Holiday Cafe' Artists Bios
LaTerry Butler & Co. featuring Willie Shaw Jr.:
LaTerry Butler has toured extensively, both nationally and internationally, with the Broadway Musical AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ . Other show credits include THE WIZ, SHOWBOAT, WEST SIDE STORY, DREAM GIRLS, BUBBLING BROWN SUGAR, PURLIE, EUBIE, FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE, ALL NIGHT STRUT, CROWNS, and the New York world premier of HI-HAT HATTIE. Originally from Michigan, he earned his B.A. degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. Having done post-graduate studies at both Juilliard and Manhattan School of Music in N.Y.C., LaTerry also earned the Colleague Certification from the American Guild of Organists. He was 1st place winner (instrumental category) in the region-wide WWRL Radio Gospel Search Contest in New York City. Mr. Butler, (along with his Wife, Mrs. Tammy Elaine Butler), is now a Sarasota resident where he continues to practice the trade of Musical Theater Music-Director. His latest foray into the musical stage theater arena was as the Music-Director/Keyboardist and Arranger for The Mahaffey Theater Foundation’s Community Production of Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity in St. Petersburg, FL. LaTerry is in his 11th year as current Director of Music Ministries at St. James U.M. Church in Sarasota.
Willie Shaw, Jr.,(Saxophonist), is a graduate of Booker Visual/Performing Arts High School in Sarasota. He has since honed his skills by traveling and playing along with a number of artists and groups. Now, 22, Willie is looking to broaden his horizons with a possible recording debut.
Lane J. Ruise, (Percussionist/Drummer), is a graduate of the Berklee School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. He has taught music in the public school system of Manatee County and is now the head instructor of a new arts program in Bradenton, FL for "children at risk"!
Deanna Williams:
Founder and Owner of VOHAG Productions, specializing in publishing and productions. Recognized as an author, photographer, actress and poet. She has performed at Theater Odyssey, Soul Speaks Poetry Theater, The Players Theater, WBTT and various MelEcho Productions events. TONIGHT: Poetic piece titled “The Gift of Christmas”.
Keith Scurry:
From Sarasota Fl. Poet, Author, Actor, and songwriter. He has performed shows from Xpress Not Suppress, and the Black History Exhibit. He recently won first place in the Barnes and Nobles Poetry Contest in Tampa Florida. Poetic piece titled “Soul Mate”
WBTT:
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is a professional non-profit corporation of concerned, committed and talented performers whose purpose is to promote, foster, and celebrate the African-American experience. It presents meaningful, entertaining, and thought-provoking theatre that increases minority participation in the arts. The theatre provides opportunities through teaching acting, singing and dancing. Its works presents the history and contributions of African-American composers, authors, directors and performers.
Nate Jacobs, Founder and Artistic Director, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe:
Singer, actor, producer, director and playwright, Nate has graced the stage for over 20 years in the state of Florida and the nation. He is a graduate of FAMU with a BA in Fine Arts and Drama. He has spent many years training and directing youth in the performing arts.
When not touring with his hit one-man tour-de-force, "Aunt Rudele's Family Reunion", he serves as the Fine Arts Director for the Westcoast School for Human Development in Sarasota, Florida.
Gale Fulton-Ross:
Gale Fulton Ross holds a B.F.A. from Massachusetts College of Arts and an M.F.A. in painting from the California College of Arts and Crafts. Initially trained as a museum curator, Fulton Ross received early acclaim as a portrait artist of such African American luminaries as Jackie Robinson, Justice Thurgood Marshall, and A. Phillip Randolph among others.
Fulton Ross has traveled extensively to paint, study, and lecture throughout Europe and Africa. In 1996, she went to China as an award recipient from the U.S. Visiting Artist Program. Her many other awards include: LaNapoule Fellowship (France)1990, West Coast Center for Human Development 1996, and National Coalition of 100 Black Women, 1997.
Gale Fulton Ross' art works are in many private, corporate, and museum collections. Forbes Gallery, N.Y.C., Ford Collection, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, The Arthur Ashe Foundation, Whitney Houston, Thurgood Marshall Estate, Women's Museum of Art (Washington D.C.), Boston Museum of Fine Art, American Museum of African American Artists (Boston), California Museum of African American Art (Los Angeles), Michael Dukakis.
