Musicwoman Live!

Tim Day is an online TV produccer. On Saturday, December 14, 2024, @ 6-8 p.m. he is featuring in concert world-renowned harpist Jeff Majors, Ginger on Sax, and spoken word artist Cookie B. Jeff Majors home in Washington, D.C. was filled with music by his mother, Annie P. Fitzgerald, a talented jazz trumpeter with a circle of friends, including Pearl Bailey. He spent several years in Los Angeles, studying under the wings of jazz pianist and harpist Alice Coltrane, wife of jazz legend John Coltrane. Later, he teamed up with legendary jazz harpist Dorothy Ashby. He returned to the Washington D.C. area, where he formed several jazz bands and hosted at Radio One on Sunday Joy, the semi-syndicated inspirational and gospel on-air ministry on Magic 95.9 and 102.3 in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Jeff was the Vice President of gospel music programming for Radio One. Oprah Winfrey said the music of Jeff Majors, “Energizes my faith and transports my spirit. For me, it is the best way to start my day.” Chosen by the Martin Luther King Family to perform at Coretta Scott King's memorial service, Jeff Majors music consoled a nation. Jeff Majors focuses on humanitarian efforts by advocating for the homeless through his non-profit organization, The Network of Doves with his annual Jeff Majors Blankets for the Homeless and Hiphop for the Homeless, a collaboration with emerging artists and youth in the inner cities to bring awareness and to help homeless communities nationwide. http://lyricalcoffeehouse.com http://wbgrnetwork.com http://wijsf.org

Rotraut Jäger is a Swiss German flautist, composer, and teacher in Zurich, Switzerland. She studied classical and jazz music in Mainz (DE), Zurich/ZHdK (CH) and New York at the Manhattan School of Music (US). This freelance musician has her own projects and is a guest musician at home and abroad. She studied flute at Peter-Cornelius-Konservatorium der Stadt Mainz as a State Examined Music Teacher in 2000 and performance in 2002. At Zürcher Hochschule der Künste she received a performance diploma in 2006 with Philippe Racine. She studied jazz from 2003-2006 with Günter Wehinger and Christoph Grab, and with Dick Oatts and Steve Wilson at Manhattan School of Music from 2006-2007. Rotraut participated in workshops and masterclasses with Peter Lukas Graf, Robert Dick, Michel Debost, and Moshe Epstein. Also, she was in a workshop, Música Popular Brasileira in Brasil, and took private lessons with Ali Ryerson, Frank Wess, and Dave Liebman in New York. She performed with Miles Griffith (voc, US), Earle Davis (tp, US), Roland Gebhard (g, DE), Vicente Cortes (g, CH/ES), Karime Amaya (Flamencotanz, ES) and The Skatalites (JAM). She is a private flute teacher in charge of various ensembles and workshops. In March 2020, she released her first album, Sonafari, with her band Rotraut Jäger Sonambique. In October 2023, she released her second album, Dynamite, co-produced with Swiss Radio SRF2 Kultur. https://redplanetflute.com http://wijsf.org  

Dr. Ginger Cornwell is an international saxophonist, vocalist, speaker, photographer, recording artist, funeral coordinator, talk show host, writer, producer, music teacher, and marketing specialist. She chairs the Christian Education for Miracle Fellowship Gospel Ministries, Inc. and is an Associate Pastor with Rehoboth New Life Church Alliance. She plays saxophone and has sung with the Voices of Ebenezer AME Church directed by the late Rev. Dr. Donald Vails and the Prince of Praise, Minister Byron Cage. She sang with The Inspirational Sounds of Joy of Gethsemane United Methodist Church directed by Evangelist Jacqueline Stevens. She performed at the Dedication Ceremony for the Ocean Cheonjeong Palace in Gemundo, Korea, the Pre-election Prayer Service for Washington, D.C.'s Mayor Vincent Gray, The Duke Ellington Theater, The Kennedy Center, and The United States House of Representatives Rayburn Building. Ginger recorded spoken word CDs and her first musical CD, A Change Has Come Over Me, referencing her spiritual and physical healing. Her rendition of Praise Is What I Do is a perennial request at live engagements. Produced by Ginger and her husband, Martin Cornwell, lead guitarist and band leader of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, the CD is an instrumental and spoken word collection from the heart of the artist. A Lupus survivor, Ginger created SUPUL - Reverse Lupus that assists Lupus patients. Ginger was a WYCB radio Talk Show Host, and produces and hosts Sing To The King Gospel Artist Showcase television broadcast and A Pinch Of Ginger Radio Talk Show. http://gingeronsax.com http://wijsf.org

Manon Mullener was born in 1997 in Switzerland. She is a pianist from a musical family. She started playing piano at age 4 at the Conservatoire de Fribourg. At 17, her passion for jazz and Latin music led her to Cuba, where she deepened her knowledge. Back in Switzerland, she continued at the Bern University of Music with Colin Vallon and Django Bates. In 2019, she recorded her first album, "Reflejos," with Peruvian pianist Cesar Correa and Zurich percussionist David Stauffacher, performing in Switzerland and abroad. In 2023, she released "Insomnia," the first album of her quintet, followed by a European tour of fifty concerts. Le Temps described her as “the next generation of Swiss jazz musicians to watch closely.” Manon has performed at numerous clubs and festivals in Switzerland, France, Germany, Spain, Mexico, and Colombia. In January 2024, she played at the Havana Jazz Festival in Cuba, performing as a duo with Emmet Cohen, Dayramir Gonzalez, and Jorge Luis Pacheco. In 2024, she received a grant from the Canton of Fribourg, which allowed her to spend four months in New York working on her second album, scheduled for release in spring 2025. Her project was selected by the Jazz à Vienne festival in France to represent Switzerland, receiving support from the JazzContreband festival. Her next album STORIES recorded in New York will be out in 2025. http://www.manon-mullener.ch http://wijsf.org  

We are so excited about the upcoming 1st Annual Musicwoman Festival produced by Women in Jazz South Florida, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that promotes women musicians, globally. In this podcast, we welcome Media Director Mimi Johnson and featured Spoken Word Artist Papadook The Poet. Also, invited are featured artists Rita Graham (GA), bassist Kim Clarke (NYC), Lenore Raphael (NYC), Ragan Whiteside and Carol Albert (GA), Jus' Cynthia (FL), Sibongile Buda (JCFI Music Ensemble of South Africa), and Jarvis Evans (GA). We will discuss this exciting 3-day event and give away 3 sets of tickets to callers. For details, see http://musicwoman.art http://wijsf.org    

Colette Michaan is a flutist, bandleader, and producer who was born and raised in New York City by immigrant parents from Egypt and Syria. She is intercultural in her origins, history, identity, relations and resonances, and her music has naturally been informed by many cultures. Colette has always loved how music undeniably engages people across borders. While performing Jazz and Latin music, primarily, Colette explored many genres, by collaborating with musicians in Africa, Asia, South America, and the Caribbean. Colette has been performing locally and internationally with her own band, as well as with other artists since the late 1970's. Her self-produced recordings include First Cause (2004), Querencia (2010), Incarnate/Encarna (2014), Heaven & Earth (2017); Earth Rebirth (2023). Each album reflects a milestone in her ongoing process, and can be heard on all major streaming platforms. Colette's work is inspired by something traditional, something original, and something new. “I play music that expresses my personal journey. My intention is to inspire joy, to move people to feel, enjoy, reflect, to come together and celebrate life!” https://www.colettemichaan.com http://wijsf.org  

