Production

Some of the finest producers, arrangers and musicians have collaborated to produce and perform the "Light Up Detroit" theme song.

 

Gerry Zonca - Writer / Producer Gerry is an Emmy-nominated television producer and creator of the "Light Up Detroit" theme song and campaign. A University of Michigan alumnus, he served as Strategic Planner for Coca-Cola and Manager of the Interactive Media division for WDIV-TV. He has produced three record albums and numerous music videos.

 

Kenny Hickson - Arranger Kenny wrote and produced the Grammy-nominated album for Boyz II Men which achieved Platinum status. He has worked with renowned artists like P Diddy, Mario Winans, 3LW, 98 Degrees, Tamia, Nivea, Will Smith, and Charlie Wilson. He was honored as the 2002 ASCAP R&B "Songwriter of the Year".

 

Iv Duncan - Mix & Mastering Iv is the Owner and Chief Engineer of Mix Factory One recording studios. He has produced recordings for the likes of Eminem, Sean Kingston, Dwele, D-12, Mario Winans, J Moss, The Dramatics, and Keisha Cole. He has worked with Interscope, Universal and Sony Records.

 

Patrick Carpenter - Engineer Patrick "Smurf" Carpenter is a senior music engineer at Mix Factory One recording studios. He is self-taught and has become one of the finest technical engineers on the Detroit music scene. He works alongside Kenny Hickson and has worked with numerous artists and producers throughout Detroit.

 

Eric "Rain Man" Gaston - Drums Eric is one of Detroit's most dynamic and entertaining drummers who takes command of every stage he performs on. He has toured with K'Jon and Eric Roberson. He has performed with Dwele, Alexander Zonjic, Ginuine, Monica Blaire, and Salt 'n Pepa. He also serves as the Music Director for "Light Up Detroit".

 

Mike Harrington - Bass Mike is a renowned Detroit bassist and Musical Director for K'Jon. He has played for The Spinners, KEM, Kirk Whalum, Kim Burrell, Marion Meadows, Angela Bofill, and Alicia Meyers. He has performed at venues like the Staples Center, Nokia Theatre, United Center, Fox Theatre, and Palace of Auburn Hills.

 

Brandon "Showtime" Bland - Keyboards Brandon studied Music Education and Performance at Wayne State University. He has played for K'Jon, Dwele, James Fortune, Keith Washington, and L'Renee. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, Ford Field, The Palace of Auburn Hills, Joe Louis Arena, and Cobo Arena.

 

Joe "The Flavor" Foster - Lead and Rhythm Guitar Joe learned music by playing in his church band and later studied it formally at Wayne State University. He has played for Eric Roberson, Dave Hollister, Salt 'n Pepa, Fabulous, and Kristopher Lamont. He has recorded with national artists like Day 26 and Deitrick Hadden.

 

Mix Factory One - Recording Studios Mix Factory One is one of the finest recording facilities in the Midwest. Headed up by veteran music producer, Iv Duncan, it has three separate studios, the Pro Tools DVX system and features Kenny Hickson, Grammy-nominated producer for Boyz II Men. Many of the finest artists record here.

Past Contributing Demo Arrangers: Alvin Taylor, Shon Shepherd
Past Contributing Recording Musicians: Alvin Taylor, Duane Parham, Philip Grafton
Past Performance Musicians: The J Surrender Band