Monica Williams ~ Second Quarter 2011
Monica Nicole
As Monica~Nicole embarks upon her musical journey she has one goal in mind…. Connect. A singer~songer writer from Washington, DC, Monica, was born into an eclectic artistic environment. With a mother who sang in many gospel ensembles, an avid poetry writing grandmother and a father who appreciated and avidly listened to Popular Rhythm and Blues Monica was destined for music. Monica grew up singing and performing in local churches from as early as 5. It was clear from a very early age that Monica had a developed ear often imitating and signing along in harmonies learned at her Mother’s rehearsals. For Monica music has always been feeling not just sound.
As an early teen Monica performed with her older sister in a gospel duet and opened for several local music artists. This garnered the attention of an up and coming writer who solicited the two to audition for a BET producer. Monica eventually followed her musical destiny and began recording in local studios. Never considering cover performances, Monica begun writing her own lyrics to instrumentals. Advised early about the benefits of not only singing but seriously writing Monica developed an unexpected passion. The ability to express herself and creative process attracted Monica to not only performing bur writing music. Through introduction to a local producer Monica began writing original pieces. Monica begun successfully competing in talent showcases in DC and Atlanta.
As Monica worked diligently to navigate the music business on her own she caught the attention of a popular 80’s billboard winning producer. Through this connection Monica traveled to New York where she wrote and recorded “Over” a stirring ballad about love and loss. Monica began appearing regularly with local R&B Jazz band Y2K and as a featured artist at several events in the mid Atlantic region. Noting her ability Monica garnered the attention of Grammy Award Winning producer Teddy Riley and solicitation from a major record label A&R. She has continued to collaborate with writers and actively participates in her church’s music ministry. As a member of the music ministry she has had the honor of singing background for several musical artist— most notably Lady Tramaine Hawkins. Monica is currently working towards completing her solo project.
Diyanna Butler ~ First Quarter 2011
Diyanna Butler
PERFORMANCE/TRAINING
Congressional Black Caucus Woodbridge Dance Academy Dance
Performer at Phoenix Award Dinner Student, Teacher and Performer September 18th, 2010 April 2009-Present
Potomac Nationals (Baseball Miner League) Knock On Wood
Dance Performer at Halftime show Dance Student
July 2010 July 2007-2008
BabyLove DC Maryland Youth Ballet
Dance Performer Dance Student
June 2010 June 2007-2008
Children’s Defense Fund Broadway Dance Center
Dance Performer Dance Student
November 2009 Summer 2010
DC Hip Hop Festival Edge Performing Arts Center
Dance Performer Dance Student
February 2009 Summer 2005
Capitol Movement Project Traveling Teachers, Zhanna DeGraft
Part of company, Performer in annual show Vocal Student and Performer
March 2008-2010 September 2006-2009
Sherry’s Dance Center viaJ entertainment services, Carlyncia Peck (Instructor)
Student, Assistant Teacher and Performer Vocal and Acting Student
June 2004-Present January 2010-Present