Jarvis Evans hails from Miami, Florida. He finds inspiration in every turn of events. From 2005 to 2010, Jarvis participated in American Idol's Season 9 & 10 as a Semi-Finalist. Jarvis is a favorite at Broadjam.com, the largest independent music network. His songs reached #1 on the charts several times. Jarvis has performed at Underground Atlanta Heritage Arts Festival, where he charmed the audience. Jarvis played the lead in a new Gospel Musical in Atlanta, called One Step at a Time. Also, he performs smooth and jazzy sets with legendary accompanist guitarist Dean Coppolino at the Uptown Restaurant & Lounge. From 2010 to 2015, Jarvis Evans speared on CW's TV Show Before The Fame. From 2015 to 2020, Jarvis hosted and performed at the Multicultural Kwanzaa Christmas Expressions and Atlantic Station Tree Lighting Ceremony. In 2018, Jarvis performed for Sony Records at Kilwin's Atlantic Station in Buckhead. In 2020,  Jarvis Evans pursued film and photography, directing his music video the for release of Welcome To Paradise and other music releases and clients. Jarvis appeared on VG 39 and other inspirational platforms in Toronto Canada, in 2021. He released his new comeback single Relight Your Fire, available on digital platforms. http://jarvisevansmusic.com Management & Booking: Mimi Johnson www.CausticEntertainementGroup.com Causticent@gmail.com www.wijsf.org

Barbara Bruckmüller is a composer and jazz pianist born in Vienna. She was influenced by the sounds of Hollywood Jazz, from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. She studied piano early on for seven years, but it took time for her to discover her passion for jazz. She studied jazz piano with Paul Urbanek at the Gustav Mahler Conservatory in Vienna, in 2004. Barbara's inspiration and role models lie in the great Big Band leaders and composers Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Oliver Nelson, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Gil Evans, Joe Henderson, and Maria Schneider. In 2009, she founded her Big Band to capture the sound and dynamic energy of the swing bands and dance orchestras of the past that fascinated her since childhood and served as the foundation for her own musical vision. Her debut album Barbara Bruckmüller Big Band released in 2013, with original compositions, was awarded the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik. Two years later, she released her second album, in tribute to her late mother and her hometown of Vienna, in which she arranged traditional Viennese songs for the Big Band and infused them with a fresh swing. Barbara is currently working on her next album project, THREE VIEWS OF A MUSICAL PIECE: A Chain of Moments – Suite in Five Movement with Cuban pianist and composer Aruán Ortiz, scheduled for Fall 2024. http://barbarabruckmueller.com http://wijsf.org    

Wendy Vaughan hails from Caracas, Venezuela. She is a singer, songwriter, and saxophonist. Her musical journey began in her childhood. She began composing in her thirties. Born to Cuban and Dominican parents, her family moved to New York City when she was 4. Wendy's musical journey began 12, in Houston, Texas, when she discovered the saxophone. She attended the High School of the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston and San Jacinto College Central in Pasadena, where she was lead saxophonist in one of country's finest Jazz bands. Her diverse musical style was inspired by Jazz and Latin music infused with spiritual and personal growth themes. Early in her career, she performed on international stages like the JVC Festival in Nice, France, with BB King and Woody Hermann. She garnered praise and solidified her reputation as a rising star in the Jazz community. Wendy is in the construction and home improvement industry in a thriving business in Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi, Dallas, and Florida. She gained national recognition as a juror in the Enron trial, resulting in a features in Inc. Magazine and on CNN, FOX News, and CBS, speaking about ethics in business. In Galveston, Wendy inspires listeners with her soulful melodies and profound lyrics. Her debut album, Through Children's Eyes, made waves on Christian stations. Her new album, Necessary Chaos, is a captivating and introspective collection of songs. Wendy Vaughan remains a talented artist, blending genres and creating music that resonates deeply with her audience. http://wendyvaughanmusic.com http://wijsf.org

Alison Crockett is a vibrant vocalist who has performed and recorded in a wide range of genres including neo-soul, acid jazz, R&B, gospel, funk and electronica. Following breakthrough success as a featured vocalist working with DJ King Britt and British jazz-rap group Us3, Alison continued to evolve musically, recording diverse projects: the jazz EP “That's Where You Go” in 1999, critically acclaimed R&B album On Becoming A Woman in 2004, dance/electronic album The Return of Diva Blue in 2006, jazz album Bare in 2007, 2012 political multi-genre patchwork album Mommy, What's A Depression in 2012, and Brazilian-inspired EP Obrigada, recorded in São Paulo, Brazil and released in 2018. Alison has been teaching vocal technique for over 20 years to people of all ages and genres. As a voice teacher for Highbridge Voices, a professional children's training choir in the Bronx, NY, she taught children between the ages of 7 and 15 how to sing in styles ranging from opera-based European classical music, musical theater, to R&B and pop stylings. She also has a vibrant private studio, which includes both aspiring singers as well as well-respected professionals. Alison is certified in Somatic VoiceWorkTM the LoVetri Method. Alison Crockett - Levine Music http://wijsf.org

Jessie Laine Powell hails from Lexington, Kentucky. She grew up with her talented siblings, listening to gospel music. Jazz vocalists Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Nancy Wilson, and Shirley Horn, along with the Lawrence Welk Show stirred her soul, dominating her musical taste. Her love for the stage, orchestras, and Jazz standards led her to Hollywood, California,  where she opened for Nancy Wilson. She added countless television, theatrical, and radio appearances to her resume. After years out West, Jessie returned to Lexington, where a fateful meeting with a church friend lead to a musical partnership with producer and Jazz artist Eric Copeland, who collaborated on her debut album On the Edge with Gospel, Soul, and Jazz songs. Later, Jessie landed a role in the movie Heart of a Champion, directed by Richard Fitzpatrick,  who sought music and soloists that conveyed the message of hope and perseverance. Jessie's vocals impacted the movie soundtrack, greatly. From 2015 to 2018, Jessie's tour schedule, included an annual performance at the East Hawaiian Jazz Festival, where she performed at multiple venues and churches, providing her melodic voice and inspirational lyrics with notable Jazz musicians. Jessie's singles include Like No Other Love, On The Edge, and Love Supreme, featuring Marion Meadows. Jessie leaves her fans feeling renewed and motivated as she takes you on an intimate musical journey. 2023 ALM Academy of Local Musicians Hall of Fame2023 LEX Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award2023APPY Award Nominee for Best R&B Artist and Best Jazz Artist www.jessielainepowell.com www.wijsf.org  

