SONGWRITER

Nona Hendryx tackles social issues, love and politics with a smoky vocal between funk and the end of the stratosphere. Hendryx’s legendary career spans six decades of sound and style evolution. Fans know her as a founding member of the girl group, Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles and inducted into the R&B Hall of Fame in 1999. In the 70s, the group morphed into the Rock & Funk Glam Diva's 'Labelle' with the #1 record, Lady Marmalade. Nona Hendryx emerged as the chief songwriter of the group’s socially conscious and illuminating message songs. If Labelle fans grieved the end of Labelle, Nona Hendryx fans welcomed a new one as the revolutionary art-rock, new-wave goddess embarked upon her own impressive Solo career, which spanned eight studio albums and engaged her with an impressive lineup of collaborators (Prince, Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads, Laurie Anderson, Bono and Cameo), resulting in top ten hits and a Grammy nomination (Rock This Houses with The Rolling Stones' Keith Richards on guitar). 

Fast forwarding into the 20th and 21st century’s without losing a note, Nona Hendryx remains the Queen of Transformation; writing music for theatre, composing music for film, producing and collaborating in the works of a new generation of artists as well as cowriting songs and appearing on the Terri Lyne Carrington Grammy Award winning, Mosaic Project with Esperanza Spalding, Cassandra Wilson, Diane Reeves and Sheila E.

DRUMMER | PRODUCER

Step into the life of Lenny White, a drumming prodigy whose remarkable journey started with a seismic impact. Imagine being the 19-year-old drummer behind Miles Davis' groundbreaking "Bitches Brew," a defining moment in jazz history. Lenny's debut continued with "Red Clay," a collaboration with luminaries like Freddie Hubbard and Herbie Hancock, earning him a prominent spot on Jazz Times' list of top '70s albums.

This was just the beginning. Lenny's year of collaborations with jazz giants like Woody Shaw and Curtis Fuller showcased his virtuosity. An integral part of Return to Forever, he lived and breathed jazz culture, launching a career that led to over 20 albums, Grammy wins, and universal respect.

Lenny's influence extended beyond the stage; he produced projects for Chaka Khan and Nancy Wilson, and introduced talents like Rachelle Ferrell. As an NYU professor, his course "The Miles Davis Aesthetic" explores the transformative power of "Bitches Brew."

Lenny's evolution persisted. He delved into concert music, composing orchestral pieces like "The Journey" and "The Magnificent Seven," showcasing his unceasing artistic growth.

Lenny White's story is one of innovation, influence, and perpetual exploration—an artist shaping the essence of jazz.

ARTIST | PRODUCER

Chuckii is a renowned R&B artist and record producer who rose to fame in the late 1980s. His music career began when he was signed by his godfather, Barry White, to his production company in 1984. Chuckii then released his debut album "Chuckii" in 1989 under Atlantic Records, where he played all the instruments and provided vocals. The album's success was fueled by hit singles like "(Don't U Know) I Love U" and the chart-topping R&B single "Turned Away". Chuckii's follow-up album, "Niice 'N Wiild" was released in 1992 and produced another R&B hit with "Games."

Chuckii has made a name for himself as a prolific producer, having worked with several prominent recording artists, including Troop, Barry White, Janet Jackson, Vanessa Williams, and Kool and The Gang. He has produced hit songs such as "All I Do Is Think of You" and "Spread My Wings," both of which reached #1 on the charts. Chuckii has also worked with Lalah Hathaway, En Vogue, Angela Wimbush, Diana Ross, Anastacia, Commissioned, Rihanna, Stevie Wonder, Bette Midler, and many others.

In addition to his impressive production credits, Chuckii has also worked as a musical director, producer, and keyboardist for several acclaimed artists, including Janet Jackson, TLC, and Faith Evans. He was Janet Jackson's musical director and keyboardist for her Janet Jackson Rhythm Nation World Tour and also served as the opening act. Chuckii continues to work as Lionel Richie's musical director, keyboardist, and vocalist, a collaboration that began in 2000.

