2006 Previously Featured Performers
at the Coffee House

March 30, 2007

Tania Alexander

Visit her website at: www.TaniaAlexander.com 

Irene Malloy: This powerful singer, songwriter and guitarist, wears her heart in an easily accessible place during her performances; drawing the audience into her world from the first note to the last strum. Singing stories of loss, strength, and love.

A native Philadelphian, Irene has played at the Tin Angel, Puck, Milkboy, and the World Cafe Live, plus venues in Vermont, NJ, NYC and LA. She was recently featured as a Local Vanguard in Philadelphia Style Magazine, and is currently featured on the cover of Philly Edge's "Ladies on the Edge" Issue, on newsstands now.

Visit her website at: www.irene-molloy.com  Visit her website at: www.irene-molloy.com 

Lillie Ruth Bussey: is generally a 3 piece band with a fiddler (Aaron Dunlap), a drummer (Jeb Lewis), and myself (bianka brunson) on guitar, vocals, and kazoo. Sometimes Jeb will play harmonica, slide guitar, and calhone. 

When people ask what kind of music we play I really can't say. So, I say it's a compilation of folk, soul, old r&b, jazz, rock, and some songs have a Brazilian influence. All of us bring a wide spectrum of musical influences to this band which I feel make it hard to classify. 

We've only been together for about a year. But it feels like it's been many. Since we started things have been moving so fast. We've been playing shows in Philly and NY. In Philly, we are known best for our annual bi monthly Laundromat shows at the 10th st. Laundromat. 

We recently recorded our 1st EP which should be pressed and released really soon. The web page and myspace follow right behind the ep. It's all in the making. 

Visit Bianka's website at: http://www.myspace.com/bianka_ 

Open Stage 
Featuring: Moving Boxes

Come out and jam at our open stage concert.  We will be featuring the mysterious Moving Boxes band with Joshua Machiz.  Find out more about our open stage guidelines here...

View Joshua's website...

PS24 is a group that is creating a sound truly unique in contemporary music. This acoustic trio consisting of guitarist Waldo, percussionist Jali-D, and actor/playwright/ singer-songwriter Psalmayene 24 (Psalm), is electrifying crowds at every performance. Their potent lyrics and collective sound give birth to an authentic urban folk music, Folk-Hop, that is consistently referred to as beautiful and refreshing. The beauty is in the simplicity. Superb songwriting that is substantive and catchy, combined with rhythmic melodies and hip-hop/world beat percussion. It is a perfect blend of nourishment for the mind and music for the soul that strikes a collective chord that resonates in listeners of all ages and backgrounds. Currently the resident band at Washington, DC hot spot Busboys & Poets, PS24's highly entertaining and enlightening live shows have wowed many an audience. Psalm's dance and acting background add dimension to his charisma on stage. Jali-D, originator of rappercussions (a unique blend of rap and African drums), freely flexes his natural showmanship. And Waldo's urban folk style playing steadily roots the group in a timeless tradition of music. The three have a cooperative chemistry and innovative style that is sure to inspire. Their desire to share this beautiful music with listeners everywhere is now being realized by the release of their first recording Independence, which you can purchase by clicking on the link in Band Website on the left side of this page or below. Look out for this trio as they create a strong buzz wherever their music travels take them.

PS24's web page: http://www.myspace.com/ps24music 

Mikuak Rai

An "indigo child" born Easter Sunday to a heroin-addicted mother in the inner city of Chicago...thus sets the stage for the life and art of Mikuak Rai (pronounced ma-koo-ah ray). Overcoming life-threatening circumstances during his first moments, Mikuak has always known he has a special purpose, an undeniable calling, and that music is central to fulfilling his life work.