Fatimah M. Jackson is a unique and diverse writer, self-published author, spoken word artist, and song writer. From Western Pennsylvania, she dreamed of becoming a singer and songwriter as a child. In her pursuit of that dream, she attended  California State College where she majored in  Music Composition, Human Services and now she is living that dream. From childhood, or as her mother would say, since she could talk, Fatimah has always had a yearning to sing. Impressively, she sold her first song at the age of 11! This shy, yet talented woman of God has been credited as a Ghostwriter as well as co-writer of movie scripts, skits, plays, and Faith-based meditations. Her personal motto that she lives by is “Free your mind of everything that will hinder you from the peace GOD has for you.” In her free time, Fatimah enjoys singing, songwriting, talking to God and riding her Canadian Canam Spyder F3 motorcycle. She is an advocate for various causes including Indigenous American and local Poverty.  Fatimah's breakthrough as an author emerged with her first nonfiction short story entitled “From Darkness to Light” published in 2009 in Hope for Today magazine in New Jersey. Growing stronger and taking a leap of faith, she is now author of the self-published book “Held Hostage by a Stranger: A Message from the Most High”. Fatimah currently resides in Atlanta Georgia with her husband. For more information about Fatimah and her works, visit www.fatimahmj.com

Adria Shahid hails from Columbus, Ohio. She is a vocal stylist and songwriter who developed an ear for music by listening to and singing with her father a musician and vocalist. Her mother is a pianist and vocalist. With the tutelage from her parents, Adria was destined to be a musical artist. Adria's musical journey began with one of the top Midwest cover bands. She shared her story with the debut project, Waarrioress of Love, which is inspired by her life experiences. This repertoire of music represents her personal struggles, and the common struggles we human beings share. Listen for the pain, love and joy throughout this album! Adria's talent has been fine tuned by working in the music industry, booking national acts, locally, and sharing the stage with them. She is one the first music agents to book national acts, locally, in the sophisticated intimate atmosphere of one of Ohio's Premier supper clubs. She has performed with artists like Maysa, and hosted, introduced, and performed as warm up act for Ledsi, Lalah Hathaway, and Eric Benet. Also, she sang with Bob Baldwin. She performs with her home grown band, International Smooth Jazz artists, Urban Jazz Coalition, National Recording Artist NexLevel R&B Jazz Band. Adria travels. nationally, to perform for The National Democratic Black Caucus Conference in Washington DC, and at the African American Historic Lincoln Theater's Annual Gala in Columbus, Ohio. Adria's music is playing on internet and on radio and is marketed, internationally, on playlists in the USA, UK, Italy, the Carribean, and in Africa! This is just her musical beginnings! Be on the lookout for more music from your Sister Adria! She will perform in West Palm Beach on Saturday, November 4, 2023. https://adriashahid1.com http://wijsf.org  

You are invited to the launch of Musicwoman Magazine online. http://issuu.com/joancartwright  We will talk with some of the featured artists about their musical adventures. d Vocalists t Janice Harrington 8 t Donna Singer 10 t Denise King 14 t Mzuri Moyo Aimbaye 18 t Michele Hendricks 20 t Fiona Ross 24 t Yeny Silvia Dalmau Brindis 26 d Talent Spotlight t Adriana Herrera Fuentes 30 t Yudianis Quintana Changuita 31 d Horn Players t Ginetta Silvi 36 t Naomi Joy 38 t Paula Atherton 40 t Tomoka Nomura-Jarvis 42 t Sarah Marie Hughes 44 d Special Features t Vi Redd 47 t Musicwoman Mothers & Daughters 48 d Health Corner by Lydia Harris 52 Join us at http://wijsf.org    

ZIZA MUFTIC Is a Johannesburg based musician with roots in Zagreb, Croatia. Her musical upbringing started as a Western classical violin player, then a classical singer. Today, her main form of expression lies in jazz vocals, composition and music education. Ziza's vocal range stretches from Jazz to Western classical repertoire. Her sound is a unique blend of Balkan and Eastern European folk songs with the American and South African Jazz styles. Ziza sings in many different languages, English, Croatian, Hungarian, Portuguese, isiXhosa and isiZulu. She is currently working on her third studio album  titled ‘Ziza Muftic: Singing in tongues', featuring  a female a cappella ensemble, AmaNanule. This album explores voice as an instrument, through many languages and rhythms. This is a link to a recent concert of Ziza Muftic and her band: https://youtu.be/cX_PtRJV5Io Read more at http://www.zizamuftic.com/bio http://www.wijsf.org

Kim Clarke is an American bassist from New York. She is the founder of Lady Got Chops, a nonprofit that promotes the gig announcements of women in jazz, in the month of March, Women's History Month. Her 21st Anniversary LADY GOT CHOPS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL 2023 featured the music of our Living Jazz Legend, educator, composer, pianist Bertha Hope, the centennial of her husband the late great Bebop pianist composer Elmo Hope and the promotion of WOMEN IN THE ARTS and Sciences in general. In celebration of the 20th Annual Festival LADY GOT CHOPS Women's History Month Music and Arts Festival Inc. sponsored four scholarships for High School Girls; one in honor of Professor Barry HarrisThe Keeper of the Bebop Flame and the other three in honor of Lillithe Meyers the owner of the Jazz Spot, the birthplace of the LADY GOT CHOPS Women's Jazz Festival. http://ladygotchops.com http://wijsf.org https://issuu.com/joancartwright/docs/musicwoman_2021_full_document  

Laurie Towers is a bassist within New York City's “downtown” scene of free improv, new music and punk-laden experimentalism. Over the past twenty-five years she's brought her R&B-driven counterpoint and chops to venues in Manhattan and Brooklyn, sharing the stage with an array of musicians in the nexus between rock, jazz and the avant garde. Towers also made her mark in the upstate artists' community of Woodstock NY where she was referred to as a “bass wizard” in a ‘Woodstock Times' review. As a member of the Red Microphone, she recorded with revolutionary poet Amina Baraka for the legendary ESP-Disk label. Also a successful business owner and host of her feminist radio show, Towers' tenacity and activism have guided her journey, offering a model of empowerment for women in the arts and more. Towers has also been a member of the Dissident Arts Orchestra from the start. Creating downtown-style improvised scores to silent films. On Halloween, the Orchestra crafted a unique soundtrack to the FW Murnau terror classic ‘Nosferatu' with Towers' pulsating, throbbing fretless bass offering the vampire a voice to be reckoned with. Capping off her rebel yell for women's rights, Laurie Towers created ‘She's Raising the Bar', a weekly podcast, in 2012. As its producer and co-host, she's engaged an array of woman actors, writers, vocalists and entrepreneurs and broadcasted her show live from the NYC Women's March, in the heat of battle. The Spirit of Billy Bang with Amina Baraka http://laurietowers.net http://wijsf.org  

You know that my life's work is bringing awareness to the WORLD about the disparities and inequities of earnings by women musicians. On Friday, February 24, 2023, at 4 p.m. EST, my guests Melba Joyce, Rita Graham, and I discuss this issue. You are invited to login or call (563) 999-3046 to listen in or talk to us. Look forward to this interview! Thanks, Dr. Joan Cartwright http://wijsf.org http://blogtalkradio.com/musicwoman  

Dorothy Lawson is a Canadian-born cellist. She completed degrees at the University of Toronto, the Vienna Academy and earned MM and DMA degrees from The Juilliard School. Dorothy is an Artistic Director who composed, performed and recorded, nationally and internationally, for 25 years. She is a founding member of ETHEL, the widely acclaimed, GRAMMY®-winning New Music string quartet. Her achievements include, touring and recording with Kurt Elling, performing with Ron Carter as a regular member of his Nonet for 20 years, building three multimedia shows for the Brooklyn Academy of Music, a ten-year, ongoing residency at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and an ongoing artist residency at Denison University, in Ohio. She teaches in the Preparatory Division of Mannes College at the New School in New York City.

