The Unity Band

Bassist, Thomas Fluker started The Unity Band in December of 1983. The unit consisted of a seven piece musical unit - Bass, Trumpet, two Saxophones, Drummer, Keyboards, Guitar and a Vocalist. By 1986, the musical unit had expanded from seven to nine, adding two trumpets for a full horn section known as "The Dead Serious" Horn Section. One vocalist expanded to three females who sadly, but happily left to sing with the late "Godfather of Soul" Mr. James Brown. Before his passing, after 12 years, one remained with Mr. Brown.

Over the past 23 years, the band has opened for many national acts such as The Chilights, The Manhattans, The Temptations, Ohio Players, The Delphonics, Roy Ayers, Slave, Blue Magic, and many more. The band specializes in music ranging from Crossover to Blues to Rhythm & Blues to Country, no matter what you need, we've got you covered!

In 1997, audiences were graced with the "special" blend of vocals when three (new) females joined the unit. Veterans to the stage, "Special Blend" lived three short years. Afterwards, lead vocalist joined the Coasters, she is now with the Marvelettes.

As a whole the Band has won The Buffalo Music Awards in four separate categories: Bassist, Drummer, Keyboards and Guitarist. In November of 2003, The Band was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of fame for being the oldest R&B Band in the City of Buffalo.

Presently, the unit consists of a five piece musical unit: Thomas Fluker (Bass), Neil Harris (Drums), Kenny "Woo" Sutton (Keyboards), and Kevin Jackson (Lead & Rhythm Guitar). Mr. Don Huntley is the featured vocalist.

In the downtown area, the band has covered Thursday in the Square, The Taste of Buffalo, M & T Plaza, and The Buffalo Karibana. In Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, the Band has performed for The Juneteenth Festival and The Pine Grill Reunion (in 2003 & 2004). It has also traveled to Syracuse, Rochester, Niagara Falls, Fredonia, Wilson, Varysburg and other surrounding areas. The Band has also been aired on Public Access Channel 20 on many occasions. They have also been seen on "Up Front" TV on Channel 7.

From parties to concerts to special occasions to receptions, public and private functions, The Unity Band is the Band for ALL your entertainment needs!