Soul Holiday Christmas Cast and Crew

Mark Daniels Musical Director

Another one of the Bay Area's best kept secrets! Guitarist Mark Daniels has been playing for 30 years and has finally stepped out on his own. With one foot in R&B and the other in smooth jazz, this artist covers it all. From backing James Brown to most recently Kindred The Family Soul, Mark's talent speaks for itself. 
​
Originally a trumpet player. But by his mid-teens Mark proved to be a natural on guitar and bass and never looked back. By his early 20's he toured many cities overseas such as Japan, Singapore and Malaysia as well as many cities in the U.S., Portland, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Mississippi. Since 1994 Mark has made music his career. 

Never far from the big time, Mark has played with high caliber musicians such as Rosie Gaines of Prince, LaToya London of American Idol fame, Vince Lars of Tony Toni Tone, as well as members of Joyce Cooling's band and the Whispers. Having crafted an original style of playing from Funkadelic to Larry Carlton (his favorites) be on the look out for much more from this artist.

Lionel J Burns Vocalist

Lionel J Burns Sr. aka  Mr. B is a native of New Orleans who begin his singing career at the age of 5 in his fathers church. Lionel became a professional singer at the age of 15,and went on to become one of the great Bayou entertainers. Influenced by the Neville Brothers and The Marsalis Family. Lionel's first band was called SJ1 Band, they roamed the Bayou four nights a week playing in various bars and clubs, singing the blues. By the age of 22 Lionel had made his way to California singing at a variety of venues with great Bay- Area talent. Lionel currently tours with Motown and Legends of Soul Tribute Shows. Lionel has his own band, Mr. B and The Ground Zero Band having a Frankie Beverly and Maze Experience. With his rich tenor, his showmanship and stage presence. Be ready for a treat when Lionel Burns hits the stage.

Manuel Walker Vocalist

My name is Manuel Walker, You can call me Manny I’m 30 years old originally from Louisville, Ky, I left there at the age of 19 to join the Army where I was sent to my first duty station in Germany where I meet my wife who was also in the Army. We served in Iraq together and I ended up being blessed with 2 daughters Kayla (8) and Kaliya (11). I’ve been singing since I was about 14 years old, I Love The Lord he has been so amazing in my life even though I don’t deserve it. I am a Youth Minister at,The Church@Antioch which is in Antioch, CA. I am blessed to have worked with Bro. Joe Cloud the Lord puts you in positions to meet people for a reason and this is one of those reason. Bro. Joe Cloud talked to me about a vision he had and asked me to be apart of it and Im thankful to be able to use my gift that God has blessed me with.

Evan J.M. Dayce Vocalist

Born in 1993 to Carla and Ernest Dayce, Evan was exposed to music at a young age. Though singing in choirs and learning how to read sheet music provided invaluable experience, it wasn't until the age of 16 that Evan realized performing on stage was his real aspiration. From Oklahoma to Beauty and the Beast, Evan has taken part in various high school musicals and professional productions which assisted in shaping his skill set; allowing him to better utilize his talents. Support his exploits on Twitter; @DeauJeau

Naazir Magbool Musician

Naazir "Naaz" Magbool, (trumpet), born and raised in Oakland, attended Xavier University of New Orleans, La. He has been playing trumpet for 14 years and has touched stages with Soulit of Tokyo Japan, Corey Henry(New Orleans) of Galactic, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Ave, Russell Batiste, Kermit ruffians and Friends & MJS brass boppers! Mr. Magbool enjoys training in the gym, sports, who also loves to help children and the community. He has an degree in social services and pursue his love for social work in alameda county.

Paul Daniels Vocalist

Paul Daniels, is a Bay Area producer, singer and songwriter. His first CD entitled "Something Good" is a dream and ambition which he had envisioned years before. After writing hundreds of songs and knowing many undiscovered yet talented artists. Paul decided to bring them all together for that project.  The Paul Daniels and Friends CD – “Something Good” is something fresh, relaxing and enjoyable.  If you like Paul Simon, Lionel Richie, Bobby McFerrin, Joe Sample and different types of music all on one CD, you will love his music.
Since then and currently he is the Director of Music at Elmhurst UMC, before holding the same position at St. Columba Roman Catholic Church and before then Assistant Director of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir.  We welcome him to the show.