Folk artist, truth seeker, spiritual warrior, planetary steward, and world-bridger...this describes not only his purpose, but also the nature and intention of his music. His first solo release, "SimpleTruth" (BEarth Tones Music/SoulFolk Innertainment), takes listeners on a veritable guided meditation through a kaleidoscope of thought and emotion, set to the backdrop of natural, acoustic piano. This recording represents a return to the Source - live, organic, soul-filled artistry...elegant simplicity. Love, awareness, forgiveness, and awakening are the prevalent themes of this album. 

With a soothing vocal presence, poignant lyrics, and soulful sincerity, Mikuak's sound and content have been compared to that of the late John Lennon and Donnie Hathaway as well as Gil-Scott Heron, Bill Withers, Ben Harper and John Legend to name a few; though, with one listen, it is clear that singer, songwriter, musician, and composer Mikuak has crafted a style all his own. As he sings on the albums first song entitled Rainbow, "It's time to shine that light and break out from the norm"; and, that is just how Mikuak intends to be...free from the norm, free to shine. 

Mikauk Rai's web page: http://www.myspace.com/mikuakrai 

Mandy Shaw

Mandy began wowing audiences with her unique style of guitar-playing and songwriting in coffeehouses and music venues in the Washington, DC area at just 18. Now 25, her repertoire is impressive and her fan base continues to grow. 

In 2002, she teamed with Robin Elder and RockStar Productions to produce her first full album, 'eyelevel' while living in Provincetown, MA. 'eyelevel' includes guest appearances by Ashland Miller and Andy Moore. While supporting 'eyelevel's' release, she paired with Andy Moore to form 'autosoul', an original acoustic duo reminiscent of early Indigo Girls. They quickly became a local staple at numerous top venues in Provincetown for the last three summers while also pursuing separate interests. 

Pursuing her solo songwriting career, Mandy has played numerous coffeehouses, festivals, ladies' nights, and colleges over the last three years, from the Capital Pride's Main Stage in DC to the University of Vermont. 

This winter, Mandy is back in DC preparing to record her second album. She is teaming up with Meghann Robinson for a winter/spring tour through New England, as well as pursuing solo gigs throughout the mid-Atlantic and Northeast during the Spring/Summer 2007. 

Mandy Shaw's web page: http://www.mandyshaw.com/news/ 

Keisha Hutchins

Singer-songwriter, Keisha Hutchins, first came on to the Philadelphia music scene as the lead-singer for the down-tempo electronic group, Vanishing Peoples of the Earth who released their first recording in late 2002. Since then, Hutchins has been involved in multiple projects and focused on creating her signature blend of folk and soul.

Her debut solo EP Dedicated, while representative of this folk/soul blend, also carries songs which are reminiscent of her VPE days, with dark, watery melodies, and haunting, thought-provoking lyrics. The EP, comprised of songs either dedicated to or inspired by people and events in Hutchins' life, is an honest telling of life struggles, pursuits, hopes and lessons.

Keisha Hutchins webpage: http://www.keishahutchins.com/ 

Daniel Dejesus
A classically trained cellist and native Philadelphian with influences ranging from Bach to Radiohead, DeJesus began writing at the age of 14, experimenting with the guitar and piano with the belief that those were the only instruments a true modern song writer would use. Not until hearing the band 'Rasputina' and the Austrian cello quartet 'Apoctalyptica', did he finally decide to shed his misconceptions, and begin writing for the cello and voice. It was a new sound, a sound that was his, and it felt natural. While attending the University of the Arts to study Illustration, DeJesus continued writing, but kept it a secret from friends and family. After recording some of his new material, and mustering up some serious courage, DeJesus began performing some of his material, and was amazed at the reactions. Following the suggestions of a few friends, he began putting together a small homemade marketing package, truly believing his music was something worth sharing, and sent it out to local recording companies. It eventually hit the ears of Ted Richardson (Hunkpapa, Ultrahuman, and The Acoustic Alternative) of V3 Records, which spawned a collaboration that has created an eclectic, but highly approachable sound to add to the cello and rock repertoire.
www.danieldejesus.com and www.myspace.com/danieldejesus 

