2022 PERFORMERS
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FEATURED HOST - Little Bacon Bear (Saturday)
Jonaé Charlene Helem (Friday Night Host)
Jonaé Charlene Helem is an American actress, artist, and model. She became the first Ms. Ethiopia World International to be crowned and Queen of the Crowned's Model of the Year, currently reigning in 2022. Sprinting toward her purpose, Jonaé Charlene made her mark as a model, leader, songwriter, and actress. Though the Ms. Ethiopia World International title helped kick-start her career, the journey did not come easy. She had to take extended vacations from her passions to recover from domestically violent adversities. However, she bounced back from challenge and controversy to leadership and limitless possibilities and pursued successful music and acting career.
Her debut album, “Kingdom,” is set to release in February 2023, followed by eight more studio albums, each of which received commercial success.
As an actress also, Jonaé Charlene enjoyed success on stage and screen. For her portrayal of Jax Wright in the 2015 soap-opera “Archives of the Heart,” Jonaé Charlene received SAG-AFTRA credits and prestigious mentions on Internet Movie Database.
Her debut album, “Kingdom,” is set to release in February 2023, followed by eight more studio albums, each of which received commercial success.
As an actress also, Jonaé Charlene enjoyed success on stage and screen. For her portrayal of Jax Wright in the 2015 soap-opera “Archives of the Heart,” Jonaé Charlene received SAG-AFTRA credits and prestigious mentions on Internet Movie Database.
Pi-Anir (Sunday Host)
Pi-Anir (Pronounced Pioneer), the Poet, is a “transplant’s, transplant.” A Spoken word artist, Advocate, and Author from Chicago’s Westside, by way of Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
A uniquely vast Poet whose life of adversity is the prelude to her most extraordinary stories.
As a youth mentor and teaching artist Pi-Anir has developed creative writing and artistic programs to expose at-risk teens to poetry in a non-traditional sense. Her self-published work: “To the Goddess in my Garden; A book of poetry and self-reflection.” is a part of her “Poetry with a purpose” mindset. Pi-Anir believes that art saves lives and is passionate about spreading awareness through creativity about issues that affect the community.
Her Poetic body of work includes a host of local venues across the US and International Performances in Iceland and Amsterdam. Pi-Anir has opened for such artists as Sunni Patterson and Maimouna Youssef (Mumu Fresh).
She now calls Maryland in the D(M)V area home, where she is currently the host of Sound Off, a monthly open mic series that encourages artists of all genres to let their voices be heard. In addition, Pi-Anir has partnered with organizations that support mental illness, sexual assault, and endangered children to continue her mentoring and advocacy work.
A uniquely vast Poet whose life of adversity is the prelude to her most extraordinary stories.
As a youth mentor and teaching artist Pi-Anir has developed creative writing and artistic programs to expose at-risk teens to poetry in a non-traditional sense. Her self-published work: “To the Goddess in my Garden; A book of poetry and self-reflection.” is a part of her “Poetry with a purpose” mindset. Pi-Anir believes that art saves lives and is passionate about spreading awareness through creativity about issues that affect the community.
Her Poetic body of work includes a host of local venues across the US and International Performances in Iceland and Amsterdam. Pi-Anir has opened for such artists as Sunni Patterson and Maimouna Youssef (Mumu Fresh).
She now calls Maryland in the D(M)V area home, where she is currently the host of Sound Off, a monthly open mic series that encourages artists of all genres to let their voices be heard. In addition, Pi-Anir has partnered with organizations that support mental illness, sexual assault, and endangered children to continue her mentoring and advocacy work.
DJ Franky J
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DJ Franky J is a native Washingtonian. She has been a DJ for almost 5 years now. She is always looking for her next DJ venture/challenge as far as musical genres and venues. She has had the chance to spin at places such as Carnegie Institute, The Howard Theater, Eaton Hotel for Wild Days, The Lyle Hotel, Fillmore Silver Spring, March for Mom's, and Deathpunch just to name a few.