DRUMMER | PRODUCER

Meet Vince Wilburn, Jr., the heartbeat of Miles Davis' legacy. As the nephew of the iconic jazz maestro, he co-manages Miles Davis Properties, LLC, alongside Erin Davis and Cheryl Davis. An accomplished drummer, producer, and radio host, Wilburn's rhythm resonated on legendary recordings from 1984 to 1987, including the Grammy-winning "AURA" and Billboard-charting "Miles From India."

Wilburn's artistic range is boundless. He orchestrated the Grammy-winning soundtrack for the film "Miles Ahead" and earned an Emmy for "Miles Davis: Birth Of The Cool." Leading the electrifying Miles Electric Band, he's graced prestigious stages worldwide, from SF Jazz Center to the Hollywood Bowl.

In 1989, he founded Nefdrum Productions, curating stellar performances by music luminaries. Wilburn's influence extends to groundbreaking projects like "Everything’s Beautiful," reimagining Miles' classics with contemporary artists.

A dynamic presence in the industry, Wilburn participates in panels, industry events, and co-hosts Miles Davis House at SXSW. His passion for preserving and evolving Miles Davis' legacy remains unwavering.

PRODUCER | SONGWRITER

Greg Curtis Sr. is a highly skilled and seasoned songwriter and producer who has spent over two decades honing his craft in the music industry. Over the years, Greg has worked with a wide range of musical talents, from up-and-coming artists to established industry legends. His production and songwriting credits include work with artists such as Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, Destiny's Child, Brandy, Jaheim, K-Ci & JoJo, Avant, and many others.

Greg's contributions to the music industry have earned him numerous accolades, including two BMI Awards, a Grammy nomination, and a BET Award. He has also been recognized for his philanthropic work, receiving the Humanitarian Award from the City of Dayton for his efforts in supporting local arts education programs.

As a songwriter and producer, Greg is known for his ability to craft compelling and emotive tracks that resonate with audiences across genres. He has a reputation for bringing out the best in artists and creating timeless music that stands the test of time. With a career spanning several decades, Greg Curtis Sr. is a respected and influential figure in the music industry, whose contributions have helped shape the sound of contemporary R&B and soul music.

SINGER | SONGWRITER

Audrey Martells is a highly accomplished singer and songwriter with an extensive background in a multitude of musical genres. With an illustrious career spanning several decades, Audrey has established herself as a versatile and gifted artist who has written and performed music in various styles ranging from hip-hop, jazz, pop, to rock.

Her exceptional skills as a singer and songwriter have earned her considerable recognition and acclaim, with her music featuring in numerous mainstream television shows such as The Accused, The Kardashians, The Young and the Restless, The Sherri Show, and several motion pictures including "Save The Last Dance" and "I, Tonya". Additionally, Audrey has co-written hit songs alongside acclaimed artists like Tony Moran and Nile Rodgers, and has written songs for legendary figures like Billy Porter, Joss Stone, George Benson, and Irene Cara.

Audrey's outstanding talent has also been showcased in her own band, Temporary Fix, also known as The Voxies, who recently opened for Bon Jovi at the prestigious Spectrum Center Arena. Currently, she is performing in stadiums as a member of Nile Rodgers and Chic, solidifying her status as a celebrated artist in the music industry.

In summary, Audrey Martells is a rare and exceptional talent who has proven her ability to write and perform music across various genres with great proficiency and success. Her impressive resume and numerous accomplishments firmly establish her as a respected and sought-after musician in the industry.

RAPPER | SONGWRITER | PRODUCER

Ro Ransom is a rapper, singer, and songwriter from Manhattan, New York. He first gained attention with his mixtape "Ransomnia" in 2012, which showcased his ability to blend various genres including hip hop, R&B, and electronic music. The mixtape was followed by a series of successful singles and projects, including "Pinnacle" and "Momentum," which led to collaborations with artists like Kensei Abbot and Jazz Cartier.