Kierstin Gray 
Within a few notes, listeners to Kierstin Gray grasp that they are witnessing the ascension of a perceptive storyteller. Armed primarily with an acoustic guitar and an arsenal of originals and covers, Kierstin has canvassed the country on a mission to bare her soul. As a singer-songwriter, she utilizes the sonic fabric found in her Jersey suburbs and offers a patchwork of pop blending traditional rhythm and blues with organic rock. 
www.kierstingray.com and http://www.myspace.com/kierstingray  

David Shultz 
"Shultz approaches pop perfection in almost every one of his songs, delivering one so-easy-I-shoulda-thought-of-that melody after another over humble acoustic guitar, but he uses his music's simple elegance to explore some serious hurt. His warm-as-an-old-LP voice cracks and shakes when he probes deep, chipping away at his music's rounded pop surface and pushing on in search of intimacy and revelation." - Splendid
http://purevolume.com/davidshultz and http://www.myspace.com/davidshultz  

Adam Web
I suppose my music is a response to the emotions, ideas, and realizations of my life at a given moment in time. Where most of it is a means for healing, questioning, and understanding, I also enjoy immersing myself in love and writing about the wonderful places that it's power can take me. Oh, who am I kidding...love sheds its light in all of all my songs. Instrumentally it is some kind of cross between funk, folk, jazz, rap, rock, and a whole lot of I have no idea.
http://www.myspace.com/aweb

Anam Owili-Eger 

Through his idiosyncratic piano playing and his uniquely soulful voice, singer/songwriter Anam Owili-Eger (uh-NAHM oh-WEE-lee ee-GAIR) defies genres by weaving a colorful fabric of soul, jazz, funk, folk and rock. With influences as diverse as Stevie Wonder, Jamiroquai, Tori Amos, Sting and McCoy Tyner, Anam's brand of alternative soul music captivates audiences not only through his playing, but also through his introspective--and sometimes dark or political--lyrics of love, loneliness, madness and mortality. 

"It's important to me that each song tell a story," says Anam, a native of Philadelphia, PA. "Whether it tells a whole one from beginning to end, or just offers a quick glimpse into someone's life, I think the best songs not only take you somewhere musically, but also to another place and time."

His websites: http://www.anamanam.com/, www.myspace.com/anamanam 

Tim'm West 

is an author/publisher, poet, emcee, scholar and activist who in 1999 co-founded Deep Dickollective and established himself as one of the more dynamic and influential Renaissance artists coming into the 21st Century. In 2003 he released a critically acclaimed poetic memoir Red Dirt Revival, in 2005 a chapbook BARE, and will release his second full-length book, "Flirting" through Red Dirt Publishing. Musically, he released his solo debut, Songs from Red Dirt on Cellular Records. He is preparing for the release of Blakkboy Blue(s) its highly anticipated follow up and "On Some Other", DDC's third full-studio album project. A cultural critic, he is widely published in academic and literary anthologies, journals, and other publications. Tim'm is also featured in two critically acclaimed Hip Hop documentaries that are creating quite a buzz right now: Alex Hinton's "Pick Up the Mic" and Byron Hurt's "Beyond Beats and Rhymes". He resides in Washington, DC.

His websites are: http://www.reddirt.biz and www.myspace.com/timmwest 


Mr. Kuku 

KUKU creates music with the emphasis on the principle of “less is more”. His music draws from the soul, folk, jazz and African music he heard growing up in Lagos Nigeria. KUKU’s unique brand of soul music, labeled the “Afro Soul Acoustic Experience”, addresses all human emotions that fall under the universal theme of “Love.” He takes music back to its roots with is minimalist acoustic guitar driven approach to performing and recording. Though folksy in delivery, KUKU makes pure "SOUL" music with a five octave vocal range that’s reminiscent of the likes of Terry Callier, Bill Withers, Al Green, and the Richie Haven. 