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Fleetwood DeVille
Fleetwood DeVille is an emcee, producer, and community advocate, based in Washington, D.C., via St. Louis. His music fuses hip-hop, soul, funk, jazz, rock, and gospel to form a 1 of 1 blend that he has coined the Existential Mack sound.
TolumiDEAward-winning singer-songwriter TolumiDE combines sweet, soulful vocals, warm lyrics and groovy, contemporary African rhythms to create a sound of her own, which she aptly calls ‘Suya Soul’. Born in Toronto, raised in Lagos, and now in Washington, DC, TolumiDE exudes eclectic style and delivers dynamic energy at every performance. She effortlessly sings in English and Yorùbá, her native language, on her album offerings, My Love and Mama Sunshine, which take audiences away to a tropical oasis with few good vibes. Her accolades include Best R&B Female Artist at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards, and her latest single ‘Throwback’ peaked at #3 on the Global Top Independent airplay chart.
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Ruciano
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Ruciano is an American-born, Brooklyn-based artist. It’s impossible not to be impressed by his wavy attitude and blend of 90s New York nostalgia and stoner rap. Growing up, Jay-Z and Eminem were the inspiration that ignited his rap pursuance. He blends his bravado with grit, and hunger into rhythmic flows, multi-syllable rhymes, metaphors, and punchlines. After performing at Brooklyn Unity Fest in 2017, he appeared at TAP music fest in San Diego the following year. Aquaman series debuts in 2020 with “Splash of Brilliance.” and five other projects in 2021 (“Deal with Drip”, “Atlantis (The Compilation)“, “Splash of Brilliance 2”, “Aquaman”, and “Atlantean”). Ruciano’s last project before signing to P.U.R.E records is an EP called “Shockwave” along with G Wise. There is no doubt that we are here to catch a wave, and that wave is Ruciano. 10k + followers on social media, arguably, commanding all eyes and ears on him. Catch his debut on P.U.R.E Records Music’s label summer of ’22 also known as summer of Ruciano.
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King Dullah
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Hey, I’m King Dullah. I make pop/R&B music in the DMV. When listening to my music, I hope that through it you feel. I believe music is a universal language, and I hope that it inspires you in whatever way you deem fit. I’m inspired by singers like Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson, and so many others. What they all have in common is the emotion conveyed through their music. Hope you enjoy my music, and more is on the way.
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Akeylah Simone
Akeylah Simone, from Hampton Roads, VA is just getting her feet wet as a singer-songwriter, producer, and performer. In just her first year of releasing original music, she’s landed two songs on the 2021 Grammy Ballot and voted Encore’s 2021 Best Solo Artist. She was most recently voted ISSA’s 2022 Female Rising Star. She’s also had numerous nominations across various publications, including Best New Artist (Soul Tracks Reader’s Choice Awards,) and Song of the Year & Best R&B/ Soul (Veer Awards). Akeylah Simone delivers a stunning performance by fusing genres from Rock, Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, and Jazz in an eclectic set of original music. Her sultry, soulful vocals are effective in keeping her audience engaged. Although, she has been singing and performing since her first time on stage at an elementary school talent contest, and frequenting many stages with her dad, Bobby Blackhat, over the past 17 years. This past year has been spent focusing on performing her own original music all over including festivals, award shows, showcases, and private events.
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ALIAS!
ALIAS! is an emerging artist from the DMV! She and Producer Mes Enfants Infinity are introducing a new sound wave called “Pretty Pop,” which is music that is infused with hyperpop, house, and hip-hop. This is what the future needs expanding on different genres creating a unit within one. ALIAS! is ahead of her time and will be making her mark surely onto the mainstream platform! .