Kelly Gilbert Vocalist

Born and raised in Berkeley, CA, Kelly Gilbert is a professional Gospel singer who shares her gift at churches, festivals, fundraising events and celebrations throughout the Greater Bay Area.  She has performed with many church and community choirs over the years including Helen J.H. Stephens, Dorothy Morrison, Maestro Curtis, Pete Escovedo and The Escovedos. She has also made her foray into the Secular world, singing Jazz, R&B, and on occasion, the Blues, with The Del Bump Trio, Not Strictly Jazz, Park Place, amongst others.  But her heart always leads her back to her first love, singing about the love of Jesus, the Power of God and His mercies.  Her favorite part of being a musician is ‘getting to touch people’.  She feels Blessed to be a Blessing to others and GRATEFUL to be used by God!

Alex "Kid Karma" Hutaff-Bautista Dancer

Born and raised in the islands of Hawaii, he called the island Maui home. Dancing for 13 years, his passion to live out the essence of the Hip-Hop culture that started in New York has led him through many experiences. Including touring around the islands with Henry Kapono, Grammy nominated Hawaiian artist - to gain most of his professional experience. Other notable work includes performing, choreographing, and teaching around the Hawaiian islands and their studios including Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island.

Now living in San Francisco and furthering his career as a dancer and artist, entering international level competitions all over the country with his roommates / crew members. He looks to continue to gain as much as experience, and compete as much as possible to earn his recognition and to spread the love of Hip-Hop.

Jack Stone Rabanal Dancer

Jack Stone Rabanal is a Local Bboy born and raised in Oahu, Hawaii and has lived in San Francisco, California since 2014, Jack has traveled and competed in multiple competitions around the world exchanging and building with the communities of Philippines and California. His goals for the future include building and teaching with the Breaking scene worldwide, and moving back to Hawaii to help encourage the breaking scene there, opening up a 808 Breakers Crew Studio that teaches Hip Hop culture and Hawaiian Native Culture​.  Jack has won multiple competitions such as "Style Elements Crew 21 anniversary" , "Skills Philippines Tour" and "Style Wars 2014". ​

Nieces Robinson Vocalist

Niecey Robinson blessed with a 5 octave range and since 2003 has shared the stage with Legendary Artist such as Patty Labelle, Whispers, OJays, Spinners, KC & JOJO, Bobby Brown, & Fantasia. 
In 2008 Niecey formed her own band Niecey & The Obamah$ and presently performs throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Niecey & The Obamah$ have opened for Lenny Williams, Tony Tone Toni, After 7 and Howard Hewitt. Niecey best known for her Tribute to Motown Legends Martha Reeves & the Marvelettes. She has performed in Los Angeles  and Las Vegas as well as throughout the Bay Area opening for Ben E King & Jeffrey Osborne. In 2014 Niecey along with Khoree The Poet were featured as singer and song writer on  his Grammy Nominated Love Movement and single titled Black Woman and can also be heard on her own original featured with Khoree The Poet
I'm not Willing. Niecey latest project completing her first solo project with Levi Seacer Former Musical Director for Shelia E & Prince expect her first release Black Bird Tribute to Beatles to be released in 2016. Niecey Robinson is on the horizon of success so be on the look out for this songbird.

Nanette Dillard Vocalist

Nanette Dillard is a classically trained soprano. Born in Berkeley, CA and raised in Lafayette, CA, Nanette began playing piano when she was seven years old and cello when she was ten years old. She also played viola. Nanette attended Acalanes Union High School where she played in the orchestra and sang in several choirs including the district honor choir. Nanette was awarded two national music awards at graduation. After graduation, Nanette attended California State University at Northridge where she had to choose between playing cello or singing. She chose to sing and went on to perform in several operas such as Un Ballo in Maschera, The Merry Widow, Die Fledermaus, Cosi Fan Tutte, and The Medium. She also performed solo recitals and was a soloist with the Los Angeles Modern Orchestra. After receiving a Rotary International Ambassadorial scholarship Nanette moved to Europe where she lived for almost eight years. She attended the University of Music and the Performing Arts in Graz, Austria before moving to Vienna, Austria. Nanette also received a scholarship to study Italian at the Universita per Stranieri in Perugia, Italy. As a result, Nanette is fluent in French, German, and Italian. While in Europe Nanette performed in La Traviata, The Merry Widow, Cosi Fan Tutte, Midsummer Nights Dream and The Marriage of Figaro. 