KUKU’s, full length album, Unexpected Pleasures, follows his critically acclaim 2005 “Love Sessions ep” is set for release in April 2006. The twelve song album was written and co-produced by KUKU, with much help from his multi-talented friend and acclaimed twin brother, Alexei Tsybine Jendayi a native of Moscow, Russia. Every track is stunner on this offering. Among the album's choice are the West African influenced "Perfect Reality" and "Ife" the first is a feel-good, mid tempo track with an infectious percussion accompaniment, the second pays homage to “Love” in KUKU’s native tongue “Yoruba.” Though majority of the album is song in English, no translation is needed to feel the emotional message in KUKU’s West African lyric tracks.

His websites are: www.kukulive.com and www.myspace.com/kukumusic 

And last but not least: 

Ashley Phillips

Captivating audiences with her intimately soulful and lyrical professions of love, life, and truth, Philadelphia-born Ashley Phillips is a singer/songwriter to watch out for. Influenced heavily by jazz/funk, pop, and progressive R&B, Ashley's unique blend of acoustic R&B and soul draws comparisons to such artists as Minnie Riperton, Amel Larrieux, Adriana Evans, and Dionne Farris. 

Her websites are: www.myspace.com/ashleyphillipsband and www.ashleyphillipsmusic.com 

OPEN STAGE
Featuring:
The Philadelphia Bluegrass Band: 
September 29, 2006  6:30 p.m.

An acoustic quintet from the Philadelphia area, The Philadelphia Bluegrass Band has a profound dedication to the authentic bluegrass sound and style, taking great pride in the traditions of early American music. The band has been together since the spring of 2003 and has played with Ron and Rob McCoury, Jason Carter, Mike Bubb, Shawn Camp, Adrienne Young, and many others.

Visit the PGB website here...

Men's Singer/Songwriter Series: August 25, 2006  6:30 p.m.
Featuring:

John Francis
His passionate performances and eloquent songwriting have recently drawn comparisons to U2’s Bono, Jeff Buckley, Bruce Springsteen, and Dylan. It is not imitation that has received attention. It is John Francis’ distinctive voice, lyrically and melodically, that captures his listeners and fans.

Fledged on the folk music of his parents, harmonizing while strumming guitars or gathered around the family piano, it wasn’t long until John began writing and performing. At 18, He moved to Harrisburg, PA where he studied literature and poetry at a small college. John immersed himself in the works of classical and contemporary poets and playwrights. 

"Think Johnny Cash meets Jeff Buckley." -Appel Farm Festival Program

Visit John Francis' website here...

Zac Galen
From his home city of Worcester Massachusetts to the Modern Metropolis Berlin Germany, Zac Galen has been called a rising star. But he shies away from the label, making music out of sheer joy. A student of jazz, Zac blends its language with the inflection of soul music and the immediacy of folk. Having shared the stage with artists as diverse as Roomful of Blues, Steve Lacy, RJD2 and the Benevento/Russo Duo, Zac has felt most at home performing, thriving on the relationship with audiences around the world and utilizing the connection between fellow musicians within bands like Peoples Republic of Monsters and Old Man Benjamin. His live show incorporates elements of folk, jazz, blues, funk, hip-hop, and many other genres to combine for a performance which is at once genuine and also full of surprises. 

Visit Zac Galen's website here...

Chris O'Brien
Boston based singer/songwriter, Chris O'Brien took to the guitar after seeing Shawn Colvin and the Indigo Girls in concert when he was twelve. Struck by his passion to learn the guitar, family friend Dar Williams sat down with Chris and taught him to play the chords and songs in Shawn Colvin's songbook "Steady On."

His stepmother, a former manager at the famed Iron Horse in Northampton, is also a folk DJ. Chris grew up surrounded by music and musicians, he was raised on a steady diet of Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon. Influenced by Martin Sexton, David Gray and Richard Shindell he started crafting his own songs by the age of 14.

