KIERRAH EVENTS
The Party Can't Start Without YOU!!

Entertainment


Our Music Director
World Renowned Conductor
Composer/Pianist
MAESTRO DELBERT TAYLOR

Delbert Taylor,
better known as “The Maestro”, has had a diverse and storied performance and recording career. He has recorded with such notables as Natalie Cole, Gil Scott-Heron, Fred Wesley, Slave, The Friends of Distinction, etc.
 
He has also produced and performed for such major record labels as Capitol, Atlantic, Atlantic Cotillion, Elektra Asylum, A&M, and CBS Sony Records to name a few.
“The Maestro” has also been awarded several Gold Records and Golden Reel Awards.

Maestro Taylor’s charitable efforts on behalf of young musicians everywhere and the artistic community at large have often been acknowledged through several awards and commendations from the State of California, The City of Los Angeles, California and from program sponsors and participants.

Maestro Taylor has been the Special Guest Minister of Music as well as Guest Solo Pianist at several churches in the greater Los Angeles area.

His love of Gospel Music, Jazz, R&B and The Blues has inspired Maestro Delbert Taylor’s “And God Created Jazz Too!!!” CD, lecture and tour.



World Renowned Drummer
KENNY ELLIOTT

Under the personal mentoring by orchestra leader/drummer Red Saunders and King Kolax, Kenny Elliott was exposed to many greats performing at the famed "Regal Theatre" in Chicago and learned to play and have some business knowledge. Playing Jazz,Pop,R&B,Fusion,Rock and work in the Theater. While attending college at the American Conservatory I began to teach there also and do recording sessions as a staff drummer for Brunswick Records. Doing sessions with producer Carl Davis and Sonny Sanders with little known but great bassist "Bernard Reed". Recorded for artists like Walter Jackson, Syl Johnson, Aorta and Thunderfunk Symphony. Working around Chicago with pianist Ken Chaney, guitarist Phil Upchurch, Pete Cosey and bassist Louis Satterfield with the "Pharoahs", Zoot Simms, "Lil" Harding Armstrong, Fred Anderson, Muhal Richard Abrams and Chico Freeman. After a move to Los Angeles in 1977 joined local 47 and began working with the late organist Johnny"Hammond"Smith, pianist Henry Butler and in saxophonist Benny Maupin's band "Pulsation" while working as a staff drummer for the publishing company Jobete Music and Fantasy Records. For producers "Bumps" Blackwell, Henry Crosby, H.B.Barnum, Herb Jimmerson, Monk Higgins, Alan Abrahams, Chuck Jackson. Recording with artist such as Syreeta Wright, Rance Allen, High Energy, Ren Woods, Bobby"Blue"Bland, Carl Anderson, Staple Singers, The Ink Spots, Martha Reeves, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Carl Anderson, Pockets, Paradise Express, Vicki Wynans, David T. Walker, Tavares to name a few. Working as house musician on tv shows and concerts I have worked with, Ray Charles, Mel Torme,Stevie Wonder, Nancy Wilson, Dionne Warwick, Al Green, Lionel Richie, En'Vogue, Joe Cocker, Lee Greenwood, Ella Fitzgerald, Paul Jackson Jr., Helen Reddy, Nikki Yanofsky, Freddie Jackson, Jonathan Butler & many others. I've toured with The Impressions, Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin,Linda Hopkins, Lucy Arnez, Billy Preston, Lou Rawls and the Count Basie Orchestra. Currently local work with The Luckman Jazz Orchestra and The Elliott Caine Sextent.


Legendary Singer/Songwriter
Musician/Composer
BRENDA LEE EAGER

This incredible songstress and accomplished songwriter captivates audiences with a soulful delivery uniquely her own. Listen to Brenda and you'll hear songs magically brought to life with a combination of down-home flavor and a slick uptown touch reflecting the influence of her upbringing in Alabama and Chicago.

Brenda, who has worked with great artists such as Diana Ross, Roberta Flack, Smokey Robinson, Teena Marie, Donny Hathaway, Graham Nash, Ray Charles, Mavis Staples, Stevie Wonder, among many others, takes us back to a time when soul-filled singing, whether silky-smooth or raw and passionate, was the order of the day.

 This seasoned vocalist has received accolades from some of the greatest entertainers in the business. "Ooh, the way Brenda Lee Eager sings, OOH Baby", smiles the legendary Smokey Robinson. Fellow singer songwriter Teena Marie credits Brenda Lee Eager as an influence in developing her own style; "The first time I heard Brenda Lee Eager I was sixteen years old and I was blown away by her range and yet sweet tone. I studied her records like I was in school. Brenda Lee was truly one of my teachers." Long time friend Mavis Staples affectionately says that Brenda Lee is a "Bad Montana", and the great singer Rev. O. C. Smith compliments "Brenda's voice is simply the most angelic voice I have ever heard". As a songwriter Brenda has written songs for Bobby Womack, Mavis Staples and the Staples Singers, Pop Staples, Cliff Richard, The Manhattans, Gladys Night, Peaches and Herb, and recently a Platinum single with the artist formally known as Prince. Shirley Brown of "Woman to Woman" fame has recorded three of Brenda's tunes. Aretha Franklin and so many others continue to request her material.

