Lwazi Hlati
Lwazi Hlati is one of the most sought-after lyric tenors born in the city of Johannesburg, South Africa. He holds a Bachelor in Vocal Art (TUT) from South Africa and also obtained both a Master’s degree and a Performer’s Diploma from Southern Methodist University, Meadows School of Art. And he is currently pursuing a Graduate Artistic Certificate in Opera Performance at the University of North Texas. He is the recipient of several honors, including an Artistic Merit from Meadows School of Art, a Bruce R. Foote Memorial Award, an Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, a SAMRO Award, and an Artist Merit Award from the South African National Arts Council. He was first placed (best art song presentation) in an inaugural of the New York City Opera and Manhattan School of Music Duncan Williams voice competition.
As one of Johannesburg’s most sought-after tenors, he gained recognition from his performances as Ferrando (Così fan tutte), Fenton (Falstaff), Don José (Carmen), and Mitch (Streetcar named Desire), as well as working alongside several opera companies and extensive concert works across Africa and Greece. He performed in several products and concerts with Fort Worth Opera, including Gastone (La Traviata), Witch (Hansel and Gretel), King Kaspar (Amahl and the Night Visitor), Porgy and Bess, A Night of Black Excellence, and Noches de Zarzuela. He also performed Edgardo (Lucia di Lammermoor) with Opera in the Ozarks. He spent his summer in New Hampshire doing the role of Don José in Bizet’s Carmenandalso doing some concert performances with Opera North. He will be performing a Three Tenor Concert Series with the Lewisville Lake Symphony and is also most excited to be joining the Dallas Opera Young Artist Program doing the role of Miguel in Offenbach’s opera (Pépito).
Dr. Erica Vernice Simmons
Dr. Erica Vernice Simmons, lyric soprano, is the Professor of Voice and Director of Choir at the North Lake Campus of Dallas College. She earned her doctorate from the University of North Texas at Denton where she was a Teaching Fellow and McNair scholar. Artistically, Dallas Morning News’ review of her title role in the (2021) World Premiere of ‘A Lily Among Thorns’ in The Winspear Opera House with Das Blümlein Project described her “supply shaping lines and spinning out high notes with a beautiful silverytone…with a full-bodied low register.” She was a first-place winner in the Memphis Beethoven Club 2017 Young Artists Competition. She has performed in Spoleto, Italy, Graz, Austria and several opera houses across the U.S. playing the roles of The Countess in Le Nozze di Figaro, Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro, Sarah in Ragtime amongst other leading roles. She was also a former soloist with the Memphis Symphony Chorus. She began with the Fort Worth Opera (FWO) as a chorus member in their 2018 production of Porgy and Bess and later became a Studio Artist for their 2021-2022 season. She made her directing debut with FWO with the World Premiere of the opera Stand Up by Joe Illick and Sheran Goodspeed Keyton. Most recently, Dr. Simmons assistant-directed the semi-staged production of Aida with FWO and was invited back to direct Amahl and the Night Visitors with their Studio and Resident Artists for the 2023-2024 season. www.ericavernicesimmons.com
Kevin Whalum
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Candace “Mahogany” Warren
“Mahogany TheArtist” is one of the premier from the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex in Texas. A native of Richardson Texas, she was born Candace Miller and was destined to be an outstanding musician and producer. She attributes her artistic skills to her parents for constantly surrounding her with music and her years of studying piano, and playing drums all the while keeping a steady hand in writing and production. Mahogany brings an unforgettable performance that features an amazing mix of jazz, funk, soul, and even a bit of rock, infusing tunes you know and love with original material destined for the top of the charts. Mahogany has graced stages from East to West and in her hometown. Mahogany has maintained a unmatchable writing partnerships with many well respected producers who revere her as a fellow creator. Mahogany has 6 released projects: “JamBox”, “Her Song Vol. 1” “Merry Christmas from Mahogany”, “Waiting the EP” and her most recent singles “SOAR” and “FADED”. After years of vision and a love for community and the arts, in 2014 Mahogany founded the Jazz Becuzz Arts Center and is the executive Director of the non-profit organization Jazz Becuzz Arts Group and Good Lyfe programs. These amazing endevours have brought artists from across the nation together to bring creativity through music, sight, and motion into the lives of children, seniors and entire families in the DFW metroplex. mahoganytheartist.com
Nathan Young
My objective is to preserve the quality of music through effective training and encouragement for my students and the future generation. As a teacher, music director, artist, and accompanist my focus is to manage and strengthen my art center; along with providing the best vision for every musica experience that comes my way.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY as Music Director:
- Saintsville Cathedral
Fort Worth, Tx for 25 Yrs. - Grace Temple Seventh Day Adventist Church
Fort Worth, Tx for 10 Yrs. - Harmony Creative Arts Center as Artistic Director
“The Frank & Mary Lawson Music Hall”
Fort Worth, Tx … Current
PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE: A member of Kirk Franklin’s Nu Nation and 1 Nation Crew; touring from 1999-2003. Vocalist for One Nation Crew. Vocalist for Kirk Franklin Rebirth Project. Music Director of “Rudy Eastman and Douglas Balentine’s: God’s Trombones” with Jubilee Theatre in 2016. Music Director for South Dallas’ Culture Center A Soul Rep Production “Naughty But Nice” in 2017. Performed at the 2018 and 2019 Fort Worth and Denton Arts Festival with The Rachella Parks Jazz Band
FAVORITE GENRES: Classical, Jazz, Rock, Soul, Old School R&B, and Reggae.
