CAST

Ebony Jo-Ann’s most recent film release was the Adam Sandler summer blockbuster - Grown Ups, in the role of Mrs. Ronzoni. She also appears in the recently released When In Rome.

Ms. Jo-Ann has performed the title role of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at the Syracuse Stage after appearing in the August Wilson’s 20^th Century at the Kennedy Center in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. She reprised her role in The Sunshine Boys with Jack Klugman at the George Street Playhouse and appeared as Cookie in the Negro Ensemble Company’s production of Samm-Art William’s The Waiting Room. Also, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune in the Equity tour of If This Hat Could Talk and Sanctified at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Ebony was in the Broadway production of August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean, after touring in Tambourines To Glory (Helene Hayes Award nominee). Ebony also appeared in the Broadway productions of Drowning Crow, The Sunshine Boys , Sheila’s Day, (co-author), the original and the 2003 revival of August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and Mule Bone, as well as the Off-Broadway productions of Crowns, Inacent Black and Do Lord Remember Me. Other regional credits include Crowns, Drowning Crow, Waiting To Be Invited, The Trial of One Short-Sighted Black Woman, Spunk, From the Mississippi Delta, Lost In The Stars, Bubblin’ Brown Sugar, Fame, The Wiz, (JEFF awards nominee), Satchmo, Apollo: It Was Just Like Magic, and Sheila’s Day.

More released films are Noise with Tim Robbins Kate & Leopold ,Marci X, The Orphan King, Pootie Tang , Eddie , The Other Brother, Fly By Night, Chain of Desires and Frederick Douglass: An American Life.

Also the NBC pilot, NY-70 and the WB pilot entitled The Prince. Also, The Jury , as well as, Law & Order SVU, Law & Order, 100 Centre Street, the PBS American Authors Series and the current Best Buy spot, the Bing.Com campaign, as well as the popular Campbell’s Chunky Soup campaign .

Ebony is the proud recipient of six Vivian Robinson AUDELCO awards. 

Alyson Williams
Alyson Williams is an immensely talented recording artist who can sing classic soul ballads, jazz standards as well as legitimate Broadway show tunes with the greatest of ease.

Born and raised in Harlem, daughter of noted Jazz trumpeter and bandleader Bobby Booker, Alyson first demonstrated her stage talents at the age of four. She studied dance under the tutelage of, Arthur Mitchell, of The Dance Theater of Harlem. She also studied with Alvin Ailey and numerous other dance companies, which in time would lead to a dance scholarship to Marymount College. She also attended City University of New York, where she was a member of the Aaron Davis Center for the Performing Arts program, and studied under John Lewis, of the Modern Jazz Quartet. While studying, Alyson’s path of success was paved with an internship with the world famous Commodores. As well as, singing background in the studio with such well-known artists as Melba Moore, Evelyn Champagne King and Kurtis Blow just to name a few. Alyson was an in-demand studio session singer and also a featured member of the 80’s vocal group “High Fashion” on Capital Records.

Alyson was introduced to Russell Simmons by Kurtis Blow and was signed on Russell’s, groundbreaking Def Jam label, as his first female R&B artist. While signed to Def Jam Columbia/Sony Records, she recorded two albums on the OBR (Original Black Records) label. Her first album titled “Raw” spent an impressive 67 weeks on the Billboard charts, matched only by Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” in weeks charted and going gold in the UK. The album produced four top five singles, one of which is the sultry and ever popular hit, “Just Call My Name”. Her second album, self- titled, featured songs produced by Al B. Sure and Babyface and also boasted several chart topping singles.

Although still signed to Def Jam, Alyson continued to explore her many other talents. She starred in more than a dozen musical stage plays that toured across the country. Alyson has also appeared on Broadway in “Rollin on the TOBA”, “One Mo Time” and the “25th Anniversary Revival of the Wiz” directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner, George Faison. A consummate performer, her comedic talents landed her a gig at the country’s most renowned comedy club, Caroline’s as well as the starring role of “Power Woman” in ”Menopause the Musical”.

Never one to let grass grow under her feet, Alyson left Def Jam and began to collaborate with award winning producer, Marcus Johnson. Together they produced Alyson’s third solo album titled, “It’s About Time”. Alyson has appeared on Soul Train, The Jay Leno Show, BET on Jazz and most recently the Mo’nique Show. Alyson and her band are a favorite of the Royal King of Morocco and have had the honor of performing at five New Year’s Eve Galas and six Royal birthday celebrations for His Majesty Hassan II. The culmination was an invitation to perform at the private inaugural fete of His Majesty Mohamad VI.

Always reinventing herself, she is currently performing in her two red hot shows, “Nuttin but the Blues” and “The Alyson William’s Experience”. She is also preparing to release several CD projects showcasing her writing and arranging skills as well as her diverse vocal styling’s. As if Alyson isn’t busy enough, she mentors children and young adults in her spare time. She does vocal coaching and artist development for up and coming artists and is currently working on a reality show, showcasing the struggles to stay afloat, in the ever-changing music industry. Through her production company, A.W.P, A Woman’s Prerogative, Alyson is writing musical stage plays, books, television treatments and a radio show.

