Hearts & Voices is only possible because of the participation of our wonderful artist community. We honor all of them for the contribution that they make to the program and to the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS. Below are just a few of the musicians that make up Hearts and Voices. Want to be featured here? Let us know!
Hearts & Voices is sponsored by IMA- the Independent Music Awards- enter by July 27th to win!
Spotlight on Michael Ashanti
Born in Poughkeepsie to parents of Jamaican descent, Michael Ashanti has been performing since he was 5 years old. His father’s military service meant that the family was always moving on- but performing was a constant, with Michael’s skills finding expression in church, school bands, and university choirs, then talent shows and Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater, and later as a background vocalist for major and independent artists- and as a Hearts & Voices performer! Now, Michael is ready to take on the world with his debut album, All Of Me.
Michael sees performing with Hearts & Voices as a central part of his creative life. "I just thought it was absolutely necessary to use my gifts in a very personal way to let people know they are not alone in this battle. I’m blessed. In spite of whatever challenges I face, I realize that I have been richly blessed. More than this, I am extremely concerned. I am concerned that there are thousands of new HIV/AIDS cases on a daily basis, especially amongst the young and people of color. Even with all the wealth and information in the United States, we are challenged by even greater obstacles- domestic and international poverty, politics, and self-love- that make the cessation of this pandemic even more difficult.”
Michael’s shows with us have been astonishing vocal workouts- “a little classic soul/funk, neo-soul, house, and acoustic soul, with contemporary R&B, gospel and jazz elements.” Not only a great original songwriter, Michael is a human jukebox, conjuring a string of classic soul gems in response to requests from a delighted audience.
Hearts & Voices audiences got to keep a taste of Michael’s work when he gave us his song Stranger (You Never Know) for our first annual Hearts & Voices CD, given to audience members for the holidays. Stranger is one of the key cuts from All Of Me, the new album that Michael describes as “a soul-fusion collection of music that speaks through different emotions, experiences, and moods. It’s a labor of love.” All Of Me is available on iTunes and CDbaby via Michael’s label, Ambassador Music Group, and New Yorkers can obtain a copy at Disc-O-Rama. And, of course, Michael’s music is on Myspace.
Michael says, “I just want to encourage every artist to get involved with LIFEBeat and use their music as a vehicle for healing, empowerment, and education.” Michael, thanks for sharing your music with us, and we hope All Of Me is wildly successful!
Michael Ashanti website
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More Artists
Al D Rodriguez - AlySun - Andrew Schulman - Ben Godwin - The Body - Cassandra Kubinski - Cherene Snow - Eileen Esposito - Elli Fordyce - FORTUNE - Giorgio E Tarchini - Giovanni Stella - Grace Garland - Gustavo Alarco - Tha Heights - Isabel Rivera - JoAnna James - Jo Davidson - Jeff "Pretty Good Jeff" Liebowitz - Krystle Warren - L.A.W. - Larry May - Lucinda - The Metropolitones - Marcus Goldhaber - Noam Weinstein - Peace of Heart Choir - Willie Davis
Al D. Rodriguez
Credits include The Producers- The Movie Musical (Universal) -Singing Convict , Cuqui opposite Benjamin Bratt in Piñero (Miramax)., The Umpire in Rounding First and a couple of cameos in Grand Opening, Other film roles include:The Mule/Jorge(HBO Latin America), Angel Melendez/Party Monster-Shockumentary (Sundance Film Festival/Cinemax), Javier/The Love Machine (LAIFF, Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian Film Festival) and Carlos/Isabella Rico (Hamptons International Film Festival). NY Stage: The Public, Vineyard, INTAR, Duo. Regional: Tooth and Claw (World Premiere) at the Arden Theatre, Kennedy Center, Olney and The National Tour of City of Angels as Muñoz. Muchos cariños!
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AlySun
AlySun is a solo artist with the Carnegie Hall’s neighborhood concert series, she has sung in various bands and has toured festivals and venues from California’s High Sierra Mountain Music Festival to the International Eternal Rhythms Festival in Morocco. In her various musical adventures AlySun has shared the bill with the likes of the late James Brown, Mickey Hart, Phil Lesh, 10,000 Maniacs, Spearhead, Les Claypool, Babatunde Olatunji (who named her AlySun) and many more. She has performed many times at the United Nations, singing at events with Muhammad Ali, Dr. Jane Goodall and Yolanda King, Martin Luther King’s eldest daughter. AlySun has also been the voices of cartoons and radio promotions nationally, including voices and theme songs for the full season of VH-1’s ILLustrated. She holds a degree in Ethnomusicology and Vocal Performance from the University of Washington and has worked for years in the fields of sound healing and Music Therapy.