Brenda's first taste of Musical Theater was with Della Reese, who cast Brenda as one of the lead roles in her musical "The Message is in the Music". Recently, Brenda returned from Europe where she co-starred with the legendary Blues singer Maine Weldon in the hit musical "Wild Woman Blues". In addition, Brenda Lee has taught songwriting for the Quincy Jones Workshop in Los Angeles, and today is a consultant for many aspiring songwriters.
Currently, Ms. Eager is performing her One Woman Play, "Grace": The Brenda Lee Eager Story throughout Southern California.

Brenda Lee Eager has been a loyal supporter of The Kierrah Foundation for many years.  And we are honored and humble to have her as our Featured Artist at the Healing Through Music event.



Musician/Singer
Recording Artist/Producer
LES JULY
Les July is an extremely unique self-contained recording artist / producer who sings, writes and plays several instruments. He has been described in the press as "Seal meets Sting in Strawberry Fields". He is also known to display 'paranornal tendencies' which are evident in many of his songs and videos. As an indie artist, Les has released a CD and DVD, both receiving excellent reviews in the music trades.
A recent endorsement from music visionary icon, Kate Bush has brought Les worldwide attention. As a producer, his knowledge of multiple genres of music and his ability to 'mash them up', has led to work with artists of many different cultures. When he's not in the studio, Les gives of his time by volunteering @ Cedar-Sinai Medical Center as a Music For Healing therapist. Les has worked with top artists in every vein of contemporary music from Slash to k.d. Lang to Dr.Dre to Herbie Hancock. With recognition in all genres of comtemporary music, Les has managed to escape categorization as an artist, producer and musician.


Guitarist/Background Vocalist
MILES JOSEPH

The Co-writer and guitarist for Beyonce’s “Sugar Mama” on her “B’Day” CD, Miles has worked many of the greats. He has shared the stage with Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Carolyn Franklin, Billy Preston, Ivan Neville, Joe Sample with Steve Gadd & The Soul Committee, Edgar Winter, Steve Ferrone, AWB, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Bruce Willis & the Accelerators, Albert King, Jake Wade & the Soul Searchers, The Jones Boys and Rickie Byars Beckwith, just to name a few. Miles has performed on number recording sessions & television commercials.  He has served as the Musical Director for: China Club All-Star Band, Official Grammy After-Parties, All Celebrity New Year's Eve Bash, Creative Coalition Awards at the Manhattan Center in New York, Brad Pritt & Jennifer Aniston's Wedding, Della Reese Presents and many other Celebrity Events.
Singer/Songwriter/Producer
  DIAN WILSON

Dián began singing at the tender age of three. A child prodigy in jazz she has recorded with jazz greats Stanley Clarke, Michael Hoppé, worked with Dizzy Gillespie and performed with the Louis Taylor Quartet. Dián has written 6 cd's and 12 singles in jazz, rock n roll, blues, and produces r&b/dance music under the alias Sky Henry. Dián is also featured in the recent edition of BRE Magazine.


Vocalist/Musician
JAY JACKSON
Jay Jackson is a nationally recognized artist who has appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show", The Mentalist, Dexter and he currently has a role on the hit NBC comedy, Parks and Recreation.  Trained at the prestigious LaDuca Brothers Music Academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jay is an accomplished jazz vocalist as well as pianist.  He has produced and recorded on 6 albums, ranging from straight ahead jazz to Gosep/Christian rap.
Known locally as an Emmy winning reporter for CBS2/KCAL9 Los Angeles, Jay is one of the most sought after vocalists in the region.  He has shared bills with giants such as Nancy Wilson (Vino Jazz Festival), Azar Lawrence
(Jazz For Lovers) and Rose Gails (The World Stage).


Vocalist / Songwriter
ANITA DIANE HUTCHINSON

Anita is a seasoned, accomplished songstress, recording artist and songwriter with a unique sound which has allowed her to sing background for various artist such as Celine Dion, Helen Baylor, R Kelly, Greg Clarke to name a few.

Born in Motown (Detroit), with an extensive Gospel background, Anita has recorded with several Gospel artists including Marciael Holmes, Crenshaw Christian Center’s Sanctuary Voices, Sandy Oliver and Alfonso Freeman. However, she did not limit herself there; she performed in various groups singing background as well as lead vocals, opening for Chapter 8 (this group included Anita Baker as the featured vocalist), The Dramatics, P-Funk (Parliament/ Funkadelics), Hamilton Bohannon.

She has also recorded a solo project entitled “In His Time” and will begin shortly working on material for a new project.

Anita has also had several lead roles in local musical theatrical productions. Performing such roles as Dorothy Dandridge, Maria (Westside Story) are a few of the great performances she has accomplished.