In 2016, Ro Ransom released "Ransom 2," a project that demonstrated his unique sound and storytelling abilities. He followed this up with "Possessed," which received critical acclaim and solidified his position as a rising star in the music industry.

Ro Ransom's music often explores themes of self-discovery and personal growth, and he is known for his introspective lyrics and distinctive vocal style. He has been compared to artists like Kid Cudi, Drake, and Frank Ocean, but has developed a style all his own.

As of 2023, Ro Ransom continues to create and release music, gaining a dedicated fanbase and earning critical acclaim along the way. He has been featured in prominent publications such as XXL, Pitchfork, and The FADER, and has performed at major festivals such as SXSW and Rolling Loud. With a growing body of work that showcases his undeniable talent, Ro Ransom is a rising star in the hip-hop world, poised to make a significant impact on the industry for years to come.

ARTIST

Bronx native Rileyy Lanez weaves her musical tales of love, heartbreak, and resilience, channeling the R&B magic of the early 2000s. Signed to Columbia Records, her captivating style has led to an array of impressive singles and EPs. In 2022, her seven-track masterpiece "Bittersweet" showcased her true artistic vision.

Born in 2001, dance initially stole Lanez's heart, yet her natural singing talent emerged at the tender age of three. A teenager then, she garnered attention by sharing covers of beloved songs on social media. Fate intervened when she crafted poignant lyrics for a beat, birthing the soulful ballad "I'm Leaving," which swiftly gained millions of views in 2019.

Columbia Records took notice, and Lanez secured a record deal with the unwavering support of her mother. Her debut label single, "I'm Leaving," arrived in October. Soon, she collaborated with fellow Bronx artist Lil Tjay, co-writing and recording "Post to Be" on the day she received the track.

In 2020, Lanez's heartfelt singles "Left 4 Me" and bass-rich "Foul Play" anticipated her EP "Beautiful Mistakes," revealing her versatile artistry. In 2022, "Bittersweet" pushed her creative boundaries, showcasing her depth on a whole new level.

Lanez's collaborations include 50 Cent, Lil Tjay, and NLE, while her latest venture, "BS," an R&B duet with Omarion, graces his "Full Circle" album. Fans eagerly await her upcoming single "Not My One," a testament to her mastery in crafting heartfelt narratives and soul-stirring melodies.

SONGWRITER | PRODUCER

Picasso Brown is an acclaimed songwriter and producer hailing from New York City. He first made waves as one half of the powerhouse production duo, HeatSeekerz, who have collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Deborah Cox, Karmen, Shaliek Rivers, Fred, and The Godson.

With a keen ear for crafting infectious beats and unforgettable hooks, Picasso has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. His impressive body of work has been featured on a variety of platforms, including some of the most popular television shows and networks around, such as The Kardashians, Bad Girls Club, MTV, VH1, Bravo, and E!.

With his finger on the pulse of the industry and a deep passion for creating music that connects with listeners on a visceral level, Picasso Brown continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in the world of songwriting and production. His dedication to his craft, coupled with his undeniable talent, make him a true standout in the world of music.

PRODUCER

Giscard "GIZ" Xavier is a highly-accomplished music producer and multi-instrumentalist, boasting a Grammy nomination and RIAA certifications for both Gold and Platinum record sales. With a musical focus primarily on the Hip Hop/Rap, R&B, and Reggae/AfroBeats genres, GIZ has become a sought-after collaborator among some of the biggest names in the industry.

GIZ's impressive list of collaborators includes members of the iconic WuTang Clan, The Roots, Kool Keith, Lil Kim, Wyclef Jean, and NAS, among many others. He has demonstrated an incredible versatility in his production, consistently delivering high-quality work across multiple genres.

In addition to his work in creating hit records, GIZ has also composed original themes and scores for both television and film, showcasing his talent and adaptability across mediums. His exceptional musicianship, coupled with his extensive experience in the music industry, has cemented his status as a true force to be reckoned with in the world of music production.

SONGWRITER

The music of singer-songwriter, Adam Falcon has been widely considered to have an absence of genre yet ranges from folk to rhythm and blues.

