LA Weekly & Sean Healy Presents:
El Debarge
Jawz of Life, Ty the Sanger, Tasha Rodgers, Wil-Key, Kraze
Thu, March 1, 2012
Doors: 8:00 pm / Show: 8:30 pm (event ends at 2:00 am)
Key Club$35.00 - $120.00
Tickets
This event is 18 and over
When online sales close, quantities still available may be purchased at Key Club box office at posted door time. If you purchased Will Call tickets for another party, please have the party bring the printed email confirmation of purchase to claim tickets. The meet and greet with El Debarge for the super VIP ticket holders will immediately follow the concert and will take place on our restaurant level. Our friends at Sean Healy Presents are also offering a special discount code for you. Just enter the discount code from the flyer when you purchase your tickets for the show at: eldebargekeyclub.eventbrite.com. Everyone under 21 will also be required to purchase 2 non-alcoholic drink tickets for $6. The Key Club box office is CASH ONLY on the night of the event.If you have any questions or would like to find out about special discounts please call our box office at (310)274-5800
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El Debarge - (Set time: 11:00 PM)
“Making this album, I felt like I was seeing a flower or feeling the sun shine for the first time,” says El DeBarge. “I feel like a brand new artist, like I just came out to Hollywood from Grand Rapids, Michigan and I’m looking for a record contract—and I’m just as hungry as I was when I started out.”
With Second Chance, one of R&B’s most distinctive and celebrated voices returns to the spotlight after more than a decade and a half away. The album—which features the work of such legendary producer/songwriters as Babyface and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis alongside tracks by new hitmakers including Mike City, the Avila Brothers and Michael Angelo—tells the story of DeBarge’s redemption following a period of personal turmoil. His triumphant appearance at the 2010 BET Awards, which instantly lit up the international soul blogosphere, was just the first step in a remarkable story of personal and creative transformation.
With Second Chance, one of R&B’s most distinctive and celebrated voices returns to the spotlight after more than a decade and a half away. The album—which features the work of such legendary producer/songwriters as Babyface and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis alongside tracks by new hitmakers including Mike City, the Avila Brothers and Michael Angelo—tells the story of DeBarge’s redemption following a period of personal turmoil. His triumphant appearance at the 2010 BET Awards, which instantly lit up the international soul blogosphere, was just the first step in a remarkable story of personal and creative transformation.
The sixth of ten DeBarge children, El DeBarge’s signature falsetto anchored sixteen Top 10 hits, both with the family group, DeBarge (“All This Love,” “I Like It,” “Time Will Reveal”) and as a solo artist (“Rhythm of the Night,” “Who's Holding Donna Now”). In 1990, El teamed up with Quincy Jones to create the unforgettable smash "The Secret Garden," which also featured Barry White, Al B. Sure!, and James Ingram. The last new music he released was 1994’s acclaimed Heart, Mind, and Soul.
As he returned to the studio after a turbulent time that ultimately led to his incarceration, though, DeBarge discovered that his songwriting touch had not left him. “These songs are my spiritual memoir, my mental DNA,” he says, “and they came to me on a need-to-know basis from the Lord. I gather it all up at that moment and try to process and structure it into a three- or four-minute song—and that’s not easy to do. These are great big, huge experiences, from personal and business relationships to the house that was lost or the prison sentence served.”
The song that initially kicked off the project was “Format,” which later had a guest verse added by 50 Cent. DeBarge says that the song “really represents where I’m at musically—not changing who I am or my style of writing, just switching up the format, taking a different route to reach the same destination.”
But it was when he began recording the title track that Second Chance took on its full meaning. “It was a mystery how this album was going to evolve,” he says. “But the minute I stepped to the microphone to sing that song, I started crying. It took me a while just to get through the first line. I knew then that this whole album would be full of emotion and conviction. That song opened me up, and it was never the same.”