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Andrew Schulman
Internationally acclaimed 8-string guitarist, Andrew Schulman, lives in New York City. He made his New York debut in 1982 on the Guitar-N.Y. series at Carnegie Hall, and his London debut in 1985 at The Purcell Room. Since then, He has performed throughout Europe, and appeared as a soloist at Alice Tully Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the White House. Andrew Schulman appeared Sundays, from 1999-2005, playing as the first solo guitarist in the history of the legendary Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. With the closing of the Plaza for several years of renovation, he now appears on Sundays at The Mark Hotel in NY.
Andrew Schulman founded the Abaca String Band in 1991. The group has appeared on the Carnegie Hall Neighborhood Concert Series since 1995, and they have performed for special events at The White House and the Library of Congress, among many others. Also a composer and prolific arranger for solo guitar and ensemble, Andrew Schulman's music is published by Berben Edizioni Musicali of Italy, the world's largest publisher of guitar music.
Mr. Schulman has made numerous television and radio appearances, and has two worldwide releases on the Centaur label; 'The Baroque Style (transcriptions for Eight-string guitar)', and 'Lullabies, Reveilles (and Siesta!)'. Both recordings have been critically acclaimed and have received extensive international radio play. His combination of instrumental virtuosity and humor made him popular in the NY comedy clubs such as The Improv, Catch a Rising Star, and Dangerfield's. His use of humor on the concert stage gives his solo and chamber performances an unexpected spin on traditional classical music.
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Ben Godwin
A recent transplant to New York, Ben Godwin has performed at legendary London venues like the Troubadour, the Metro Club and the Kashmir Klub. From his roots in the underground rock scene in Glasgow in the late '90s, through Kinks and Jeff Buckley-influenced acoustic pop in the early '00s, his time in New York has transformed his sound into something raw, passionate and hypnotic, resembling the gravelly, fractured style of Tom Waits or the apocalyptic blues of Nick Cave- 'soaked in the gasoline, dirt, and restaurant grease of the sidewalks and subway platforms of his new home.' (Tom Drake- Urbanfolk #10)
In 2007, Ben launched his debut album, Skin And Bone- a vivid musical trip through Gotham's underbelly. A frequent performer for Hearts & Voices, Ben is donating $1 for each disc sold to LIFEbeat. Check him out here- BenGodwin.com
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THE BODY is the latest musical incarnation of the GETGOSPEL Records community. This super group was formed by 8 MC’s and producers who’ve been recording and performing together since 2003. They hail from Brooklyn N.Y., and were raised within the Caribbean neighborhoods of Flatbush and Crown Heights. These neighborhoods were at one time notorious for gang violence which has shaped the outlook of the people who grew up there. The members of THE BODY have never forgotten where they came from and have made it their philosophy to create songs for the people because they themselves are those same people.
Their unique sound is created by JAHROCKN Productions (Rock, G-Force and Paradox) which compliments the lyrical diversity of their songs. Their foundation is Hip-Hop but it’s mixed with pieces and elements of many different art forms. Their performance is energetic and exciting. Their ability to engage and interact with an audience tends to make them the highlight of many shows, as can be seen in the numerous positive feedback thats left on their MySpace page after every engagement.
With a strong musical foundation and well balanced lyrics by the various MC’s in the group, THE BODY will continue to be a strong and evolving influence in the Urban music scene for years to come. The members of THE BODY are- Nzingha, Mr. Monk and Jahdiel of the Missionary Men, Rock, Paradox, Syntax, GForce and Mr. Skidz. Get Gospel Records
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Cassandra Kubinski is a diamond in New York’s music scene, with a crystal clear voice, buttery smooth piano playing, and shimmering, life-affirming songs. She has the ability to transform any room into a hypnotized, awestruck audience- whether it’s a busy downtown bar crowd or a roomful of people living with HIV and AIDS. Her music straddles the sophisticated piano rock storytelling of writers like Billy Joel and the searing, powerhouse vocals of rockers like Sheryl Crow and Fiona Apple.