Respected and admired by industry royalty and her peers, Alyson is often invited to share the stage with Nancy Wilson, Chaka Khan, Ashford and Simpson, Dr. Maya Angelou, Christian McBride, Ledisi, Lalah Hathaway and Freddie Jackson.

a versatile dramatic soprano, has an ever-expanding repertoire that reaches from Wagner to Puccini. She has appeared in leading opera houses in Northern America including the Metropolitan Opera, where she has performed the title roles in VerdiÕs Aida, GershwinÕs Porgy and Bess, and Mussetta in PucciniÕs La Boheme. Among Miss BaskervilleÕs latest engagements were concerts with the Napa Valley Symphony, Carnegie HallÕs HarlemRenaissance Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Jon Faddis, the North CarolinaSymphony, the San Francisco Symphony and the Skitch Henderson Orchestra, as well as a series of recitals.

Miss Baskerville has performed the role of Bess in George GershwinÕs Porgy and Bess with numerous companies but most recently with Opera Colorado and an extensive European tour produced by Bill Barkheimer. In concert version, Miss Baskerville has performed with theKnoxville, Phoenix, San Antonio and Houston Symphonies as well as the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra under Maestro John Mauceri.

With the Nevada Opera, Miss Baskerville portrayed the role of Leonora in Il Trovatore and was Aida in Austin Lyric OperaÕs production as well as the Arizona Opera. She also had the honor of participating in the Anthony Davis opera, Amistad commissioned by theChicago Lyric Opera, where she performed the role of Goddess of the Water.

Ms. Baskerville can also be seen singing the hauntingly beautiful Creole Love Call of Duke Ellington in the film The Cotton Club. She can be heard on the original cast recordings of Broadway's Sophisticated Ladies, Davis' The Life and Times of Malcolm X and The Cotton Club movie soundtrack.

Lately, Ms. Baskerville has combined her still thriving career with teaching. In the New York public school system, she has been successful in creating choruses that have been worthy of significant recognition. She has directed the Youth Choir for the National Association of Negro Musicians as well as her church choir. She worked at the Choir Academy of Harlem as Director ofthe Girls Choir of Harlem. Miss Baskerville is currently on the Vocal Faculty at the LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and the Performing Arts.

Dwayne Grayman
Dwayne is very happy to be a part of this wonderful event this year. He has been seen in such productions as " Ain't Misbehavin", "Once on this Island", " It's a Wonderful Life" , " Five Guys Named Moe " to name a few , he has also been seen in many commercials and can be seen in some episodes of " Law and Order" and " Law and Order SVU". Dwayne would like to wish everyone a a safe and happy holiday season and a wonderful new year.

Lou Myers
is currently working with Debbie Allen and Robin Givens on a new sitcom entitled "MY PARENTS, MY SISTER AND ME." He can also be seen preforming his one man cabaret show "Just a little bit of Somethin'" at Windows Over Harlem in New York city. He recently completed his fifth appearance on Broadway in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” African American Style. “Oprah Winfrey’s The Color Purple” marked Lou Myers fourth Broadway appearance. He was the only performer in the play the audience recognized and applauded every time he appeared on stage and that was better than having his name in print. They all knew him from his work through the years. Lou is best known as the irascible restaurant owner “Mr. Gaines” on the, hit Television series “A Different World”.

“King Hedley II” represented Lou Myers’ second appearance in this critically celebrated August Wilson play. He won the NAACP “Best Actor” Award and off-Broadway Audelco “Best Actor” Award for his role of Stool Pigeon in “King Hedley II.” He was recently awarded the coveted “Living Legend Award” from the National Black Theatre Festival. Mr. Myers first appeared on Broadway with the Negro Ensemble Company’s production of “The First Breeze of Summer,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and the Lovable, suit selling, gambling, piano playing, uncle in August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize Play, “The Piano Lesson.” He previously won the off-Broadway Audelco “Best Actor” Award for the tap dancing bodyguard in “Fat Tuesday.” Mr. Myers also preformed at local New York concert halls, cabarets, night clubs, colleges and universities, Off-Broadway, American Place production of “Do Lord Remember me and a long list of Regional Theatres. He wrote, produced and co-directed off Broadway his critically acclaimed one man show “Just a Little Bit Something” and his historical play “Foot Steps from Before.”

He was founder and director of the “Tshaka Ensemble Players,” who for eight years, during Black History month, continually performed the historical and educational play “Foot Steps From Before” which was written and produced by Mr. Myers. They also toured in the acclaimed play, “Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar,” set in AFRICA … He served as the griot and dancer for several dance companies such as the Dinizula Dancers, Drummers and Singers. He was a regular feature at the New York Museum of Natural History for (8) years. He reads, writes and speaks French, German, Spanish and some African Dialects… Mr. Myers received his Masters and is currently a candidate for the PhD. in Comparative Literature.

Mr. Myers TV credits include: NYPD Blue, EVE, E.R., The Cosby Show, Touched By An Angel, Jag, and The Jamie Fox Show to name a few… His movie credits include: The Fighting Temptations, Lakawanna Blues (HBO) Wedding Planner, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Bullworth, Friday After Next, Passions of Darkly Noon (Showtime), Cobb. Tin Cup, Volcano, Everything’s Jake, The Stand In, All About You and Goodbye Lover.