Jerwinn Land
A Dallas native, Jerwinn Land, harnesses the sound of music in a way that is purely magical. His inviting demeanor, and otherworldly countertenor sound entices all who are listening to be fully engaged. As a singer and songwriter, he is a master at intricately blending multiple genres into a musical style that is unique to him. His devotion to his craft consistently compels him to strive towards greatness. He is an annual soloist in the Emmy award, winning stage production, The Black Academy of Arts and Letters “King Concert”, has served as a background vocalist for the Stellar Awards, and also serves as a recurring background vocalist for the Avidity Awards. During his performance career, he has shared the stage with the likes of Jennifer Holliday, Kim Burrell, Le’Andria Johnson, Myron Butler, as well as other international and local artists.
Gabe Meadows
For nearly 30 years, Dallas vocalist Gabriel B. Meadows has been pleasuring audiences with his emotive interpretation of song, and he has collaborated with some of the greatest musicians of our time: among them are jazz trumpeter, Wynton Marsalis and chanteuse Ella Fitzgerald’s long-time bassist Keeter Betts. Though originally from Atlanta, it was in 1992 that the versatile crooner relocated to the Metroplex from the nation’s Capitol. Before leaving Washington, D.C., heperformed under contract at the legendary Du Pont Hotel, delivering standards with his own style of song interpretation from his inexhaustible repertoire. Gabe first sang publicly in the ’70s when he was invited by a local singer to perform with her in a San Francisco nightclub. From that point forward, he has been a mainstay on the competitive club circuit, rendering all styles of compositions for his diverse following: He reflects Ekstein’s presence, Sinatra’s cool classics, and Jarreau’s passion. These intriguing vocalists, along with Nat King Cole and his favorite, Nancy Wilson, are some of Gabe’s primary influences. Gabe has delighted fans at many Dallas area nightspots, including Sambucas, Sipangos, The Ocean Grill, the Balcony Club, Times Ten Cellars, and countless other popular venues. At a Sammons Center performance, he performed some of the most delightful tunes of any era: “It Had to Be You,” “Take The ‘A’ Train,” and “Once I Had a Secret Love, incomparable songs that made the capacity audience take notice of his growing musical prowess. Currently, Gabe performs at venues like The Balcony Club, Stoney’s Wine Lounge, the Kitchen Café among others. In these venues, he displays some of the same artistry that has made him a local favorite on the fast-paced weekend entertainment scene. Gabe’s versatility allows him to express his musical proclivities in several genres: R&B, popular, jazz, and soft rock are all at the disposal of one of Dallas’ premier showmen, Gabe Meadows.
Carolyn Lee Jones
Carolyn Lee Jones, an accomplished jazz stylist, performer and recording artist began a music career in 2008 as her “Second Act”! This sophisticated jazz-pop vocalist, who is reminiscent of the classic night club singers of the 40’s, 50’s & 60’s, burst on to the DFW music scene in 2008. After a successful Buying career with three prominent Dallas based luxury stores Carolyn Lee Jones is hitting her stride. Since launching her music career, she has released five CD’s and five singles on her independent label Catn’round Sound; one featuring the late composer singer Bob Dorough. Jones has produced and performed five themed cabaret jazz shows; including the music of Johnny Mercer. She can be seen regularly performing in DFW each week with her Vintage Jazz Ensembles and The Satin Dolls Band, her all female quintet. carolynleejones.com
Talyah Thomas
Talyah Thomas is a Houston native and freshman at Texas Christian University’s School of Music. She is majoring in voice performance and in the studio of Dr. Gwendolyn Alfred. At TCU, Talyah is a member of the University Singers, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and Word of Truth Gospel Choir. Prior to attending TCU, Talyah earned many accolades as a soloist and ensemble member including UIL Solo and Ensemble, TMEA All-Region Choir, and Texas Thespians. Talyah is excited to broaden her horizons in the performance sector of the DFW Metroplex!
Kolby Carpenter
Kolby Carpenter has lived in Mid-Cities his entire life. Born in Fort Worth and attended PK-12 in Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD. Kolby was a TMEA All-Region, All-Area, and All-State Choir member. He is also a well achieved soloist as he only received 1’s at UIL solo & ensemble, and was a semi-finalist in the Classical and Spiritual Division in the NATS Texoma region. He is now a freshman at Texas Christian University Double-majoring in Music and Political Science, and is in the studio of Tenor, Dr. San-Ky Kim. Kolby is a part of multiple performance groups at TCU including University Singers, Frog Corps, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and Theatre TCU Black Excellence. This will be Kolby’s very first Opera performance, but it most certainly will not be the last.
