Brenton Wood with Midnight Star, Barbara Mason, and more

Formed in 1976 at Kentucky State University, MIDNIGHT STAR rose to fame with technofunk hits like "Freak-A-Zoid" and "No Parking on the Dance Floor." Their albums earned multiple Platinum and Gold certifications, with chart-toppers like "Operator," "Midas Touch," and collaborations like "Don’t Rock the Boat" with Whodini. Performing worldwide, they remain an iconic band in funk and R&B.

The Altons, hailing from Los Angeles, fuse soulful blues and cumbia, shining on stages like Summer Fest and Corona Capital. Known for "Float" with Penrose Records, they blend diverse influences into dreamy, psychedelic harmonies, celebrating LA's cultural crossroads.

Latin rap group NB Ridaz, formerly Nastyboy Klick from Phoenix, had hits like "Down for Yours" with Roger Troutman and "Lost in Love." Known for the album "Invasion," they later disbanded. Members include MC Magic, Dos, and Zig Zag; Dos and Zig Zag went on to form New Ridaz.

Joe Bataan, born Peter Nitollano in Spanish Harlem, is a pioneer of New York Latin soul, known for hits like "Gypsy Woman," "Salsoul," and "Rap-O, Clap-O." His fusion of Latin rhythms with soul and funk influenced early disco. Self-taught, he began with doo-wop, formed his band in 1965, and released classics on Fania Records. Despite missing mainstream fame, his works are cult favorites, and he brought rap to Europe with "Rap-O, Clap-O." Bataan's music reflects his gritty, realistic lyricism and visionary genre-blending.