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Nessa Dove
Nessa Dove is a passionate Guitarist/Singer/Producer. She is breaking through the music industry gates with her single, "Nitelight" and popular releases "Stay Strong", "All the Same" and "Light it Up". Her sweet, raw and unconventional sound spews out a delicious Pop/Rnb Alternative sound. Nessa writes, arranges, and co-produces her music, in addition to playing a mean guitar! In her music, you may hear virtuosic guitar riffs, licks, and solos while she pulls you in with sweet melodies and catchy hooks.
Nessa has performed at legendary venues along the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, legendary venues in New York City, Washington D.C and Baltimore. She has been a finalist in notable songwriting competitions and received press and raving reviews for her singles "Light it Up", "Sugar Sugar" and "Stay Strong"
Dove has no limits. She strives to break Musical boundaries bringing all along for the journey. She wants her listeners to break free from the fears and stigmas that divide and separate us and the limits we put on ourselves to stay small. She will "FLY" as the homeless man told her to do, while she busked in a New York City Subway one night, and was forever changed. Music connects, transcends, and inspires. Nessa intends to soar free, tapping into the most creative and pure places within herself. Join the flock, experience the Bliss.
In 2020, Dove was inspired to create The Stay Strong Movement. This movement was born to inspire hope, courage and strength during the challenging times of 2020 and beyond. The movement continues to grow and evolve.
Nessa has performed at legendary venues along the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, legendary venues in New York City, Washington D.C and Baltimore. She has been a finalist in notable songwriting competitions and received press and raving reviews for her singles "Light it Up", "Sugar Sugar" and "Stay Strong"
Dove has no limits. She strives to break Musical boundaries bringing all along for the journey. She wants her listeners to break free from the fears and stigmas that divide and separate us and the limits we put on ourselves to stay small. She will "FLY" as the homeless man told her to do, while she busked in a New York City Subway one night, and was forever changed. Music connects, transcends, and inspires. Nessa intends to soar free, tapping into the most creative and pure places within herself. Join the flock, experience the Bliss.
In 2020, Dove was inspired to create The Stay Strong Movement. This movement was born to inspire hope, courage and strength during the challenging times of 2020 and beyond. The movement continues to grow and evolve.
DJ Artis
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The question is Who Art.is? Also, my actual name (Artis)
A Local DMV area DJ. (DC, MD, VA) Poet/Author/MC /Activist/ Event Coordinator . A personal mission about the exploration, discovery, rejuvenation, understanding that ART is YOU! RELEASE! Healthy Ways to Release your vibes through Art Release yourself to you purpose! Release your own creativity! Release what makes you! |
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Amy K Bormet Trio
Amy K Bormet is a pianist, vocalist, and composer, known for her fearless free-wheeling style and dedication to creating new music. To collaborate with and celebrate women musicians, she started the annual Washington Women in Jazz Festival in 2011, directing, financing, and performing in an annual festival and women-focused events throughout the year in the DC area. She has formed several ensembles to perform and record her compositions. Los Angeles-based quintet, AmyAna, co-led with Brazilian drummer Ana Barreiro, released their debut album in 2019, and will perform an east coast tour in October 2021. The Harold Trio, an instant composition ensemble with Tina Raymond, drums and Biggi Vinkeloe, saxophone/flute, released their second album, Open Secrets, in 2019. Her quintet, Ephemera, a project of women’s poetry and improvisation, performed a two-week tour of Sweden. Amy’s recordings are available through Strange Woman Records, which she co-owns with guitarist/producer and husband Dr. Matt Dievendorf. As an educator and a mentor, Amy K Bormet amplifies her performance tours with outreach masterclasses and workshops, recently at the Thailand International Jazz Conference (Mahidol University, January 2020) and Los Angeles City College (February 2020). She is a teaching artist, collaborating with the Kennedy Center’s newest programming at the REACH to present and perform with her all-women trio “the future of jazz is female” for middle school students. She continues to serve as a mentor, teaching at the summer program for the Washington Jazz Arts Institute, where she has participated since she was a high school student at Duke Ellington School of the Arts. She received her Jazz Studies Piano Performance BFA from the University of Michigan, where she serves on the alumni board of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Inspired by her University of Michigan professor Geri Allen, Amy went to Howard University, and graduated with a MFA in Jazz Studies.