Cassandra’s first EP, ‘Hiding Underneath’ gained some serious industry praise- her song ‘Wherever You Wait’ won the Billboard World Song Contest, and ‘Cradle The Moon’ won a Positive Pop prize. She is also being honored with this year's Abe Olman award, presented by the Songwriters Hall of Fame to the year's top emerging songwriter. Now she’s ready to take on the world- a full length album and a TV special are in the works. We can't wait to see her star ascend! Check Cassie out online- Official Website - Cassandra Kubiniski on Myspace
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Cherene Snow
Cherene is a native of Chicago with a BS in Theatre from Illinois State University.
Her Film/TV credits include: City of Angels, The Long Walk Home, Out of Darkness (ABC-MOW), Law & Order “Suicide Box”, Chappelle's Show, Third Watch, L. A. Doctors, Reasonable Doubts, Caroline in the City, The Drew Carey Show and The Tonight Show w/ Jay Leno.
Theatre credits include: The Miracle Worker (Arkansas Rep), I See Fire in the Dead Man's Eyes (Off-Broadway World Premiere), Brooklyn Under Construction, The Last of the Thorntons (Off-Broadway), Home, To Kill a Mockingbird, Straight As A Line (Edinburgh Scotland), Coyote on a Fence, Flyin' West, A Piece of My Heart, The Good Times are Killing Me (World Premiere), Playboy of the West Indies (U.S. Premiere), Othello, Macbeth and A Midsummer Night's Dream.
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Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, Eileen Esposito was first introduced to creative expression through music at the age of three, when her mom first sat her down at the piano. At twenty one years old, Eileen Esposito already has extraordinary experience performing all sorts of genres of music all over the world, including a three week Armed Forces Entertainment tour in the Middle East to boost the morale of the American Troops.
With sweet melodic vocals, simple guitar fingerpicking and a stage presence that is beyond her years, her live show is a fun and inspiring experience. Eileen strongly believes in the power of healing through music and is seeking to explore the realm of awareness that the musical journey can provide. She is currently working on an acoustic album and plans to continue her studies of Music and Dance Therapy. For booking or collaboration, please email eileen.esposito@gmail.com.
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Elli Fordyce
Native-New-Yorker Elli Fordyce's earliest exposure to jazz was at the jam sessions of best buddy and then-drummer Bobby ("Darin") Cossotto, which occurred while they surreptitiously cut classes! She and fellow-student/musician Randy Fordyce formed a jazz quartet. From cruises to Playboy Clubs, hotels to restaurants or in concerts, both in the U.S. and Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and other islands, she sang in cover, lounge, and show-groups which she fronted and emceed.
That phase of her life ended on a snowy highway en route to a gig in Illinois when their drummer drove Elli's car containing the band and equipment into a disabled truck, haulting a year's tour by "Elli Fordyce And Her Favorite Things." She focused firmly on needed physical and spiritual healing and, tossing out a four-foot stack of sheet music and fake books, stopped singing for 15 years.
In a cabaret class, Elli learned of renowned jazz pianist Barry Harris's workshops. Barry put Elli squarely on her path and made a comeback inevitable. Elli has since performed all over the NY-Metro area, including an appearance in the Town Hall Cabaret Convention. She's trained in acting and voice-over, taken performance workshops and studied voice, music theory and jazz improvisation. Her first record in progress, Elli acts in films and on TV, interviews artists co-hosting a local show and was in "Guys and Dolls." As she says, "Hey, it's never too late!"
Check Ellis website, and buy her music on CDbaby!
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FORTUNE
Sule, Austin, Shai and Bouie make up the powerhouse vocal group FORTUNE. Heart & desire is surely the fuel that drives these talented young men. Their upbringing in the Boys Choir of Harlem helped them understand the importance of unity and, more importantly, harmony! The group won the first ever Underground Award in 2003 for Best Vocal Group. You can catch them on the upcoming soundtrack and score for the Byron Harmon/Miramax produced film "All the Women I've Loved," due out in 2005. For more information on FORTUNE visit www.tycoonrecordsinc.com.