This special edition of MUSICWOMAN Radio features two sultry songwriters whose music plays in rotation in my car, day after day, week after week, month after month. Sharon Rae North released Silhouette in 2022. I put the CD that she mailed to me in June in my CD player and let it play throughout July, August, and September. The songs crept into my subconcious mind and I found myself singing them in my sleep! Douyé sent her CD Journey to me several years ago. I played it over and over in my car, which had a magnificent sound system. At the beginning of October, I began listening to it, again, and the same thing happened. I'm singing her songs in my head, night after night, waking up to her music in my head. Also, she recorded Blue Bossa by Kenny Dorham with my lyrics! So, they are my guests and we will discuss their songwriting process. You may listen to them on Spotify, YouTube, iTunes, Amazon, and wherever else you listen to streamed music. Love and Music, Dr. Diva JC https://www.sharonraenorth.com https://douyemusic.com http://joancartwright.com http://wijsf.org      

Wendy Kirkland is a pianist and singer in the UK. Her musical career began at 10, when she started piano lessons. She won a scholarship for lessons from Derbyshire Music and took her ABRSM piano grades. She switched to jazz in her teens and was a dance class pianist, accompanist to singers, and a keyboardist in club bands. She was persuaded to sing by guitarist Bill McCreath. Wendy reached people turned off by instrumental jazz by communicating with the audience through songs. Her album, Piano Divas (2017), a tribute to the female pianist singers of jazz, began her ascent to recognition as a singing pianist. The ability to sing, comp, and craft solos on the piano and vocal scat lines is her forte. Her influences were Diana Krall, Eliane Elias, and Dena DeRose. Her second release, The Music's On Me (2019) was “a huge leap forward,” according to Jazz Views. Both albums prompted ACE funded tours around the UK and constant radio airplay. In 2020, Wendy and guitarist/bassist husband Pat Sprakes entertained with a daily dose of Latin American music on Facebook, entitled Latin Lockdowns. After 86 performances, they moved on to other musical endeavors. They received messages from people who missed the videos that were “a ray of sunshine” in the lockdown. She performs on Hammond organ with Organik Fource, featuring her husband Pat Sprakes on guitar and sax, Organik Trio Goes To The Movies, and The Organik Cookbook, celebrating the early soul-jazz albums of George Benson. https://wendykirkland.comhttp://www.wijsf.org

Fiona Ross was enrolled in dance, drama and singing lessons at the age of two, piano at age six. At what moment did Fiona make a conscious choice to pursue a career in music? There was never a time when there was any other choice. By eight years old, Fiona was starring in London's West End. She is a vocalist, pianist, composer, and producer known for creating her own contemporary jazz sound with fast-paced Latin jazz, vintage Jazz club, a little neo soul along with heart wrenching ballads that demonstrate. She is an artist who has received incredible reviews and awards for all of her albums. She performed at 606 Club, Pizza Express, Bulls Head, Nells Jazz and Blues, and Toulouse Lautrec. Her music is on radio stations worldwide, including 40 stations in the USA, and in Canada, Italy, France, Germany, Australia, Netherlands, and Spain. Fiona's accolades include Best Jazz Song from the World Songwriting Awards for ‘For My Dad', Outstanding Achievement Award from the Global Music Awards and International Female Songwriter of the Year from International Singer Songwriters Association. She was featured in Tinnitist, Jazziz, Record World Magazine, Jazz Corner, Ink 19, and Jazz Quarterly, and in the top ten of most played videos in Tinnitist. Fiona's song ‘Mistress', recorded live in a stairwell, is included in the British Library archives. Fiona was featured on television, in print ads, and jingles. https://fionaross.co.ukhttp://womeninjazzmedia.comhttp://www.wijsf.org    

Naomi Joy Nelson is a multi-talented instrumentalist, educator, author and speaker on a mission to liberate, educate, and motivate others through her personal experience. Trained as both a Musician and Educator with a ministerial background, Naomi combines her love of outreach, music and education into a harmonious presentation. A graduate of Florida A&M University, highly sought out musician, minister, and speaker, Naomi has been a voice of inspiration to many. She has engaged audiences, students, as well as her community as a multi-talented instrumentalist, educator, and now author and speaker. Naomi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education, is a current student with the University of Florida's master's degree program, and teaches instrumental music as an Orange County Public Schools Band & Orchestra Director. Naomi Joy is available for music ministry, entertainment, recordings, solo accompaniment, weddings, funerals, and special events as a solo artist or with full band. http://www.naomijoy.co http://wijsf.org  

Jackie Pickett hails from Pennsylvania. She began her career as a section bassist with the Jacksonville, Florida Symphony Orchestra. She is Principal Bassist of the Columbus, Georgia Symphony Orchestra and LaGrange Georgia Symphony Orchestra. Pickett serves as Principal Bass of the Colour of Music International Black Classical Musicians Festival. She is an Artist Affiliate at Agnes Scott College. The American double-bassist obtained her Bachelor of Music degree with high honors from West Virginia University; her Master of Music degree from Yale School of Music; and her Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her musical abilities cover a wide range of performance genres from album credits with Hip-Hop Artist Monica (The Makings of Me, 2006) to Classical recordings with the Nashville Chamber Orchestra (Conversations in Silence, 2008). Pickett was bassist with the Nashville Chamber Orchestra (Orchestra Nashville) and Atlanta contemporary Ensemble Thamyris. Both ensembles recorded and commissioned numerous new works by composers such as Michael Torke, Tania Leon, Trey Anastasio, Alvin Singleton, Terry Riley and Pauline Oliveros. www.lowbinternational.org https://csoga.org/jacqueline-pickett http://wijsf.org

Dottie Kelly was born in West Palm Beach, FL, on March 13. She moved to Clearwater, FL, where she attended St. Pete Junior College and earned her Associates degree in accounting. Dottie sang in a Baptist church, which is where she developed her talent for singing. She would later follow her Aunt Betty Padgett, a well-known singer out of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, to her various shows. Aunt Betty Padgett eventually asked Dottie to sing background with her and Joey Gilmore. From that point on, Dottie has traveled to various states, and opened for many artists from around the world. Those experiences mixed with pure raw talent, have made her a bona fide soul singer. Dottie released her 1st promo CD in 2012 and Single Dec 2020. "I Don't Want No Man Like You". Now released CD on March 18, “Dancing Shoes”. She performed with Darrell Raines, Otis Cadillac, TKBlu Band, Ladies of Soul, and the legendary Joey Gilmore Band. Her soulful voice and natural stage presence is a force to be reckoned with. Dottie Kelly is a powerhouse blues singer, with over 20 years of performing experience. Once you hear Dottie Kelly sing, you will be sure to book her for your next event.  Dottie Kelly and Rock The House Band  West Palm Beach, Fl  561-252-0567  dkelly4950@gmail.com info@dottiekelly.com https://dottiekelly.com http://wijsf.org  

