (an extension of Boston’s Berkeley School of Music). He went on to head the band “Strike Force” where he had his first taste of studio work at Normandy Sound in Bristol, RI.

He left “Strike Force” for Los Angeles and began touring with Steve Arrington, an Atlantic Records recording artist (former member of Slave and Steve Arrington’s Hall of Fame), where he toured the U.S. and Europe and played on two studio albums over a three year period.

Upon returning to RI he became a much sought after session musician doing advertising work, including music for NESN (New England Sports Network) ads.

A passionate lover of Jimi Hendrix, rock and roll, heavy metal and funk, he went on to lead “Bold As Love”, a Jimi Hendrix tribute band that toured the East Coast for about 3 years. He also co-founded “Squire”, a heavy metal band, and “The Business”, a funk band. All of which enjoyed very successful runs.

In 1996 David opened Boo Recording Studio/Productions, Inc. where he was not only Chief Engineer, Songwriter and Producer, but was also a fair but firm mentor to many young artists who came through his studio.

David has shared his experiences, skills and love of all forms of music as a member of Kahootz for the last 10 years.

Hikaru Sato: Trombone, electric and hand percussion

Hikaru Sato on trombone and hand percussion brings a wealth of experience and a ton of fun to the Kahootz bandstand. Originally from Japan, Sato is a player of both fire and grace.

Mr Sato embarked on a professional career at the age of 16, performing and recording across Tokyo before moving to United States. He began his training at the Tokyo College of Music, majoring in classical trombone and piano. A 1991 graduate of the Berklee College of Music, he holds dual degrees in trombone and jazz composition.

Hikaru’s playing has taken him all over the world touring throughout the Japan, US, Europe, and Australia with such national acts as Extreme, Heavy Metal Horns, Viti Luis, and Paquito Guzman. He has been with Kahootz since 2003.
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Tim Smith: Drums and background vocals

Tim Smith is a 19 year-old up-and-coming drummer from Pittsburgh, PA. He is currently a student at Berklee College Of Music entering his 5th semester. He plays a variety of genres and styles such as Jazz, Fusion, Funk, Gospel, R&B,

Latin, Hip-Hop and many others. He has gigged with many jazz greats such as Kenny Garrett, Sean Jones, Larry Coryell, and Roger Humphries, as well as had the honor of playing for the likes of Pratrice Rushin, Wynton Marsalis, James Moody, Ralph Peterson, Neil Smith and many others. With kenny Garrett he has played at venues such as the Iridium in New York, Theaters in Arizona, as well as a Billboards tour in Japan and Korea. Aside from jazz he has also gigged with R&B Singers Jaguar Wright and Choklate in the Boston area as well as Hip-Hop Ensembles that showcase his originals and the music of J Dilla. Aside from playing with the Kahootz band, He is a member of a house band at Wally’s Jazz Club, a member of a trio named All Of The Above that plays through the Boston Metro area, and a independent artist playing with a varieties of groups.

Tim is majoring in Professional Music at Berklee and after graduating he aspires for a performing career.