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Giorgio E Tarchini
Giorgio has been performing magic for over 15 years. He enjoys the opportunity of getting to meet different people while entertaining them with his unique blend of magic and mind reading.
He was born in Lugano, Switzerland and recently moved to New York City. He has performed in many different venues, including theaters, in Switzerland, Italy and Germany.
Giorgio has been published in several leading magic publications, including MAGIC magazine and Antinomy. His original creations have received high praise from his peers.
He speaks five languages fluently; English, Spanish, French, German and Italian. This enables him to effortlessly connect with an international audience.
Giorgio is a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. For more information, visit Giorgio's website- magicget.com
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Giovanni Stella
Giovanni was born in Ottawa, Canada and has been performing on stage since the age of four. He makes his American cabaret debut with his latest endeavor, Looking In. Looking In is a cross-section of the many types of music in several different languages that have inspired Giovanni throughout his life. From oldies to opera and everything in between, Looking In also incorporates a touch of insightful humor and a lot of soul.
As a Tenor, Giovanni studied Bel Canto classical Italian singing technique since childhood with renowned Canadian Soprano and music teacher, Yoriko Tanno-Kimmons. Giovanni has successfully competed in many voice competitions of all genres. A Canadian Idol hopeful in 2003, Giovanni has also been a finalist in the Kiwanis Music Festival, The National Youth Talent Contest, and is the winner of the Canadian National Association of Teachers of Singing award for classical male voices, ages 20 and 21, for the years 1998 and 1999.
As a member of the youth choral singing group Arcobaleno, for St. Anthony's Church in the Canadian National Capital region, Giovanni performed in numerous fund-raising benefit concerts for the Canadian Kidney Foundation, The United Way, and St. Anthony's Church to name a few.
Giovanni's most notable stage credits to date include Yopera Productions' One Night On Broadway, Yoriko's Shooting Stars, and the role of "Cousin Kevin" in The Who's Tommy for TheaterWorks Productions. In addition, he has also appeared on the popular long-running Canadian weekly televised competition, Home Grown Café.
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Grace Garland
Grace Garland, singer-actress-songwriter, brings a unique fusion of jazz and contemporary R&B to her ultra-sultry lyrics. Grace's music is an intimate experience; it's that inner voice, that voice behind closed doors after having a few martinis with your girlfriends, or that voice that you're only courageous enough to share with yourself. Grace Garland's music speaks to women, allowing for reflection, empowerment and feel-good moments.
Grace has been an entertainer from the beginning. She is known for her stunning solo performances and for sharing the spotlight with her band The G-Spot Band as well as a variety of musicians including: the late Phyllis Hyman; Jazz Flutist Bobbi Humphrey; Grammy Award- Winning Songwriter Julie Gold; The Carl Orrie Trio, Peter Cincotti, Rob Thomas and John Mayer.
When she's not singing, Grace's voice can be heard on countless TV and radio spots, most notably with actor James Earl Jones and the legendary blues guitarist B. B. King. Grace's film & TV credits include; Q's Mom (Omar Epps' mother in the Hip-Hop cult classic Juice); the voice of Aunt Debra in Bill Cosby's animated series Little Bill; Thicker Than Blood (TNT) with Dan Futterman; three seasons in the sketch comedy ensemble of the Apollo Comedy Hour (National Syndication) originating new characters as well as parodying everyone from Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton to Tina Turner; and the relationship therapist, Dr. Love in the romantic comedy 30 Years to Life starring former SNL's Tracy Morgan.
However, Grace is most proud of her work as a volunteer entertainer for Lifebeat Hearts & Voices, where she performs for patients living with AIDS. The ability to make someone smile and forget their problems, if even for a minute, is what Grace says it is all about.
Grace's debut solo album, Lovers Never Lie (In Bed), was released on Shark Meat Records. The album is the definition of Grace: sexy, honest and passionate - without apologies. www.gracegarland.com
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Gustavo Alarco
Recipient of the 1993 Ace Award in New York for New International Artist of the Year, Gustavo Alarco has managed to win over the hearts of thousands of fans throughout North and South America. Throughout the last few years this tri-lingual Artist has been touring and recording all over the North and South American continents, Italy, London, Monte Carlo, the Caribbean and the Galapagos islands where he has shared his music and dreams with everyone, especially the youth, whom he always seems to inspire to pursue their own goals and dreams. He believes that music is not only good for entertainment, but also good for the soul, and much needed in times when the world surrounds us with much turmoil.