Raymond Rivera was born in Lansing Michigan. His father and mother moved to East Chicago, Indiana and, when Ray was 14, they began living in Puerto Rico where he started playing drums in church. He studied in The Music School Juan Peña Reyes for three years. I had the privilege to perform in lots of seminars with Peter Erskine, Alex Acuña, Horacio Hernandez, and John Riley. He studied music with the most renowned drums. Ray has three CDs as a drummer and executive producer. Ray performed with Raymond Ramirez, Richard Roberge, Tony Batista, Rafael Torres, Kenneth Morales, and Mariano Rodríguez. Ray teaches drum students at the Luiz & Pena Academy in Humacao, PR. Familia (2021) Tu Verdad (2011) The Miracle (2008) Piano, flute, saxophone Jose Valentino Ruiz Bassist Jose Ruiz www.raymondriveramusic.com www.wijsf.org  

Madhuri Jagadeesh was born into a family of musicians and artists, trained in the Indian Classical arts. Her connection with jazz began as a six, when she heard Ella Fitzgerald'sTisket-a-Tasket. She learned the rhyme in school and her grandfather, a harmonica player, taught her other songs, including Stormy Weather that she thought was his composition! As a teen, she listened to jazz on vinyl. There were no opportunities in Bengaluru to sing jazz, so she joined an all-girl pop and rock band. Her training in Indian classical music continued but income came from doing retro and popular music. Her graduate studies were in psychology, sociology, and literature. She completed her Master's in Literature and became a learning and development consultant. She sang with a band that performed at weddings, clubs, and hotels. She met her husband, Jagadeesh, who plays guitar, in 1993, while auditioning for a jazz band. He introduced her to modern jazz, experimental, and fusion music. In 2006, they started MoonArra. Both were interested in European Classical music. MoonArra fulfilled their passion to create original music and to tell stories. In 2008, a friend and bandleader joined the organizing committee of Java Jazz 2009 in Indonesia. MoonArra received a special mention at the festival. Their first album consisted of songs by Jagadeesh. One composition Road to Pondy was released online and featured in a compilation of a boutique label in New York. Indian Accent was released on Rock and Raaga and Times Music. In 2012, they performed at Asiabeat Anthology Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and at Morocco's Tanjazz Festival in 2015. https://www.thebsm.net http://wijsf.org  

Fostina Dixon is from Wilmington, Delaware where she studied with Robert Boysie Lowery. Fostina is a composer, vocalist, and jazz soloist who plays soprano, alto, and baritone saxes; flute; and clarinet. As a young woodwind instrumentalist, she played for Delaware All-State Band and American Young Symphonic Orchestra in Europe. She studied with Frank Foster, Buddy Collett, Vic Morosco, Joe Viola, Andy McGhee, and William Bowie. She performed at jazz clubs, colleges, libraries, churches, community art centers, Jazzmobile, theaters, and abroad. She was a soloist with Abbey Lincoln, Barry Harris, Earl May, and the Big Apple Jazzwomen. She played with Gil Evans, Roy Ayers, Tom Browne, Charlie Persip, Melba Liston, Cab Calloway, Slide Hampton, Frank Foster, Joe Williams, Nancy Wilson, Bobby Vinton, Sammy Davis, Jr., Prince, and Marvin Gaye for four years. She was in the big bands of Gerald Wilson, Jimmy Cleveland, and Leslie Drayton. http://fostinadixon.com http://wijsf.org async defer crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v13.0&appId=280894702143&autoLogAppEvents=1" nonce="fBA4lFY3">

Radha Thomas was born in Tamil Nadu in India. She is The Indian Council for Cultural Relation's worldwide ambassador of jazz. Thomas is one of the country's most beloved jazz vocalists. She writes, arranges, and composes original music. As a teen, she headlined Human Bondage, India's popular rock band in the 1970s. She loved jazz and combined the tonal complexities of jazz with the rhythmic nuances of Indian classical music. Thomas (nee Shottam) represented India at European jazz festivals. In New York, performed for 20 years with musicians Michael Brecker, John Scofield, John Faddis, Alex Blake, Buddy Williams, Harvey Mason, Anthony Jackson, John Abercrombie, Ryo Kawasaki, Joe Farrell, Joe Giglio, and Ron McClure in NYC's jazz clubs, including Sweet Basil, The Bottom Line, and Alice Tully Hall. Mirror of my Mind showcased her talents in the USA time in 1979. Four of her novels have been published. Men On My Mind' and ‘More Men On My Mind (Rupa Publications), The Cauliflower Diet (Penguin/Random House), Dog Tails, donated to a dog shelter. In 2022, she began The Indie Dog, a podcast to tackle the problem of street dogs in India. http://wijsf.org http://radhathomas.com  

Biggi Vinkeloe resides between Sweden and California. She performs with the NetArt Lab Ensemble with Sarah Weaver and musicians from three continents. Biggi appeared with BIRDS, a composition of Wendy Reid, California, with musicians from Europe and the US. She facilitated a workshop for flute students at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil. She had done live-streamed performances in duo with Nema Vinkeloe Uuskyla for Indian audiences, in collaboration with Global Culture and SCEAD Foundation. Biggi has a digital release with Ken Filiano, Barre Phillips, and Peeter Uuskyla from a live recording at the Jazz Festival Vancouver. She did a collaboration with NAB trio and the Kurdish poet Hakim Mirza and got his poems translated from Sorani to Swedish, then she translated them into English. Their first live-streaming had more than 1600 views, mostly in Iraq. Her discography includes Parenthesis, My Soul Is A Bird with NAB Trio, and a digital CD on Golden Lion Records in Sacramento that was a live recording from before the pandemic with Biggi, REV, Don Robinson on drums, and Lisle Ellis on bass. Biggi led a summer camp for adult amateur musicians for ear training and improvisation with the Stans Häftigaste Orkester (SHO), the city's most amazing orchestra at a barn in the countryside. They had two concerts in person and live-streamed concerts with NAB. For Global Jazz Women Hang with Sibongile Buda in Pretoria, South Africa, which is a Zoom conference every Thursday, Biggi edited a book with 80 biographies of amazing musicwomen, worldwide. Next year, they will publish the second edition of the collection with 80 biographies! http://wijsf.org http://biggivinkeloe.org  

Laura Jane hails from Michigan. She is from a multi-cultural family. She started singing at three and her first professional performance was in the children's chorus of the Opera Grand Rapids, where she performed in the operas, Carmen and Tosca. She performed in theater and musical productions and recorded radio commercials for Honda. She starred in television commercials for Meijer's Grocery Stores. Laura Jane attended the Boston Conservatory of Music for two years and finished her education at the University of The Arts in Philadelphia, with a degree in Music and Theatre. In Philadelphia, Laura Jane stumbled across superstar songwriting and producing team Gamble and Huff, who owned the building that housed her school. It was the home of the Sound Of Philadelphia. She found herself in the studio, singing with Billy Paul and producer Dexter Wansel. Laura Jane is a singer-songwriter and vocalist to the superstars. Laura Jane was in a girl group with a development deal with the label. Her studio experience began there. Her first independent project was To My Planet Boo, produced by three-time Grammy-winner Xavier Dphrepaulezz aka Fantastic Negrito. Two singles Summertime in the City and The Journey gained critical acclaim. Her second album Everything Changes was produced by Jameson Trotter. Her catchy singles include Lift Me Up with Chad Wright, Noriko Olling, and Julian Miranda, and Dear Rita, an ode to her mother. Love is the Answer is vocals and percussion by Gilmar Gomes from Brazil. She performed her original music in London, Prague, Kyoto, Monaco, Budapest, New York, and Los Angeles. During the 2020 pandemic, Laura Jane composed Weep Willow, her newest EP. http://laurajanemusic.net http://www.wijsf.org  