Mr. Myers has come a long way from the mountains of West Virginia. He began singing Jazz and Blues with the touring company of “Negro Music in Vogue.” His Cabaret show has been acclaimed in Berlin, Paris, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and New York, as well as Los Angeles at the Roosevelt Hotel.. Mr. Myers is Chairman and Chief Enlightenment Officer for Global Business Incubation (501c3) and Chairman of the Lou Myers Scenario Motion Picture Institute/Theatre. Mr. Myers is a futurist, historian, mentor, lecturer, trainer and has toured Colleges, Universities, and many other venues performing, storytelling our ancestral history and speaking on panels with professors and business experts around the world about new trends in business and urban community economic development.  

Damon Horton
Damon Horton is an accomplished singer and actor that has traveled the world performing in Gospel musicals and shows. His stage credits include “Abyssinia”, “Hair”, “Born to Sing”, “Mama I Want to Sing”, and “Bring in the Morning”. He has toured Europe and Asia with “The Harlem Gospel Singers”, “Let the Music Play Gospel”, and “The Black Gospel Pearls”. He has also co-directed two musicals; “Another Chance” and “He Got Up” for What Time Is It Productions.

As a recording artist Damon’s accomplishments include two dance singles “Sing a Song” and “Can You See the Light”. He has also recorded background vocals for such artists as Martha Wash, Donnie McClurkin, and Hezikiah Walker.

Currently he is expanded his artistic horizons to include song writing. Damon is a dedicated worship leader at Perfecting Faith Church.

Teresa Thomason
Her career has spanned over two decades of performances and recordings with eight time Grammy Award winner Paul Winter and remains a regular featured soloist with Winter and his Consort.

Theresa spent fifteen years headlining a theatrical concert she wrote and produced throughout 170 european cities. Thomason has appeared on Broadway in the Musical "Hot Feet", featuring the music of Earth, Wind and Fire, choreographed and directed by Maurice Hines.

Performances include Ray Charles, The Dalai Lama, The United Nations, Actor and leader- Ruby Dee, Peete Seger, renowned conductor's and composer's John Rutter, Paul Sullivan, Paul Halley, The "Zenith" Strausbourg, France, The Protestant Union, France, The jazz group FRENS, Maori Indians- Christchurch, NZ, Clarence Burke -The Five Stair Steps

Thomason recorded and performed with the American progressive metal band, Dream Theatre, in Holland, London and New York City's Roseland Ballroom.

She has completed four musical releases and continues to expand her range, style and creativity performing throughout Europe, the U.S., Canada and New Zealan.

Michèle Sorel

emerges as a noteworthy artist of unique ability. An accomplished singer, Michèle has held positions of note with New York University Tisch School of the Arts, the Manhattan School of Music Preparatory Division, the Brooklyn-Queens Conservatory of Music, Global Protocol, Inc., Endemol Productions, Clear Channel/SFX Entertainment/Columbia Artists Theatricals, Inc. and The Riverside Church of New York City.

She maintains an active performance calendar of musical theatre, classical, folk and popular music on the great stages of; Avery Fisher Hall-NYC, Carnegie Hall-NYC, The Music Center-LA, Rushmore Plaza Center-SD, Strauss Performing Arts-NE, Center in the Square-ONT, Teatro Municipal-Rio, Brasil, Auditorio Manuel de Falla- Granada, Spain, Societo Filharmonica-Trento, Italy, and Palais Lichtenstein-Vienna, Austria to name a few. She continues to be applauded by diverse audiences in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America. She now extends her involvement in music education to include Presenting Oneself in a Professional Manner, a series of workshop modules for young adults.

Michèle may also be heard on sound tracks for numerous feature films and commercials, namely, the National Basketball Association and the United States Army. In collaboration with Marc Mathelier, highly acclaimed guitar virtuoso, 2011 marks the release of the compact disk recording Souvenir. www.digstation.com

Tyrone Aiken
Singer /Actor performed on Broadway throughout Europe, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Japan.

Show credits include; Little Shop of Horrors, the voice of Audrey II, Houston Grand Opera, Porgy & Bess, the role of lawyer Fraiser and the under taker, Big River, understudy Jo, Dream Girls with Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, and also Showboat.

Concert Tours: Guest soloist for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Boy's Choir of Harlem and the Golden Gospel Singers.

In his spare time he loves doing artist in residence programs for children throughout schools and various cities. Tyrone has done national voice overs for Jello Pudding Pops, Red Lobster and Ethan Allen Furniture, etc.

                                  Clarissa Sinceno
                                Producer, Director

Clarissa Sinceno, a Harlem native was inspired by Jessye Norman, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Mahalia Jackson. These legends influenced her unique style of performance. She began formal voice training and the study of classical music at the Harlem School of the Arts under the tutelage of Athena Lampropoulous, Frederick Gamble and Betty Allen. To further her education, she studied Classical Music at the North Carolina School of the Arts & Manhattan School of Music.

At age 17, Clarissa performed at the Metropolitan Opera. Singing at jazz clubs such as the Blue Note, Birdland and the Sugar Bar have expanded Clarissa’s repertoire. In 1995, Clarissa toured Japan with the Yusuke Hirado Trio, receiving great reviews from the Japanese press. In 2000, she toured North and South Korea with the Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble under the direction of Bettye F. Forbes. Clarissa is a soloist at Marble Collegiate Church, The Riverside Church in the city of New York, Ridgeway Alliance and many others around the world.

