C Song Inc.
GUEST
May 7, 2012
Lauren Raysor is an attorney, author, and motivational speaker. In the course of her career, she’s served as president of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, and worked for former New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer before starting her own private practice.
These achievements were not handed to her on a silver platter! Growing up in a rough New York neighborhood during a turbulent time could have short circuited her future — but using the strategies and techniques outlined in “Living the Wealthy Life”, Lauren chose another route. It’s her hope and determination to share the route to success with other people who find themselves in tough situations but dreaming of a better future.
Information, inspiration, and empowerment — that’s what Lauren delivers to audiences large and small, all across the nation! Keeping it real means connecting with the audiences that need to hear the message the most: young men and women who are right now making the choices that will determine their future success.
Lauren is available to speak to your company, school, congregation or other organization.
SPECIAL
"In The Know"
MAY 10 - 13, 2012
http://whitney.org/Exhibitions/2012Biennial/AliciaHallMoranAndJasonMoran
Alicia Hall Moran
Born in 1973 in Redwood City, California; lives & works in New York
Jason Moran
Born in 1975 in Houston; lives & works in New York
For their Biennial residency, Alicia Hall Moran and Jason Moran present five days of live music, exploring the power of performance to cross barriers and challenge assumptions, as their title, BLEED, suggests. With a line-up of concerts and events spanning music, dance, theater, and literature, as well as an exhibition of past video collaborations with Glenn Ligon, Joan Jonas, Kara Walker, and Simone Leigh and Liz Magic Laser—and a new video by the cultural historian Maurice Berger—BLEED is a celebration of surprising synergy across the visual arts and music.
The Morans’ decade-long artistic partnership is perhaps the most poetic “sound bleed” of all. Alicia Hall Moran is a Broadway musical actress and classically trained mezzo-soprano of extraordinary warmth and eloquence; Jason Moran, a MacArthur Fellow and the artistic adviser for jazz at the Kennedy Center, is an acclaimed pianist/composer whose innovative style provides an influential vision of what jazz can be in the twenty-first century.
Plan your visit
Alicia Hall Moran and Jason Moran are in residence on the Museum’s fourth floor
May 9 through 13.
MAY 11, 2012
Saint Christopher
www.jazzbytheriverside.com
Hymns of Our Mother's"
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!
MAY 11, 2012
Saint Christopher
www.jazzbytheriverside.com
Hymns of Our Mother's"
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!
MAY 13, 2012
Pamela V. Eatman-Skinner
www.tinystarrproductions.com
Pamela Eatman Skinner
Pamela V. Eatman- Skinner, a native New Yorker, has an undying love for the performing arts and expression through writing. She received her formal education at Hunter and Brooklyn Colleges earning a Bachelor’s of Science and Master of Arts degrees with advanced studies at Rutgers and Columbia Universities. She loves to learn and has spent her entire adult life in the fields of education and performing arts. Bringing her own unique touch to the classroom and stage are some of her God given talents and responsibilities, and she loves it.
Some of her happiest moments as a child were singing and playing instruments with her family, heading down to ‘Broadway’ to see a show or just plain ole’ creating. Her parents opened the opportunity to advance her gifts as a young child y sending her to music, dance and acting classes. She received her earliest formal training at the Harlem School of the Arts with a concentration in Drama, Music and Dance.
Pamela appeared in her first professional production in 1984 in ‘Stages of Me’ which was produced by The New York Philharmonic Children’s Opera. Pamela has appeared in numerous theatrical works including as Lady in Yellow in Ntozake Shange’s For Colored Girls who have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf . This was directed under the inspiring veteran actor and coach, Mel Williams. One of her favorite roles was that of Odessa in James Baldwin’s Amen Corner. During this period she was trained under the tutelage of the Late A. Marcus Hemphill. Pamela has appeared in several voice over commercials including one for Visa during the summer Olympics. She also has had the opportunity to participate in several recordings including Chris Meyrelles and Donna Axxon's Paradise Lost, and Barbara Hendricks Spiritual Suite under the amazing composer/arranger of the Late Moses Hogan. Pamela has appeared as a vocalist in several works including with the New York Philharmonics I have a Dream Today, Nativity a Life Story, Aida and Porgy and Bess.