Though DeBarge has been absent from the music scene, his sound and his legacy never completely disappeared. Such stars as the Notorious B.I.G., Ashanti, and Mariah Carey covered or sampled his hits, and he contributed to tracks by DJ Quik and the RZA.
Yet even as interest in his music remained high, he says that he was unable to sing or write during his prison term. “Prison was very depressing, very antagonizing,” he says. “There was nothing about being there that inspired me. I just prayed, read a lot, and had great anticipation for that day when they said, ‘you’re released and you’re going home.’”
As a result, when he decided to get back to work, DeBarge had no idea what to expect from his unmistakable voice, with its three-octave range. “When I opened my mouth to sing, my chops and my range were still there,” he says, the relief still audible in his recounting. “I was filled with so much joy, so overwhelmed and so grateful.”
DeBarge credits Interscope Records Chairman Ron Fair, the Executive Producer of Second Chance, with guiding him through a difficult period of transition. “He was a pillar of strength, and he championed me through every step of this process,” says the singer. “I could never describe what he means to me—he actually reminds me of Berry Gordy.”
Though DeBarge was excited to work with young writers and producers who grew up listening to his music, it was a special thrill going back into the studio with some of R&B’s greatest masterminds. “Babyface, Jimmy and Terry—they’re not just my musical peers, but qualified people who understand me as an artist and as a person,” he says. “I had heard about Mike City and Michael Angelo, I knew about their talent, but these people are on a whole other level. The chemistry is so different, it’s just great.”
In the great DeBarge tradition, most of Second Chance is concerned with matters of the heart, but El’s own tribulations and lessons echo through many of the songs. “Joyful,” he says, is about “embracing the struggle, not trying to resist, and knowing that you’re going to win—not just thinking that you can win, but that you will.” The impassioned “Sad Song,” produced by Christian "Davis" Stalnecker, resonates with “what I’ve gone through in relationships, some of my heartbreak,” according to DeBarge. “Things I’ve lost to drugs, relationships damaged, and also everyday situations, just somebody treating somebody wrong.
“I’m forthcoming on this album,” he continues, “and I take the blame where I need to, but I also show that I’m bigger than the struggle, it’s not bigger than me. I learned to slip forward, not backward. I learned from my mistakes, and I’ll never go down that road again.”
With this extraordinary set of songs, El DeBarge begins a new chapter in an uncommon life—accepting responsibility and looking ahead, with a new appreciation for his gifts and talents. For a man who reached stardom at a young age, he exudes maturity, in his words and his art, as he demonstrates why everyone deserves a second chance.
“I feel strength, having had the experiences I’ve had,” says DeBarge. “I have confidence. I know what I’ve gone through and that I’ve overcome it, it didn’t overcome me. Now I’m stronger, I’ve embraced it, and I’m going all the way.”
With Second Chance, one of R&B’s most distinctive and celebrated voices returns to the spotlight after more than a decade and a half away. The album—which features the work of such legendary producer/songwriters as Babyface and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis alongside tracks by new hitmakers including Mike City, the Avila Brothers and Michael Angelo—tells the story of DeBarge’s redemption following a period of personal turmoil. His triumphant appearance at the 2010 BET Awards, which instantly lit up the international soul blogosphere, was just the first step in a remarkable story of personal and creative transformation.
With Second Chance, one of R&B’s most distinctive and celebrated voices returns to the spotlight after more than a decade and a half away. The album—which features the work of such legendary producer/songwriters as Babyface and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis alongside tracks by new hitmakers including Mike City, the Avila Brothers and Michael Angelo—tells the story of DeBarge’s redemption following a period of personal turmoil. His triumphant appearance at the 2010 BET Awards, which instantly lit up the international soul blogosphere, was just the first step in a remarkable story of personal and creative transformation.