The future holds many new endeavors for Gustavo Alarco, including the release of a new Spanish album, on his new label, www.ChemBeeRecords.com.
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Isabel Rivera
Born in New York City, Isabel started singing songs made famous by Lou Rawls at 6. As a kid, she’d sit with her father who’d ask her in his native Spanish starry, philosophical questions about everything around her world. This brought her in tune with her poetic side early in life.FONT>
All her life, Isabel was drawn to the piano and studied classical music since her teens. But a surprise detour was in store for Isabel when after college at Cornell and Mannes, she was welcomed as a back-up singer for a rock band, The Defenders. Soon after, she discovered her own love for songwriting and formed her band in 2005, The Whispers. Some of her songs grew out of poems that Isabel wrote for a chapbook. The expressive, jazzy touches of her drummer, Alec, and the twanging strings of her guitarist, Octavio, color Isabel’s bittersweet and introspective songs.
Isabel’s songs have a story to relate, a vision to describe, a fleeting feeling to communicate through the beautiful frailty of her voice. The lyricism of fellow acoustic artists like Aimee Mann and Suzanne Vega and the ethereal piano stylings of Coldplay inspire her sounds. Her songs, like favorite poet Neruda, embrace the range and depths of human emotion and faith…the caprices, the fury, and poise…and, of course, the love… After putting out their EP, The Whispers plan to release their debut LP in 2006! Check out Isabel's website.
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JoAnna James Made up of equal parts soul, folk and blues, JoAnna James is a gifted singer/songwriter from St. Paul, Minnesota whose live performances leave her audiences longing for more. The way she wails would make Motown proud. Her delicate phrasings would have made Nina Simone grin. Her heartfelt performances would elicit a knowing wink from Bonnie Raitt. Whether singing in a sultry whisper or a gale-force wail, JoAnna James was born with a voice guaranteed to raise the hairs on the back of your neck. joannajames.com
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Jo Davidson
Jo Davidson is a prolific songwriter, musician and producer. Her music has been featured in television and film including VH1's campy cult classic "Friends Til the End," Felicity, Blossom (sung by Melissa Manchester), MTV, NBC, OXYGEN Network, Along For The Ride starring Melanie Griffith (the song "Ghost town)", The Good Girl starring Jennifer Aniston (the song "I Don't Dance"). Jo's music has also been featured on a summer giveaway Oprah Winfrey compilation CD along with Rod Stewart, Bette Midler, Eric Clapton and others. In 2003, Meat Loaf recorded and released Jo's song "Why Isn't That Enough" on his album titled "I Couldn't Have Said It Better."
Jo produced and recorded her debut CD KISS ME THERE along with co-producer and engineer, Greg Ladanyi (Jackson Browne, Don Henley, Fleetwood Mac). She wrote and arranged all 13 tracks and received airplay on top radio stations nationwide. Jo performed at radio shows and festivals along with artists such as Nelly Furtado, Alana Davis, Better than Ezra, The Go Gos, Eagle-Eye Cherry and others artists.
Jo is also the host, creator and producer of the hit online show "Zentertainment Talk Radio." This popular podcast is devoted to discovering new possibilities and features interviews with best selling authors, healers, artists and more! Jo is passionate about health issues and holistic living.
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Jeff Liebowitz This is the only known photograph of an individual who lives a shadowy existence, known only to certain covert federal agencies and one volunteer organization, by his codename- "Pretty Good Jeff". Anonymous reports of hysterical laughter followed closely by gasps of wonder and amazement have been heard, coincidental with appearances at facilities at which Hearts & Voices concerts had been scheduled...
The truth may be stranger than fiction. Jeff "Pretty Good Jeff" Liebowitz is a full time civil trial attorney in NYC. He moonlights as a sophisticated practitioner of close-up and platform magic. He boasts a brilliant repertoire of sleight of hand and repartee. Jeff, however, declines to be referred to as a genius, openly acknowledging "Hey, I'm no Alfred Einstein."
Jeff performs magic regularly for Hearts & Voices, as well as professionally at private parties for adults, cocktail parties, and corporate events. Jeff can be reached at jeffrey_liebowitz@hotmail.com.
