Choreographers
Terry Springer
Mr. Springer is an internationally acclaimed, dedicated and devoted dancer, teacher and choreographer with more than thirty years of experience. His versatility in many dance styles including folk dances of Trinidad and Tobago, Afro-Caribbean, urban dances of Latin America, ballet, contemporary, modern, and jazz is his greatest asset, and this enables him to influence and reach his audiences and students around the world with fascinating results. He migrated to Venezuela to dance with world renowned Coreoarte in1991 gaining invaluable knowledge as a dancer, teacher, choreographer and Rehearsal Director. Due to his leadership skills, he was appointed Artistic Director of the company in 2014. He has toured the world with this company, and has made guest appearances with other well-known dance companies such as the Jose Limon Dance Company. As a choreographer, he has created dances for The Astor Johnson Repertory Dance Theater, Coreoarte, Noble Douglas Dance Company, Metamorphosis Dance Company, Trinity Dance Company, Carifesta XIV Opening, Caribbean School of Dancing, and for The Academy for the Performing Arts ((APA), University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). For many years, Terry has fostered dance at various schools, universities, communities, and rural areas, and has organized and conducted several socio-cultural programmes for the underprivileged. Mr. Springer holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Cultural Education and a Master’s Degree (with Honors) in Linguistics. He has contributed to the art form through teaching, performing, directing and creating dances. Mr. Springer returned to Trinidad and Tobago in 2017 and is currently a Dance Lecturer at the Academy of the Performing Arts (APA), University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), and also teaches at the Caribbean School of Dancing and at the Astor Johnson Repertory Dance Theater
vocalist
Nicole Henry
A University of Miami graduate and long-time Miami Beach resident, Henry has firmly established herself among the world’s most powerful female jazz vocalists, thanks to her dynamic presence, impeccable phrasing and vibrant emotional resonance. Her passionate voice and charisma have earned her a Soul Train Award for “Best Traditional Jazz Performance," three Top-10 U.S. Billboard and HMV Japan jazz albums, and “Best Solo Musician” by Miami New Times. She has headlined stages in 20 countries, recorded with jazz greats Kirk Whalum, Julian Lage, Gerald Clayton and Gil Goldstein and has performed with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra and Michael Feinstein.
Ms. Henry’s career accomplishments and active commitment to supporting community non-profits have also been recognized by the City of Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County through proclamations of “Nicole Henry Days” in 2011, 2016 and 2017.
Henry serves on the board of the nonprofit Miami Music Project, which empowers and transforms children — and ultimately their families and communities — through the study and performance of music. Henry feels “all children deserve access to the various benefits of music education.” Miami Music Project has emerged as a model for music education programs nationally by offering after-school programming free of charge and using music as an instrument of social change. More than 30,000 students have been served in the past decade by the project’s programming and outreach, with 100% of their graduates attending college on scholarship.
For more information on sponsorship and media requests, email: jo@nicolehenry.com
For more information on Miami Music Project, please contact: info@miamimusicproject.org
Composers/Musicians
Ezra Haugabrooks
Women Roses Water (2020) - Original Compositions
Ezra Haugabrooks is an American-born conductor and composer of African-American and Jamaican descent. He began playing piano at the age of three and performing piano accompaniment with his father, Charles Haugabrooks, at the age of seven.
At age 10, after begging his mother for an instrument, Haugabrooks began to take violin lessons and playing in the school orchestra. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music in viola performance from Andrews University in 2008. He has studied with Igor Fedotov and Nokuthula Ngwenyama, among other notable instructors and is continuing graduate studies at Georgia State University with Tania Maxwell-Clements. Haugabrooks has performed with members of the St Paul Chamber Orchestra, Rachel Barton Pine, and others in private chamber series in Minnesota as well as in numerous private chamber recitals. His participation at these delightful events has been in a variety of roles as a violist, counter-tenor, tenor, conductor, and pianist.
Education should have a significant function in a child’s formative years, and the Haugabrooks family consistently provided this support for him. This resulted in connecting a profound personal responsibility to education and robust performances. A passionate pedagogue, Haugabrooks has taught as a viola instructor, general music, substitute teacher in a general classroom, orchestra at all levels, middle school band, elementary and middle school chorus.
In 2017, Haugabrooks founded the Ballet and Dance Orchestra. With the intent to perform music for companies, his vision was to offer an alternative for organizations to be able to use live performances of both original and well-beloved orchestral selections, respecting and recognizing the musicianship of local professional artists while still making it accessible to the public. The Ballet and Dance Orchestra, Inc. seeks to be the first of its kind to pursue this vision and perform for major shows. Peter London Dance Company and the Ballet and Dance Orchestra collaborated this past December in an exciting new work called “Black Men Crossing”. Haugabrooks composed and conducted the score with ten company dancers at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami. In addition to performing and directing the Atlanta University Center Orchestra, Haugabrooks has been re-engaged for three more performances with Peter London in 2020. He is also a board member of the American Viola Society.
Outside of the world of music, Haugabrooks is a single father to his beautiful son, Noah Haugabrooks. He enjoys spending free time discovering springs and exploring nature with his son.