As a sideman Adam Falcon has worked and shared the stage with some of the brightest names in music. These artists include Roberta Flack, Sophie B. Hawkins, Whitney Houston, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Jim Lauderdale, Robert Palmer, Peter Gabriel, and Nona Hendryx.

Stepping out on his own, he's opened for James Cotton Blues Band, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, The Wailers, Ruthie Foster, Jim Lauderdale, Stanley Jordan, and Tower of Power.

Writing songs for George Benson and having songs on national television got Falcon noticed by The SongWriters Hall of Fame, which honored him with the Abe Olman Scholarship Award for Songwriting.

For his composition, Woke Up Cryin', Falcon became an International Songwriters Competition semi-finalist and also landed him a nomination for an Independent Music Award.

MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST

Steve McGuire is a talented multi-instrumentalist hailing from Queens, New York, who has been making music for over two decades. With an impressive musical background, Steve's passion and dedication to his craft are evident in his work.

Early in his career, Steve caught the attention of multi-platinum producer DJ Clark Kent, who took Steve under his wing and mentored him in production. This experience allowed Steve to refine his production skills and gave him the opportunity to participate in music sessions with some of the industry's most prominent artists, including Lil' Kim, Biggie Smalls, Busta Rhymes, The Lost Boyz, and Swing Central Station.

In addition to his work with these hip-hop icons, Steve has also collaborated with a variety of other artists across multiple genres, including Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Ginuwine, Jessica Simpson, Allure, and Scola, formerly of R&B group Dru Hill.

More recently, Steve has been working closely with producer Ty Fyffe, contributing to production sessions for high-profile artists such as 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, and Akon. Additionally, he served as the keyboardist for Tony award winner Billy Porter's hit single, "Show Me."

With a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of various musical styles, Steve McGuire is a versatile musician and producer with a bright future ahead.

SONGWRITER

Burnin’ up the Billboard charts with four top-five songs in two years, LaForrest Cope’s explosive talent has helped launch several careers, most notably, Whitney Houston’s. The fiery “YOU GIVE GOOD LOVE” earned LaForrest (a/k/a Lala), who writes music and lyrics, a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song nomination while giving Whitney her first number one hit single.

She got her start singing backup in the studio with Luther Vandross and opening for Michael Jackson and his brothers on their Victory tour, which led to her recording a vocal duet with Jermaine Jackson for the Summer Olympics Album. She was featured as the lead vocalist on the debut single “Into the Night,” which she wrote for the “Beat Street” movie soundtrack, and she is the recipient of a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, which allowed her to study composition at the Juilliard School.

Numerous awards and chart toppers for other artists such as Stephanie Mills, Glenn Jones, the Harlem Boys Choir, Christina Aguilera, and Ice Cube have put her in demand as a writer and producer. As an Arista and Motown recording artist, she has performed live on international tours throughout Europe and Asia, as well as, in her hometown of New York City, at Radio City Music Hall and the world-renowned Apollo Theater. LaForrest is currently a professional vocal producer/coach, working with pre- professional and professional recording artists.

Based on her own experiences in the recording industry, LaForrest hopes to make her literary debut next year with SOUL SHAKERS, a novel about the challenges facing women in black music and how the many misconceptions about musical talent diminish the industry's ability to address it effectively. In addition, she is writing a non- fiction young adult book and also plans to publish a chapbook featuring a collection of her poetry.

COMPOSER | ARRANGER | ORCHESTRATOR

Zane Mark is an accomplished composer, orchestrator, arranger, and programmer with a lengthy list of impressive credits to his name. Widely known for his co-writing on the hit Broadway production "Bring in ’da Noise, Bring in ’da Funk", which garnered him Tony and Grammy award nominations, Zane has also lent his talents to a host of other successful shows on Broadway and Off-Broadway. His notable Broadway credits include "Mrs. Doubtfire", "The Cher Show", "Holler If Ya Hear Me", "Motown The Musical", "Pippin", "Leap of Faith", "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels", "All Shook Up", "Never Gonna Dance", and "The Full Monty". Meanwhile, his Off-Broadway credits include "Smart People", "Harlem Song", "The Brother/Sister Plays", and "Radiant Baby". Zane Mark is a true musical talent and continues to make an indelible mark on the world of theater with his exceptional work.