The sixth of ten DeBarge children, El DeBarge’s signature falsetto anchored sixteen Top 10 hits, both with the family group, DeBarge (“All This Love,” “I Like It,” “Time Will Reveal”) and as a solo artist (“Rhythm of the Night,” “Who's Holding Donna Now”). In 1990, El teamed up with Quincy Jones to create the unforgettable smash "The Secret Garden," which also featured Barry White, Al B. Sure!, and James Ingram. The last new music he released was 1994’s acclaimed Heart, Mind, and Soul.
As he returned to the studio after a turbulent time that ultimately led to his incarceration, though, DeBarge discovered that his songwriting touch had not left him. “These songs are my spiritual memoir, my mental DNA,” he says, “and they came to me on a need-to-know basis from the Lord. I gather it all up at that moment and try to process and structure it into a three- or four-minute song—and that’s not easy to do. These are great big, huge experiences, from personal and business relationships to the house that was lost or the prison sentence served.”
The song that initially kicked off the project was “Format,” which later had a guest verse added by 50 Cent. DeBarge says that the song “really represents where I’m at musically—not changing who I am or my style of writing, just switching up the format, taking a different route to reach the same destination.”
But it was when he began recording the title track that Second Chance took on its full meaning. “It was a mystery how this album was going to evolve,” he says. “But the minute I stepped to the microphone to sing that song, I started crying. It took me a while just to get through the first line. I knew then that this whole album would be full of emotion and conviction. That song opened me up, and it was never the same.”
Though DeBarge has been absent from the music scene, his sound and his legacy never completely disappeared. Such stars as the Notorious B.I.G., Ashanti, and Mariah Carey covered or sampled his hits, and he contributed to tracks by DJ Quik and the RZA.
Yet even as interest in his music remained high, he says that he was unable to sing or write during his prison term. “Prison was very depressing, very antagonizing,” he says. “There was nothing about being there that inspired me. I just prayed, read a lot, and had great anticipation for that day when they said, ‘you’re released and you’re going home.’”
As a result, when he decided to get back to work, DeBarge had no idea what to expect from his unmistakable voice, with its three-octave range. “When I opened my mouth to sing, my chops and my range were still there,” he says, the relief still audible in his recounting. “I was filled with so much joy, so overwhelmed and so grateful.”
DeBarge credits Interscope Records Chairman Ron Fair, the Executive Producer of Second Chance, with guiding him through a difficult period of transition. “He was a pillar of strength, and he championed me through every step of this process,” says the singer. “I could never describe what he means to me—he actually reminds me of Berry Gordy.”
Though DeBarge was excited to work with young writers and producers who grew up listening to his music, it was a special thrill going back into the studio with some of R&B’s greatest masterminds. “Babyface, Jimmy and Terry—they’re not just my musical peers, but qualified people who understand me as an artist and as a person,” he says. “I had heard about Mike City and Michael Angelo, I knew about their talent, but these people are on a whole other level. The chemistry is so different, it’s just great.”
In the great DeBarge tradition, most of Second Chance is concerned with matters of the heart, but El’s own tribulations and lessons echo through many of the songs. “Joyful,” he says, is about “embracing the struggle, not trying to resist, and knowing that you’re going to win—not just thinking that you can win, but that you will.” The impassioned “Sad Song,” produced by Christian "Davis" Stalnecker, resonates with “what I’ve gone through in relationships, some of my heartbreak,” according to DeBarge. “Things I’ve lost to drugs, relationships damaged, and also everyday situations, just somebody treating somebody wrong.
“I’m forthcoming on this album,” he continues, “and I take the blame where I need to, but I also show that I’m bigger than the struggle, it’s not bigger than me. I learned to slip forward, not backward. I learned from my mistakes, and I’ll never go down that road again.”
With this extraordinary set of songs, El DeBarge begins a new chapter in an uncommon life—accepting responsibility and looking ahead, with a new appreciation for his gifts and talents. For a man who reached stardom at a young age, he exudes maturity, in his words and his art, as he demonstrates why everyone deserves a second chance.
“I feel strength, having had the experiences I’ve had,” says DeBarge. “I have confidence. I know what I’ve gone through and that I’ve overcome it, it didn’t overcome me. Now I’m stronger, I’ve embraced it, and I’m going all the way.”