After a few years of college in Oregon, Chris returned home and became a regular face at the Iron Horse open mics. With some encouragement from friend Stephen Kellogg, Chris moved out to Boston to try his luck in the renowned Cambridge Folk scene. The folks at the legendary acoustic music venue Club Passim immediately embraced the young songwriter and present him on stage on a regular basis. He is also finding success in New York City venues and has returned to western Massachusetts...this time as a featured artist. 

View Chris O'Brien's website...
 

Will Brock
Though clearly influenced by the legends of American music, Wills style is uniquely his own. You’ll hear shades of everyone from Prince and Marvin Gaye to James Taylor and the Beatles in the records. Even so, once you hear a Will Brock joint, you’ll recognize his music anywhere. It’s a signature sound that leaves an imprint on one's soul. Will is one of the most in demand keyboard players in Philadelphia. The miles he’s logged on the road are too many to count, lending his abilities to The Stylistics, Miles Jaye, and many others. 

Will can be heard playing on countless major recordings as well. As a singer, he consistently brings audiences to their feet on stages around the world when he’s featured with Marion Meadows and Gerald Veasley. As co-founder of 1050 east, a Philadelphia production company, Glenn Lewis, Jeff Bradshaw, and many others have benefited from his abilities.  He also has many independent domestic and European releases under his belt. All of these experiences have served to hone Will’s ability to create amazing music. They’ve allowed him to sharpen every aspect of the record making and performing process. Will Brock is a master. His music is an experience, and the story he tells is one that needs to be heard. 

View Will Brock's website...

Open Stage Featuring:
Cassendre Xavier and Melvin McKnight: Friday July 28th, 2006

Cassendre Xavier is a soulful singer, songwriter, and guitarist described as "a cross between Tracy Chapman, Sade, & Enya" (Borders Music Expert Steven M. Wilson). 

The founding director of the Black Women's Arts Festival (University of Pennsylvania 2003-2006) and the Women's Writing & Spoken Word Series (Robin's Bookstore 2002-2006), she is now focusing on a full-time music career. Visit her website and listen to "Beautiful", Cassendre's latest and best-selling CD, to hear why she's one of Philadelphia's most promising artists, and the recipient of the $15,000 Leeway Foundation's 2005 Transformation Award.

Visit her website at: http://cassEndrExavier.com  

Melvin McKnight On the professional music scene for ten years, 34-year-old Melvin McKnight feels a sense of history has emerged from his playing. "I want to show people that I respect where I came from while at the same time giving them something new to think about." Mr. McKnight has been doing just that with own band, Malicious Soul, which has been playing the New Jersey circuit for the past three years. Malicious Soul, the funky quartet fronted by Mr. McKnight, is an incestuous marriage of soul music and R&B. Mr. McKnight's catchy originals are woven seamlessly into the fabric of classic material from Prince, Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Donny Hathaway. 

Mr. McKnight has a flourishing solo career as well, performing explosive acoustic sets at cafes and similar venues. His songwriting shows a mature social understanding with a symbiotic balance of strength and timidity. His lyrics are accessible and his textured arrangements aren't overstated. Mr. McKnight is also an experienced studio session musician, having laid guitar tracks for TM Stevens, Pras of the Fugees, and Lil' Flip. Mr. McKnight has also performed with TM Stevens' touring band, the Trammps, and most recently, John Legend. Studio, stage, history, future, electric, acoustic, guitar, vocals: you find it all in Melvin McKnight. 

Visit his website at: http://www.myspace.com/blaqmel   

Women's Singer/Songwriter Series: June 30, 2006
Featuring the follow 4 artists:

Sparlha Swa
Folk/Soul and Rock 

Sounds like Tracy Chapman meets Sade. 

Equipped with a guitar, a gift for poetic lyricism, and a voice of undeniable impact, singer-songwriter Sparlha Swa sings from the place where sound meets spirit. 

