3rd Degree Band
A Featured 3 Star Act!
The 3rd Degree band was formed in June of 1996. Staying true to their bluesy urban roots is a band staple.
Artists such as B.B. King, Etta James & War remain sacred to 3DB. . Various drummers have included Byron Washington, son of Sherman Washington of the Famous Zion Harmonizers. Bo Diddleys' daughter, Tami
even played drums and sang with the band for about a year.
Venues have included, B.B. Kings Club City of San Pedro concert series, Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
Crazy Horse Patrick's II The Coach House The Galaxy Brixton Doheney Days Festival
Santa Anita Racetrack & Casino Santa Ana, Garden Grove, & Fullerton Elks Lodges and Clubs
Accomplishments The band has self produced 2 CD's titled Bluesman and Live at BB Kings, as well as making a cameo appearance and soundtrack for the movie Blue Midnight.
3rd Degree has opened for a wide range of artists including Robert Cray, Rod Piazza and Leon Russell.
We have built up an extensive mailing list and maintain contact with our following.
Band members
Emily Jack, the latest member of the band holds down the vocals with her amazing range from
sultry ballads to wailing gritty blues.
David Johnson Sax formerly with Luther Allison, Aretha Franklin, and Screamin Jay Hawkins in Europe.
Aaron “Big Hands Chapman, guitar, vocals, Chicago native and blues historian.
Leo “Thunder” Hopkins, bass and vocals.
Melvin “Sunset Slim” Mitchell, harmonicas & vocals.
Harrison “Hatch” Manell, Keyboards. Piano & Hammond B3
Karl Gore Drums
Reviews & Quotes
• The band was great. The entire family enjoyed their performance. The band members were very personable and accommodating. I will use the again and also recommend them to others! Lisa B. -- Lisa B, Carson, CA
• We booked 3rd Degree for our wedding reception. Having a live band gives so much to your special event. 3rd Degree is so generous with their time and talent. They are very accommodating to your requests and only want whatever it is that you want. Their musical talents are fantastic by far and they really know how to tune into the crowd. We would book them again for another big event. .anniversary perhaps? -- Anna M, Monterey Park, CA
• The performance was fabulous! Everyone loved them! A day after the event we had folks from the community calling to express how pleased they were with the performance. This band was talented, charismatic and we would definitely want them to return in the future. -- Sheila G, City of San Pedro, CA
• We had an amazing party and a lot of it was due to having Third Degree there. They were all very nice and a
fun band to have around (even during their short breaks)! I hope to hire them again in the future. -Thanks Guys!
- Alison C, Oceanside, CA