Samite
Women Roses Water (2020) - “What’s the Answer,” “In the Moment” from Resilience.
Sam·i·te (Sæm ē tay) n. A World-renowned musician, Humanitarian, and Photographer. Born and raised in Uganda. Travels the world bringing his message of peace and hope through the healing power of music. “While performing, I see that people are able to forget their differences and join as one in the moment; my hope is for that moment to last. If we can make that moment last, the world will be a better place.”
http://www.samite.com/
David & Steve Gordon
Women Roses Water (2020) - "Swan" and "Cape Porcupine" from Yoga Moods
Inspired by the tranquility of Sequoia National Park, David and Steve became a pioneering force new age music by using nature sounds as a part of a musical composition to create nature music - a novel approach that had not been accomplished prior.
Their albums, including Garden of Serenity and Soothing Sanctuary, have been perennial best-sellers, garnering acclaim from leading resorts as spa music, from yoga studios and meditation practitioners. Pulse Magazine referred to their albums as "intimate, quiet, serene and spacious".
Sean Dibble
Women Roses Water (2020) - “Out Dance” Music from The Tribe
Sean Dibble is a percussionist/multi-instrumentalist/composer from Miami FL. Sean received his Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology/Sociology from FIU. He has been an accompanist for New World School of the Arts since 2000 and continues to accompany dance classes for them to this day. He has worked with numerous local bands over the years including Outdance, Periphyton, Rhythm Flow and many others. He has received a platinum record for his contribution to the album “Noche De Cuatro Lunas” by the internationally renowned recording artist Julio Iglesias. He has also performed and recorded with Afro-Brazilian singer Angela Patua, as well as Miami based Haitian band Ayebombe. His band Outdance has performed on the main stage at The Cancun Jazz Festival (2000) as well as opening for numerous national artists. Sean also accompanies dance classes for the Joffrey Ballet School, during their annual Summer residency in Miami, as well as for Dance Now Miami, and many others.
Michael Mustafa
Women Roses Water (2020) “Meet Me at Lezly’s” Performed by - Palms Down Percussion
Jazz Pianist/Vocals/Didjeridoo/Hand Drums
Michael Mustafa Ulmer, a native to the "Motor City," was raised with the incredible musical influences of Motown's R&B, (especially Pianist/Songwriter Morris Broadnax, who wrote and co-wrote music for Stevie Wonder) and the inspiring live Jazz scene of Detroit.
While completing his education from Indiana University's School of Music, he toured and recorded with Harmolodic Guitarist icon and father, James 'Blood' Ulmer. After working with 'Bloods' Blues Experience he performed with William 'Spaceman' Patterson's - House Band for the T.V. show New York Undercover, getting a chance to work with such artists as: Roberta Flack, The Temptations and The Four Tops.
Presently, he leads his own group called the "Didjazz Quartet" with featured saxophonist Patience Higgins. Here he explores the improvisational realms of Jazz with "free" inspired melodies on Piano and droning to
hypnotic grooves on the Didjeridoo. In addition, Mustafa works as Keyboardist/Musical Director for performing artist: Singer/Poet Camille Yarbrough, who is quoted by Source Magazine as the "Foremother of Hip Hop."
In 1998, he started working (adding hand drums to his palette) within the dance world in New York City accompanying dance at Alvin Ailey, where he had the fortune of writing and performing original music for choreographer Earl Mosley's "University" of Dance and Richard Rivera.
After working with mentor Kevin Burrell, Willie 'Ajibilu' White, Victor See-Yuen (Heritage Op.) and Roderick Jackson (Palms Down), Ailey elite percussionist, he started focusing on Conga and Djembe, learning traditional rhythms of Africa and Haiti.
In 2002, he started working as Keyboardist/Music Director with Aziza Def Dance Jam Workshop: A children's dance company made-up of deaf and hearing teens.
Other dance credits go to performing and recording music for Freddie Moore Hudson Repertory Dance Theater, Karen L. Arceneaux Genesis Dance Company and Maher Benham Coyote Dancers.
https://www.palmsdown.com/
Etienne Charles (Trumpet)
Etienne Charles is the Assistant Professor of Jazz Trumpet at Michigan State University. Hailed by The New York Times as "an auteur" (Ben Ratliff), by Jazz Times as "A daring improviser who delivers with heart wrenching lyricism" (Bill Milkowski). According to Downbeat Magazine "Charles delivers his ebullient improvisations with the elegance of a world-class ballet dancer." (John Murph). He has received critical acclaim for his exciting performances, thrilling compositions and knack for connecting with audiences worldwide. In June 2012, Etienne was written into the US Congressional Record for his musical contributions to Trinidad & Tobago and the World. Perhaps more than any other musician of his generation or Eastern Caribbean origin, Etienne brings a careful study of myriad rhythms from the French, Spanish, English and Dutch speaking Caribbean to the table. Crucially, as a soloist, he fully understands the New Orleans trumpet tradition; which is readily discernible in his trademark instrumental swagger, and what famed Crescent City Pianist, Jelly Roll Morton so succinctly captured in the now immortal phrase, 'The Spanish Tinge'. He has performed and or recorded with Monty Alexander, Roberta Flack, Frank Foster, Ralph MacDonald, Johnny Mandel, Wynton Marsalis, Marcus Roberts, Maria Schneider, Count Basie Orchestra, Eric Reed, Lord Blakie, David Rudder and many others. He holds a Master's degree from the Juilliard School and a Bachelor's degree from Florida State University.