But she's far from your average singer-songwriter. Born in Jamaica, educated at Stanford, pulling from a spiritual background that reaches from Buddhism to Rasta, she has that nameless something that keeps you listening. Whether solo or accompanied by her 3 piece band, Sparlha wields a stage presence, intelligent lyrics and the unique delivery of a voice powerful enough to hold any audience rivetted. 

Visit Sparlha Swa's website here...

Carlyn Hutchins
Carlyn was born and raised in Philadelphia. At age 10, after she heard her oldest sister play the guitar, she asked her parents for one, got a 3/4 size guitar with a book of chords, and taught herself to play. After college, she moved back to Philadelphia and hooked up with a band called "Thunderstrings and Onyx", and played in the Philadelphia area for a couple of years. She also played with Philly area bands "Random X" and "Frozen Pop", and then took a long hiatus from writing and performing.

In 1998 life circumstance brought her to the Boston area where she now makes her home with a cat, a dog, a couple of guitars, numerous guitar and mic stands, and many miles of cords. In October 2003, she joined forces with Allison Hale for a time, with whom she performed numerous shows in venues across the Boston area. Now playing and performing in the Boston area on her own, she is looking to release her first full length CD by late 2005 or early 2006. 

Visit Carlyn Hutchin's website here...

Julia Brown
Julia Brown's music isn't just pop: this is soul-infused, smart [acoustic] art rock that isn't afraid to take chances.  Even the sweet stuff has rough edges.  A brief introduction to this songstress: Julia Brown is a New York City transplant from Richmond, VA, with a warm, infectious energy and a voice that will knock you over if you stand too close.  But she's quick to remind you that she's a songwriter first.  The thoughtful, incisive lyrics are the icing on the cake - the chord changes and wordplay create an urgency that draws you in, while letting you draw your own conclusions.

"Forgive me if this seems like a stretch (for it is), but wrap Laurie Anderson in Macy Gray's feathered boa, and you've got a hint at where this drop-dead eclectic is tuning in from.  But just a hint - the rest of it is all Ms. Brown - earthy, pure, evocative. Another shade - like Gray's, sorely needed in the less-than-vibrant pop spectrum."

Visit her website at: www.juliabrown.com

Monica McIntyre

Monica McIntyre is a talented cellist, vocalist, and lyricist who started playing the cello at the age of 7. Ms. McIntyre is originally from Hyattsville, MD where she studied classical cello for 11 years. Monica came to Philadelphia, PA to study Fashion Design at Drexel University. 

Her debut album Blusolaz was released in October 2003. Monica has performed at The Black Women's Art Festival 2003, Philadelphia Fringe Festival 2003, Soul Sista's Jukejoint GA 2004, The Philadelphia Underground Music Phestival (PUMP) 2004 and Women Against Abuse 2005. 

Monica was also featured in B-Informed Magazine 2004, The Writer Blocks 2004, Philadelphia Arts Writers (PAW) 2004, MagnaPhone Magazine 2004 and The City Paper, PA 2004. Look out for Abuse, Monica McIntyre's newest project to be released in the Fall of 2005.  Visit her website at: www.monicamcintyre.com

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Open Stage Featuring:
Lemon Hill and Stephen DiJoseph: Friday May 26th, 2006

Lemon Hill is a hot, young bluegrass band from Philadelphia.  Come see them heat up the stage as they perform traditional, progressive bluegrass music! 

Lemon Hill began as two Johns (John Koutsouros on mandolin and John Spangler on banjo) playing a duo act in an attempt to unleash their bluegrass abilities on the city of Philadelphia. Their ventures took them to gigs across the city as well as some in Cleveland and New York. 

They eventually hooked up with Brad Haberle and Jared Fisher to form the current Lemon Hill lineup. With Brad laying down the bass lines and Jared playing rhythm and lead guitar Lemon Hill quickly acquired a solid sound. Lemon Hill now plays traditional and original hard-driving bluegrass for crowds in numerous venues throughout Philadelphia. 