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Krystle Warren is a singer/songwriter/poet who stems from the song stylings of the greats who came before. A glimmer of light revealing what's ahead, a vintage-clothed prophet with a guitar strapped across her back spreading the word of an age passed tradition that is simply Real. Music.
Originally hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, since relocating to New York City two and a half years ago, Krystle has taken the East Village by storm with stunning live shows and an ep entitled Diary. With a second recording, Circles, on its way, it's abundantly clear Krystle's nobody's fool. krystlewarren.com
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Larry May
From receiving numerous airings on network TV shows such as “All My Children,” “One Life to Live,” “The Young and Restless,” “NCIS” and “Summerland,” to a being a finalist in prestigious songwriting contests, Larry May, a native New Yorker, has been receiving nothing but praise for his body of work.
A multi-talented singer/songwriter with guitar chops to match, his thought-provoking lyrics and memorable melodies make his music top-notch.
Listen to songs at www.larrymaymusic.com
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L.A.W (Lyrical Assault Weapon or Loving All Women) is not your average entertainer. This 28 year-old rapper / singer / producer / multi-instrumentalist / choreographer has earned the nickname THE MOST TALENTED KID IN THE MUSIC BIZ because of the fact that his many talents makes him a one-man tour-de-force. More than just good looks, L.A.W carries the torch of true musicianship, witty commercialism and 100% pure entertainment not seen in a long time.
L.A.W grew up in the rough Crown Heights section of Brooklyn in a musically enriched household. His grandfather is Legendary Blues artist Sam Taylor who is known for his mentoring of 70s funk group B.T Express and is an original member of Rock pioneers Joey Dee & The Starlighters. His uncle Bobby Taylor was a 13-time winner at Apollo Theatre while his other Uncle Tony T-Funk Alston played a brief stint as a drummer for James Brown. My family was my school for music on every level says L.A.W. By age 12, he was already touring with his granddad as a back-up vocalist and rhythm guitarist. His cousin is P-Funk alumni legendary keyboardist Bernie Worrell. LAW is currently the lead singer of George Clinton's 420 FunkMob.
L.A.W's music is what he calls Tha Planet 12 Sound which is a combination of modern technology and live instrumentation. His hybrid of Hip-hop/Funk-Rock-R&B has earned him numerous production spots with new Dance/Pop artist Karmela and one of L.A.Ws major influences, Funk legend George Clinton. His infectious blend and extreme stage presence captivates the audience and screams longevity. His mission is to bring the east coast back to major prominence in hip-hop and bring audiences of all genres together which is best describe in his equation "underground + commercial = universal". With that, L.A.W is ready to conquer the music world and Billboard charts as well.
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Lucinda
With heartfelt lyrics, strong and memorable melodies, and an undeniable stage presence, Lucinda has captured a grassroots following that most signed artists would die for. Lucinda's awards include Cameo Broadcasting' s Songwriter's Network "Best Female Vocalist" in 2001, 2002 and 2003, Conneticut Songwriter's Association "Outstanding Achievement as a Performing Artist," and Border's Books and Music Northeast Region "Top 10 In Store Performers." Check out her website at www.lucindaworld.com.
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The Metropolitones
The 'Tones, NYC's premier Seven Sisters a cappella group, perform an eclectic collection of tunes both old and new - waxing sultry and sentimental one moment, breaking out the bass and beat the next. Since 2001, they have delighted audiences from SoHo to the Bronx, from the Upper East Side to the West Village, entertaining Seven Sisters College alumnae, family and friends at some of NYC's top venues. With booming basses and sopranos who chime like bells, they are as diverse in our interests and occupations as a dozen Seven Sisters-bred babes can be, but they all have one thing in common: they love to make music, especially with one another. Metropolitones Website
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Marcus Goldhaber
Marcus Goldhaber is a welcome addition to the music world with an intimate approach to straight-ahead Jazz. Marcus sings with a comfortable ease and though his sound has been compared to that of John Pizzarelli, Chet Baker and a young Frank Sinatra, he definitely has a unique style that is rooted in the beauty of a simple melody. Growing up, Marcus was introduced to the wonderful music of Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer, Sammy Cahn, Peggy Lee and many others at a very young age. His mother was always playing songs from this genre that she had learned as a child on their upright piano and passing them on as they were once passed on to her.
