The Ace Kickers

The Ace Kickers specializes in providing high quality live music in a variety of styles ranging from Motown, oldies, classic rock, beach music, island and reggae to upscale jazz and blues. The band features a number of A-list musicians in Charlotte and the Carolinas. Tim Gordon (Saxophone) has performed with Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Harry Connick Jr., Natalie Cole, The Temptations, The Four Tops and others. Rick Blackwell (Bass) has performed with General Johnson and toured with folk music icon Kathy Mattea. Mark Stallings (Keyboards) is regarded as one of the most diversely talent piano players in the state and his playing can be heard on many national recordings. The band was formed by lead vocalist and songwriter Clifton Castelloe who has played for over ten years as one half of the popular regional acoustic guitar duo, Melonbelly. The band can be booked as a duo, trio, quartet or five-piece and a horn section can even be added for a Big Band Jazz set! Please feel free to contact the band regarding events at any level: from light background music during a cocktail hour or dinner, to a full-blown outdoor concert.

First of all, THANK YOU for your interest in The Ace Kickers!

Our band members have played with iconic artists such as Ray Charles, Harry Connick Jr., Aretha Franklin, Pink Floyd, General Johnson, Kathy Mattea and others! They bring decades of experience with them to every show, and we are excited to hear what kind of music you have in mind for YOUR special event! Tell us what you envision. The band has the flexibility to offer a live set of Big Band Jazz, Motown and Blues for an upscale corporate party or wedding reception, or... Classic Rock, Beach Music, and Reggae for a beach themed party, or... early country, bar-room blues and Southern acoustic rock for a country bbq or low country boil.

The band instrumentation can vary according to your needs:

Solo piano

Piano & Vocals

Piano & Saxophone

The Full Band is Piano, Saxophone, Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Bass, Drums and Vocals

Our playlist can include everything from instrumental jazz and jazz standards by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Louis Armstrong, to Chicago Blues, and Motown (The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops), to Classic Rock (Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Steve Miller, The Allman Brothers), to current hits (Pharrell, Jack Johnson, Amos Lee, Norah Jones, The Avett Brothers).

THE RIGHT MUSIC is here for you. Just let us know what we can do to make your event even more special!

For large venue performances or shows with over 200 guests, or venues where a stage would be appropriate, please request the Ace Kickers Technical Rider and Stage Plot. Thank you!