Sharon Henderson Vocalist

This powerful spirit-filled vocalist has been singing in churches in since the age of three.  While singing with the award-winning choir, Voices of Christ, she had the opportunity to sing under the direction of such notable directors as Reverend James Cleveland, Helen J.H. Stephens, and with singers the likes of Reverend Daryl Coley.  Sharon traveled and sang as a member of the Voices of Christ and the Northern California Gospel Music Workshop of America. For 16 years Mrs. Henderson was a popular soloist with Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, and is featured on the CD entitled "Rejoice" (www.oigc.org). Receiving rave reviews from the San Francisco Examiner, Sharon’s moving a Cappella rendition of "Lawd How Come Me Heah" is a featured selection on her debut CD, “Through It All”.  Sharon is also a soloist on the choirs CD entitled “Lord Hear Our Prayer”.

With musical theatre to her credit, Sharon was a soloist in Langston Hughes' "Black Nativity", at the legendary Lorraine Hansberry Theater in San Francisco. In Lorraine Hansberry Theatre's production of "Black & Blue", she served as understudy to the legendary Bay Area Jazz/Blues artist Faye Carol, as well as other cast members. As a member of VOAD (Voices of A Dream) vocal ensemble in 2013, Sharon had the opportunity to work with noted music educator Dr Anthony Brown, and a host of talented singers and musicians from around the Bay Area.

Sharon's first solo recording venture titled, “Through It All”, currently reaches the hearts, minds and souls of her international audience through, radio and the Internet. (available at: Amazon.com www.cdbaby.com/cd/sdhenderson,  https://www.reverbnation.com/sharondhenderson.  iTunes.com, Pandora, and various churches and other outlets)  “Through It All” includes Contemporary Gospel, Negro Spirituals and Positive New Thought music that uplifts the Mind, Body and Spirit.

Sharon's latest offering is a single titled "Think On These Things (Phil 4:8)". This gospel/inspirational offering was written and co-produced by Sharon and gospel luminary Pastor Jamie Hawkins (executive producers Lee & Sharon Henderson). This uplifting piece invites the listeners to do as scripture instructs and think on the good in life. It is currently being enjoyed by purchasers of music of CD Baby, Reverbnation, iTunes, Amazon and others. Sharon is currently in the studio working on her latest full CD project, due for release in 2016.

A musical fixture at churches, synagogues and houses of worship, Sharon is blessed to regularly be called to sing at churches and spiritual centers around the Bay Area, and Northern California.She  welcomes the opportunity to heal through her music, she fills the spirit of all who hear her voice. Sharon D. Henderson is a healing presence in the world, and is only here for God.

Dee Dee Simon Vocalist

Dee Dee was born and raised in East Oakland. She was born to sing and has been doing just that since the age of 4. When asked to describe herself, she claims, “I’m just another girl from Oakland, read the papers. I’m a product of my surroundings but I plan to make it.” Nurtured in the Baptist church, she honed her vocal skills finding her own voice.

​She has had her share of ups and downs in the musical industry but knew it would build who she is today. She has had the opportunity to sing with artists such as DeWayne Wiggins, E-40, Spice 1, Rick Rock, Chauncey of Black Street, Rome, The Temptations, Dick Gregory, Paul Mooney, Jill Scott’s Kindred Family Soul, Nephew Tommy, and the list goes on.

She has opened up for the KBLX Stone Soul Concert with musical greats: Chaka Khan, Charlie Wilson, Cameo, Lakeside, and the Ohio Players, Gladys Knight, Freddie Jackson, Faith Evans. She has also shared the stage with Eric Benet at Sunday in the Redwoods.
She is a playwright who has written and produced her 5th Gospel Stage play, “When a Man Loves a Woman” and published it as a short story.

She recently released her 2nd single on all social media outlets “Suited N Booted” as well as a music video. She’s ready to release her newest single, “Dance with Me”.
This young lady tends to keep pushing limits, shooting for the stars hoping to land on the Moon. She is destined to make this world her stage with her soulful sound and natural ability to tell her story through song. 

​The Ensemble