In September of 2006, Marcus released his debut album, “THE MOMENT AFTER” on his own label, FALLEN APPLE RECORDS. Marcus has performed outdoor concerts at NYC’s Worldwide Plaza and in Central Park and has most recently played at the AOL Time Warner Center. For the past year and a half, he has maintained residency in The Downstairs Room (Jazz lounge at Penang) on Sunday nights with the Jon Davis Trio. “THE MOMENT AFTER” has been receiving aggressive national and international airplay including consistent play from Jonathan Schwartz on WNYC. “THE MOMENT AFTER” is available now online- MarcusGoldhaber.com
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Noam Weinstein
Probably Human is Noam's first full-length release, and stars Tyler Wood, Mike Piehl, Lou Ulrich, Jess Tardy, Chris van Voorst van Beest, Anita Suhanin & many more. Noam's 2002 EP, Above the Music, features Dave Richards, Jimi Zhivago, David Berger, Norah Jones, Greta Gertler, Todd Londagin & Pete Martinez. Noam's 2001 debut, Enough About You, introduces Rich Kulsar, Kyle Turner & Cary Brown.
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Peace Of Heart Choir
The Peace of Heart Choir came together in response to the 9/11 tragedies to promote healing, diversity, community bonding, and mutual understanding through music. They perform free for non-profits, shelters, hospitals, and community-building events. The program includes pop, R&B, Latino, folk, and world music, in many languages. Peace of Heart are inclusive and strongly committed to diversity in their membership. Visit peaceofheartchoir.org or call 212-252-3191.
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Tha Heights
Take a trip uptown with Winston Jerez, Manny Duran, Frito Valdez and Carlos Sosa, collectively known as Tha Heights. These four Dominican teens have prepared an eclectic blend of that Latin flavor their Washington Heights, N.Y. neighborhood is known for. They call it "Latin Pop & B".
But don't be fooled by their boyish good looks, these guys are more than another boy band-they've got a wide range of songs to satisfy almost any taste, and diverse musical influences to match. Sosa, 19, was inspired by Donny Hathaway and Celia Cruz. And Winston, also 19, was inspired by Boyz II Men and Larry Graham.
Tha Heights, which also includes 18-year-old Manny and 18-year-old Frito, offers a little bit of everything-reggaeton, club bangers and even pop ballads. Reggie Hamlet (Angie Stone, Jennifer Lopez) and Queens, NY newcomer Jonathan "Bonkaz" Howard have lent a hand with production. And singer/songwriter Daniele Stokes of '90s platinum selling R&B quartet Solo provided the edgy lyrics.
Tha Heights signed with Patricia Taylor's OFFbeat Entertainment Company in 2003 and have since served their saucy musical blend to audiences throughout the New York metropolitan area-most recently at the 116 Street (Spanish Harlem) Festival, Bronx Week 2005 and New Jersey's Latino Expo. And they've also made several appearances on Telemundo 47's morning news show Noticias.
Tha Heights is currently in the studio revamping their demo with Connecticut producer Dennis Boyd, Jr. and Gary "JUS MUSIC" Gentles and songwriter Edwin "Lil' Eddie" Serrano (Janet Jackson, Usher and Ruben Studdard), who is under Mario Winans' Yellow City label.
All aboard to the top of the charts. Next stop: Tha Heights!
Tha Heights website
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Willie Davis
Willie has spent the majority of his musical life in New Orleans, so it's only natural that he inherited the bouncing, party feel and the laidback danceable rhythms of New Orleans Jazz. A scholarship recipient in jazz studies from University of New Orleans, Willie played piano for the big band at Jazz Fest and nightly gigs at the picturesque Royal Cafe in the French Quarter, along at nearly every popular club in New Orleans.
Willie recently settled in New York City, where he has played many venues such as The Carlyle Hotel, The Waldorf, Bryant Park Grill and Webster Hall. Willie has appeared in millions of homes via the Discovery Channel's Party Planner show. He has played intimate parties for Barbara Walters and her colleagues, and was selected by COMEDY CENTRAL's Steven Colbert for a commercial for PEPSI. He continues to work on scores for films and musicals. For booking solo, duet, trio or any other combination, e-mail williedavispiano@yahoo.com or call 718-986-5711.
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