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Bashiri Asad

Performing Arts: Music, Vocal

Bashiri Asad has been on the local music scene for only a short while. In this time, his gift has touched the lives of many. His blend of jazz, soul, and funk music is fast becoming a regular practice among the local music elite. Combining his love and respect for the craft, Bashiri continues to make a name for himself as one of the premiere vocalist in the Circle City.

Kool's Bazaar

Performing Arts

Kool’s Bazaar (Kb) is the brainchild of young musical visionary, Richard Trotman and was formed in June of ’08. Kb is an extension of the jazz/fusion semi-cover band, Acoustic Red (aR) and was created out of a need for Trotman to exercise his musical freedom and break away from the constraints and limitations of solely instrumental music. As a creative artistic collective, Kb plays original, stylized fusion music with influences from jazz, blues, neo-soul, hip hop, trip hop, electronica, & acid jazz. Kb is a band that expresses and encompasses the theoretical, emotional, and aesthetic qualities of music, while staying true to its form. Conceptually, Kool’s Bazaar (Kb) is just like any other band. There is a lead vocalist, a keyboardist, bassist, and drummer that makes up its core. However, when you peel back the layers, you find a mix of complex artist(s) who are thoughtful and intentional about the ways in which they create and think about music. Imagine, one unified machine on the outside and when you pry the machine open, you see an abundance of knobs, wires, cords, sockets, and gears all controlled by tiny entities that work in harmony to produce the sound that you hear. Kb engineers sound in such a way that propels the social messages (present in the songs) to a place that can be felt and internalized by the audience. During Kb’s live performances, they work to captivate mesmerize, and enchant the audience. They want to leave them walking away repeating lyrics to songs that fill them with purpose, challenge t

Kayla Behforouz

Performing Arts: Music, Vocal; Political Artist

Kayla Behforouz is a singer-songwriter from the Indianapolis area. A student-musician and Indiana University, she works in both the Indianapolis and Bloomington music scenes as a pianist, songwriter, composer, and vocal performer.

Clint Breeze

Performing Arts: Music

Clint Breeze is the artistic persona of Indianapolis-based drummer and Hip Hop producer, Carrington Clinton. The Groove is an all-star lineup of Indy-based Jazz musicians featuring Nick Tucker (bass), Jared Thompson (saxophone), Joel Tucker (guitar), Christopher Pitts (piano), Zachary Finnegan (trumpet), frontman Pernell From Pike (emcee, vocalist) and led by drummer and beatmaker Clint Breeze. In 2016, Breeze released ‘Nappy Head’, an album that highlights the socio-political climate of Black America featuring the artistic signatures of over two dozen rappers, musicians, singers and poets collaborating with artists Oreo Jones, Drayco, Flaco and Sirivs Blvck to name a few. Nappy Head generated a buzz around the city of Indianapolis and established itself as local ‘classic’. It also received critical acclaim from music writer Kyle Long who covers the band regularly for both Indianapolis’ NPR affiliate (WFYI) and Indy’s alternative newsweekly (NUVO). In 2018, Clint Breeze and The Groove has shared the stage with Trombone Shorty and Durand Jones and The Indications, headlined several festivals in Indianapolis including Chreece and Indy Jazz Fest. Clint Breeze and The Groove released their debut studio album in April 2019 and are currently taking that project on tour.

Tiffanie Bridges

Performing Arts: Actor/Actress, Music, Vocal

With an up & coming career as a singer and actress, Tiffanie is also making ripples as an accomplished writer. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Tiffanie graduated from Hyde Park Career Academy in 1991 with dreams of one day earning a degree in Mass Communications and writing the news. Although it was quite evident that she possessed talent in singing – she was in the choir at Prayer Mission Church of God in Christ in Chicago, and participated in the chorus for 3 years at Hyde Park, Tiffanie was a little shy in front of crowds (back then!) Today, Tiffanie has honed her natural talents into a unique, soulful experience sure to inspire and entertain!