Clarissa debuted in the "Nativity A Life Story" as Mary with a stellar cast in 2003. her stage credits include performing excerpts from "Porgy and Bess" and "Children's Requiem" at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher and Alice Tully Hall. Clarissa has recorded the voice of Eve in "Paradise Lost" in addition to “Stop By, Lord” from the African American Church music series conducted by James Abbington and Garagista Music's, "Not Just Another Holiday CD". She has also recorded jingles for Master Charge and McDonalds. Recently, performed For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, directed by award winning, Mel Williams.

Clarissa released her first album “A Spirit Sings” in acapella. It was followed by “Live Recording at Ridgeway” and “Simply Me”. She is currently on tour performing with the Bill T. Jones / Arnie Zane Dance Company in the production “Fondly Do We Hope . . . Fervently Do We Pray. . .”. Clarissa is having the time of her life singing every genre of music under the sun. She is presently producing Nativity A Life Story this December 2011. www.clarissasinceno.com

Saint Christopher Wilkerson
Co-Producer, Assistant Director

A multi-talented native New Yorker has been working in the entertainment and Gospel industry extensively for numerous years.

At the age of 10, he began his Gospel career as the founder and director of a 35 voice youth choir “The Voices of Christ” at the Brown’s U.A.M.E. Church, Bronx, NY. Like the pied-piper he went throughout the neighborhood and gathered children to join this singing group, later to become the Minister of Music for the “Brown’s Gospel Chorus” for many years. In 1973, he became a member of the Bronx Borough Wide Chorus under the direction of Dennis Bell.

Saint Christopher studied modern, jazz and African dance, and was a sought-after choreographer throughout the Bronx region. He pursued theatre and began writing theatrical productions and gained an interest to perform on live stages. He attended the Bronx Community College to study performing arts and became a student choreographer under the direction of Professor Charlotte Honda-Smith. He also joined the theatre workshop, under the direction of Dr. Lawrence Powell. He performed and was the assistant director in the productions of “No Exit” and “Once Upon a Mattress” and portrayed his infamous role as Floyd in "Dark of the Moon." He was initiated into Delta Phi OmegaFraternity.

To perfect his God-given gift as a singer, Saint Christopher has coached with Mark Truitte, Neil Siemer, Wayne Saunders and world renowned tenor, Gregory Hopkins.

Touring throughout the States, he received much acclaim for the portrayal of Rev. Jerome Daddy in the national tour of the off-Broadway Gospel production of “Sweet Daddy & Amazing Grace.” Other stage appearances and productions include: “Nativity A Life Story” as the song of Joseph where he shared the stage with R&B, Theatre and Gospel artistsStephanie Mills, Freddie Jackson, Alyson Williams, BeBe Winans, and BJ Crosby, “Porgy and Bess”, “Aida”, “Tremonisha”, “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope”, Carnegie Hall, Avery Fischer Hall, Town Hall, Hammerstein Ball Room and the Beacon Theatre. Saint Christopher has worked with Tony Award winner Ben Vereen and award winning actor from the T.V. sitcom “Good Times”, Ralph Carter, in “Follow the Star” which was written and scored by Bishop Nathaniel Townsley, Jr. He was a featured soloist for the NAACP Choir for its 100 Year Celebration. He recorded for the voice of Adam in “Paradise Lost” written and scored by Chip Meyrelles and Donna Axton. His voice can be heard on several radio stations as a voice over artist for United Stations. He also recorded with The Eternal Light Community Singers on their debut album as a featured soloist.

For over 25 years he has been an active soloist with the renowned celebrity group The Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble under the leadership of Mrs. Bettye F. Forbes and the Praise Team Music Coordinator at The Riverside Church of New York’s “Space for Grace.” He served as Minister of Music for the youth division "Word Up!" under the leadership of Rev. Melvin J.P. Miller.

He has worked for many years as publicist to famed artists namely, five-time Grammy Award winner “Dionne Warwick”, Sony/550 Records recording artist “Ginuwine” and Def Jam recording rap artist “DMX.” He was the vocal mentor to the Universal Records recording artist “Lumidee” and production assistant with The Ministry of Sounds Records in release of her sophomore CD.

Currently he is the Minister of Music at the Trinity Episcopal Church of Morrisania and Unity Baptist Tabernacle. In 2005, he formed his group, Rehoboth, which has been a beacon of inspiration in his life.

Saint Christopher has toured with and promoted Gospel groups throughout the European and Asian markets for many years. He enjoys spreading the good news of Jesus the Christ across the foreign lands.

Saint Christopher subscribes to this simple yet compelling life philosophy: “If I can help, cheer up somebody through a word or song ... then my living shall not be in vain.”

To God I give glory for the things He continues to do in my life!

Joseph Joubert, Musical Director

Joseph Joubert, was born in New York, New York, where at the age of eight he began playing the piano. After advanced study and graduation from the Manhattan School of Music, with the Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees, he began to enjoy wider recognition as a solo pianist. As his reputation for solo and ensemble work grew, he performed with many notable symphony orchestras and as both a solo performer and ensemble player has appeared in New York City's major concert halls including Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, and Alice Tully Hall.

