Byron Mercurius, Drummer, Musical Director, Vocals, Songrwriter: Born in Guyana, South America, Byron Mercurius has been playing music for over 30 years. He began by playing the trumpet, guitar, piano and finally progressed to his current instrument, the trap drum set. He has played with numerous musical groups like Sam & Dave, Cool & The Gang, Rising Lion and has toured the US & Canada on many occasions with Reggae, Rock, R & B, and Blues bands. As a studio musician he has laid tracks for Salt & Pepper, Billy Ocean, Keith Diamond, Joylon Skinner, among others. He has extensive experience working with young people teaching them music as a private instructor as well as a conductor of larger youth bands. Byron currently leads his own Portland Reggae band, Rhythm Culture, and a jazz ensemble, Byron Mercurius & Friends.

Kenny Graves, Guitar: Kenny has over 20 years of professional experience as a guitarist, proficient in a variety of musical styles from Jazz to R&B to World Beat. He has performed with the critically acclaimed group Kukrudu for over 10 years and has provided music for the award-winning production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Lakewood Theater in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Kenny is currently a musical performance workshop presenter with Young Audiences of Oregon.

Monty Skillings, Trombone: Monty, a NW native is a versatile player who has played and recorded with all the local big bands. He began his professional music career in his teenage years, having played the trombone now for over 22 years. Scholars, educators and arrangers alike consider Monty a "specialist" on his instrument. In the early 80's he was involved with the Portland Civic Theater. He has played all styles of music including big band, Latin, jazz, salsa, blues, marching and reggae. His impressive list of credits includes performing and recording sessions with Lily Wilde and her blues band, La Mayor Salsa (5 years), Latin Expression, Palante, Cambalache, Bonchinche, Neuva Era, Little Sue and the pop, rock, reggae band Lip to Lip with Leonard Rancher. In addition to his work with Rhythm Culture, he is the Band Leader for the Jesters (aka McMenemins Marching Band) which has opened over 500 shows for groups including Herbie Hancock, Bo Didley, Jen Tricksters, The Daddys, and Rubberneck.

Joseph Conrad, Bass: Joseph began his musical career playing the harmonica in high school. He began playing guitar after being exposed to the music of Miles, Monk and Coltrane, which inspired him to perform and create the music he loves. He took up the bass after an employment stint at the foundry because he feels, "you are the pivot point between harmony and rhythm as a bassist. You can change the entire feel by adjusting one note...and less is often more!!" Musicians, the Clevtones and Theresa Demarest, have featured Joseph's fretless work on their original recordings. His work through the years has been with Arnold Bos, Myrtle Brown, Word of Mouth, R & B, Funk/Reggae and Travel Dance. "Rhythm Culture, is the sum of all these experiences." he says. "The purpose of all music is to connect all people with this global language and spread good vibes and positive messages. That's what we do."

Allen Kim, Keyboards: Allen Kim has been playing piano since the age of 5. He enjoys music of all kinds and takes pride in being a versatile player. He has a particular enjoyment of jazz, blues and R and B music. Some of his main influences and musical heroes are: Pat Martino, Joey DeFrancesco, Ray Brown Trio, Maze f. Frankie Beverly, The Stylistics, Bob James, Herbie Hancock and Jeff Lorber. Allen welcomes all people to come and listen to Rhythm Culture and the upbeat and life-inspired music that they present.