Blair Clark

Performing Arts: Music

Whitney Coleman

Performing Arts: Music, Radio/Television, Vocal

Taylor Davis

Artist of Color; Performing Arts: Music

My name is Taylor DeShawn, an R&B singer-songwriter from Indianapolis, IN. My background in music began as a young girl singing at the church I grew up in. I’ve been singing ever since. My experience includes singing in choirs, musicals, vocal ensembles, and much more.

Dorsh Deans

Performing Arts: Music

Dorsh Deans, better known simply as Dorsh, has spent his entire life traveling the globe and developing a keen understanding of culture and music. Born in America to parents of Jamaican and English descent, Dorsh was exposed at an early age to several sounds not found on Top 40 radio. As he began traveling abroad as a competitive soccer player, the influences of his parents were expanded, and Dorsh quickly became interested in blending sounds from around the world with the reggae, soul, and disco heard at home. While following his dream to become a professional soccer player, Dorsh attended trials with Birmingham City in the English Premiership and with the Jamaican National team in 2008. Unfortunately, during a match at Butler University, he suffered a blow to the head that shattered his face in multiple locations, ruining his soccer dreams forever. However, that tragedy became a blessing in disguise, allowing Dorsh to focus all of his attention and efforts on completing a degree in audio engineering and becoming an extremely proficient sound designer. In the past year, Dorsh has been featured on several top music blogs and radio shows domestically and Internationally. On February 24, 2012 his debut single “Je t’aime”, from the Neopolitan LP, premiered at #10 on Hypem’s popular music charts. Amidst performing with a wide range of artists from Lee “Scracth” Perry to Talib Kweli, Dorsh has done remix work for FADERLABEL in NYC, engineered for Ska Rebirth in Kingston, and mastered for Asahi Brewery in Tokyo. Successfully earning his stripes in the i

Tony Di Palmo

Artist of Color; Black Art; Ethnic Art; Media; Performing Arts: Music

DJ Tony D has been mixing music as early as 2011. From a young age he realized that funk was his main style. Whether it was funky 90’s hip-hop beats or old school boogie and disco music, DJ Tony D loves all funk and soul music. But that doesn’t stop there, DJ Tony D also loves music as early as 50’s, so if you love to swing dance then he has you covered. With all this said, DJ Tony D is not limited to modern era music from 2020 to beyond. If you need a DJ for a private event around Indianapolis or beyond, visit our website https://www.indianapolisdj.com

Brandon Douthitt

Performing Arts: Music

Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana at the age of 11, Brandon Douthitt picked up a saxophone for the first time, beginning his musical journey. Now based in Queens, NY, Brandon has performed at festivals and venues throughout the United States such as the Indy Jazz Fest, CUNY Jazz Festival, AFROPUNK, Radio City Music Hall, City Winery NYC, The Jazz Kitchen, the Vogue, the Chatterbox, National Sawdust, Groove NYC, Silvana, Shrine, Highline Ballroom, and Williamsburg Music Center. He has been able to share the stage with musical talents like Jeff Coffin, Solange Knowles, Bill Cunliffe, Melvin Rhyne, and Michael Philip Mossman. A recent graduate of Queens College with a Master of Music degree in Jazz Performance, Brandon studied under the tutelage of Antonio Hart and Tim Armacost. He also had the pleasure of learning from Michael Mossman, David Berkman, Jeb Patton, and Dennis Mackrel. While at Queens College, he collaborated with a considerable amount of his colleagues in different configurations and situations. Upon his graduation, Brandon was awarded the prestigious Jimmy Heath Award. He began his undergraduate studies at Butler University in 2011, where he studied saxophone with Dr. Matt Pivec and Nick Brightman. Brandon also studied clarinet with Shawn Goodman and piano with Gary Walters. He performed with the Clifford Ratliff Big Band, Butler Saxophone Quartet, Wind Ensemble and served as lead alto saxophone of the Butler Jazz Ensemble. Brandon was also selected to be a “Music and More” student ambassador. During his final year he was honored with an Indianapolis Jazz Foundation scholarship. In 2015, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. Following his graduation, he matriculated to Queens College to further his studies. As a high school senior, Brandon was selected as the lead alto saxophone for the Indiana All State Big Band and received the Frank “Tooth” Mantooth Outstanding Musician award at the Larry McWilliams Dimensions in Jazz Festival at Ball State University. In addition to performing, Brandon currently maintains a studio of students at Keiko Studios and has been teaching at the Butler University Summer Jazz Camp since 2011.