As an accompanist critics have hailed Joubert's "sensitive and supportive" performances as well as the "uncommon tonal beauty" of his playing. He has also enjoyed success in musical direction and as a record producer and arranger/orchestrator.

Joubert’s spiritual arrangements are published by GIA Publications, Mar-Vel Music, Hinshaw Music, Hal Leonard and Silver Burdett Ginn. Best known for his amazing versatility, Joubert is very comfortable arranging and performing in any style of music from classical to pop, from Broadway to gospel, from spiritual to R&B and many of these elements can be found in his arrangements.

Most recently Joubert was an orchestrator for the film Nights In Rodanthe starring Diane Lane and Richard Gere. He is currently keyboardist and assistant conductor of Billy Elliot and Associate Musical Director and Accompanist for The Century Men.

Russian born, is an accomplished music director, pianist, singer, arranger and composer. She's known for her ability to play multiple styles of music proficiently. Her education includes The Juilliard School of Music, School of Sound and Audio Engineering, LaGuardia School of Performing Arts, Lucy Moses School of Music, Moscow Music Conservatory of Tchaickovsky Pre-School.

Her credits include: Jersey Boys (Broadway); Billy Elliot (Broadway); Music Director / Conductor / Pianist: “3 Mo' Divas” including the PBS special, DVD and CD; “The Wiz” at LaJolla Playhouse (directed by Des McNuff, starring David Alan Grier). Associate Music Director: "Leap of Faith" (music by Alan Menken starring Raul Esparza, Brooke Shields); North-American Tour of “Jesus Christ Superstar” (starring Ted Neely, Corey Glover). Composer / Arranger: "Breath & Imagination, The Story of Roland Hayes" (musical by Daniel Beaty); “Honey Bee Tales” (book and lyrics by Adelma Guilespie). Pianist for: Deborah Cox (Alice Tully Hall); International Blues Festival Tour of 2001 for "Efes Pilsen" with "Michael Hill and the Blues Mob" (Turkey, Russia); “Boys and Girls Alumni Choir of Harlem” (China Arts and Music Festival). Top finalist in The Markievicz Gold Medal Composition Competition in Ireland for her original musical score.

Annastasia is known as the voice of AñaVañA a Pop/Rock band signed to Australian Zip Records. Her music has been featured on the MTV reality show "Made". Annastasia was nominated amongst the top songwriters in The Billboard Songwriting Competition of 2003 and 2004 for her music works. She is currently working on a solo album soon to be released.

M. Roger Holland II, pianist

is a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music where he received a Master's Degree in Piano Performance. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey where he majored in Music Education with a concentration in piano and voice. While at Westminster he founded and conducted a student group called The Collegiate Ensemble. This group performed both on and off campus with a repertoire that included gospel music and spirituals. Roger was also a member of the Westminster Singers, a performing ensemble of about 30 auditioned voices, and he also accompanied the Westminster Choir to Spoleto, Italy in 1987. He won the Lorena Hood Fenn Piano Competition at Westminster in 1986, was included in Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities for 1986 and the National Dean's List in 1987. He has toured nationally and internationally with The Boys Choir of Harlem and has worked with them as a conductor, pianist, instructor and arranger. He arranged several traditional carols for the choirs' holiday CD, "Christmas with The Boys Choir of Harlem" and wrote and arranged for their latest recordings, "The Boys Choir of Harlem Sings America" and "We Shall Overcome". In 1998 Roger produced the single "God Bless Us Everyone" from A Christmas Carol at the Paramount Theater in N.Y.C. featuring Roger Daltrey and The Boys Choir of Harlem. He is the former Director of Artistic Education for their school.

The year 1999 found Roger producing Our Lady of Charity Mass Choir's first recording, entitled "Never Give Up", for which he wrote the title track as well as five other original songs. He also conducted the Charity Mass Choir with orchestra at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center in a performance of Handel's oratorio Messiah. Roger served as Minister of Music at Our Lady of Charity Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn, New York for 12 years and is Liturgical Music Consultant for the New York Archdiocese Office of Black Ministry and Music Director for their special masses at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Roger served as the Minister of Worship and Christian Arts at Calvary Baptist Church in Jamaica, New York for nine years and currently serves as Minister of Music at St. James Presbyterian Church in Harlem, NY. In 2001, he wrote and produced for artist Danny Coakley on his CD "A Dream Fulfilled". He has accompanied several local groups, including the Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble and has played for the Broadway production of Oprah Winfrey’s The Color Purple and currently on the Tony award winning show, Memphis. His group, Tribe of Levi, a small vocal chamber group, has performed at Lincoln Center, Aaron Davis Hall, the New York Historical Society and shared the stage with BeBe Winans and Kirk Whalum. As a clinician, he has presented workshops at numerous jazz festivals, McDonald's Gospelfest, local churches and at the Hampton University Ministers' Conference. He is the Founder and former Artistic Director for the Queens Symphony Orchestra Youth Gospel Choir, and panel member for the New York State Council on the Arts. H-Factor Music, the publishing company Roger started in year 2000, distributes his many choral arrangements, primarily sacred works. His work is also published by OCP and GIA. His first commissioned work, a multi movement composition written for woodwind quintet, mixed voices in five parts, rhythm section and percussion, entitled "The Dream and The Dreamer" was premiered on Martin Luther King's birthday in 2004 by the Rejoicensemble! In 2005 he was commissioned by The Negro Spiritual Scholarship Foundation to be composer-in-residence and arrange the spiritual “Down By The River” for their 9^th Annual competition and gala. In 2008 The Tribulation Suite, a 4 movement work based on Negro Spirituals and scored for Soloists, Mixed Choir, Piano, Strings, English Horn, French Horn and Percussion, was commissioned and premiered at Penn State by Essence of Joy, Anthony Leach, director. His most recent commission was at the behest of Dr. Carl MaultsBy and the Rejoicensemble!, for whom he wrote “The Call” on the occasion of their 25^th anniversary season. The work was premiered June 2010.

