496 West

About

Based in Lansing Michigan, and formed by guitarist Charlie Wilson, 496 West has continued firing up stages since their debut performance in 2008. As a collective, 496 West is experienced and professional. They have garnered a reputation of being one of the best live bands based in mid-Michigan.

496 West offers soulful vocals, a powerhouse horn section, killer keys, silky strings, and indispensable percussions grounded in the soul, smooth jazz, and R&B genres with a sprinkling of the blues and gospel jazz.

Delivering original songs and reimagined covers, 496 West provides a full music experience and rich production. Along with a versatile repertoire of songs for different crowds and musical preferences the format includes music–from slow to jam and listening to partying. To complement the mood, their creative signature is a mix of instrumental songs and outstanding soulful vocals.

The band recently released a new CD project in 2022 titled, Rules of Engagement. The new album is a follow-up to the self-titled debut CD (496 West), sophomore release (Auxiliary Lane), and third album, Key Change.

496 West has opened for jazz stalwarts Nick Colionne, Grammy-nominated saxman Gerald Albright, the legendary Kirk Whalum (Grammy Award Winner), saxman Euge Groove, smooth jazz guitarists Tim Bowman, Norman Brown, and Doc Powell as well as international Grammy-nominated keyboardist, Bob Baldwin, legendary vocalists Phil Perry, the soulful tenor voice of Larry Braggs, the Hi-Falutin Alexander Zonjic and the electrifying sounds of the saxophone of Eric Darius and Jackiem Joyner.

496 West celebrates with audiences by performing at festivals, cultural events and all types of community, corporate and private events. They have performed at the Jazz and Rib Fest, Shoreline Jazz Festival, River Raisin Jazz Festival, Old Town Jazz Fest, Dearborn Jazz on the Ave, Lansing Promise Scholarship Awards, An Evening of Smooth Jazz, Michigan Chicken Wing Festival, Dorr Street Live, West Pennsylvania Juneteenth, and more.

The band’s music was featured on network television programming, community film soundtracks, including BOUNCE TV, Experience LACE (Atlanta), and The Smooth Jazz Lab on internet radio.

Band Sizes and Formats

Depending on the occasion– 496 West performs as a smaller band up to the larger 14-piece ensemble. Instrumentation includes Tenor Sax, Alto Sax, Keyboards, Guitar, Bass, Drums, and a few surprises. For ultimate flexibility at charity events, concerts, corporate functions, parties, jazz clubs, weddings, and outdoor events, the band is booked in smaller formats, including quartet, full dance band with vocalist(s), or with the full complement.

Music Advisor

The band’s forever music advisor is the late Al McKenzie, former Music Director for The Temptations.

Contact Us

496 West is available for special events and private shows. To have 496 West play at your event, contact us to get a quote that is tailored to your event.

E-mail: [email protected] or call 517-372-7246.