F!ghting Words an'NEM

Performing Arts; Visual Arts

F!GHT!NG WORDS an’Nem is a collective of spirited poets and musicians merging the soul of gospel with the passion of R&B and adding a dash of urban beat boxing creating an all-ages, all-ethnicities experience.

Frederic and Ronza

Artist of Color

Soul music is at the core of the sound and style of Indianapolis based duo Frederic and Ronza (Keith and Leslie Bean). Like the soul music of the past that was born out of a return to roots, honesty, emotion and expressiveness, Frederic and Ronza’s music was born from those same characteristics. Married in 2014, this soul duo writes and delivers music that is relatable, passionate and authentic. Powerful vocals and strong harmonies accompanied by electric guitar, bass guitar, keyboard and drums are at the heart of the compelling musical arrangements.

Gary Gee

Visual Arts: Ceramics, Graphic Arts, Illustration, Mixed Media, Works on paper

ARTIST STATEMENT: Gary Gee, finds the urban setting to be extremely fertile ground for all types of artistic expression. Some of this inspiration has evolved from illegal graffiti and hip hop culture, or was acquired directly from art studies to design creation for wearable apparel and gallery exhibition. Gee’s puts a lot of himself in his creations, much of the work is poetic and reflective of his experience in urban environments, the tight-knight communities, the dreams, desires, goals and the troubling and malevolent ways that black men are viewed by society. This work is often psychological in nature with narratives expressed across multiple layers taking the tangible form of drawing, painting, collage and assemblage sculpture exploring the weight, depth and breath of the inner-city agglomeration through storytelling. The work is an extension of this versatile artist, it’s an honest visual narrative which includes a mix of natural talent, formal education, raw emotion with a sharp urban edge, and a strong street art aesthetic. The visual commentary in his artwork includes a compelling range of work expressing a wide range from as far back as his playful Jr. High School sense of humor days, or an eclectic satirical spin on daily life-daily living, to a more quantitative and powerful social and political perspective. His current body of work has been based on exploration in ceramics which include pieces composed of hand cast miniature brick walls set off with a graffiti style amid visual symbols which he extracts and extends from the familiar. These often contain hidden messages, important cultural or social representations meant to engage the curious onlooker. The skulls are also hand cast, many of them contain imagery as well. The crowns are regal imbued with gleaming luster finishes, multiple layers of glazes and incorporating his favored mixed media aspect by utilizing acrylics and spray paints. The skulls that he creates are both a challenge and a lot of fun at the same time for him personally, due to the scientific aspects of ceramic media in general. The effort that this gifted artist has put out into the universe has manifested into many honors and awards including selection as an Ivy Tech Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award, an Indiana Arts Commission, On-Ramp: Creative Career Accelerator Participant and a recent Beckmann Emerging Artist Fellowship from the Arts Council of Indianapolis. Accomplishments such as these have helped to bring his creations further into the arts mainstream as well as through participation in a number of juried exhibitions across the country. His work is now held in private and corporate collections. Gee, has also now come to the realization that he should be more vocal as an artist, and in addition to creating distinctive artworks he recently began facilitating a weekly “Monday 2 Monday,” Motivational Monday campaign on social media in 2018.

