Rio - Band

» Profile

Offer an acoustic live sound. Their presentation is professional, the sound equipment is compact, requiring less space to setup, and their sound quality is exceptional. They play a mix of popular music flavoured with latin and reggae, current hits through to Santana and Bob Marley. 'You can't help tapping your feet to their music. This is truly an original band. Not to be missed.

They have their own public liability insurance and the sound equipment is PAT tested, both a requirement at most venues. Rio usually play as a four piece, but can happily perform as a trio up to a six piece band to include vocals, guitar, bass, percussion, keyboards, and saxophone.

Was formed three years ago by Ken Marshall and Charles Taylor-Stokes, better known as Tizzy. (We don't know why!) They play acoustic instruments and use influences of latin and world music crossed with popular songs to create Rio. Recently being joined by Lottie Taylor-Stoakes on vocals and the superb percussion playing of Pete Batten, the band now is even more versatile and appeals across all age groups.

Ken was the engineer at Mungo Jerry's recording studio doing albums with Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac and Vincent Crane of Atomic Rooster as well as being a touring member of the band. Before this he was musical director for Tommy Hunt, a Northern Soul singer with hits in the mid seventies. Ken writes and plays many styles of music, guitar being his first instrument with additional keyboards and harmonica.

Tizzy had been the major writer in 'more projects than I care to remember' including Tomorrows Party, The Bike Thieves, and Men of Straw. Tizzy mainly plays bass, but sometimes adds 6 string acoustic or dobro for variety, he has the ability to make almost anything swing, which is a great bonus in Rio.

Lottie brings female vocals to the party, and along with percussion instruments, is opening new horizons for Rio. She has a great voice and fronts up many of the band's more current songs. With experience in running restaurants and bars, she has a true understanding of what's required from the venue's point of view.

Pete is an exceptional drummer. Having worked in bands supporting acts such as Free and Slade and later joining Mungo Jerry with Ken. Recently working more in his studio in film production he now has picked up the sticks again to deliver the invention and rhythms and that keeps the dance floor full.

They create the right atmosphere for the occasion. Never too loud and always willing to take direction from the organizer or host. With Rio it's not just about performing but also about making the function a success. With years of experience entertaining, this band is an excellent choice for most occasions

Every venue is different so from 'Sunday afternoons to Saturday nights,' they are as 'chilled or lively' as required.

» Song List

• Crazy
• She Said
• How Sweet Is The Air
• Don't Stop The Music
• Telephone
• Seven Nation Army
• Rehab
• Walk This Way
• Walking In Memphis
• Take The Weather With You
• Valerie
• Annie I'm Not Your Daddy
• La Bamba
• She's Not There
• Smooth
• Something Got Me Started
• Dance The Night Away
• Gimmi All Your Lovin
• Latin Lovers
• Lay Down Sally
• One Love
• Could You Be Loved
• Dancing In The Streets
• Oye Como Va
• Rhiannon
• Ricki Don't Lose That Number
• Oye Como Va
• Moondance
• Before You 'cuse Me
• Blue Bossa
• Brown Eyed Girl
• Don't Let Your Chance Go By
• Esperanto
• Everybody Wants To Rule The World
• Fever
• Flor D'luna
• Fragile
• Funky Music
• Girl From Ipenema
• Graceland
• Here Comes The Rain Again
• Here Comes The Sun
• Holding Back The Years
• Hotel California
• Ain't Living Long
• How Long
• I Shot The Sheriff
• Inside
• Jamming
• Josie
• Just Like I Do
• Just The Way It Is
• Knocking On Heavens Door
• Layla
• Let The Children Play
• Light My Fire
• Long Train Running
• Midnight At The Oasis
• Misty
• Moondance
• Oh Sister Dance
• Oh Well
• Copacobana
• One Note Samba
• Canterloop Island
• Classical Gas
• See You Later Aligator
• Speed Of Sound
• Stone Fox Chase
• Stuck In The Middle With You
• Summertime
• Sweet Home Chicago
• Tears In Heaven
• Three Little Birds
• To Be Loved
• Wind Cries Mary
• Walk On The Wild Side
• Wave
• Gimmi All Your Lovin
• And Many More!

» Previous Clients

• Chris Evans Supercar Event
• Porchester Sailing Club
• Royal Yatch Club, Yarmouth
• Help For Heroes Fund Raising Events
• Petersfield Rugby Club
• The Towers Beach Ball, Iow
• Hindhead Golf Club
• Sheet Village Christmas Party
• Petersfield Council Christmas Festival
• Whitehill Council Christmas Festival
• Coco Rio Restaurant, Southampton
• Merchants Restaurant, Southampton
• Private Art Gallery Launch, Hants
• Onion Festival, N. Hants
• Red Cross Charity Appeal With Albert Lee
• !
• And Many More!

» Testimonials

Rio provided the entertainment supporting a day of dinghy racing at Portchester Sailing Club. Competing with a barbeque and fine summer weather, they judged their audience to perfection, modifying their set to 3 sessions with each one building the volume and the atmosphere. Their energy and enthusiasm was infectious, and their musical prowess and professionalism ensured a thoroughly enjoyable and successful event. Portchester Sailing Club will be looking to book RIO again next year.'
- Richard Caws
Social Secretary
Portchester Sailing Club

'Rio band, Thank you very much for playing at our Sundowners Launch party last friday, The music was great as expected ... and really fitted in well with our Latino style. The atmosphere was..as we say, 'every day's a holiday at Coco Rio'. See you soon.
- Debbie Kruit Owner - Coco Rio restaurant

The Rio band always deliver an excellent and varied performance. They are very adaptable and always willing to work with our staff. I can happily recommend them.
- Manageress - The George, Petersfield

Rio's music was wonderful & really made the atmosphere right for the party"
-Louise Private lunch party

The band, Rio, were FANTASTIC! We cannot praise them enough. And all our guests commented how fantastic they were too.
Rio were just what we were looking for at our wedding and they are really lovely people too. The vocalist had a great voice and the other band members were super too. The atmosphere was perfect, lively and fun but not too loud.

Thank you so much for making such an easy and smooth process to book them and thank you to Rio again for making it such a great night!! We highly recommend them. Kind Regards,
- Zoe & Nigel Chinn

» Set Formats

Rio Offer:

1 x 90 Minute Set
Or
2 x 60 Minute Sets
Or
3 x 40 Minute Sets

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