Horizon has performed with such Motown groups as The Temptations and The Four Tops as well as world-class rock bands including the original and former artists from the world’s greatest bands: Randy Meisner of The Eagles; Denny Laine of Wings and The Moody Blues; Fergie Frederiksen of Toto; and Ron Wikso of Foreigner.
Horizon is more than a high energy entertaining trio that performs favorite classics but have also donated their talents to many worthy causes such as the The Jerry Lewis Telethon, The March of Dimes, The Children’s Miracle Network, The Michigan Cancer Foundation, and The Isaiah Thomas Foundation’s Celebrity Golf Classic.
Since they are the Tabled Performers for the Festival, we wanted to share some insight into who they really are and spoke to Rick Ingram, the leader, manager and 1/3 of Horizon.
GSH: “Who is Horizon?”
RI: “Horizon is a vocal trio that includes ; myself (Rick Ingram), Prentiss ( Smoke) Jones and Eli (Star) Mathews. We are a headliner act for about four major cruise lines. We had a record out some years back called Swing Engine which became #1 in the East Caribbean, but did not get on the charts in the US. Horizon has also represented GM in auto shows across the US, Chrysler at the Michigan State Fair , and was the featured act for InterFirst at their seminars nationwide. We have a trio of musicians who do not travel with us on cruises.”
GSH: “What other bands has the group played in?”
RI: “Eli performed with the “Platters” 3rd generation and also is the Minister of Music at churches in and around the Detroit area. Prentiss ( Smoke) sang in many groups in and around Detroit before joining Horizon he is also an actor performing in many commercials locally. I am also an actor, writer and director. One of the plays I starred in was “Selma” which toured nationally. I have written a number of musicals for children such as “ The Grench 1990” and “Frostie and the Spirit of Christmas”. I also wrote “Audie’s Big Audition” about drug and alcohol abuse and “Lets Keep in Touch” for children about forced sexual touch.”
GSH: “Can you share one of your favorite stories from being on the road?”
RI: “One time we were joining a cruise ship in Japan, usually we will fly in and stay at a hotel and then the next day go to the ship. This time we stayed over and was called by cruise line, that because of bad weather coming, the ship wasn’t staying and we had to get there early. The cruise line sent a tender ship to get us to ship and they gave us life jackets and we had to literally jump onto the ship and climb up by way of a rope latter that hung from the port opening of the ship.
GSH: What is your favorite thing to do in your time off?”
RI: “I run the company, ride my motorcycle, write plays and movies and play basketball. Eli charts music for musicians and plays for a number of churches, Prentiss (Smoke) practices Martial Arts and writes, Arthur Pugh (keyboards and bass syth) also plays for churches, Calvin (Play) Austin (drummer) does auto mechanic work and works on motorcycles as well as plays for churches, and Vincent Jordan (guitarist) does home improvement work. We all like to go to the gym.”
GSH: “What can we expect from a Horizon performance today?”
RI: “High energy Motown music, and more from that era. We also do a 50′s medley that’s a lot of fun. Expect high energy, laughter, comedy, with great singing and dancing. We also go out into the audience, we encourage audience participation as well as dancing.”
GSH: “Where is your favorite place to perform on the Grand Strand?”
RI: “Never been here before but we are looking forward to it!”
GSH: “What advice do you have for budding musicians?”
RI: “Believe in yourself and stick to what ever your God given talent is. There will be set backs and disappointments but don’t let them get you down, forge ahead. There may be some uncertainty but also success and always practice your craft. Practice x3. Pray, stay focused and believe that God will bless you.”
GSH: “What do you want the readers to know about you?”
RI: “That we are all God fearing men and fun loving guys that love to perform make people happy in what we do. We like to hear people say you guys are funny and took me back to my childhood with some great memories.”
The show is part of the Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art, Saturday, October 13th.
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