Other recent works include The Sound of My People (published by GIA) and Welcome Table: A Mass of Spirituals with Kim R. Harris, liturgical mass settings written for the Revised Order of Mass in the Roman Missal, Third Edition.

As a vocalist, Roger has sung the tenor solos in Messiah with the Hampton University Concert Choir in Hampton, Virginia and with The Boys Choir of Harlem at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Roger was a featured vocalist with jazz pianist, the late James Williams with his group the Intensive Care Unit and recorded two CDs on Evidence Records entitled "Truth, Justice and the Blues" and "We've Got What You Need!". A featured vocalist on The Boys Choir of Harlem's recording "Up In Harlem" on Unencumbered Records, he is also a former member of the Boys Choir of Harlem alumni group "Images". Roger has recorded a solo demo of original R & B music and is currently working on a recording of sacred classical and inspirational music. He is also enrolled in the Master of Divinity program at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

Eli Fountain, percussion

besides having played for many years as percussionist with THE SKYMUSIC ENSEMBLE, Eli Fountain has been a fixture on the jazz and new-music scene in New York and America. He has been feature drummer with saxophonist James Carter, has toured as a duo with tap sensation Savion Glover, and has been a feature member of Max Roach’s own select group M’BOOM. In addition Eli has been founder and composer/director of his own PERCUSSION DISCUSSION ensemble.

Buddy Williams, Drums

Buddy Williams has become one of the best drummers in the music world. Known world-wide for his dynamic energy, electrifying technique and unerring ability to compliment and accompany the most discriminating of instruments and talents.

Buddy is not classified as just a drummer, his abilities extend beyond that into the abilities of vocals, composer, arranger and producer.

Having been in the business for over twenty years, Buddy started playing professionally at the age of eight years old. Subsequently, Buddy attended the prestigious High School of Music and Art (along with other such notables as Noel Pointer, Tom Browne, Dave Valentine, Marcus Miller and Bernard Wright) and the Manhattan School of Music in New York.

A prolific performer, Buddy's abilities span across varied musical styles. His playing with the group 'Natural Essence', while attending the Music & Arts High School, lead to later opportunities with notable and diverse musicians.

His exhilarating presence and melodic insight creates an unyielding guide which is why Buddy currently tours with Herbie Mann's 40th Year Reunion Band, Tania Maria, George Benson, Roberta Flack and Patti Austin.

Buddy William's credentials list as 'Who's Who' of the music industry. His virtuosity and unique style has been utilized in touring with the best… Tom Browne, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Regina Bell, The Manhattan Transfer, Al Jerreau, Bob James, Peobo Bryson, The Grp All Stars, Will Downing, Saidah Garrett, Melissa Morgan, Jeffrey Osborn, Ernie Watts, Houston Persons, Hugh Masakela, Richard Tee, Alex Bugnon, Chaka Khan, Nancy Wilson, George Duke, Dave Valentine, David Sanborn, Bette Midler, Stanley Turrentine, Noel Pointer, Angela Bofill, Asford & Simpson, Herb Alpert, Linda Ronstadt, Teruo Nakamura, Sadao Watanabe, Michael Franks, Nat Adderley Sr. & Jr., Michael Jackson, Rachael Farrell, The Sisters of Glory (Thelma Houston, Cece Peniston, Phoebe Snow, Lois Walden and Alberta Walker), Mariah Carey, Anita Baker, Leslie Uggams, Lena Horne and the list continues… With credentials such as this, one has to be more than good… one has to be exceptional!

One of the highlights of Buddy's career was to be asked to play at the extraordinary 'One Night Stand' concert at Carnegie Hall. This one-time only event featured some of the best jazz musicians in the world: Eubie Blake, Herbie Hancock, Ramsey Lewis, George Duke, Sir Roland Hanna, Kenny Barron, Rodney Franklin and of course… Buddy Williams.

Buddy has performed on two New York Grammy Awards shows, produced records such as the lp featuring NY Air personality Roscoe and Herbie Mann's lp 'Astral Land' (co-porduced). His composition, arranging and production skills are present in the soundtrack for 'Bustin Loose' (worked with Roberta Flack) and on Luther Vandross' lp 'Never Too Much'.

Appearing with his own band, Buddy's appearance has been broadcast on the Fox 5 'Good Day New York' show (1990) and 'Good Morning America' (1992). He has been interviewed for: 'Downbeat', 'Modern Drummer', 'Ebony', 'EM' (Ebony Man), 'Swing Journal Magazine' (Japanese based publication), and 'Talking Drum' along with various other publications.

