Funk Shui

As the dynamic lead vocalist for Funk Shui, Melina Diaz is a straight-up powerhouse. Born and raised in Napa, California, she traded choir risers for the center stage, evolving into a commanding performer whose soaring vocals and magnetic stage presence anchor Funk Shui’s signature sound.

Melina’s versatile talents keep her in high demand across both the theater world and the regional live music circuit. A seasoned soloist, she has performed the National Anthem at professional sports stadiums, in addition to standout theatrical roles as Rosalia in West Side Story, Donna in The Taffetas, and a run in Annie Get Your Gun. Beyond fronting Funk Shui, she regularly lends her vocal power to notable regional acts like The 925 Band, Ariel Marin, and Allison Road. Her extensive resume also includes sharing stages with legendary industry icons like Jorge Santana, Narada Michael Walden, and REO Speedwagon. Backed by a tight-knit community of supporters, Melina brings an infectious, elevated energy to every performance.

As the groove-heavy percussionist for Funk Shui, Michael Hicks brings a lifetime of world-class touring experience and legendary Bay Area music history to the rhythm section. An Oakland native, Michael discovered his lifelong calling at age 11, honing his craft through school bands before quickly graduating to the top tier of the California music scene. As a drummer on the rise, he played iconic local circuits from Jack London Square and North Beach in San Francisco to the historic Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles.

Michael’s flawless timing soon launched him onto the global stage. He spent years touring the country backing R&B icon Bobby Freeman, providing the driving beat behind timeless Billboard hits like "Do You Wanna Dance?," "C'mon and Swim," and "Betty Lou Got a New Pair of Shoes." His extensive touring resume includes a stint on the road with funk legends Sly and the Family Stone, as well as traveling across Southeast Asia with the Hollywood USO tours to entertain US troops in Vietnam.

An influential fixture in the Northern California nightlife scene, Michael also shaped local music history off the stage as the owner of the renowned Peppermint Tree Club in San Francisco and The Terrace in Alameda. Today, Michael channels this deep well of legacy, showmanship, and rhythmic intuition into Funk Shui, delivering an infectious, world-class pocket that keeps audiences moving.

As a founding member of Funk Shui, bassist Brad Currie has been a driving force behind the band's evolution and technical foundation since 2002. Originally a guitarist during the group's early years, Brad transitioned to the bass to solidify the band's definitive lineup, locking in with Phil’s drums to create Funk Shui’s signature, tight pocket. A self-described musical seeker, his funky playing style is deeply rooted in a love for classic 1970s funk and disco icons, drawing heavy inspiration from the rhythms of groups like Lakeside, The Brothers Johnson, and Chic.

Brad studied music theory at UC Santa Barbara and performed as a soloist in the Diablo Valley College (DVC) Classical Guitar Ensemble. While he leaves the vocals to the rest of the lineup, his creative output extends well beyond the live stage; Brad is a prolific songwriter who has recorded his own music from the days of old Tascam 4-Tracks to modern Logic Pro sessions (his work can be found on SoundCloud).

Behind the scenes, Brad handles many of the technical aspects of Funk Shui’s music, serving as the band's sound engineer, handling the recording, mixing, and live sound production, in addition to building and managing the band’s website and Instagram. He also builds custom guitars and hand-wires his own effects pedals. Brad’s elbow grease and curiosity are an important part of the Funk Shui identity.

As the founding drummer and background vocalist for Funk Shui, Phil Rodriguez has been one of the driving forces behind the band’s rhythm section since its formation in 2002. His love of music began in the musical renaissance of the 1970s, when he spent countless hours listening to vinyl records through headphones and absorbing the sounds and arrangements of the era. Those early influences helped shape a musical style that blends soul, funk, jazz, classic rock, and metal into a dynamic approach behind the kit.

Originally a trumpet player, drumming found Phil after being asked by a friend to play a kit while in college. His appreciation for melody and song structure gives him a unique perspective as a drummer, helping him create solid grooves that support the band while adding energy and feel to every performance. Known for his steady pocket and musical versatility, Phil has become an integral part of Funk Shui’s live sound.

Whether he’s laying down a groove or adding background vocals, Phil brings enthusiasm, humor, and a genuine love of performing to every show. His combination of musicianship, reliability, and stage presence has made him a key part of Funk Shui for more than two decades.

As the longtime guitarist and background vocalist for Funk Shui, Paul Taylor has been an essential cornerstone of the band’s signature sound and history since the early 2000s. Known for his on-stage energy and high-flying falsetto vocal range, Paul brings both a fiery performance style and an encyclopedic command of popular music to every performance. His versatile guitar work seamlessly bridges genres, shifting effortlessly from deep, infectious funk rhythms to soulful leads and rootsy Americana.

Paul’s deep connection to the roots of contemporary music extends well beyond the stage. A respected educator, he channels his vast musical intelligence into teaching a high school class dedicated entirely to the history of Rock and Roll. His authority in the field and deep industry ties have allowed him to bring legendary guest speakers to his students, including iconic session bassist Leland Sklar and rock royalty Steven Van Zandt of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band.

An avid concertgoer who draws endless inspiration from live performance, Paul also incorporates a background in improv to keep his playing fresh, spontaneous, and deeply responsive to the crowd. This unique blend of historical expertise, theatrical instinct, and raw musicality makes Paul a vital driving force behind the enduring legacy and high-octane groove of Funk Shui.