BRASSIE
BRASSIE is an alternative singer-songwriter based out of Washington, DC. She performs as a solo acoustic act with a sound that draws on folk, pop, and rock influences.
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Veeta Venom
With a unique blend of R&B, Hip-Hop, Rap, and Soul, Ms. Venom is ready to change the rap game. Born in Washington, DC, Veeta was raised in Landover, MD, where she discovered her talent and passion for music at the age of 14. This female rapper comes with so much versatility and creativity. Ms. Venom plans to continue making great music and expanding her brand.
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ShadSpits
The energy that uplifts and shifts away from anything negative. The bars to captivate the ears of anyone listening and the appreciation and gratefulness for this life being an opportunity. With each opportunity, I put on a show for the people whether it’s 1 or 1 million. ShadSpits music gets you moving.
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&amo (Andamo Ford)
&amo is a Hip Hop recording artist from Fayetteville, North Carolina. His very versatility, smooth delivery, and witty punchlines gives a gritty but agreeable vibe to ever song he touches. Growing up with a heavy mid 90s influence, &amo has a flow that most describe as a perfect mix of old school vibes over the sounds of today. After attending the DCMS in recent years, &amo is HONORED to grace the stage at this year’s Summit.
Charlie Cornwell
My name is Charlie Cornwell. I'm 17 years old, and I'm from Odenton, MD. I've been playing the guitar for about 4 and a half years. My influences include Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, Warren Demartini, Vito Bratta, and many other 1980s guitarists. Music is my most favorite thing in the world, and my favorite thing to do is put a smile on someone's face with what I play for them, that's more important to me than anything else in music.
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Dumi Right
Dumi Right is a performing artist, MC, writer, and organizer, who has been recognized as a standard bearer in global and progressive hip hop circles for many years. He was first introduced to audiences during hip-hop’s golden age as a member of Zimbabwe Legit, one of the first African hip-hop groups to gain international recognition. His influence has been documented in the domestic and international mass media as well as in academic works of hip hop history, including Say It Loud! The Story of Rap Music by K. Maurice Jones and The Hip Hop Wars by Trisha Rose. In the years since, he has remained immersed in the culture and business of hip-hop, releasing a number of noteworthy album projects and performing all across the country and on the world stage. Dumi has also coordinated several initiatives and events related to music, arts, culture, and social justice, working with organizations and artists from all over the globe.
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Sarah Fridrich
Sarah Fridrich is a songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist who studied jazz piano at University of Maryland, College Park. She was a student of Washington-area jazz piano masters Ron Elliston and Jon Ozment, as well as guitarist Gerry Kunkel. In 2009, Sarah was awarded an Individual Artist Grant by the Montgomery County Arts & Humanities Council to write and record 10 of her original art-pop songs. In 2011, she was recognized as a Finalist in the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest for her song “Anvil”, and received Honorable Mention for her song "Brighter" in 2015. She has toured across the country with her jazz-inflected piano and drums-based duo, Ms Fridrich’s MessyAnn Band. She is also a cancer survivor and a mom. Sarah has attended the renowned Rocky Mountain Song School each of the past four years to hone her craft as a songwriter and performer. She is also an educator, teaching piano and music theory, and she leads a weekly songwriting group.