Gunhild Carling is a Swedish jazz musician, singer, and songwriter. A multi-talented musician, Carling can play several different musical instruments, including the trombone, trumpet, harmonica, ukelele, banjo, and guitar. She sings and dances. Carling was born in Gothenburg, Sweden on May 7, 1975. She is the daughter of Hans Carling and Aina Carling, both accomplished jazz musicians. Besides her parents and herself, Gunhild Carling's siblings are all accomplished musicians. Carling and her family perform around the world as The Carling Big Band, with Gunhild headlining the group. In addition to playing jazz music at their shows, they perform acrobatic stunts and other talents. Carling also guest performs with orchestras and choirs around the world on her own. On January 1, 2022, Gunhild Carling became the new International President of Women in Jazz South Florida, Inc. She will perform at the Arts Garage, in Delray Beach on Saturday, February 5, 2022. http://artsgarage.org https://www.gunhildcarling.net http://wijsf.org Host: DrDivaJC

Vikki Romero, La dama del  Sentimiento, was born on March 30 in Brooklyn, New York. She is an international recording artist known as The Lady Of Sentimental Feelings. Vikki is a producer, musician, arranger, and composer. At 10, she moved to Puerto Rico where she took music and guitar lessons. She sang in groups with her brother Victor Romero. She continued her musical studies and jazz vocals at The Hess Conservatory in Florida. Her influences were José, José, The Prince of the Voice, and Barbra Streisand. She worked with producer Richard Carpio for several years, cultivating her American audience. Vikki sings in English and Spanish. She recorded her first album Pa 'Ti Na' Ma with salsa and other genres. Vikki Romero hosted a television show on Channel 14, called The Valentina Show. She participated in several TV programs including The Blanquita Amaro Show, El Show de Rolando Barral, the internationally acclaimed Sábado Gigante, and Despierta América. Vikki sang with popular artists like Celia Cruz, Victor Romero and his orchestra Salsarengue, Tito Nieves, Andy Montañez, Tito Puente JR, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Richie Ray and Bobby Cruz, Luisito Carrion, Frank Bello, Freddy Lugo and his Tropical Flavor, Giovani Hidalgo, Andy Guzman, Tony Vega, Raul Gallimore and Orchestra Inmensidad, and Willie Panamá. Her publishing company is Miracle Victoria Songs Enterprise LLC http://wijsf.org  

Marcia Foster Dunscomb is a composer, author, educator, and pianist. She was a contributing author for the Thelonious Monk Institute for Jazz (Jazz In America), a consultant to the International Piano Teaching Foundation (IPTF), Educational Consultant in Jazz for the National Museum of American History, and Jazz Editorial Assistant for Jazz Expressions (Warner Bros. Publications). Works in print include Melody Maker, Let's Begin, Let's Read Music, and Let's Improvise (Melody Maker Press); Evolution of Jazz (McGraw-Hill);and Anatomy of Music (McGraw-Hill). Marcia is a contributing author and editorial assistant for Jazz Pedagogy: the Jazz Educator's Handbook and Resource Guide (Warner Bros. Publications); Teaching Jazz - A Course of Study (MENC/IAJE); and Jazz Studies Guide (MTNA/IAJE). She is a contributing author for numerous publications. Marcia is the National Music Credentials Officer for the National League of American Pen Women. As a clinician and adjudicator, she is a pioneer in the field of teaching jazz and improvisation to young children. She presented for the International Association of Jazz Education (IAJE), National Piano Foundation, and Stan Kenton Summer Jazz Camps. She was Director of Education for South Florida Friends of Jazz in Fort Lauderdale, Director of Education for Baldwin Piano & Organ Company, Atlanta, Georgia, and a music faculty member at the New World School of the Arts and Florida International University, in  Miami, Florida. Host: Diva JC http://wijsf.org  

Bianca Jones is a North Carolina native and New York-based actor and director. Bianca is Broadway World 2019 Best Actress for Denver Center's LAST NIGHT AND THE NIGHT BEFORE by Donnetta Greys. Bianca's favorite role is her origination of Berta in BERTA BERTA by Angelica Cherie (Contemporary American Theater Festival, NBTF).  Regional: The Wedding Gift (CATF), DISGRACED (Asolo), KING LEAR (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Marcus Or the Secret of Sweet (Studio Theater), A Civil War Christmas (LongWharf), Radio Golf (St. Louis Black Rep) including Williamstown, Yale Rep, Roundabout, Signature, National Black Theater Festival. TV/Film: FBI, Prodigal Son, Blindspot, Last OG, Punisher, Oceans 8, Madame Secretary. Training: NCSA, SUNY Purchase (BFA), Yale School of Drama, and London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (Masters in Directing). She is an Associate Director of the Broadway play Chicken and Biscuits.    

Barbara Collin has over thirty years experience in high profile booking and management agencies such as ICM, Agency for the Performing Arts, John Levy Enterprises, The Berkeley Agency and as CEO of her own company, Collin Artists. She has represented many national and international recording artists. Barbara's current roster ranges from jazz, blues to world, Latin, R&B, pop and more. She taught at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA, teaching the course, “Agents & Bookings”. Her company, Collin Artists provides artist representation and services, including booking, publicity, promotion, research, seminars, and consulting. https://www.mi.edu/faculty/barbara-collin/ http://wijsf.org  

Edlene Hart is an international soul singer from Yonkers, NY. She began singing at five, in church, where she was groomed by Mr. John Simmons, the Master Keyboardist and Musical Director for many well-known artists. She studied music at the Performing Arts High School and Queens College. Edlene performs in many languages and several genres including opera, Broadway, Jazz, spirituals, and contemporary music, which led to an acting role in the play The Legacy at The National Black Theatre in Harlem. A powerful and sultry singer, Hart will captivate an audience with her explosive stage presence. In New York, she was dubbed Chocolate Thunder and in South Florida, she is The Singing Bus Lady who can take you anywhere you want to go! Edlene shared the stage with Whitney Houston, Eryka Badu, Issac Hayes, The Delphonics, and Melba Moore, and opened for Tony Bennett. She toured with a gospel group, throughout Europe and South Africa. She was a songwriter and producer for Total Look and The Style, the iconic rapper Chuck D's female recording artists in the 1990s. She was a songwriter with Grammy award-winning drummer Lenny White, which led to jingles. She sang commercials for Folgers Coffee, McDonald's, and New Jersey Community Bank. BMI Songwriter, Member of Women in Jazz of South Florida, Inc. and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County. https://edlenehart.comhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070916119016https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiVcRvMeD7lvgW99xkTFyCw