For more information please visit etiennecharles.com
Leon Foster Thomas
Leon Foster Thomas is a gifted international jazz musician and steel pan virtuoso. His music is a blend of his Caribbean roots with the harmonic and improvisational complexities of jazz, creating a lively and eclectic meld all his own.
Winner of the World Steelband Music Festival’s Soloist and Duet competitions in 2002 and 2004, critics laud him as “the next big thing on his instrument”, “...an enthralling improvisor...” (All About Jazz); “...masterful with impeccable musicianship” (When Steel Talks); and “a benevolent wizard” (Venice Magazine).
Leon’s deft and ambitious command of the steel pan has transcended beyond the instrument’s novel stereotype to being featured at world stages such as New York’s Jazz at Lincoln Center, Adrienne Arsht Center of the Performing Arts (Miami), Moscow International House of Music, Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Perm International Jazz Festival (Russia), Miami Downtown Jazz Festival, International Festival of Contemporary Culture (Kazakhstan), and Pittsburgh Jazz Live International Festival. He has also worked with artists such as: Hugh Masekela, Randy Brecker, John Daversa, Sammy Figueroa, Vince Mendoza, Richard Smallwood, Ky-Mani Marley, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Dolly Parton, Igor Butman, John Beasley, and many more.
Having two well-received solo albums under his belt, his latest release, Metamorphosis, on Ropeadope Records, exemplifies his growth and maturation as a musician. Honing his in-depth talents as a musical storyteller, Leon has produced an album which perfectly illustrates his transformative journey.
Leon has a Bachelor of Music degree from Florida Memorial University and a Master of Music degree at Florida International University. He continues to perform at festivals and concerts around the world, as well as conducting lectures and master classes at various educational and cultural institutions.
For more information on his work and career, visit www.leonfosterthomas.com
Painters
Michael Elliott
Women Roses Water (2020)
Michael Elliott was born in Manchester, Jamaica in 1979. He established an early interest in art making while growing up which led him to his art school tenure at The Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston, Jamaica.
While at art school from 1998 to 2002, Michael developed his love for painting while re enforcing his interest in photography and realized that the two can go hand in hand as he pursued photorealism as a painting style.
Social commentary became the base of Michael’s pieces throughout the years ranging from the political climate in Jamaica, social justice, domestic issues, race, migration and even the covid-19 pandemic. His most popular series to date and the largest body of work is that of the Windrush series which documents the plight of West Indian’s who emigrated to London in 1948 to rebuild the British empire after the second World War. Michael has expanded this into works that speak to slavery and the post emancipation struggles of people of color.
This body of work was coined during a residency in Miami, Florida in 2018 hosted by DVCAI (diaspora Vibe Cultural Art Incubator), an organization which proudly showcases and collaborates with Michael’s range of talents even today. He is also featured in the group show called Inter|Sectionality: Diaspora Art from The Creole City, which had the inaugural opening at the Corcoran Museum in Washington DC and is currently in Miami, Florida at the Moore Building in the Design District featuring 28 artists mainly from the Caribbean Diaspora, based in The USA. (visit www.dvcai.org)
Use of video media in the virtual space is a new feature in Michael’s ever expanding creative library. An example of this is his Virtual Windrush Exhibition called ‘The Wind at the Docks’ which was designed and narrated by Michael himself and presented originally on the Kingston Creative platform (go to www.studiomichaelelliott.com to view).
Michael has broadly exhibited his work not only in Jamaica but Internationally, mainly in Europe and the USA. His preferred medium in painting is acrylic on canvas and the photography follows suit in its themed interpretations. He has also collaborated with the likes of The Peter London Dance Company in Florida to create artistic backdrops for dance items. He continues to explore other methods and synergies both virtual and physical.
Michael lives and works in Jamaica.
For more information on his work and career, visit www.studiomichaelelliott.com
Joel Gresham
Women Roses Water (2020) - Rose to the Occasion
Joel is an artist, author, and advocate. He received his fine art education in Atlanta, Georgia with a degree in Broadcasting from Columbia. As a Dale Carnegie Graduate, Joel’s proudest moment came when his peers voted him as “Human Relations Champion.” Joel’s remarkable gift as a fine artist has brought him significant acclaim in his 42 years of experience. His works are in many public and private collections of such people like Oprah, Quincy Jones, Edwin Moses, Bernie Marcus, Ray Robinson, the late Paul Winfield, Marla Gibbs, Hank Aaron, James Worthy and the late Muhammad Ali. He’s also the founder of Not 1 Forgotten, an organization for men’s health.