About Us

Anthony Jacobs-Band Leader & Vocalist, The Next Level Band 143

Anthony grew up with my brothers and sisters, always singing and performing. It was just when Motown had started. Then as Anthony grew older, he got involved with starting a band just like his siblings. Anthony started a Motown group in college and would always perform at school events.  Then as Anthony started working for Vancouver School District , he started a band, Anthony called the band "One district under a groove".  Anthony would go out and have fundraisers so that the students, & their families would have food to eat. Anthony did that for 20 years.   Then he retired, and decided to start another band. "The Next Level Band 143."  Bringin' the funk and soul with The Next Level Band 143! As the band leader and lead vocalist, Anthony Jacobs channels the spirit of R&B/funk legends like Marvin Gaye, Rick James and James Brown into electrifying performances. With a voice that grooves and soul that moves, Anthony Jacobs leads The Next Level Band 143 in delivering high-energy R&B/funk shows that get audiences dancin' and singin' along!

Lee Winer-Bass Guitar and keyboard Synth Bass

Lee has been playing bass guitar in bands since junior high school. He has a college degree with a minor in music performance where he studied classical guitar. Lee has played most genres of cover music including Motown, soul, R&B, disco and funk, pop, 60's and 70's rock and classic rock, and 80's to current top 40! He has performed at most venues including weddings, casinos, corporate events, amusement parks, professional sporting events, wineries, fairs, clubs, fund raising events, and private functions.

Raul Montcrieffe-Percussionist, Vocals

Raul was born and raised in San Francisco's Mission District to Nicaraguan parents.  Raul grew up surrounded by music. Coming from a family of musicians, his earliest and most influential insprirations were his father and uncle, who opened his heart to Latin culture and sparked a deep passion for Salsa music.   At a young age, Raul began teaching himself a variety of percussion instruments, quickly developing a natural ear for Salsa rhythms.  In 2002, alongside his musical partner Jose Solorzano, he co-founded Orquesta Son de Cana. The band went on to share the stage with renowned Salsa artists such as Luis Enrique, Victor Manuelle, Grupo Niche, Diego Gale, and many others.   Beyound Salsa Raul's musical influences also include legendary groups and artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, Santana, and Prince.  These inspirations shaped his versatile sound, blending Latin roots with elements of funk, soul, and R&B.  In 2024, Raul joined The Next Level Band 143 as one of their lead vocalists and percussionists.  With his distinctive voice and dynamic percussion playing, he brings a unique mix of R&B, funk, and Latin flavors to the band's diverse repertoire.

Rita Schalijo - Vocals

Rita sings backup and lead Vocals for The Next Level Band 143.  Rita comes from a musical family and has been singing all her life. She has toured internationally with a couple of choirs when she was still in the Philippines.  Since moving to the United States, Rita has been singing regularly with a choir at church. She has also sung with the Warm Reception Band and the Cool Horns of Soul here in Oregon/Washington. Aside from The Next Level Band 143, Rita sings with the Holy Moly Trio and she also plays the Octavina with a plectrum ensemble called Kuwerdas PNW.

Ean Howe - Lead Guitar-Vocals

Ean Howe is a lead singer, songwriter, guitarist and performer based out of Portland, Oregon.  In the 90's he contributed songwriting, singing and rhythm guitar for his own indie rock dance bands like "Funk & Jones" (Funk-Rock), and "The Burning Question" (Light Rock).  From 2000-2010,  he contributed singing and lead guitar to over 1000 church services with Park Lake Praise Team (TX), The Wiseguys (AR), Mercy's Cross Sunday Praise Team (AR) and additionally acting as bandleader for Mercy's Cross CR "Praise Tribe".   2010 began a new chapter of singing and playing guitar with Dance & Party bands in Texas, playing just under 500 dance parties with the likes of "The Cliff Band (Blues, Funk & Soul);   "Cyn & Her Sensations" (Darker Pop); "The Lucky McFuggerby's Extremely Live Party Band" (Wild Variety);  in 2011 The Cliff band self-released an LP "Bad Side Of Town"; in 2016,  The Lucky McFuggerby's self-released an LP "Who The Fugg Is Lucky McFuggerby"; in 2017, he married Singer, Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist and Bandleader Anni Howe, they brought forth "Howe 2" (New Vaudeville Duet)  "Traffic Jam" (Woodstock Tribute); and, "An Elegant Solution" (Wedding/Event Band).   Relocating to Portland in '22 Ean found a perfect fit with The Next Level Band 143 (Soul/Disco) catalyzing dance parties on guitar and vocal. Ean also appears with his wife and Saxophonist Ed Gibson as Blue Rose Revue (New Sentimental Vaudeville).

Ed Gibson - Saxophone Player
Ed Gibson was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1968.  He got his first saxophone at 12 years old. He played in school band, starting in the 7th grade and kept with it through his second year in college. In Lawrence, Kansas, he joined forces with Jeff Smith as an alto player with Chubby Smith and his Orchestra.  After moving to Portland in 1995, he started a few country bands, playing acoustic guitar, Fescue 911, Boot Hill, and The Dustbowl Refugees.  An original member of both Puppy Bunny and Doctor Amazon, Ed was able to play his saxophone with improvisational musicians from the world renowned Portland band, Smegma, and recorded a one-sided album with Puppy Bunny, and two albums with Doctor Amazon. He also was able to be a part of the 20 Foot Man collective as both a saxophone player and a puppeteer.  In early 2025 , Ed had the amazing opportunity to play some saxophone on the soundtrack of a movie called "Ian's Ride" about a local man who broke the world record for distance travelled in 24 hours by a quadriplegic.  Ed has been a member of The Next Level Band 143, for over a year.