Mike Whittaker
Keyboards, Musical Director
A native of Detroit, Mike Whittaker began piano lessons at the age of four and took up the drums at age nine. His exceptional talent on both instruments earned him recognition at regional, statewide, and national competitions throughout his youth. He was active in stage and concert bands during his school years and served as drummer for his church choir and orchestra, which toured England during the 1976 Bicentennial celebration. These early musical experiences exposed him to a wide variety of styles, including classical, jazz, R&B, soul, Motown, rock, Christian, and pop music, helping shape the versatile musician he is today.
After graduating from high school, Mike toured professionally as a drummer before joining the United States Navy Band in 1982 as a Piano/Keyboard Instrumentalist. During his distinguished 20-year military career, he performed with and led a wide variety of ensembles, including pop/rock/R&B bands, big bands, jazz trios, concert bands, marching bands, and as a solo pianist. He has also performed with Lee Greenwood, The Judds, Exile, and numerous cover bands across the country. Mike co-founded the Washington, D.C.-based Latin jazz group Afro-Bop Alliance, recording and performing throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. He is an accomplished producer, arranger, composer, and recording engineer, with experience spanning gospel, big band, Latin jazz, and singer-songwriter projects.
Throughout his civilian and military career, Mike has performed for two U.S. Presidents, numerous high-ranking dignitaries, and audiences across all 50 states and in 37 countries.
Today, as keyboardist and musical director for Yacht Rock & Soul, Mike delivers the signature keyboard sounds, lush harmonies, and sophisticated musicianship that define the Yacht Rock and Soul experience. His lifetime passion for music, combined with decades of leadership and performance experience, helps guide every performance on course for an unforgettable musical voyage.
Kevin Underwood Percussion and Vocals
The percussionist and founder of Yacht Rock and Soul, Kevin Underwood; Kevin’s musical journey launched in early childhood, fueled by a deep-seated, lifelong passion for the drums and the legendary, groove-heavy sounds of Motown, Classic Soul and RocknRoll.
From 2002 to 2023, Kevin formed and played drums for two of Metro Detroit's cover bands: FunkeeStation and RocknSoul.
In 2026, Kevin decided to chart a brand-new course, setting his sights on the sophisticated arrangements and smooth, sun-drenched melodies of the late-70s and 80s. He hand-selected a world-class crew of elite local musicians to form Metro Detroit's ultimate Yacht Rock tribute act: Yacht Rock and Soul. Steering the band toward smooth seas, Kevin anchors the rhythm section, bringing those breezy, timeless hits to life and ensuring every passenger on board enjoys a first-class musical voyage!
Robert Joiner
Bass and Vocals
Robert Joiner has built a colorful and vibrant musical history that began in his early childhood. By elementary school, he was already playing the French horn and trombone, later picking up the electric bass guitar during his high school years. While attending Detroit Mackenzie High School, Robert joined the stage band and regularly performed in local concerts and talent shows.
Following high school, Robert expanded his musical reach by performing with local bands at various venues. His career eventually grew to encompass songwriting, global performances, and community service: In 1987, after joining the Detroit Police Department, Robert formed the band Niteforce. The group produced and recorded several tracks, including "How Do We Get Back to Love" and "Oh How I Love Those Songs" (a tribute to The Temptations). Robert later co-founded the group T.H.I.Q.U.E, co-writing and recording the tracks "Sweet One" and "Last Dance". Merging his police career with his love of music, Robert joined the iconic Detroit Police band, The Blue Pigs. He carried on the group’s decades-long tradition of performing for civic groups, schools, and non-profits to promote music awareness and crime prevention until early 2013.
Throughout his career, Robert has traveled the world playing high-profile events and opening for legendary entertainers, including Aretha Franklin and Earth, Wind & Fire.
Please welcome the man who drops the anchor and locks down the low end.
Rich Scalzi is a drummer whose career is defined by a deep-rooted passion forclassic rock, pop, and soul. With a foundation in performance that began at the remarkable age of five, when he first picked up drum sticks, Rich has spent a lifetime mastering the art of rhythm and melody. Growing up in the legendary music scene of Detroit, Michigan, Rich cut his teeth playing with a multitude of local rock bands. This invaluable experience instilled in him the work ethic, versatility, and dynamic stage presence. Today, he channels this eclectic background into being the driving force behind Yacht Rock and Soul, a project that perfectly encapsulates his musical maturity. He's the Captain of the Pocket!
Rich Scalzi
Drums and Vocals
Andy Markowitz
Guitar
A native of Detroit, Michigan, Andrew is the guitarist for Yacht Rock and Soul, simultaneously covering lead and rhythm duties. As a child, he was exposed early on to Elvis, The Beatles, and Motown. Andrew was gifted a guitar at age twelve and has since performed in countless venues throughout Michigan. His thorough study of jazz and blues translates well to the intricate chord voicings of Yacht Rock. When he isn’t woodshedding, Andrew enjoys family time with his wife, daughters and grandchildren. He also teaches at WSU Med school since his retirement.
Mike Martinez
Lead Vocals
A true entertainer who brings charisma, passion and a magnetic stage presence to every performance with Yacht Rock and Soul.
Commanding the stage: Mike Martinez.