Pamela has appeared as one of the featured vocalists for the Glory Gospel Singers touring numerous European countries including Germany, Italy, Austria, France and Switzerland. Pamela was also blessed to tour South Korea with the Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble under the wonderful directorship of her mentor, Bettye F. Forbes. Pamela has always had a love of writing which she began to express through writing stories, poetry and plays, as a child. In recent years she has begun to write, direct and produce her own theatrical works seasoned with her own original music. Her most recent works include, Africa, a Love Story , The Life of Christ with her debuted musical work, Were you there, Angels still Speak, Gucci Girls, Mr. President, Blest Be the Tie and Coming Home to Christmas which will have its 5thrun in the coming holiday season. The later work was an inspiration from a sermon shared by her dad, Pastor Charles D, Eatman Sr. She has won numerous awards including The Martin Luther King Arts and Sciences Award for drama given by the Late Coretta Scott King and Mr. Harry Belafonte through the King Commission. She also received the musical director of the year award from the Accelerated Christian Education. She is a proud member of The Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble ( Bettye F. Forbes) for over twenty years, Tribe of Levi ( M. Roger Holland II ) and is currently serving as the Minister of Music at the Mt. Pleasant Community Church, NYC. She resides with her husband of 11 years, Dr. Hamad C. Skinner. Pamela has been truly blessed of God and is humbled by his favor in her life.
Marie Rocker
May 2, 2012
You can find her online at http://www.RaisingGreatMen.com
Raising Great Men™ is an online village for moms of boys to get support and encouragement in raising boys. Raising Great Men™ is real talk about raising boys to become men of character, inspiring and preparing them to change the world.
Princess Jenkins
"The Brownstone"
April 25, 2012
It started when I saw Diana Ross in the 1975 Oscar-nominated film, Mahogany says, Princess Jenkins, referring to her decision at age 16 to enter the fashion industry. In her early twenties, she opened her first boutique in Brooklyn, New York called “Jazz It Up”. Seven years later she left retailing to become an influential motivational speaker and youth / adult entrepreneurial training consultant. However, fashion, her first love beckoned her back and in 1998 she co-founded The Brownstone Boutique Clothing. “I lived in Harlem many years but there were no places I could shop. I suddenly realized that Harlem would be an incredible place to start a retail business” says Princess.The Brownstone “Lifestyle” Boutique Clothing focuses on ethnically inspired fashions for women age 35-65.The store features a unique collection of clothing, accessories, cosmetics and gifts. A distinctively private shopping experience awaits clients seeking quality, value and most of all customer service. The well-appointed boutique is luminated with chandeliers accented with oak wood floors and hand-painted textured walls for a distinctively unique shopping environment.
As Princess stands outside the doorway of The Brownstone Woman, a twenty-foot mural of her, looms behind her custom painted on a brick wall. She says “we’re giving our clients what they want; contemporary fashion, unique styles in a warm, friendly environment.The Brownstone Woman has been featured in, O Magazine, Essence, Black Elegance, New York Magazine, and The New York Times as well as Good Morning America, NBC, Metro Television and “Living It Up” with Patti Label.
YEARLY CONFERENCE
Shawna Marie
April 18, 2012
SHAWNA MARIE is an author, a psychotherapist as well as a media personality. She is the host of the Living in Spiritual Perspective Show which is live weekday mornings at 7AM Eastern on BlogTalkRadio.com. She's recently released a new book: Only God (http://amzn.to/Aojj8v) - a truly inspiring book that's ideal for anyone looking for a greater understanding about life, God and spirituality. Shawna Marie is also the author of Prosperity NOW! (http://amzn.to/wkU1qj) and the Journey of An Urban Mystic Blog (http://UMysticBLAZE.com) For more information about Shawna Marie, visit and contact her at HealingTruthCenter.com
Rhonda Denét
April 11, 2012
Rhonda Denét has been hailed as a virtuoso that lends her flair to every song she sings. This formally trained and soulfully gifted songbird completely covers the gamut with a repertoire that covers the American Songbook to Top 40 radio as well as her inspirational original compositions. Her professional career has allowed her to share the gift of music throughout the New York metropolitan region and across the country with appearances at concert halls, theaters, clubs, resorts, museums and premier wedding venues such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Friar's Club, Waldorf Astoria, Ethan Allen Hotel in Danbury, Doral Arrowwood Resort, B. B. Kings Bar & Grill, and Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar. Denét continues to perform regularly throughout the area with her band Rhonda Denét & The Bad Cats, as well as with The Kazz Music Orchestra and The Tony T Group. In 2010, she released a self-produced EP of original music entitled Another Day. In addition she is proud to the founder and primary performer for the Silver Fox Songs showcase series, a program which allows her bring live music to appreciative, yet under-served populations at senior and community service organizations.