Although Fulton Ross originally hails from Medford, she now divides her time between her galleries and studios in New York and Sarasota, Florida.
Ywada Pitts:
Ywada, R&B singer. Ywada just like her name is a unique individual who started her singing career at the age of eight. Her powerful voice was first recognized as a young girl at two years old by her family and friends who just knew one day she would become a profound vocalist. Ywada was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida where she attended the West Coast School for Human Development.
As a teenager Ywada began sparking the attention of national artists such as, songstresses Karen Clark Sheard and Yolanda Adams, BETs Bobby Jones, and also the people in her community while performing in many schools productions and at local churches.
Ywada's accomplishments also include, opening for the R&B group 112 in Miramar, Florida. Ywada was also a specially invited guest to perform at The White House for President George Bush. She is actively involved in the West Coast black Troupes and, has played numerous leading roles in theatrical plays such as, Showboat, The Old Settler, Strolling Down Fairytale Lane, and Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Lady.
In addition, Ywada has also written her own theatrical play. Ywada is currently working on her debut album. She has been featured in local newspapers such as The Bradenton Herald Tribune and The Sarasota Herald Tribune, and has been featured on nationally syndicated radio stations in Sarasota and Tallahassee, Florida and Athens, Ohio. Ywada was also named Singer of the Year in Sarasota, Florida.
Fanta-C Band:
Fanta-C consist of 3 members, Rayfel "Taz" Welch, Antonio "PT" Welch and Tory "Smooth" Newsome, who are childhood friends from Saint Petersburg, Florida.
They have performed in such major cities as Atlanta, New Orleans and Los Angeles and have performed as the opening act for Ashanti, Wyclef, Ginuwine, Keith Sweat, Lil John and the Eastside Boyz, Silk, Zap, Gerald Levert, The Whispers and The SOS Band.
The group has been performing since the 8th grade and were known by the name of Black Fanta-C. Rayfel and Antonio who are the founding members of the group have been writing their own songs since the age of eight and nine. Tory Newsome who is the newest member joined the group in February 2003.
All the songs on their current compact disc have been written and arranged by brothers Rayfel and Antonio Welch. The groups goal is to revive the ole' school R&B flavor, while adding a bit of young soulful twist.
Shavon Reed:
Known as the “Echo” of MelEcho Productions Inc., Shavon is recognized as a witty entrepreneur, executive producer, director and television personality. She is also celebrated for her creativity as an author of various works. From columns to magazine articles, poetry to innovative lyrics and Motivational Speaker, her ultimate goal is to ECHO-LUV !!! Piece: “Who are you?”
Tammy Butler:
Mrs. Tammy Elaine Butler is a lovely multi-talented actress/singer and visual-artist who happens to find the time to be a 4th grade teacher at Bashaw Elementary School in Manatee County. One of her paper sculpture creations called “Children of the World” was purchased and is now on display in one of the departments in the Manatee County Board of Education Building. Tammy Elaine’s past excursions in the acting field includes the production of THE KENTUCKY CYCLE, during the 1999-2000 season at the Asolo Theater in Sarasota. There she appeared in the dual roles of Sallie, and Sureta.
Ms. Tammy Elaine is a graduate of Bethune-Cookman College who has garnered herself substantial film and stage experience in New York City. She was cast as an extra in the film, It Could Happen to You, starring Rosie Perez. Her Off-Off Broadway stage debut occurred in the musical production Cece, Della & Me, at the Riant Theater in N.Y.C.!
Markus Vance:
Location: Clearwater, FL (Tampa-Saint Petersburg-Clearwater, FL)
Genres: Funk/Soul/R&B, Religious/Gospel
Markus Vance - formally of the Teddy Riley inspired musical group "911" has been performing for several years. He spent a few years in Virginia Beach and Atlanta perfecting his craft, and is now polished and ready to make his mark on the industry, by embarking on a solo career. Markus, an accomplished singer, songwriter and musician now resides in Tampa, Florida. He has been performing in various nightclubs and other venues throughout the southeast to stay on top of his game and establish a fan base along the way. Markus has headlined many shows as well as opened for other such notable artists as Dave Hollister, Jahiem and Genuwine, to name a few. Markus can also be credited for co-writing the title track from the soon-to-be-released, Freddie Jackson album entitled "It's Your Move". Markus also provided background vocals on the album as well.
For more information on artists contact: www.melecho.net
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