View Lemon Hill's website...

Stephen DiJoseph is "Regarded as a genius level musician by many of the people we played his music for around the country in the last year, Stephen DiJoseph, is a fascinating and diverse artist who has a depth of talent that I am not sure even he has fully explored. Making him an even more interesting and compelling story is his successful adaptation to a rare condition called Tourette Syndrome, that he hasn't merely tamed, but in some respects has seemed to incorporate into his art and performance. To see Stephen perform live is frankly like watching a juggernaut on piano. To realize he is also a polished contemporary singer-songwriter-guitarist as well as an experimental jazz and celtic performer just adds to his mystique. This guy might be the most amazing discovery we ever made... "

View Stephen's website

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April Benefit Concert: Friday April 28, 2006

The proceeds of this concert benefit Tech Access PA, our gracious host that provides laptops for our internet cafe.  Come out and show your support to help keep our acoustic venue alive and thriving.   

Opening Artist: Chris O'Brien
Boston based singer/songwriter, Chris O'Brien took to the guitar after seeing Shawn Colvin and the Indigo Girls in concert when he was twelve. Struck by his passion to learn the guitar, family friend Dar Williams sat down with Chris and taught him to play the chords and songs in Shawn Colvin's songbook "Steady On."

His stepmother, a former manager at the famed Iron Horse in Northampton, is also a folk DJ. Chris grew up surrounded by music and musicians, he was raised on a steady diet of Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon. Influenced by Martin Sexton, David Gray and Richard Shindell he started crafting his own songs by the age of 14.

After a few years of college in Oregon, Chris returned home and became a regular face at the Iron Horse open mics. With some encouragement from friend Stephen Kellogg Chris moved out to Boston to try his luck in the renowned Cambridge Folk scene. The folks at the legendary acoustic music venue Club Passim immediately embraced the young songwriter and present him on stage on a regular basis. He is also finding success in New York City venues and has returned to western Massachusetts...this time as a featured artist. 

View Chris O'Brien's website...

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LeDerick Horne
LeDerick Horne discovered his gift for poetry while attending college in central Jersey. Early on in his career as a poet, LeDerick helped organized sever Open-Mics in central Jersey and preformed at many venues through out the Tri-State area. In the late 90’s LeDerick and two other New Jersey writers formed a group called The Trinity Poets. The group was initially very successful, but after several years of performing together, the members of the Trinity Poets separated in order to pursue independent interest. 

At this point, LeDerick has pulled away from most of the Spoken-Word scene to become a nationally recognized motivational speaker and advocate for people with disabilities. He now uses his poetic talent to help empower and educate the people who attend his presentations. In 2005 Certified Organik Records released LeDerick Horne’s first CD, Rhyme Reason and Song. This CD feature 13 of LeDerick’s poems set to Hip-Hop and House beats. 

View LeDerick Horne's website...

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Monica McIntyre
Monica McIntyre is a talented cellist, vocalist, and lyricist who started playing the cello at the age of 7. Ms. McIntyre is originally from Hyattsville, MD where she studied classical cello for 11 years. Monica came to Philadelphia, PA to study Fashion Design at Drexel University. 

Her debut album Blusolaz was released in October 2003. Monica has performed at The Black Women's Art Festival 2003, Philadelphia Fringe Festival 2003, Soul Sista's Jukejoint GA 2004, The Philadelphia Underground Music Phestival (PUMP) 2004 and Women Against Abuse 2005. 

Monica was also featured in B-Informed Magazine 2004, The Writer Blocks 2004, Philadelphia Arts Writers (PAW) 2004, MagnaPhone Magazine 2004 and The City Paper, PA 2004. Look out for Abuse, Monica McIntyre's newest project to be released in the summer of 2006.  

Visit her website at: www.monicamcintyre.com

 

 View the artists from 2005 here!