Buddy Williams has a reputation of being considered 'One of the most respected musicians in the business' by his peers, which is no small accomplishment. He is also considered to be admirable and one of the most professional and trustworthy musicians in the business. He is Governor in NARAS and a member of SAG and AFTRA. Buddy was an integral part of the Saturday Night Live Band for over twelve years. The consummate professional, Buddy exemplifies his musicianship in his live and studio recording. His work is heard on numerous recordings (audio & visual), radio and television commercials: Double Mint Gum, Kodak Film, Western Union, Lysol, M&M Candies, Navy Perfume, Hawaiian Punch, Jamaica Tourism, etc…

Buddy Williams… a moving force in today's music both nationally and internationally acclaimed. He has conducted many drum seminars, workshops, and lessons on behalf of Yamaha and various charitable organizations worldwide. Having a loyal and strong fellowship in Japan, he is known as 'Buddy San'.

Buddy's Musical integrity , heart and soul are ever present in the music we hear everyday. Perhaps his face is not known, but our ears recognize him in a 'heartbeat'.

A true 'musician's musician', Buddy Williams can only be described as… distinct.

Electric and double bass man, George Farmer, is a player with an all new blend. He began his musical training at a young age, receiving his earliest musical lessons from his father, trumpeter Art Farmer. In a house filled with American Soul as well as classical music, Farmer benefited from a unique blend of musical influences and began playing the electric and upright basses at the same time. With a curriculum that included conservatory training at the Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, private study, and a demanding live performance schedule, Farmer absorbed everything from Schubert's Serenades to Bootsy's Rubberband bass grooves.

Farmer moved permanently to the United States in 1997 and soon began getting calls for high profile dates. His first gigs in New York City included the "Young Lions of Jazz" ensemble with Delfeayo Marsalis and Mark Whitfield, as well as serving as the musical director for California based producer, Don Freeman (The Pointer Sisters, Bill Whithers). In the year 2000, Farmer became the bass player for the legendary, Benny Golson. Farmer toured in Europe and the U.S. with Golson, and recorded on the 2000 Legend Recordings release, "The Athens Sessions".

Meanwhile, Farmer has become a sought after sideman and studio musician stateside as well as in Europe. In the year 2001, Farmer spent 3 months touring with Wolfgang Ambros, one of Europe's most beloved rock stars, and Farmer also recorded on Ambros' certified-gold album, "Hopelessly Self-conscious," that same year. He returned to Europe the following summer, where he played with world renowned vocalist, Natalie Cole.

In 2003 Farmer signed on as the bass player for 2004 Grammy-nominated Artist, Amel Larrieux. Featured on both electric and upright basses, Farmer's playing on Larrieux's sophomore album "Bravebird" (Warner Brothers) is a focal point. Since the album's release in 2003, he has toured Japan and the United States with Larrieux, while still maintaining a busy performance and recording schedule that includes performances with emerging artist, Darius DeHaas, as a part of the "American Songbook: Stevie Wonder" Series at Lincoln Center .

Keep your eye on this formidable bass talent, who, in the words of jazz elder, Benny Golson, "...has amazed me. I'm expecting even more from him as the future unfolds."

Antonio Brown,Choreographer

La Michael Leonard, Choreographer

 graduated from the New World School of the Arts in Miami, Florida. He joined the Martha Graham Dance Company and danced lead roles touring nationally and internationally. He most recently danced with the Buglisi Dance Theatre. Mr. Leonard joined the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company in 2007.

I-Ling Liu, Assistant Choreographer

a native of Taiwan, received her BFA from Taipei National University of the Arts in 2005. She has performed with Ku and Dancers, Taipei Crossover Dance Company, Image in Motion Theater Company, Neo-Classic Dance Company, and in works by Trisha Brown, Lin Hwai-Min, and Yang Ming-Lung. Ms. Liu joined Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company as an apprentice in 2007 and became a member of the company in 2008.

Mel Williams, Acting Coach

Celebrity Acting Coach/Film & Boardway Director Mel Williams has coached some of the top talent in the business: Queen Latifah, Common, Michael K. Williams, Mary J. Blige, Rick Ross, Jennifer Hudson, Dwight Howard, and Jill Scott and Actor Will Smith.

Natasha Diamond-Walker, Dancer

Ms. Natasha Diamond-Walker hails, proudly, from the San Fernando Valley in Southern California. As a little girl she would, on a daily basis, get in trouble for dancing in all of her classes at school. She was a disruption, non stop; a passionate artist at heart. Thereafter, thanks to her mother, Natasha, was enrolled in frequent dance classes. With much joy at the age of 17, she commenced from the Los Angeles County High School, under the artistic direction of Don Martin (Lester Horton Dance Theater) and Ka-Ron Brown- Lehman, earning a scholarship into the superstar Alvin Ailey School/Fordham University Dance Program in New York City. In May 2007 she graduated from Ailey/Fordham University, receiving her BFA degree in Concert Dance with a concentration in Photography. She is immensely grateful to have had the opportunity of dancing the works of Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey, William Forsythe, Nacho Duato. She has blazed her professional career having been featured with the Francesca Harper Project (Ballet Frankfurt), 360 Dance Company, Buglisi Dance Theater, Yaa Samar Dance Theater, and, most recently the Martha Graham Dance Company. A lover of travel she has had the opportunity to dance, teach, and, choreograph throughout the world. She thanks her mom for her fierce determination, her father Radcliffe for his cooking and humor, and her brother for his tender sarcasm and starry eyes. Love makes the world go round, so love more.