Temica Key

Performing Arts: Music, Spoken Word, Vocal

Temica Shree’ Key was born in Chicago, IL on October 26, 1981 to a family full of musicians and vocalists. She was first exposed to music as a small child by her mother who at that time was the lead singer of multiple local bands and girl groups. Temica made her singing debut at the age of 4 during her preschool graduation. Her small frame, but mighty voice belted out Whitney Houston’s “The Greatest Love of All” for all to hear. Later in her youth, Temica along with her immediate family moved to South Bend, IN where she continued to perform in local talent shows. Later, she joined the Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church Youth Choir under the direction of Reverend Morris Flannigan. As a member of the choir she served as one of the main soloist and was most known for her rendition of Darryl Coley’s “More Like Jesus.” In the fall of 1999 Temica began he collegiate career at Indiana University Bloomington. Once settled in Bloomington, she wasted no time taking to the stage and began performing at local coffeehouses and student sponsored events. Her dynamic stage presence, energetic delivery and intricate writing style quickly caught the eye of classmates and founders of local spoken word group S.O.N., Shaunette Beyers-Parker and Naz Khalid. Temica became a member of S.O.N. shortly thereafter along with Amir Khan, Noble LaVarr Woods and Ian Dunlap bringing the group total to 6. In the Spring of 2002, the group released their debut album, S.O.N. a Band of Poets. In the fall of 2003 the group disbanded. In addition to performing with S.O.N., Temica also sang with the IU African American Chorale Ensemble (AACE) under the direction of Dr. James E. Mumford. As a member of AACE, Temica starred in the ensembles production of Gospel at Colonus in the Spring 2003. While performing with the AACE, Temica also sang in the gospel group, God’s Progress which was comprised of 3 males and 6 females. The group sang under the direction of Alphonso Cherry and Carmund White. Upon graduation Temica returned to South Bend and began hosting various open mic and spoke word events. Missing the artistic expression of the big city, Temica moved to Indianapolis in May of 2007. Since being in Indianapolis, Temica has competed in, judged, won and hosted several karaoke contests. In February 2009, Temica joined acoustic rock group Soul Patch. The following year the group disbanded leading Temica to her current home, R&B band, Blue Soul Band. In addition to being one of the lead singers of this 8 piece band, Temica also performs with local acoustic act Temica Key Unplugged and with The Temica Key Project a 4 piece band featuring her as the sole singer.

Yadin Kol

Artist of Color; Black Art; Performing Arts: Music, Vocal

Yadin Kol is a captivating performing and recording artist who’s a self-taught guitarist, singer, and songwriter. As a passionate and soulful performer he takes listeners on a musical journey where love and faith balance the ills and injustices of society. Yadin’s records provide a combination of his sensational guitar playing, and raw mellow vocals. His sound has a rhythmic undercurrent which bears testament to his retro-leaning, neo-soul style, and his conscious-stirring lyrics come from his southern roots and urban life experiences. Yadin’s unrelenting hope for the disenfranchised, and faith in creation are recurring themes in his music. His influences include blues, soul, RnB, reggae, and hip-hop. One of his greatest aspirations is that his music will heal, uplift, and unite people in peace, light, and love. His debut EP, set to be released in 2021, promises to be a fresh and powerful contribution to the world of music.

Yadin Kol

Performing Arts: Music

Yadin Kol is a captivating self-taught guitarist, singer, and songwriter who began his music career in 2016. As a passionate and soulful performer Yadin takes listeners on a musical journey where love and faith balance the ills and injustices of society. Yadin’s records provide a combination of his sensational guitar playing, and raw mellow vocals. His sound has a rhythmic undercurrent which bears testament to his retro-leaning, neo-soul style, and his conscious-stirring lyrics come from his southern roots and urban life experiences. Yadin’s unrelenting hope for the disenfranchised, and faith in creation are recurring themes in his music. His influences include blues, soul, jazz, pop, R&B, hip-hop, and gospel. Yadin’s greatest aspiration is that his music will heal, uplift, and unite people in peace, light, and love. His debut EP, set to be released in 2021, promises to be a fresh and powerful contribution to the world of music. Photo by WildStyle Paschall.

Jacob Lafever

Performing Arts: Music, Vocal

Jacob is an Indianapolis based singer-songwriter, whose lyrics are highly personal and vulnerable. His music spans a wide range of topics from the intense and emotionally deep, to relaxed and playful. A soul-pop artist, Lafever draws from a diverse set of musical influences from Ms. Lauryn Hill to Lake Street Dive and Fleetwood Mac, and flows freely between genres.

