Al "Papa Rap" Lopez Al Papa Rap Lopez is originally from Puerto Rico and has lived in NWA since 1994. Al is a self-taught musician who has composed and arranged hundreds of songs that he uses in his live performances. He performs solo or he can also bring his 8-piece…
Shakeenah Fentis Shakeenah is a grandmother and long-time NW Arkansas resident. She grew up in NY, singing from age four and attending extensive creative arts classes, including musicals, dance and drama with The Harlem Children’s Theatre Co. and The Henry Street Settlement House. After high school and a year of…
Vidya Ramachandhiramani Vidya Ramachandhiramani is a software engineer and Carnatic singer from the South of India. She has been an instructor and practitioner of Carnatic music for many years and the founder of Sadhana Fine Arts—a music school dedicated in promoting and teaching South Indian classical music—Carnatic Vocal and Veena—in…
Mark MK McLaughlin Named Community Leader of the Year by Times Review Media Group, Mark “MK” McLaughlin is a powerful force for unity, justice, and joy across Suffolk County. As a gifted vocalist and community builder, MK’s work has brought together thousands through music and advocacy. He is widely recognized…
Idasa Tariq Idasa Tariq is a Hip Hop teaching artist and multi-media operator living in Pittsburgh, PA via Binghamton, NY. Located in Pittsburgh since 2013, Idasa teaches primarily black youth media literacy and music production. Currently, he is creative director of Guardians of Sound's Hip Hop Orchestra and a teaching…
Anqwenique Kinsel Pittsburgh native ANQWENIQUE is an extremely versatile vocalist and educator specializing in opera, classical music, jazz and soul. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Voice Performance from Indiana University of PA. She has performed and collaborated with Chamber Music Pittsburgh, Attack Theater, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra,…
Yusef Shelton Ys1 Yusef Shelton Da First is a hip-hop artist, producer & teaching artist, and community leader based in Pittsburgh. Yusef uses music, mentorship, and movement-building to inspire transformation in the lives of youth and communities. As co-founder of Back 2 Purpose (B2P), a touring social-emotional learning (SEL) and…
Joy Zimmerman Joy Zimmerman is a folk and acoustic roots singer-songwriter creating community through music. Her latest album, Where the Light Lives, debuted at #6 on the Folk Alliance International Chart, adding to a growing list of accolades. A multi-instrumentalist and queer artist with a rich, clear voice, Joy blends…
Jasmine Pigott Dr. Jasmine “Jazzie” Pigott is a groundbreaking tubist, composer, educator, and advocate whose work amplifies Black music and voices in classical spaces. Her musical journey began at age 10 when she switched from trombone to tuba, inspired by her love for the Veggie Tales theme song. Since then,…
Marcella Simien Marcella Simien is a Louisiana-born, ninth-generation Creole artist, touring/recording musician, teaching artist, yoga instructor, and co-owner of Swamp Soul Records and Reynolds Audio. A daughter of two-time GRAMMY winner Terrance Simien, she’s known for a genre-blending sound rooted in Creole tradition and contemporary production.Her latest album- written, performed,…