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Nia Monaé
Nia Monaé is a 24-year-old dancer, model, and 3X Wammie Award-Winning artist out of the DMV area. Nia Monaé, a natural born performer, has been performing since the age of three. Dancing since the age of 3, she's done such disciplines as tap, ballet, pointe, jazz, and more. She has been creating, recording and mixing her music since the age 11. She also choreographs and writes all of her music. As far as modeling, Nia has done such as runway and print and has also been accepted into New York Fashion Week. Nia Monaé has been featured in many different dance showcases, modeling shows and appearances in local radio stations such as WKYS 93.9. She was the first, youngest, and only female rapper to win a music competition in Baltimore, MD, and has since been making herself known all over the DMV. Nia Monaé is now in the process of working on other different arts. She aspires to become an amazing overall performer and to inspire others who share the same dreams and goals.
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Omar Vacel
Born in Washington D.C but raised in Bowie, MD, 29-year-old singer/songwriter, Omar Vacel, has been singing and performing since high school serenading his female classmates, and doing talent shows and musicals. Influenced by the likes of Jodeci, R.kelly, Chris Brown, and Usher, his smooth, sensual tenor and bouncy wordplay makes his music sound contemporary but goes along with the times. With his 2021 released EP, "After Midnight," he is on pace to be one of the front-runners of R&B!
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Tbarbs
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Tbarb$, aka Terrance Barber, is on a mission and his path is endless. Before anything is said, Tbarb$ wants viewers to know that “I’m writing my story. Everything I’ve witnessed, been a part of, and experienced, down to the good and bad decisions, I want to tell it all.” This Chicago native and Howard University scholar, is a hard working artist from the south side. He began dabbling in the art around 2016 in high school, writing verses and short songs that he would recite to himself for about a year and a half before rap truly caught his attention, and caused him to invest more time into the art.
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Okumura
Featured artists on various video game OSTs such as No More Heroes III & Paradise Killer, Okumura creates a sound that resonates with all types of people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Juan Carlos Mendez
Juan Carlos Mendez is a Guatemalan musician in the DMV area. I’ve been in the States for the last 5 years. I have a love for the music mayan folklore blend with jazz and Latin music! I recorded my first album one year ago!
Mike Scot
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25 years old. Born in D.C., grew up in Prince Georges County Maryland and North Carolina. Mike Scot started out making beats at about 17 and really just enjoyed making beats and had dreams of being an award-winning music producer. Between being homeschooled and living in rural North Carolina there wasn’t a lot of opportunity to find artist for my beats. So he started rapping over my own beats and eventually I made a song that got a little traction my freshman year at Delaware State University. He began to think more seriously about performing over more of his own music. When covid hit that’s when he really began the transitioning into being more of an artist and performer. "I love it all, from making the beats to writing the lyrics to performing, mixing and mastering music".
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JC
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JC was born in Chicago and raised in Atlanta. He’s been making music for about a year and has been going crazy ever since. His youtube has blown up with over 10k views on his newest music video “Hellcat”, he’s been very consistent with his music, dropping 4-5 songs every month. He also is a senior at Howard University, studying to become an attorney in the entertainment law field.
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J Matty & LEIF
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J Matty is a Pop/R&B Recording Artist. His music embodies his wide array of music influences from his childhood and contemporary styles which showcases his versatility as a singer/songwriter.
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LEIF is a singer, songwriter, and record producer based in the DMV. His voice draws influence from rock and R&B, and his music embodies multiple styles inspired from late 90’s and early 2000’s rock to early 2000’s pop and R&B.
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Infinity Sioné
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I am the next wave of pure R&B coming with my own swag but bringing the feel good music back. I have released an EP — “21 Years in the Making,” and two singles, “Slow Wind” and “Real Love” available on major music platforms. I have three music videos all from my EP that you can find on my YouTube page. Music isn’t just a thing, IT'S MY LIFE. “If you want to understand my soul, listen to the lyrics and how I flow.” - Infinity Sioné
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Body of Evidence
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Body of Evidence has performed for John P Kee; as well as shared the stage with Canton Jones, Koryn Hawthorne, Bizzle, and Uncle Reese. They have performed at the pre-Stellar awards and are award winners of the go-go awards as best Gospel go-go band of the year in 2019. Their music has premiered on 93.9 The Dj Big John show, and The midday show in DC on 104.1.
