Special Music

Mosaic
Monday, June 11th  7:30pm

Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit is a national model for youth development through the arts. Mosaic's mission is to empower young people to maximize their potential through professional performing arts training and the creation of first-rate theatrical and musical art. Mosaic's all-teen performances have toured Africa, Asia, Europe and the U.S., and have been featured on NBC's Today Show, NPR's All Things Considered, and was the subject of the Michigan Emmy Award®-winning PBS documentary.

Mosaic is developing a new audience for theater. Through its programs, Mosaic removes barriers—physical, economic and perceptual—in order to serve young artists and audiences with no access to the arts opportunities they seek.  Young, urban audiences are hungry to see artists on stage who look like themselves. Mosaic encourages everyone in their diverse metropolitan area to get involved, whether as participants or audiences. It challenges the perception that theater is only for the elite, wealthy, and advances the idea that African-American, Latino, Arab-American and other minority youth are welcome in the theater.

Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit is an internationally-acclaimed, professional performing arts training program for youth development through the arts. On stage and backstage, the Mosaic Youth Ensemble, made up of the Mosaic Acting Company, Mosaic Singers, and Mosaic Technical Crew, practice artistry in action by refining their crafts and producing first-rate theatrical and musical performances while developing disciplined work habits, effective problem-solving skills and respect for differences. These young artists represent more than 50 urban and suburban schools and diverse social, economic, racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds in the metropolitan area.


The Gospel Truth Choir from Renaissance Unity
Monday, June 11th 7:30pm

Under the direction of Edward Gooch, "The Gospel Truth" adds energetic and soul moving inspiration to their performances.


The Soul Light Connection Music Team
Tuesday, June 12th 9:00am to noon

The Soul Light Connection is a talented and devoted group of musicians that plays most Sunday services at Spiritual Life Center.  Under the direction of Paula Mandella, the band's versatility and professionalism brings a joyful surprise to each encounter. Ann Roach, an amazing vocalist, allows herself to feel and express the full spectrum of life, play out of the box, reach into the depths, and soar up to heavenly heights. Together, these inspiring ministers of music serve the spirit, feed the soul, and open your mind and heart!


Richard Mekdeci & Sue. K. Riley
Tuesday, June 12th  1:30pm
www.empowerma.com

Richard Mekdeci
Richard dedicates his life to positive spiritual music for all faiths. His passions are Posi Music, and the spiritual offshoot of Posi known as New Thought music. A resident of Kansas City, he is president and co-founder of I-to-i Ministries, I-to-i Music and now emPower Music and Arts. Richard Mekdeci travels the country with his interfaith ministry, teaching through retreats and workshops the message of peace, self-worth, and the uniting power of music. "My cup runneth over and is making a big mess on the floor!"

Sue Riley
As music director for Unity Church of Clearwater, FL for the past 18 years, Sue sees the power of positive music on a weekly basis.   Sue also serves as the Music Team Leader for the Association of Unity Churches International Music Team, and is Vice President of emPower Music and Arts.  A singer/songwriter with 6 CDs of her original music, Sue travels the country as part of the PosiPalooza! concerts. Passionate about the power of music, Sue says: "I know that music has the power to change lives for the better. Together we can do great things!"

Bukeka Shoals
Thursday, June 14th 9:00am
www.bukeka.com

Bukeka is an accomplished inspirational orator, workshop facilitator and performing artist. Not only is her work inspiring, but so is the history behind her name. At age 6, she was immersed in the Civil Rights movement with her parents. Inspired by this great movement of change she wanted a new name. She chose Bukeka. With her parents blessing Gretchen Elizabeth Newby entered first grade with the name she had chosen – Bukeka. Now she is taking her life lessons to help people and organizations make conscious choices during times of change and transition.

She uses the power of her voice and music from the heart to inspire well being worldwide. Bukeka's energy never fails to WOW audiences and move people to tears simultaneously. In her workshops she helps people explore core values and beliefs that inspire more favorable life outcomes. Her desire is to reach people who see themselves as not good enough or not equipped enough to experience the good life has to offer.

Her musical performances include performing with the legendary Oleta Adams, opening for entertainment industry icons Harry Belafonte and Della Reece. She has also opened for world renowned authors such as Dr. Maya Angelou, Mark Victor Hansen, Gary Zukav, Marianne Williamson and Arun Gandhi.
 

Johannys Hartog
Thursday, June 14th 9:00am

For Johannys, the saying “to sing is to pray twice” says it all. 

A recently Licensed Unity Minister, Johannys presently is Senior Minister at Misión Unity in Hollywood, Florida (a church she pioneered).  She has served as a Licensed Unity Teacher in English, directed choral groups for Unity churches, conducted prayer programs, been featured regularly at Unity Village's Spanish retreats as a singer and presenter, and is an Ordained Minister trained in A Course in Miracles. 

Starting as a teenager, Johannys in Puerto Rico starred in television.  She was voted best new performing artist for a hit pop record followed by her own weekly variety TV show (in which she sang, danced and gave interviews).  After these successes, Johannys secured a degree in industrial engineering and a Master's degree in education, specializing in mathematics and bilingual education.  

Johannys writes her own songs, some of which appear in her CD, “Ligada a Tu Amor.”  To all her spiritual endeavors, Johannys brings a sparkling personality and skills as a professional  singer and accomplished artist.


Eddie Watkins, Jr.
Thursday, June 14th  7:30pm
www.eddiewatkinsjr.com

Hailing from Detroit, Eddie is internationally known as one of the most prolific bass players in the music industry. 

Eddie has recorded with Marvin Gaye, Quincy Jones, James Brown, Santana, Cher, Diana Ross, Herbie Hancock, Pattie Labelle, The Pointer Sisters, Peter Frampton, Gato Barbieri, and the list goes on and on.
 
His musical style was influenced by sounds like Motown, James Brown, B.B. King, The Beatles, Lou Rawls, Nat King Cole, Stevie Wonder and Sly and the Family Stone. While he made his name as a bass player and composer / producer, his singing talent has come to the forefront in recent years and is establishing Eddie as one of the premier voices in the music world.