Anita has also had the honor of singing the National Anthem for the Los Angeles Air Force Base for the National Day of Prayer.

Although her gift has sent her throughout the country and abroad, Anita’s desire is that people are truly encouraged and can visualize the “stories” told in the songs delivered as only she can.
Violinist/Composer/Arranger
CHRIS WOODS
Chris Woods began his studies of the violin at the age of four. After graduating from the Manhattan School of Music he moved to Los Angeles, where he was soon to become one of the most sought-after violinists in the city. Though trained in classical music, he learned to play different styles, from bluegrass to rock to hip-hop to jazz. He has worked with some of the top artists in the world, including Justin Timberlake, Jessica Simpson, Clay Aiken, Faith Evans, Outkast, Rickie Byers-Beckwith, Black Eyed Peas, and Dr. Dre . He also is a composer,arranger,and producer, and has written music for his group Sonication, his quartet Quartetto Fantastico, and MASS Ensemble, with whom he has toured the world.

He is concertmaster of the Southeast Symphony and Center Stage Opera, and has performed on such shows as American Idol, America's Got Talent, the Grammys, the American Music Awards, as well as shows on MTV, VHI, and worked as a music consultant for the television shows ER and The Big Bang Theory. His latest project is writing an album of conscious hip-hop pieces, which will be released in 2010. He is well know for his dynamic performing style, technical prowess, and soulful playing. He is an endorsed artist by Ned Steinberger Electric Violins.

Famed Drummer/Producer
ERIC SEATS

Eric’s music experience both singularly and collectively have paid off in chart topping successes like, "Where My Girls At" for 702 in collaboration with Missy Elliot. This song paved the way for a management deal with Blackground Entertainment. He and his team went on to produce songs for the Jet Li and Aaliyah hit movie and soundtrack "Romeo Must Die".

While producing a song for Destiny’s Child member Beyonce Knowles, the opportunity came to also produce "Independent Women (Pt. 2) for the "Survivor" CD. This was the original version that was recorded for the Drew Barrymore film "Charlie’s Angels".

After the success of the Survivor soundtrack, Aaliayah requested that Eric and his team work on her upcoming project as well. The result was production for half of her record "Aaliyah" which included the number one hit "Rock Da Boat", written by Static.

Eric, along with his team have gone on to produce and write music projects with the following other artists: Playa, Murphy Lee, 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, Tony Yayo, DJ Whoo Kid, Travis Barker, T.I., DJ Drama, Young Dro, Jay-Z, Tweet, Nelly, Murphy Lee, DMX, Ashanti, Ja Rule, DJ Reflex, DJ Dense, Yung Joc, Diddy, Pharell, Busta Rhymes, Chingy, Fabolous, Tank, Keyshia Cole, Kanya West, Bubba Sarxxx, Nelly Furtado, Rich Boy, Souja Boy, Lil' Mo, D4L, En Vogue, Karen Clark-Sheard, The Soul Seekers, Mary Mary, Chante Moore, Kenny Latimore, David Hollister, Lalah Hathaway, Kelly Price, Patti LaBelle and Stevie Wonder.

Singer/Recording Artist
JASON POWELL

Jason Powell, a native of the Bay Area,(N. California) has been performing almost all of his life, begininng with singing on the streets of San Francisco with his Father and brother at the age of 8. Continuing to hone his craft as a dynamic performer, he was accepted to SF's only prestigious School of the Arts Highschool where he emersed himself into everything from  orchestra and choir, to musicals and dramatic stage. After performing in Athol Fugard's "Master Harold and the Boys", Jason could not avoid the acting bug and was accepted to Cal State Fullerton, University's Theatre Program soonafter, where he received his BA degree in Theatre. Three years later, he received his MFA degree(masters) from the world renowned Actor's Studio program at the New School in New York. This artistic background helped Jason cultivate his natural musical skills making him a sought after entertainer. From Gospel, R&B, to Funk and Doo-Wop Groups(most notably the Acapella sensation "Renaissance"), Jason has performed and shared the stage with artists such as: Boys II Men, Chaka Khan, Will I AM, John Legend, Kool and the Gang, Chuck Berry, Gloria Gaynor, Rudy Ray Moore, and Andre Williams. He has appeared in the film, Phone Booth(2001) (as the featured "Doo-Wop" singer), the PBS TV show, Madison Heights(funeral singer), and lent his voice to an episode of the popular animated TV show, "South Park", where he garnered critical acclaim for his comedic/satirical portrayal of South Central Crips and Blood Gang characters. Currently, Jason is working on his solo album project,
which will come into fruition in early 2011.

If you are a Jazz or a Blues Musician or Performer and you would like to come jam with us, we would be honored to add your name to our show lineup.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to network with other musicians, play some music, and listen to Live Jazz and Blues.

For Details on how you can participate in the fun and exciting event,
please contact Brandy Sanders at brandy@kierrahevents.org


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