William Theodore Carney III is the son of Philadelphia jazz notables, organist Trudy Pitts and drummer Mr. C. Known as TC The 3rd, this powerful jazz vocalist is well-versed in the art of jazz vocal styling. His CD, Life Force Jazz was recorded live at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and The Performing Arts. TC grew up around Masters of this music, so, he decided to capture some of this great talent on a first-class recording. With his legendary friend, Norman Connors, TC III created an All-Star cast for a concert. Al Young of the Philadelphia Daily News described it as the "Greatest show in thirty years." Jon Hendricks wrote the liner notes. TC III sings with Gary Bartz on Song For Debra, written and arranged by Elmer Gibson. Joey DeFrancesco is on ROME ALONE with TC's lyrics, written to Don Braden's If I Were A Bell and on Rahsaan Roland Kirk's Bright Moments, with lyrics by Todd Barken, who manages Dizzy's Club at Jazz @ Lincoln Center in NYC. Trudy Pitt's solo on Abby Lincoln's Bird Alone is tremendous! His second CD, The Music released on October 1, 2021. "A vocalist gifted with good taste and impressive chops." - Hot House New York   "One of the top male vocalists singing jazz, today." - AllAboutJazz.com New Album: The Music on Spotifyhttp://www.lifeforcejazz.comhttp://tcthe3rd.comhttp://airplaydirect.com/music/tc3jazzhttp://wijsf.org

Mary Fineman is from Baltimore, MD. She is an award-winning composer, pianist, singer/songwriter, and teacher, living in  Oakland, CA. She writes about the ordinary and turns it into the sacred, reminding us who we truly are. Her music traverses a large territory with songs reminiscent of Carole King, Schubert, and Sondheim. Her piano works evoke Satie and Copland within her unique landscape.She studied music theory with Grace Newsom Cushman and piano with Philip Cohen and Lauretta Altman in Montreal. She studied jazz at McGill and taught at Concordia University and Temple Junior College in Texas. Mary was a freelance accompanist for instrumentalists, dancers, and one classical whistler. Her music trajectory changed, suddenly, in 2003, when, she began hearing her own music, after visiting an energy healer. In 2014, she was commissioned by the James Irvine Foundation to orchestrate her song cycle It's About Love, performed by the Oakland Symphony under Maestro Michael Morgan. Mary has performed at the Paramount Theater, Piedmont Piano Company, the Marsh Berkeley, Hayward City Hall, Steinway Piano, and numerous fundraisers and house concerts. She's a participant in NACUSASF.org and CCPAS.org, and a proud member of the National League of American Pen Women. Mary is involved in recording over 80 works, including songs, piano, and ensemble pieces. She released four CDs with new CDs and a piano book planned for 2021. http://maryfineman.comhttp://wijsf.org

Ashley Kervabon-Stoyanov is the founder and CEO of #WomxnCrush Music, a non-profit arts organization in its 4th year of creating opportunities through community for inspiring, rising womxn songwriters.  It is unveiling its biggest, BOLDEST fundraising campaign in history starting July 14 with its #WCM BOLD initiative. This campaign will invite supporters to contribute to its year-long giving program as the thriving organization continues its steadfast pursuit to level the playing field for its community in the overwhelmingly male-dominated music industry.  http://www.womxncrushmusic.com   IG: @womxncrushmusic HTTP://wijsf.org Host: DrDivaJC

Valerie Romanoff hails from New York. She won BEST WORLD ALBUM at the 15th Annual Zone Music Awards. Valerie creates music in many genres, including new age, jazz, rock, blues, world music, and funk! Her celebrated all-original music is geared toward the meditation, yoga, and spa markets. She performs live, engaging audiences with up-tempo dance and groove music. Whether she plays festivals and gatherings with her new band SPIRIT JAM, or high-profile private events around the world as co-founder and creative director of Starlight Orchestras, Valerie is known for her bright presence onstage, her skill in crafting a range of musical experiences, and her talent for bringing together world-class performers.  And, while she is a multi-instrumentalist, nothing defines Valerie as much as her captivating and energetic electric guitar playing! https://valerieromanoffmusic.com/ http://wijsf.org  

Dr. Kathleen Riley is a musician, researcher, author, Optimal Performance Coach, and Certified HeartMath® Trainer, Dr. Kathleen Riley integrates music, science, mindfulness, and the intelligence of the heart to heal from stress and trauma, sustain resilience and optimize performance. https://drkathleenriley.com HTTP://wijsf.org HOST: DrDivaJC

Larry Cantwell is from New Jersey and attended The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, in history, during the tumultuous late 1960's, when he left college to pursue a music career. He traveled in New England with Soul and Rock bands, then returned to New York, where he advanced his music studies. He took advantage of diverse programs and talent in New York,  while working in assorted one-man and club date bands. Influenced by Nat King Cole and Stevie Wonder, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, songwriter and composer LC Wells offers thoughtful fusions of rock, jazz, and soul. His original music is co-produced with Jay Dittamo. He has worked with luminaries such as Bucky Pizzarelli, Mike Longo and the late, great Gloria Lynne. Wells' newest recordings have tapped into the long held social justice tradition of music. Unafraid to tackle issues that continue to affect our world, LC believes that shining a light on these topics is one of the greatest gifts of our musical heritage. “Love is love and deserves to be celebrated, but by calling out social injustice and demanding human rights for all, we can help provoke change.” LC's philosophy takes it all on with fearless determination. Wells lives and works in New Jersey, where he teaches private music lessons. His song, "I Wish It Would Snow," sung by Gloria Lynne in her last recorded performance, appeared in a Lifetime original film starring Gladys Knight and Taraji P. Hensen. soundcloud.com/lcwells www.wijsf.com www.wijsf.org

Lindsay Manfredi is a renaissance woman. She has been in the music industry for over 20 years. She is a two-time TEDx speaker and co-founder of Girls Rock Indianapolis, a nonprofit rock and roll summer camp for girls 8 to16, since 2010. She is the bassist for the alternative rock band, COLD which sold one million records in the US, and her recent album, The Things We Can’t Stop (Napalm Records, 2019) that debuted at #34 on Billboard. She is endorsed by Ernie Ball and Diamond Guitars, who are custom building two bass guitars, the Maverick and Hailfire ‘LM’ series basses for her. Manfredi is a singer/songwriter with music featured on Fitfluential Radio. She does studio work with Geno Lenardo (Filter, Chevelle). Manfredi partnered with Tricia Meteer in Equinox Farms that produces hand-pours luxury candles for bands and brands when she is not touring. For 10 years, Manfredi owned Linzstar Inc., a ghostwriting and social media marketing company, until music took over her life. She was a featured speaker at Blog Indiana and on other social media marketing panels including, The Combine in Bloomington, IN, and she was featured in Indianapolis Monthly Magazine as an up-and-coming artist in 2013. Manfredi lives in California. She released her first book, UNFUCKWITHABLE: A Guide to Inspired Badassery. Website: lindsaymanfredi.com Host: DrDivaJChttp://www.wijsf.org  

