The HariKaraoke Band is comprised of the some of the most talented and versatile musicians in the DC area. We do our best to play each song like the original, so you feel like you're the real rock star!

Dave Ylvisaker, Keyboards

Composer and producer, Berklee and NCSA grad, Dave has worked with the best including Polygram Records, Chrysalis Music, Sky Publishing, Sony/Columbia, London Records, US ARMY Entertainment and ESL Music. His published works include: #1 Dance Record "Breakin Down" - a collaboration with his favorite vocalist Julia Nixon, #1 Jazz Charts "Summer Soulstice" - a collaboration with Eric Hilton, and #1 Club Remix "Somethin" Recently signed a publishing deal with Sony Records for his track "Here We've Been." Scoring and production work with Smithsonian Institution, MTV, The Blackwell Corporation, New River Media, NPR/PBS, and Radio One (UK). Dave is also extremely silly and loves to have fun.

Steve Sachse, Bass

Steve has played bass for a long time. After failed attempts at learning guitar, piano, drums, trumpet, tuba, accordion, and again guitar, he realized that bass was so simple even a chimp could play it. He had found his instrument. Over these 25 years, Steve has been fortunate to be associated with many artists too clueless to realize he can’t even play. A short list of these ignorant, or perhaps just charitable artists, is: Ben E. King, Jerry Butler, Lloyd Price, Gene Chandler, Ruth Brown, Mary Wilson (of the Supremes), Jane L. Powell, Julia Nixon, Sin Miedo, Chuchito Valdez, See-I, Junkyard Saints, Sam Weiser, Aisha Kahlil & Yasmeen Williams (both of Sweet Honey In The Rock); Brad Clements (trumpet player with Chuck Brown). Steve looks forward to many more years of owning not only a bass, but a car large enough to carry the amp. Steve enjoys the feel of fine cashmere.

Robert Sullivan, Guitar

Robert Sullivan operates the electric guitar for the Harikaraoke Band from time to time. Anyone who has witnessed one of these performances could tell you that he relies heavily on a supermarket of used guitar licks. He began his musical career mocking the guitar parts he heard on his Beatles 45rpm records in San Diego CA; he’s been a full-time professional guitarist, arranger and producer in the Washington DC area for over 30 years now. Unfortunately, he has never been featured at an event; his lackluster skills have prevented him from rising above the level of a sideman providing musical support for those with more talent and charisma – hence, his current role in the Harikaraoke Band. During extended guitar solos, he responds positively to shouts of encouragement such as, “Go boy, go!”

John Lee, Guitar

John is a guitarist and composer with a very diverse and ecclectic vision. His style hails from all walks of life in music, such as jazz, rock, blues, African, Indian, classical, etc., combining them all together in one very special sound. John picked up the guitar at age 10 and never put it down. After practicing for many years, he attended The New School University's Mannes and Contemporary Jazz Program in New York City. There he studied with masters Kurt Rosenwinkel, George Garzone, David 'Fuze' Fiuczynski, and Jamey Haddad. John has performed with John Zorn, Matisyahu, and The Disco Biscuits, as well as traveling all over the U.S and over seas performing his music. Currently John performs throughout the U.S. in several groups including The Junior League Band, Cyro Baptista's Beat The Donkey, Baye Kouyate and Les Tougarakes, and also with many D.C Jazz musicians. John leads his own group The J.L.e. You can visit him online at www.chineseirishman.com. John really want's to play Freebird. Anyone want to sing it?

Kenny Lewis, Drums

Kenny has been playing drums professionally for 25 years. Self taught and super versatile, Kenny plays all styles with soul and authenticity. Started with Reggae back in the late '80s and was soon backing international stars. Moved into Latin and Brazilian, but always kept one foot in America. His stated purpose: To make people dance. He also likes making things.

Scott Taylor, MC/Vocalist

Is a Washington, DC based singer/recording artist.that began his singing journey as a kid church. Still in his teens, Scott performed on the night club/ happy hour scene and began recording for Back Beat Records and other record labels. Today, Scott still sings in church and is a featured singer all over the DC area and abroad, singing anything from jazz and blues, to soul and rock & Roll. He loves meeting, greeting and entertaining people. He's also an avid fly fisherman.
Watch Scott in action!.