the crew 

Mike Whittaker

 KEYBOARDS, MUSICAL DIRECTOR

A native of Detroit, Mike Whittaker began playing piano at age four and added drums at age nine, earning recognition at regional, statewide, and national competitions. After touring professionally as a drummer, he joined the United States Navy Band in 1982 as a Piano/Keyboard Instrumentalist, where he performed and led a variety of ensembles during a distinguished 20-year military career.

Mike has performed for two U.S. Presidents, numerous high-ranking dignitaries, and audiences across the U.S. and 37 countries. As keyboardist and Musical Director for Yacht Rock and Soul, he brings the signature keyboards and lush harmonies that define the Yacht Rock sound—keeping every performance on course for an unforgettable musical voyage.

 Kevin Underwood

 Percussion and Vocals 

Kevin first charted the course for this band after years performing with some of Metro Detroit's premier Motown and Classic Soul bands, including FunkeeStation and RocknSoul. His vision was to bring together world-class musicians to celebrate the smooth sounds and timeless hits of Yacht Rock.
The heartbeat of the voyage... percussionist and founder Kevin Underwood.

Robert Joiner

Bass and Vocals

Robert Joiner has a colorful musical history as he began playing instruments at an early
age. By elementary school Robert was playing the French horn and trombone, and in
high school he learned to play the electric bass guitar. While attending Detroit
Mackenzie High School, Robert also joined stage band and performed at several talent
shows and concerts.

Following high school, his musical journey only expanded as he began to play with
local bands at various venues. In 1987 he joined the Detroit Police Department and
formed a band called Niteforce. Niteforce went on to produce and record songs
including How Do We Get Back to Love and Oh How I Love Those Songs, a tribute to
The Temptations. Post Niteforce, Joiner co-founded T.H.I.Q.U.E where he co-wrote and
recorded Sweet One and Last Dance.

Joiner has also had the privilege of traveling the world playing for high profile events
and opening for famous entertainers such as Earth, Wind and Fire, Aretha
Franklin and more.

And keeping in the theme of the police force, Robert joined the iconic Detroit Police The
Blue Pigs Band. Since 1970, the group has been performing for civic groups, schools
and non-profit organizations spreading the awareness of music and crime prevention.
Robert carried on the tradition of The Blue Pigs until early 2013. Robert is the master of the low end, dropping the anchor right in the pocket!

 Andy Markowitz

Guitarist

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. 

 Rich Scalzi

 Drums and Vocals

Rich Scalzi is a drummer whose career is defined by a deep-rooted passion for classic rock, pop, and soul. With a foundation in performance that began at the remarkable age of five, when he first picked up the drumsticks, 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 that only a true Motor City musician can possess. His musical DNA is a potent mix of his most significant influences: the timeless songcraft of The Beatles, the unapologetic showmanship of KISS, and the sophisticated, jazz-infused harmonies of Steely Dan.
Today, he channels this eclectic background into being the driving force behind Yacht Rock and Soul, a project that perfectly encapsulates his musical maturity. 

 Mike Martinez

Lead Singer

A true entertainer who brings charisma, passion and a magnetic stage presence to every performance with Yacht Rock and Soul.
Introducing vocalist Mike Martinez