Kingsley, Black Indie Pop Artist released two women’s empowerment singles I’m Fine and Therapy with videos produced by and featuring all Black women. She partnered with a women-led makeup company to launch a set of lipsticks named after her singles. Her EP drops in May. iamkingsley.com  IG/Twitter: @yokingsleymusic http://wijsf.org Host: DrDivaJC

Kingsley, Black Indie Pop Artist released two women’s empowerment singles I’m Fine and Therapy with videos produced by and featuring all Black women. She partnered with a women-led makeup company to launch a set of lipsticks named after her singles. Her EP drops in May. iamkingsley.com  IG/Twitter: @yokingsleymusic http://wijsf.org Host: DrDivaJC

In 2018 Palm Beach International Jazz Festival Organization, LLC (100% minority-owned; African-American woman) was founded by international jazz vocalist and recording artist Yvette Norwood-Tiger. Her mission for the Palm Beach International Jazz Festival is to present highly acclaimed jazz artists from around the world and South Florida in a wonderful live concert setting in Palm Beach County. Each year, the Palm Beach International Jazz Festival hires over 30 musicians, in addition to technical and front-of-house staff during the one-day event. Our wish is to continue to support jazz musicians by holding the festival in 2021 - especially during a time when live jazz music is being drastically affected by the pandemic.  This year, due to COVID-19 constraints, festival seating capacity and tickets will be significantly reduced to give concert goers safe distance and comfort while enjoying live jazz in a concert setting. In joint celebration of UNESCO's International Jazz Day which is chaired by jazz great Herbie Hancock, the 3rd annual Palm Beach International Jazz Festival is scheduled for April 24, 2021, at the Raymond F. Kravis Center - Rinker Playhouse. http://pbijf.org http://wijsf.org

Gwen Laster is a Detroit violinist and awardee of the National Endowment for the Arts, Jubilation Foundation, Puffin Foundation, Arts Mid-Hudson, Lila Wallace, and Cognac Hennessey Jazz Search. Motor City's exciting urban and classical music culture influenced her improvising and composing. Her parents loved jazz, blues, soul, and classical music. She studied with inspiring music teachers in public school. After earning two music degrees from the University of Michigan, she relocated to New York, where she collaborated, performed, and recorded with Anthony Braxton, Nona Hendryx, Aretha Franklin, Wadada Leo Smith, William Parker, Danny Elfman, Sun Ra Arkestra, Tyler, the Creator, Gladys Knight, Emeline Michel, Andrea Bocelli, David Foster, Alicia Keys, Rhianna, Shaggy, Andrew Baba Lamb, Natalie Cole, Solange, Mark Anthony, J Lo and Shakira at President Obama’s Inaugural Neighborhood Ball. She played local jazz clubs and subbed on Broadway in Miss Saigon, Beauty and the Beast, Carousel, Wicked, Porgy and Bess, and The King and I. Laster led ensembles, orchestrating and composing string arrangements. She founded Creative Strings Improvisers Orchestra (CSIO), a music education ensemble teaching young strings players improvisation, composition, and global ensemble music. CSIO facilitated workshops at El Sistema Ravinia, Harlem School of the Arts, St. Ann's School, Blue Mountain Chamber Music Festival, Wappingers Schools, Poughkeepsie Day School, Interlochen Summer Institute, Sphinx Performance and Preparatory Academy, Eastman School of Music, Center for Creative Education, Howland Cultural Center, Bard College as an adjunct Jazz Violin professor, and Beacon CSIO online classes.  www.facebook.com/groups/creativestrings www.wijsf.org

Nina Kennedy is a world-renowned concert pianist, orchestral conductor, and award-winning filmmaker. She gave her first piano recital at nine and was a soloist with the Nashville Symphony, playing Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue at 13. She holds a master's degree from the Juilliard School where she studied with Leonard Bernstein. Kurt Masur was her conducting mentor, during his tenure as music director with the New York Philharmonic and L'Orchestre National de France. For 12 years, she lived and performed in Europe, residing in Amsterdam, Vienna, Cologne, and Paris. Nina wrote the script for a short film by Alberto Ferreras of HBO that was screened at the Berlin International Film Festival, New York's New Fest, and film festivals in Frankfurt, Jerusalem, London, Los Angeles, Munich, Oslo, Philadelphia, and Sydney.  Nina produced and directed the documentary about her father entitled Matthew Kennedy: One Man's Journey. He was the director of the Fisk Jubilee Singers. The film was screened at international film festivals including the African Diaspora Film Festival in New York, the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles, and Nashville's International Film Festival (NaFF), and the International Black Film Festival of Nashville. Nina won the Rosetta Miller Perry prize for Best Film by a Black Filmmaker. Nina Kennedy is the host of The Noshing with Nina Show, an award-winning cable television talk show at Manhattan Neighborhood Network. She authored Practicing for Love: A Memoir. https://www.infemnity.com/nina-kennedy-booking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ_aMM2Lo4k http://wijsf.org

Roberta DeMuro hails from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. She started singing at five, in the church choir. She grew up with annual music festivals and conservatory vocal training. Much to her music teacher’s dismay, she decided to sing pop music for a living. The piano playing came much later when she was singing professionally. She called it on-the-job training. Roberta performed in a variety of theatrical shows, including “Annie Get Your Gun” and “Hello Dolly” as Jeanette in The Full Monty. Roberta feels fortunate to be a professional musician that allowed her to travel to Acapulco, Mykonos, Greece, Scandinavia, Germany, England and to perform on cruise ships, including Norwegian, Carnival, the Yankee Clippers, and American Cruises. Roberta is a snowbird, spending half the year in Bar Harbor, Maine, and the other half in Boynton Beach, Florida. She performed for Maine Governor Jock McKernan’s 42nd birthday party at the Blaine House, at former Maine Senator William Cohen’s re-election party, and at the fundraiser for World Peace organized for former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell, who was the peace negotiator for Britain and Northern Ireland. March 27, 2021 Livestream http://robertademuro.com http://wijsf.org Host: http://drdivajc.com  

Donna Weng Friedman is an award-winning pianist, soloist, chamber musician, teacher, curator, and app developer. With WQXR, she produced Heritage and Harmony, a virtual concert series celebrating Asian Pacific Heritage Month. She co-created and co-hosted HER/MUSIC; HER/STORY (WQXR), and a concert series of women composers, past and present. She was the guest speaker on TEDx Santa Barbara’s series Making Waves: Conversations with Influencers and Disruptors. In January 2021, she was featured on the National Women’s History Museum’s series, Sundays@Home, honoring women who inspire others. At the National Women’s History Museum, she will launch two educational programs in 2022, featuring female BIPOC role models for school-aged girls of color. She performed solo with symphony orchestras, made her New York debut at the 92nd Street Y, and performed at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. She curated the Donna Weng Friedman Master Class Series at Princeton University, where she serves on the Music Department’s Advisory Council. She holds a B.A. from Princeton University and a Master's in Music from Juilliard. She recorded Frames of Life and created TheMusicBeeClub interactive classical music apps for children produced by David Frost. www.wqxr.org/story/heritage-harmony/www.wqxr.org/shows/her-music-her-story/music.princeton.edu/events/donna-weng-friedman-%E2%80%9980-master-class-series http://wijsf.org