Music:
Member Since: 1/27/2008
Band Members: CAST:
Wendell--Faron Griffin
Pearl--Ana "Sandy" Tili
Star--Ria
AJ--Jimmy Esau Brown
Corky--John Island
Malvin--Charles Johnson
Momma--Monica Foster
Domino--Kylah Webster
Foots--Roger L. Helm II
ABOUT THE CAST:
Wendell--Faron Griffin: Faron Griffin became interested in the arts in the fall of 2004. Faron first began singing at the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts and is most impressed by, as Faron states, "the underdogs of the industry - Don Cheadle, N’Bushe Wright, Wood Harris, and Taraji P. Henson. " Faron hopes to be a catalyst for younger artistic expression and a canal for mature acceptance. Faron says, "if people are enticed to leave their homes and televisions and become reacquainted with their imaginations, then success is achieved."
Pearl--Ana "Sandy" Tili: Ana has been singing and acting since the age of 9. During high school, Ana was a member of the school's girl choral group - The Madrigal's - performing in nationwide competitions. Most of Ana's singing experience has taken place at churches and various other nationwide events. Ana has performed in many plays primarily at the Casquelord Malonga Arts Theatre formerly known as the Alice and Arts Theatre in Oakland, CA. Also, Ana was casted as one of the "shopettes" in Little Shop of Horrors at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco, CA. Ana's latest television performance was in a commercial for Sony Playstation's American Idol Karaoke video game which aired on MTV, VHI and other popular network channels. Currently, Ana is a vocalist in the Wade Love Band which has been nominated for Best Band of the year '07. Additionally, Ana is a full time student and hopes to apply for medical school within the next 5 years.
Star--Ria: Ria has been singing since she was 7 years old. Ria has 4 years of active drama experience and, as a teen, she landed supporting roles in two of her school's most competitive plays: The Chorus Line and Les Miserables. Ria is currently in college majoring in psychology and aspires to become a guidance counselor for troubled youth who have experienced traumatic events during their childhood. Having also experienced first-hand, a disturbing upbringing, Ria describes herself as "lucky" to have found peace of mind through voice and that of the performing arts. Ria looks forward to helping as many children as she can to find a constructive outlet for expressing themselves in order to achieve a more prideful tomorrow.
AJ--Jimmy Esau Brown: Jimmy Esau Brown was born in Richmond, CA. Jimmy began singing at the age of 5 and became interested in acting when he saw the movie "Sister Act." Jimmy currently attends Richmond High School in Richmond, CA where he performed in the musical, Little Shop of Horrors, as the voice of the plant. Although Jimmy loves to sing, act, and write music, in his spare time, he also enjoys playing basketball and hanging out with his family.
Corky--John Island: Since the age of six, John Island began developing his God given talent for singing. At that time, John realized his calling to be a professional singer and entertainer. Growing up in the inner city of Richmond, CA, John has successfully translated his life experiences, loves and tragedies into song via his incredible artistry. His vocal stylings include R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Gospel, and Reggae. A vocal arsenal such as this makes John something more than a “one-hit wonder.†His voice possesses the passion, warmth and creativity needed to top the charts and succeed in the music industry. John Island is definitely one to watch.
Malvin--Charles Johnson: Charles E. Johnson was born and raised in Oakland, CA. He started singing in his first group at the young age of twelve. He went to Castlemont high school where he sang with the Castleers, under the leadership of Phillip Reeder. After high school, Charles sang with many different singing groups and choirs doing gospel tours and concerts. His latest project was singing background on a CD for gospel artist April Wrights. He currently sings with, Voices of Celebration (VOC), a Bay Area gospel group created by Tim Poston.
Momma--Monica Foster: Monica Foster is a wife and mother of three. Monica has participated in plays in high school, college and churches. She loves using the arts as her Christian ministry such as praise dancing and plays with a spiritual message.
Domino--Kylah Webster: At about three years of age, Kylah started performing in church plays where she discovered her ear for music by playing the church piano by ear, participating in preschool events and holding the family hostage with her long dramatic performances that never seemed to end. Kylah started her first lessons at the East Bay Center of the Performing Arts (EBCPA) at the age of 4-8 where she dabbled in ballet, drama, and private piano lessons with Sky. Kylah later returned to the EBCPA in 2005 as part of the two year Arts Diploma Program. Kylah graduated from the program in 2007 and is currently enrolled in their Advanced Leadership Program. Kylah has been a member of the vocal ensemble Voices of Reason for three years, and has had private voice lessons. Kylah formed two vocal groups - ESSENCE and currently HARMONY. Kylah is a student at the Oakland School of Arts and the Making Waves Education Program. Kylah's goals are to pursue a college degree in the Performing Arts and Physical Therapy at Columbia University/Berkeley School of Music.
Foots/Man--Roger Lawrence Helm II: Roger has had many experiences in his life, which have included travel, performing on stage, music, painting and drawing, swimming, soccer, and basketball. Many of the interests that he now has, were developed when he was quite young. Roger’s first opportunity to perform on stage in a live theatre happened when his mother, Karen Basey, performed in a play at the Black Repertory Theatre in Berkeley, CA. Roger played the role of a child and some say that he almost stole the show. His last performance was the voice of Audrey II and Mr. Bernstein in the Little Shop of Horrors at Hercules High School. Roger received the Outstanding Supporting Performer Award from the San Jose American Musical Theatre for the voice of Audrey II and Mr. Bernstein. He stated that he enjoyed performing on stage a lot and thought perhaps, acting may be in his future. However, his greatest love is music. Although Roger plays several instruments, he enjoys rap music, making beats, exploring many genres of music with his friends, and writing lyrics most of all. One day, Roger hopes to become a music producer and produce music artists under his own label.
Influences: R&B
Sounds Like: Featuring original songs of the 70's by Onyx
Type of Label: Major