Fiona Feil
I’ve been dancing for 13 years and am currently training at The Dallas Conservatory in Frisco, Texas. I am advanced in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, and Modern training as well as some Ballroom, Hip-Hop, and Tap throughout my dance career. I attended the Juilliard School Summer Intensive in 2023 as well as the Joffrey Ballet School Summer Intensive in 2019 on scholarship. I hope to become a professional dancer and receive a BFA in dance in New York City at a collegiate level.
Ursula Hicks
Ursula Hicks began her dance training over 20 years ago in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and later Modern and Contemporary dance. Ursula graduated with B.A. in Dance Studies from Texas Woman’s University in the summer 2013, where she studied with Marry Williford-Shade, Sarah Gamblin, Jordan Fuchs, and Gladys Keeton. Ursula brings such musicality and enthusiasm to the dance floor, it’s no wonder that she has placed in multiple lindy hop competitions including the International Lindy Hop Championships in Washington, D.C., LindyFest in Houston, TX., and a number of other competitions. Ursula has also been on the board of directors for The Fort Worth Swing Dance Syndicate, and served as president of The Dallas Swing Dance Society. Ursula takes pleasure in collaborating with fellow artists and social dancing in the DFW area and enjoys teaching dance to students of all ages. She is an absolute joy to watch and learn from.
Arlington Jones
Arlington “Ollie” Jones III
Arlington “Ollie” Jones III started playing drums at two years old. He was inspired as he watched his dad practice at home, rehearse with musicians, and perform concerts. His dad would take him backstage to meet famous drummers who encouraged him. Ollie saw firsthand what it takes to be professional. At eight years old, he was selected to be the church youth band drummer and performed with the group for six years. He did his first studio recording as a drummer at ten years old. Over the years, he has sat in with his dad at concerts as a surprise guest, and now he is the drummer for Arlington Jones & The Brethren. Ollie created and owns LXVI clothing brand. He works for the Dallas Mavs Academy Youth Basketball Division. He serves with nonprofit organizations Love Ministries and Mark Cuban Heroes Center. He is also training to play professional basketball. lxvico.com
James Driscoll
Bassist James Driscoll has been an active member of the Dallas/Ft. Worth music scene for over 25 years and has performed or recorded with Don Henley, Bobby Paterson, Andy Timmons, Tim Miller, Ariel Posen, Ed Soph, Arlington Jones, Doc Severinsen, Petty Theft, Stockton Helbing, Dallas and Ft. Worth Symphony Orchestras and many more. He has played on countless national commercial jingles at Luminous Sound and TM Studios. In addition, he teaches audio production at Booker T. Washington HSPVA and Collin College and operates a studio called Hot Tonic Mastering where he collaborates with many Texas artists. jamesdriscollmusic.com
Jorge Ginorio
Originally from Puerto Rico, Jorge Ginorio is a professional percussionist, educator, and band leader. A graduate of the esteemed University of North Texas, he also attended the Escuela Nacional de Arte in Havana, Cuba, where he studied with José Luis Quintana “Changuito”, Carlos Aldama Pérez, Regino Jiménez Sáez and other Cuban master percussionists. Jorge has performed, toured, and recorded with artists ranging from Alex Acuña and Brave Combo to Aretha Franklin and the One O’Clock Lab Band. He demonstrates his commitment to education by conducting lessons and workshops and presenting at conventions, universities and cultural centers. Jorge Ginorio is endorsed by Latin Percussion, Remo Drumheads, Sabian Cymbals, and Vic Firth drumsticks and Mallets. jorgeginorio.com
Quamon Fowler
Quamon Fowler, a man of many talents and roles, he was not just a husband and father, but a musical virtuoso, a dedicated educator, and a visionary entrepreneur. For more than three decades, Quamon had been on an extraordinary journey, one filled with melodies, passion, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. In the grand symphony of life, Quamon’s name resonated far and wide for his mesmerizing mastery of the saxophone and the enchanting Electronic Wind Instrument. He wasn’t just another musician; he was a maestro whose notes could stir souls and transport listeners to distant realms. The year 2008 marked a turning point in his journey when he claimed the prestigious 3rd place in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition. It was a moment that solidified his position among the global elite of jazz musicians. With a creative spirit that knew no bounds, Quamon had brought to life nine incredible CDs, each a testament to his artistic evolution. His latest masterpiece, ‘You’re My Protection,’ was a harmonious blend of passion and innovation that left audiences in awe. www.quamonfowler.com – “Creating from the heart & soul”
Dr. Meg Griffith
Modern and Baroque flutist Meg Griffith has been hailed as “an excellent flutist…playing at breakneck speed…facility with total control” who “radiated calm serenity and impressionistic colors, giving…a fine opportunity to exhibit her beautiful, singing tone.” (New York Concert Review). A Trevor James Alto Flute Artist, her passion for new music is fed through commissioning projects and as a member of the Texas New Music Ensemble. A founding member of Whole Musician, 501©3, Meg’s yoga certification (200 E- RYT) informs her goal of simplifying and solidifying the physical and mental practices of artists. Meggriffith.com