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Mariah Elízabeth
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Mariah Cameron is a performing and recording artist from New York. Her talent has been lent to musical projects and staged performances for over 15 years. Her latest and greatest performance can be heard on the 2022 jazz break out album Let Sound Tell All, by Julius Rodriguez, leading vocals on the track ‘All I Do’. Even as she begins recording and performing her own original music, she cherishes the standards and classics of musical eras that have shaped the development of American popular music.
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Flo Petite is a singer-songwriter, currently based out of Maryland. Her debut EP, titled “Soft Wrinkled Feelings,” was released in March of 2018, securing her a spot in the emerging DIY scene. Preceding her first album, she was discovering her sound by doing shows with the Maryland Institute of Music and toting her guitar around to a variety of open mics and talent competitions. These efforts landed her in the top five of Washington County Teen Idol in 2018, and helped her tweak her performance skills. Aside from being a student and song-writer, Flo is a lifelong vegan with an eclectic mix of other side passions. Pandemic life derailed her performance efforts a bit, but she is still making music and sharing her tunes when she can, while she finishes her senior year at the University of Maryland. Stay tuned! edit.
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Flo Petite
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Duke Ellington School of the Arts
Radical Elite, Jazz Combo, Voices in Motion Show Choir
Radical Elite, Jazz Combo, Voices in Motion Show Choir
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The Duke Ellington School of the Arts Radical Elite Show Band is a hybrid band marrying the traditional technique and pageantry of marching bands with the showmanship and movement of performance ensembles. This talented group is comprised of students from several arts departments within Ellington’s pre-professional arts program. RADICAL ELITE’S range of genres consists of symphonic and military band marches to funk, hip-hop, and R&B or whatever is requested of the ensemble.RADICAL ELITE was born out of the artistic vision of its Assistant Principal Mr. Issac Daniel who wanted an ensemble that showcased the diverse and multiple talents of Ellington students. RADICAL ELITE is under the direction of the Head Band Director Kieron C. Irvine, Sr. and Assistant Band Director Tyra Flotte. Many of the band’s pieces are arranged specifically for this unique group by Ms. Flotte and Mr. Irvine, two musicians and technical instructors at the Ellington.
The Duke Ellington School of the Arts Jazz Combo is one of the many music ensembles at the school.
The highly acclaimed and national award-winning Duke Ellington School of the Arts Voices In Motion Show Choir has thrilled audiences throughout the United States, Germany, Paris, London, France, Japan and extensively in the Caribbean. Organized in 1986 under the capable direction of Samuel L.E. Bonds and guided by the strength of the torch carried by former director Dr. Monique Spells, these young artists travel from neighborhoods spanning the entire Washington Metropolitan area to attend Washington’s premier arts-centered high school. Students in the choir are required to perform at a high scholastic and artistic level to maintain membership.
In its 30th Anniversary year, Voices in Motion became the proud Grand Prize, 1st place winners of the Show Choir America Competition in Orlando, FL; also claiming top prizes in Best Combo, Best Choreography and Best Vocals. The group has traveled to Europe, Asia, Caribbean Islands and throughout the United States and its territories. They have performed at Carnegie Hall, the John F. Kennedy Center, the White House for Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, as well as inaugural events for former District of Columbia Mayor Adrian Fenty and President Barack Obama. Sharing stages across the globe with industry notables Earth Wind and Fire, Clay Aiken, Patti LaBelle, Jasmine Guy, Patti Austin, Boyz II Men, Sting, Paul Simon, Babyface and Denyce Graves, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts Show Choir, much like the great Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington, are true ambassadors for the nation and the Ellington School. Under the current direction of Ellington administrator and 2004 alumnus, Mr. Greg Watkins, the choir maintains the standard of exemplary creativity and artistry, combining a tour de force of singing, acting, and dancing comparable to any Broadway stage experience. |
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