Divine Forces do come together at the appropriate times. Donn Bynum, saxophonist, and formally of the Commodores and Bootsy's Rubber Band, connected with former B.B King band members drummer Tony Coleman and bassist Russell Jackson to form a 'super-group' to continue the legacy of their friend B.B.King and their other blues legends friends. That group is called "Spirit Of BB King". Renowned guitarist Kenny B, who emulates the BB King sound and style in the group, initiated the start-up, reached out to AL Spataro (producer/director) to merge the players in the power they both knew best by creating a show for the ages. Donn's agent/manager Jesse Moore worked heavily with AL Spataro and Kenny B as they organized and glued some some of the most fanciest logistics in the music business to create this amazing mega force for the tour. Donn Bynum was the like the icing on the cake with his sweet sax performances as all the members of group and the fans based their comments on. Those other members include Ian Harland, keyboards/vibes, Les Kepics, trumpeter, (Tonight Show), Matt Schalles, rhythm guitar, William Fleming, trombonist, and Paul Richards, back-up drummer and stage manager. When Donn is not stealing the show with his sweet sax playing, he tours as a solo artist with these top-shelf players as his back line. He still continues to tour with the original BB King players and the Spirit of BB King gang, as the group is picking up strong momentum in the music scene. 'Donn Bynum' is available for hire as a solo artist or with his super-group, "Spirit of BB King".
Tony Coleman has had an illustrious career touring the world with B.B.King, Otis Clay, Bobby Blue Bland, Johnnie Taylor, Albert King and Etta James to name a few. His early aspirations led to meeting soul singer Otis Clay. He joined Clay’s band, toured for a couple of years and recorded a live album in Tokyo, Japan. Tony moved to Dallas, Texas in 1980 to play drums for Johnnie Taylor.Tony toured with Johnnie for a couple of years and was ask to join Bobby Blue Bland, with whom he worked for a few years.
The next 25 years would define Tony's life when he became the drummer for the legendary B.B. King. He played over 300 shows a year before his passing in 2015. In recent years, Tony’s friend Willie Nelson introduced him to mega country star Jamey Johnson. Tony played drums and percussion for over two and a half years. A multi talented drummer Tony proved he could play it all! Tony’s been working on his career with the Tony Coleman Band. His latest CD "Take Me As I Am" is on sale now and features an array of musical geniuses! Tony came up with an idea for a tribute show in memory of B.B. King. With help from Blackbird, on February 16, 2020 Tony Co Produced and performed The Thrill Is Gone; A Tribute To B.B. King at the Capitol Theater in Port Chester, New York. A knock out lineup of musicians including Warren Haynes, Bobby Rush, Bob Margolin, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Jamey Johnson, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Buddy Guy and many more!! Tony has also produced albums for other artists.
As a professional trumpet player, I have cultivated a dynamic and versatile career, performing across a variety of genres and ensembles. My performance credits span jazz, pop, rock and solo engagements, reflecting a commitment to both artistic excellence and musical diversity. Concert Performance Experience throughout my career, I have had the privilege of sharing the stage with distinguished artists such as Burt Bacharach, Doc Severinsen, Natalie Cole, Johnny Mathis, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Lou Rawls, Frankie Laine, Frankie Avalon and many more in concert settings. Jazz and Popular Music My jazz and popular music experience includes work with big bands, including the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Hal Crook big band, Benny Hollman big band, Bob Crosby Orchestra, San Diego Chargers big band, small combos, as well as performances all over the U.S. and internationally with the renowned show band Haute Chile. I have collaborated with renowned artists and bands, delivering energetic performances and improvisational solos in a variety of styles including traditional jazz, swing, and modern fusion. Recording and Media Credits My professional credits also include studio recordings for album projects, with Bobby Caldwell, Frankie Laine, Zach Harmon, The Ira Liss Big Band as well as numerous jingles, and recording projects. I have contributed trumpet tracks to both ensemble and solo recordings, collaborating with producers and composers to create high-quality musical productions. Official Trumpet Player for the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Since winning an audition in 1985 I have been the trumpet player heard and seen on television including 60 minutes, Housewife of the O.C., The Bachelor, VH1, The Breeders Cup as well as featured on the television show San Diego Insiders. I am still the official trumpet player at Del Mar today. Through these varied experiences, I continue to develop as a trumpet artist, committed to excellence and innovation in every performance.
During Donn Bynum’s formative years of Motown he toured with The Commodores, Bootsy Collins and The Brothers Johnson just to name a few. As a member of Bootsy’s Rubber Band, Donn was featured on the song,” Make My Funk The P-Funk,” along with funk master keyboardist Bernie Worrell. Donn has also work with R&B and funk artist Michel’le and Micheal Henderson. In 2013 Donn appeared in the band for performances by Michel’le on R&B Divas:LA. Donn has produced three CD’s. In 2008 Donn released his debut CD, “ Do You Feel Me “ featuring Bernie Worrell ( Parliament / Funkadelic ) and smooth jazz guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. Nina Goodrich of Jazz Review declared, “ Bynum captivates his audience and ready to capture someone’s heart. In 2013 Donn used season musicians and followed up with a carefully crafted CD called, “ Do You Feel Me “ with the release of “ My Favorite Songs.” Guest appearances by guitarist Paul Jackson Jr., bassist Sekou Bunch and drummer Lyndon Rochelle. Donn’s soulful voice was featured on five songs along with Dee Cole on,” Come With Me.” Co Producers were gospel recording artist Kynne Smith (“Right Now Right Now and There Goes My Heart.” ) Lew Liang a highly sought after producer on ten tracks. A labor of love, Donn spent much of Covid perfecting the sweet sounds of, “Donn B!” Released in August 2021, this reflection of perfection features Paul Jackson Jr., Gary Mudbone Cooper,Vincent “ Cino “ Calloway, Makeda, Takahito “Taka “ Mori, Lew Laing and Sheldon Reynolds.
