Quite a few years back, I was performing with Las Vegas' own (and Utica native) Nikki Logan and in attendance were not only my cousins visiting from Indianapolis, but also Lanise Hughes of Rick James' Original Stone City Band. That very night he asked me if I would be interested in being the bands keyboard player. There was already a history and relationship with Rick and Switch all being Motown labelmates. So without hesitation, I was at their next rehearsal. In attendance were Lanise (drums), his brother Nate Hughes, (percussionist), Tommy McDermott (guitar), Randall Bostick (vocal), Sheli Casana (vocal), and then musical director, Jimmy Ali (bass). Fast forward, I am now OSCB's musical director. And along with longtime member and vocalist Mark Love Gonzalves and vocalist Tanya Diona, former members Oscar Alston (bass), Danny LeMelle (woodwinds), Levi Ruffin (keyboards) are back with us. To see and be a part of this reunion not only of the band itself, but also of the band and their friends and family that happened where it all began for them in Buffalo was literally awe-inspiring. Their fans were amazing. And their manager, Kim Stairs keeps it pushin'. I'd like to think that meeting Lanise that night led to this great night! Thank you again for the opportunity, Lanise Hughes and the ORIGINAL Stone City Band!
Eddie Fluellen, Lanise Hughes
