LUMBERTON — The Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater is starting of its first show of the season with Masters of Soul. The performance is a crowd fan-favorite every year in Lumberton.

John Hodges, the lead singer of the band said the group is very excited for the upcoming performance. When it coming to performing, they are ecstatic about the crowd response.

“We love making people happy. We try to give them what they come out there for,” Hodges said. “Most of the time the audience knows the words of the songs so they just sing right along with us.”

The team said they are looking forward to having a great time with the audience. TFC Band says the newcomers, those who may have not seen the show, will be able to enjoy it simply from learning songs that their parents may have played around them.

“We are here to have a good time too. We are here to have a great time just as much as everyone else. Were enjoying it as much as everyone else. We are learning just as well,” Dario Outlaw, the choreographer for Masters of Soul and the TFC Band.

Outlaw said they enjoy the reception from the audience when they are listening to what they are performing.

“We like to make sure that the audience has a great show and are satisfied with what we do. We love it [the show] ourselves. Tell everybody to to come one and all from ages 80 to 8 to come down we’re gonna have a great time,” Oscar Waters, seasoned performer, singer and bassist said.

Meet the performers of TFC Band

Daniel Hunter

Daniel’s a professional drummer born and raised in Hampton, VA . He’s a father of three beautiful daughters and husband to his beautiful wife Donavia. He’s been playing the drums for over 20 years and enjoys every moment and chance he gets to express my gift. He started playing drums in church, not too long after that ventured into jazz, R&B and many other genres of music.

Travis Domino

“Trav,” a keyboardist extraordinaire, has played keys for many years. His recordings and arrangements can be seen throughout the industry. His love for music shows with the sounds of melodies and his creative musical attributes complement the show. When Domino is not traveling with Masters of Soul, he does studio work and also gives many Sunday worshippers a delight with soulful melodies of moving inspirational gospel music. He brings the sounds of an era he grew up enjoying. He also plays with the TFC Band and TFC Band and Show. He is a Hampton Roads resident and Masters of Soul considers themselves lucky to have Domino as a part of their family.

Dario Outlaw

One of Outlaw’s main high points in life is his love for music. He demonstrates on stage his talent and ability to connect with the audience. His energetic moves will keep the crowd amazed and entertained! He is the choreographer for Masters of Soul, TFC Band, and TFC Band & Show. His main focal point is the perfection of the product. Outlaw has been professionally performing his entire adult life. He joined the band’s Africa tour for five months. His performance has been compared to both Prince and Kiss. He is a life-long resident of the Tidewater area and very active in his local church. When he is not touring, he enjoys spending time with his family, especially his godson who just turned 11. Dario also produces gospel music.

Oscar Waters

Oscar, a seasoned performer, singer, and bassist with Masters of Soul, The TFC Band, and TFC Band & Show was born in a small town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He has worked and appeared with many national artists and various acts and legends. Oscars has been touring with Masters of Soul, The TFC Band, and TFC Band & Show for the past 18 years. He lives in Norfolk, VA with his wife and family. Oscard is active with his local church and enjoys lending his musical talents.

Dentro Ford

“Dent” began playing guitar at the age of nine. He graduated high school in 1974 and then started playing professionally during his studies at Lancaster College. During his professional career, Dent has played with The Playboys, The 25th Century Band, The Sounds of the Drifters, Powerplay, Sonny Turners Platter Group, TFC Band, and is now the lead guitarist of the Masters of Soul. Some of the highlights of his career include opening for Christopher Cross, The Zap Band, The Gap Band, and Brian McKnight, along with TFC Band and TFC Band and Show. Dent also toured in Africa for five months.

Ronald Smith

Ronald was born a twin and has resided in Norfolk his entire life. Smith, lovingly known as “Smitty,” started singing with his twin brother at an early age. He also had been singing professionally his entire adult life with various bands, vocal groups, and recording artists. He retains the lead male vocal position and his impressive vocal range goes from a falsetto to second baritone. When he is not touring with Masters of Soul, The TFC Band, or TFC Band & Show, he loves to spend time with his wife and family. His favorite hobby and enjoyment is cooking and kid family time. Smitty also traveled in Africa for five months with the group.

John Hodges

Hodges has been performing as a full-time professional musician his entire adult life. During his career, he has toured extensively across the US and overseas, including a recent five-month tour of Africa. He has acted as band leader of The TFC Band, TFC Band and Show and Masters of Soul. Each group is one of the most successful private party and show bands in the country.

Dane’ Wyler

Dane’ Wyler is a singer-songwriter, actress, dancer and media creator whose music and content have been heard around the world in independent films, on television networks and on independent radio stations. Her acting has been featured in multiple plays, independent films and commercials, Her content has been viewed by millions across multiple digital platforms after spending her very early years performing locally and touring nationally as a background dancer. She is elated to be a part of the TFC Band and Masters of Soul Show. Wyler is happiest when utilizing her talents to pay tribute to the greats in soul music and she loves stargazing on quiet evenings at home with her husband and son.

Deneen Brooks

Nicknamed “Lady D,” she is a native of Norfolk, VA and started singing at a young age in church. While she still enjoys singing in her local church, she also sings professionally with various groups. In addition to being a recorded gospel artist, she has performed in the governor’s mansion and toured in Africa with The TFC Band. When not touring with Masters of Soul, The TFC Band or TFC Band & Show, she loves spending time with her family and singing with her gospel group. She also enjoys staying active in her local church. Lady D will bring you to your feet as she performs a tribute to Gladys Knight’s “Neither One of Us.”

Joyce Bowers

Some voices inspire, some excite, while others simply leave you in awe. Singing before audiences since the tender age of five, Joyce got her early start in the church choir and subsequently with the family group The A-Z Trio. Soon after, she got her professional start with Frank Carballo and the Dukes of Rhythm. Joyce has been a featured performer with established local groups Happiness and also The Gentlemen and Their Lady. Throughout her career, Bowers has proven herself to be a serious solid live vocalist. Currently you may see Bowers with Master of Soul where she tributes Martha Reeves & The Vandelias, Thelma Houston and Tina Turner.