Keon Thoulouis, Dancer

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York Mr Thoulouis first began his dance training at age 15. He was part of a small neighborhood dance ensemble entitled Honey Plus One. Keon was the plus one. It was under the direction of Ms Velda Honeywell, may she rest in peace.He then furthered his dance training at Fiorello La Guardia, The High School of Music and Art and the Performing Arts, where his technical training began in Ballet and Graham based modern. His teachers we're Brunilda Ruiz, Deborah Zall, Eisa King, Joey Smith, Michelle Methisius, and Penny Frank. At the same time he attended Alvin Ailey American Dance Center on Scholarship and is a second level Arts Recognition recipient. Upon leaving High School he also attended The Juilliard School. Keon has also the thankful opportunity of working with Prestigious and well know teachers and choreographers as Aubrey Lynch, Brian Thomas, Bridget Moore, Carl Paris, Denise Jefferson, Earl Mosley, Elena Commendador, Jermaine Brown, Kevin Wynn, Linda Kent, Mathew Rushing, Steve Rooks, and Ms Sylvia Water.He also had an exciting opportunity of performing with Recording Artist Tamia and was in The televised Michael Jackson 30th anniversary special and danced with the King of Pop himself along with Mya, Usher, Jill Scott, Whitney Houston, Deborah Cox and Al Jarreau. Keon then joined Ronald K. Brown/Evidence where he danced for several years dancing alongside Camille A. Brown of Camille A. Brown & Dancers whom he currently works with now. He is excited and thankful to be working with another Brown, Antonio Brown in this production of Nativity. Would like to add thanks his mom Janet Cynthia Thoulouis and his entire family for being such a strong support in this life of dance. I Love You.

Jordan Ariel Taylor, Dancer

a talented model, writer, dancer, singer and actress has studied acting with Lane Napper, dance with The Harlem School of the Arts and Alvin Ailey.  Jordan has performed with Nativity: A life Story, directed by James Stovall, Children’s Requiem at the Woodstock Theater, Coming Home to Christmas, Blest Be the Tie and is presently the child's voice for Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Dance Company’s, touring Fondly Do We Hope . . . Fervently Do We Pray. . . . which is now a American Master's documentary, "A Good Man".

Jordan has lobbied at Capitol Hill for the Arts Bill and believes that all children should have a creative outlet.  She is currently a student at Mount Pleasant Christian Academy International Middle School.  She would like to double major in journalism and dance and aspires to attend The Julliard School.

Cierra Cotton, Dancer

Cierra Cotton, a native of Baltimore, MD, received her earliest dance training at the Susan Ina Dance Studio in Glen Burnie, MD. She later went on to study at the Ballet Royale Institute of Maryland and graduated with honors from the Baltimore School for the Arts in 2007. Cierra has attended summer dance intensives at the Rock School for Dance Education and the Boston Ballet School. She is a 2011 graduate of the Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. Program in Dance. While a student in this program she performed works by Robert Battle, Troy Powell, Elisa Monte, Francesca Harper, George Faison, Darrell Grand Moultrie, Christopher Huggins, Earl Mosley, Paul Taylor, Joyce Trisler, and Scott Rink. Cierra also performed with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey’s “Memoria” in 2009 and 2010. In September, Cierra participated in the Table of Silence Project with Buglisi Dance Theatre, which culminated in a performance on the Lincoln Center Plaza, in honor of the victims of 9/11. She is currently working with the Francesca Harper Project and has performed with Creative Outlet Dance Theatre of Brooklyn, under the direction of Jamel Gaines. Cierra is very excited to be a member of the cast of Nativity: A Life Story. She is extremely thankful for the amazing opportunities that God has given her and for the support of her family and friends.

Nehemiah Spencer

Nehemiah Spencer is a Cleveland Native, where he trained under the direction of Terence Greene at the Cleveland School of Arts. It was at Cleveland School of the Arts where Nehemiah discovered his passion for dance and looked more into turning it into a career choice. After graduating Cleveland School of Arts in 2010, Nehemiah attended University of North Carolina School of Arts (UNCSA) under the direction of Ethan Stiefel. At UNCSA Nehemiah studied Contemporary dance, this had many performing opportunities with choreographers such as Diego Schoch and Eric Oberdoff “Holden C”. Nehemiah seeks to continue his training at the Juilliard School where he would receive a wide range of classical, modern, and contemporary dance genres.

Iantha Richardson

Iantha Richardson is a native of Washington DC. She attended both Charles Herbert Flowers and Baltimore school for the arts for High school and is currently attending Fordham University as apart of their B.F.A. Program with The Ailey School, whilw pursuing a double major in African American studies. Iantha is thankful to her mother, as well as other family and friends for all of their support throughout my life. Without all of their love and encouragement she feels as though she would surely not be where I am today.

Terrence Donzell Mitchell Diable, Dancer