Todd Mann

Performing Arts: Music; DJ

DJ who specializes in top 40, world, dancehall, hip-hop, soul, funk and R&B

June Rochelle

Performing Arts: Actor/Actress, Music, Radio/Television, Theatre, Vocal; Visual Arts: Film, New Media/Technology, Performance Art, Performers and Writers

June Rochelle is a music and media enthusiast. Her powerful vocal range is soprano and alto. June is a songwriter, and PR and media professional. Her music has been on the ballot for a Grammy and charted on Billboard’s radio hot gospel charts. Currently, her music can be heard and purchased on multiple digital outlets. She is the first minority female to headline both the pre-show and live show for ABC/RTV6 Circle of Lights in Indiana. She has stood on stage and sang with Diana Ross, Celine Dione and opened for Yolanda Adams once. She has graced stages all across America. She has been recognized by several national media and print publications, including educational institutions such as IVY Tech College, and Bethune-Cookman College. She has toured in musical stage plays and produced and appeared in the independent film. In addition to music, her passion is creating diverse entertainment media content. In her media discipline, she is an On-Air host for WCLJ TV 42. She was the first journalist to interview 2nd Lady KarenPence, where she has hosted since 2006. If you ever hear her sing, you will never forget. She bridges three ranges, (soprano, alto, and tenor) with passion and sincerity, creating an atmosphere of music lovers paradise. More information about me can be found on Google or at www.junerochellemedia.com. One of her dreams is to sing along with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. She loves vintage singers such as Aretha Franklin, Dione Warwick, Barbara Streisand, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Nancy Wilson, George Benson and George

rachel rogers

Graphic Arts; Media; Multi Arts; Visual Arts: Architectural Illustration, Graphic Arts, Illustration, Media and Visual Communications, Mixed Media, Murals, Painting, Photography, Works on paper

Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Megan Simonton

Artist of Color; Performing Arts: Actor/Actress, Music, Theatre, Vocal

Megan Simonton, a native of Indianapolis, IN, is no stranger to the arts and stage. She is a classically trained vocalist, having performed both locally and internationally. In addition, Megan has an incredible passion for theatre, having started in productions such Les Miserables, Black Nativity, Memphis the musical, and For Colored Girls”. In 2016, Megan made her directorial debut in her interpretation of “For Colored Girls” as well, and she quickly fell in love with directing and playwriting. In 2017, she, along with her partner, began their first original production, “Village Voices: Notes from the Griot”, which she wrote and directed. That production is still currently touring throughout Indiana and surrounding areas. As if she needs more to add to her artistic resume, Megan is also a freelance model and motivational speaker. She tries to utilize her many skills and talents to give back to her community.

Deaon Smith

Performing Arts: Music

Deaon Smith is a native of Gary, IN, where at the age of 7 he started his musical career singing in the choir with the Church of God in Christ. Guided by his mother evangelist Lee Gerther Smith, Deaon attended Emerson Visual and Performing Arts High School, where he began training in classical and jazz both vocal and on piano. In 1992 he received further training in classical music while attending the University of Miami. In 1989 he formed his first group called ‘Message’ and won the Indianapolis Black Expo Star Quest Gospel Competition. In 1993 in Chicago, he formed the R&B group called ‘Standing Room Only’ which opened for artists such as Gladys Knight, R.Kelly, Chaka Kahn, Baby Face and the Isley Brothers. Standing Room only then recorded their debut album titled “Du the Du” with Waterproof Music. Deaon has performed in Dreamgirls at the historic Madame Walker Theater where he received rave reviews. Deaon also performed in a variety of shows at The Indianapolis American Cabaret Theater. Deaon is a solo recording artist that recently formed his own band called Deaon and “The Forever” Band for live entertainment performances. When Deaon performs live he is accompanied with “The Forever” Band, a keyboardist, percussionist, drummer, bass, and guitarist and background singers. Deaon vocal range is from 1st tenor to bass baritone and his genres of music is R&B soul, Jazz, Classical and Gospel. Deaon has amazing vocal versatility and a strong soulful sound; his live shows exhibit his very energetic performance and his remarkable talent. Deaon and “The Forever” band has played in numerous national clubs and events. Deaon and “The Forever” band have opened for artists such as The Ohio Players, Angela Winbush and Enchantment. Deaon is the winning champion of Daddy Real Entertainment 2011 Battle of the Band Competition and Daddy Real Entertainment 2012 “The Real Thing” Competition. Recently Deaon sung with Madonna in the 2012 XLVI Superbowl in Indianapolis, IN. Deaon currently debuted his official music video for his hot new single “Holding On” and is working on his first album titled “Forever” where he will give the music industry a taste of his amazing vocal skills. Deaon has been told by many that he has a “Luther Vandross” tone and the vocal swag of Dave Hollister. Deaon vocal performances have been described as “Food for your Soul”.