LA master of both electric and acoustic bass, Russell Jackson has had an illustrious career spanning more then five decades. “ The Groove Guru “ spent seven years in B.B.King’s band as well as working and / or recording with Katie Webster, Lucky Peterson, Kenny Neal, Matt Guitar Murphy and Otis Clay amongst many. When Russell isn’t busy with his own band, he’s working with Kenny “ Blues Boss “ Wayne. Russell is a founding member of the newly reinvigorated Silent Partners ( The Worlds Greatest Rhythm Section ), backed Diunna Greenleaf, Lurrie Bell, Joe Louis Walker and many more. The Russell Jackson Band is available for booking for concerts, festivals, corporate and private functions in North America and globally.
Kenny Beaumont is a talented musician and guitarist born in San Diego. While growing up Kenny learned the art of the music called blues by performing
alongside legends such as Tomcat Courtney, Willie J and Ninny Brown in the blues clubs in Southeast San Diego. At the age of twenty one Kenny moved to Brazil where he joined a blues rock band in Rio de Janeiro where he spent twelve years performing across the country. During that time Kenny had the honor of opening for renowned artist such as Dick Dale, Gloria Gaynor and Kasia Ella along with various national rock and roll bands from Brazil.
Kenny’s back in San Diego captivating audiences by blending blues, Brazilian music, rock and roll classics and reggae.
Matt comes form a family of musicians at least 4 generations deep, and gravitates towards funky sounds from around the world. A multi-instrumental rhythmatist, Schalles plays bass, guitar, keys, and percussion. He is trained in auditory neuroscience and is a member of the Acoustical Society of America. Over 20 years as a professional musician, Schalles has performed with members of the Africa 70, Jaco Pastorious Word of Mouth Big Band, Chris Montez, and Tony Coleman. Schalles records with Midnight Funk Club and The Good Vibes Band, and shares album credits with Bicicletas por la Paz and Kristina Bennett. Currently he operates bicoastal between San Diego and Sarasota.
Ian Harland (b. 1991) is a San Diego–based multi-instrumentalist known for his versatility and melodic sensibility. Originally a drummer, he later expanded his musical range by teaching himself guitar, bass, vibraphone, and piano. He earned his Master’s in Jazz Studies from San Diego State University in 2014 and has spent the past decade performing and recording across a wide spectrum of genres. Harland has shared the stage with Chris Montez, Charles McPherson, Gilbert Castellanos, and Tony Coleman, and performs regularly with Zak Najor, Madris Peck, The Tikiyaki Orchestra, and his own Ian Harland Quintet. His recording credits include projects with The Good Vibes Band, Mackenzie Leighton, Justin Joyce, La Boogie Buena, and David Yuter. His debut album as a leader, Behind Bars— a jazz vibraphone project— will be released in January 2026.
Wili Fleming is a Multi Instrumentalist well known in San Diego for his versatile trombone playing and soulful vocals. He currently plays bone with Big Daddy Kane, Sure Fire Soul Ensemble, and as his own project Fresh Veggies Micro Brass. Wili is also an accomplished folk musician specializing in the mandolin and has performed live with Taj Mahal, as well as in a band with his sister and father called Finnegan Blue. Wili also teaches K-8 folk music at St Patrick’s school in North Park.
IGraduate University of California Irvine with a BA in Psychology. A former collegiate and professional baseball player Jesse has worked in the corporate world in sales, marketing, promotions and event planning for Los Angeles Times. For fourteen years Jesse has been the business manager for: Saxophonist Donn Bynum Former member: - The Commodores
-Bootsy’s Rubberband Band ( Funk Master Bootsy Collin’s ).Sheldon Reynolds Former member of Earth, Wind and Fire. While with them Sheldon was:- Lead vocalist and guitarist for fourteen years
-Grammy Nominated Producer, Vocalist and Guitarist Sheldon was also a former member of The Commodores with Donn Bynum.Jesse is a member of Spirit of B.B.King management team and help produce Spirit of B.B.King concert December 6,2025 at Wildcat Studio’s in San Diego, Ca. Jesse is also the visionary and Executive Producer behind Veterans National Telethon 2025.
Fantastic performance and tribute to BB King! Amazing musicianship, mesmerizing singing, and captivating personal stories made for a one-of-a-kind evening.Dec 07, 2025 by:Winona Statzß
Dec 07, 2025 Michael Wittmer
The musical group was wonderful. They encouraged participation by the people attending the event. They told great stories about their life experiences with BB King and other side stories. It really was wonderful. The size of the venue also made it feel like a bunch of old friends were gathering. The event organizers were friendly and helpful. We loved it except for the owner.
Over the top performance in a private venue. They blew the roof off of Wild Cat Guitars!
Dec 07, 2025 Marcy Gehrke
These guys were pure professionals and so much better than I expected. The local musicians played like they have been together for years. I wanted to support Music for life and hope to see them again soon .
Dec 07, 2025 Lisa Simmonds
Wonderful event in an intimate setting! Very Magical and Breathtaking. I would love to see this concert again. Great Team! And a fantastic way to raise funds for a great cause..
Dec 07, 2025 Debra Funakoshi
Amazing event! Exceptional talent. Well put together. A truly memorable evening.
Dec 07, 2025 Mike Myers