SONGWRITER

Singer/Songwriter/Voice-Over Artist Asa Lovechild is a native of Louisville, KY, who started her career at the age of four, starring in several regional musicals and experimental theatre projects, including The Wiz and Ain't Misbehavin'. She was honored to be mentored by the late Ruby Dee and the late Barbara Ann Teer in the early development of her career.

She's had the privilege and honor of touring with Nona Hendryx for 15 years. She has shared the stage and worked with the likes of Meshell Ndegeocello, George Clinton, Esperanza Spaulding, Lizz Wright, Kathy Sledge, Melba Moore, Monifah, Sara Dash, Sandra St. Victor, Freddie Jackson, Tsidii Le Loka, SKYY, 24/7 Spyz, Adam Falcon, Jerry Harrison, Marc Almond, Joi Gilliam, Cyndi Lauper, Felicia Collins, and many others. Her last album, Love's Experience (Steve Wallace Edition), charted twice in two separate decades on the UK soul charts and held firm for more than 8 weeks each time, knocking out greats such as Ron Isley and El DeBarge. This made Asa one of the top 20 digitally downloaded artists in neo-soul on Amazon.com UK.

Asa holds a BA in Theatre, MBA in Marketing, and a DBA in Entrepreneurship (Music Industry) and is a published author/activist whose latest writing is featured in the anthology Why I Stand: Boots on the Ground Against Racism by Teresa Holmes. Asa can be seen in acclaimed director D. Channsin Berry's The Black Line Part 3 and doing voice-over work for Stanley Nelson Jr.'s The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution featured on PBS. Given the contributions of modern technological advances to entertainment, she owns an entertainment business and marketing consulting firm, Faison Innovative Concepts, which helps creative artists with business and marketing strategies.

SINGER/SONGWRITER

John James is an indelible voice and prolific songwriter continuing make his mark on the soundtrack of music history. In 2009 John performed the first dance Van Morrison’s “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” for then Vice President Joe Biden and his wife at President Barack Obama’s historic “Neighborhood Inaugural Ball’ that also included performances with Stevie Wonder, Sting, Alicia Keys and Mariah Carey.

John has recorded and toured international with the five time GRAMMY award winning band TOTO. Other tours include Ashford & Simpson, The Pet Shop Boys, Keith Sweat, Toshi Kubota, Nona Hendryx, Taylor Dayne and Melissa Morgan.

John James has worked with a long list of world class artists on multiple platforms such as Aretha Franklin, Lionel Richie, India Arie, Smokey Robinson, Dolly Parton, Olivia Newton John, Elvis Costello, Anita Baker, James Taylor, Melissa Etheridge, Donald Fagan, Carly Simon, Patti Labelle, Michael McDonald, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, John Legend, Mary J Blige, Justin Bieber, Lalah Hathaway, Sting, Sir Elton John, James Taylor, Billy Joel, Vince Gill, Rosanne Cash, Bruce Springsteen, Bruno Mars, Jennifer Hudson, Mick Jagger, Usher, Arcade Fire and the list keeps growing.

John’s other credits include Jingles, Broadway, Off Broadway, Television and Cabaret.

SINGER | SONGWRITER

Jekasole is a dynamic powerhouse multi genre singer/songwriter/ Hip hop artist born and raised in Miami, FL. At the age of 12 Jeka started with poetry but never took it seriously. Her older cousins who wrote music themselves pushed and encouraged Jeka to discover her hidden artistic talents. From 2020 - present Jekasole has released countless singles, Separation anxiety, Paid in Full, 225, TIME FR ETC..Her music promotes hope and resilience

in overcoming every obstacle within her faith walk. Jekasole's message remains constant: hope has a name and it is Jesus. The key is progression and not perfection.