Books, the SoulScholar

Media; Multi Arts; Performing Arts: Actor/Actress, Dance, Music, Theatre, Vocal; Visual Arts: Media and Visual Communications, Performers and Writers

Originally from Nashville, TN, Books draws her inspiration from a blend of gospel, soul, funk, and blues. Ever eclectic, she enjoys, and draws inspiration from, a variety of music artists and genres, including Donny Hathaway, Sarah McLachlan, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Billy Joel, Yussef Lateef, J. Dilla, John Legend, Maurice White, Ella Fitzgerald, Ledisi, Hiatus Kaiyote, Jill Scott, and many more. Books has shared her music with audiences in the US and abroad for over 15 years. She credits her parents and close friends as inspirations, motivating and encouraging her evolution, growth, and continued journey as an artist. Ever the scholar, Books has always been studious and hungry to learn whatever she can, which led to her embrace of the nickname “Books.” She adopted the title of the SoulScholar later, as early collaborators felt her passion and energy and hunger to constantly better herself musically. Before diving completely into her artistry, Books formerly blessed stages as Brandi Nicole and regularly lent her voice as a guest feature with ensembles and choirs that opened for musical acts like Con Funk Shun, CeCe Winans, Kelly Clarkson, and Pentatonix. In the early 2000s, her voice was the melodic backbone for the Regal Records camp, which included collaborations with Yung Nawlege, Big Flex, and Daniel Hayes. Books is a classically trained musician and dancer. She was a regular feature for Jazz celebrations in middle Tennessee. The original BB King’s and the Funnybone comedy club on Historic Beale street were home to her in the mid 2000s. Books’ voice has taken her as far as Germany, as a featured soloist at the SACCRA International Music Festival. In the few years leading up to her full-time artistry as Books, the SoulScholar, she was an original member of the “Women of Rock and Soul” trio that successfully toured across the Midwest. Once she fully embraced the power in her voice and distinctive style, she began her journey full time and started work on her first projects as Books, the SoulScholar. Books then joined Planet Boom Bap on their debut album “Parallel Universe” as musician, songwriter, and lead vocalist. In 2016, Books, the SoulScholar decided that the world needed her original music and has since been focused on building her audience as a solo artist. Books has performed for packed audiences at highly anticipated events like the Women:317 series, The Underground, and The Green House Affect. Her music, including 2017’s “Charm Bracelet,” is on regular rotation across radio outlets like the IndiePennedIt Radio Show, Nuu Beat Radio, Brother, Brother Beer Cast, and the Subjective Comedy Podcast. An “old soul,” but a child of the 90s, she continues to mix in her love of jazz, hip-hop, singer-songwriter, and R&B. Her debut EP, “Songs in the Key of June” hits all major music outlets October 2018 and her full-length project, “the SoulScholar” will debut early 2019. Her singles, including “Charm Bracelet” are streaming across all music platforms.

The Velocity District

Performing Arts: Music

The Velocity District is a soul/funk/R&B band based out of Lafayette, Indiana. The band has an affinity for playing in strange keys and complex time signatures and sometimes has a penchant for playing music from video games.

Laura Yahya

Literary Arts; Multi Arts; Performing Arts: Spoken Word; Visual Arts: Performers and Writers, Textiles

Spoken word poet Fiber artists (crochet) Alto/Soprano singer (prefer Accapella and Aousitic stylings)

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