Roosevelt A. Credit
March 28, 2012
Vondi Curtis-Hall
March 21, 2012
Curtis-Hall has appeared in numerous films including One Good Cop, Sugar Hill, Crooklyn, Drop Squad, Eve's Bayou, and William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet. His credits as a director include the films Gridlock'd, Glitter, Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story,[3] Waist Deep, as well as episodes of television shows The Shield, Firefly, Chicago Hope, MDs, and The Sopranos. In 2000, Vondie Curtis-Hall and Danny Glover (who portrayed Marty in the film adaptation of Dreamgirls) both appeared in the TNT made-for-television movie Freedom Song.
He has had recurring roles on TV series such as Soul Food, I'll Fly Away, and ER. His recurring role as Roger McGrath on ER earned him an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.
His most prominent role as an actor to date is as a supporting character on the main cast of the medical drama Chicago Hope named Dennis Hancock.
Lou Myers
March 14, 2012
Lawrence Ben Miles
March 7, 2012
- Promoting women’s economic, leadership and professional growth.
- Serving as an advocate to ensure fair treatment and equal opportunities for women in business.
- Encouraging the expansion of women owned businesses in the state of New York
- Designing and implementing initiatives to assist women become economically independent.
- Stimulating the increase of employment opportunities for women.
- Assisting with the design and implementation of educational programs for women.Creating an environment that will alleviate poverty and accelerate economic development throughout the New York area.
Samuel Underwood
February 29, 2012
Samuel E. Underwood was born and raised in New York City. Mr. Underwood got the entrepreneurial spirit from his mother and father. After, completing high school in Manhattan NY where he grew up. Sam attended Malcolm-King College for Business Administration. While in College, Sam pursued a career in retail sales and soon was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug and in 1980 launched his very own business “U-Wear Unlimited Corp”. Sam would buy products wholesale and would sell them to customers at a retail price. That company grew into a clientele of over 50 people that would generate an income of $1,000 a month.
In 1983 Sam wanted a change of pace so he joined the United States Army. While in the Army Sam was a Private first class. After his military service Sam enrolled into Hosto Community College for Business in 1987. In 1990 after accumulating 40 College credits Sam decided to go to work for the State of New York as a State employee. Sam was working for the State of NY for some years when he was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug once again. He then started a new company “Sam’s Connection Unlimited” in 2000. Sam latter changed the company’s name to “Sam’s Connection Inc”. In 2006, Sam decided to help people accomplish their goals. His mission is to make connections that will change your LIFE.
Alyson Williams, R&B Singer
February 22, 2012
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.
Alyson Williams, the First Lady of Def Jam, is clearly a “triple threat” and without a doubt the next bankable brand of the future.
Whitney Houston
February 15, 2012
Celebrating Her Moment In Time!
Alicia Hall-Moran
February 8, 2012
Upholding the traditions of her great, great uncle Hall Johnson (legendary choral director, composer and preserver of the Negro Spiritual) and her greatest teachers (Shirley Verrett, Adele Addison, Hilda Harris, David Jones & Warren Wilson), without being tethered to the classical repertoire, Alicia's performances transcend expectation. Her singing and theatrical sensibilities lead purely into a sensual, musical world where the lyricism of Marvin Gaye and the high drama of Puccini collide. www.aliciahallmoran.com
Mrs. Bettye F. Forbes
PREMIER PILOT LAUNCH
JANUARY 30, 2012
Founded in 1979, the Ensemble has performed at Carnegie Hall for the Korean Sacred Choral Festival, at the Beacon Theater with the critically acclaimed Three Mo' Tenors, and performances of the highly popular Nativity at the United Palace Theater sponsored by the Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture. The Ensemble has also performed for former South African president Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and made its debut with the New York Philharmonic in the Emmy-nominated Live from Lincoln Center excerpts from Porgy and Bess.
Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble celebrated 2011 holiday season at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with an evening of gospel music, spirituals, anthems, and Christmas carols.