Jawz of Life - (Set time: 10:00 PM)
Born and raised in Decatur, GA, and now living in Los Angeles, CA, Charles "Jawz of Life" Harper is a concert waiting to happen“ anytime and anywhere. His 12-year career has taken him from performing on stage at Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park to a 2006 MTV Spring Break performance in Panama City alongside T.I., Sean Paul, and Lil Wayne. With international appeal, Jawz has also recorded and performed in distant places like Thailand and delivered a crowd mesmerizing performance as a 2003 Budweiser True Music Live artist.
Dubbed as the New East Mouth of the South, this southern-bred MC offers a surprisingly unique, fresh sound that will help reshape the sound of hip hop coming out of the south. Being true to the title of MC, Jawz captivates audiences from young to young at heart. His energetic yet smooth lyrical flow complements tracks of all kinds, whether his own or in a collaboration. Jawz has collaborated with hip hop legends DMC of Run-DMC; DJ Hurricane of the Beastie Boys; DITC Legend Diamond D; T-Mo and Khujo Goodie of Goodie Mob; and the Witchdoctor of the Dungeon Family.
He released his debut solo album titled "First Breath" in 2001. Since then, he has released albums with the hip hop groups Passport; The 5ive; and the Dungeon Family 2nd Generation. Cuts from the Passport album were included on both the hit TV series 90210 and Franklin & Bash. In 2009, he released a mix CD in honor of Michael Jackson, and in 2011, he again mixed his smooth lyrical style with one of the smoothest voices ever in R & B, Luther Vandross. He released the first cut from his Big Luther mix tape in December 2011.
He paints masterpieces with his words as he weaves tales from his life experiences, everyday occurrences and simply creative storytelling. Picture a southern Common Sense with the wit of Jay-Z and the writing ability of Andre 3000. His lyrical diversity embodies his many aliases, including "Shelltoe Merlot" and "Jawz of Life," or "JOL" for short, and provides positive inspiration for the spiritually challenged of every background. As an MC, his mission is simple yet profound: to be a powerful, legendary lyricist who uses hip hop to reach those who need a jolt of life.
The former member of the critically-acclaimed hip hop group Passport, he says, "Just like the emergency Jawz of Life, I help people with verbal medical applications. Rescuing all people, including those that don't listen to Hip Hop, as well as people trapped in everyday mental accidents and situations. In other words, my music is for the soul."
As a writer and vice president of the Bobbi Monroe Production Company, he also creates original scripts for TV series. Jawz says this new venture represents his collective evolution as a writer and performer. Meanwhile, you can listen to him perform with his music crews: The 5ive, as wells as the Dungeon Family 2nd Generation. You can also check out his LifeApparel statement clothing line, which represents all that he is: positive and energetic.
Dubbed as the New East Mouth of the South, this southern-bred MC offers a surprisingly unique, fresh sound that will help reshape the sound of hip hop coming out of the south. Being true to the title of MC, Jawz captivates audiences from young to young at heart. His energetic yet smooth lyrical flow complements tracks of all kinds, whether his own or in a collaboration. Jawz has collaborated with hip hop legends DMC of Run-DMC; DJ Hurricane of the Beastie Boys; DITC Legend Diamond D; T-Mo and Khujo Goodie of Goodie Mob; and the Witchdoctor of the Dungeon Family.
He released his debut solo album titled "First Breath" in 2001. Since then, he has released albums with the hip hop groups Passport; The 5ive; and the Dungeon Family 2nd Generation. Cuts from the Passport album were included on both the hit TV series 90210 and Franklin & Bash. In 2009, he released a mix CD in honor of Michael Jackson, and in 2011, he again mixed his smooth lyrical style with one of the smoothest voices ever in R & B, Luther Vandross. He released the first cut from his Big Luther mix tape in December 2011.
He paints masterpieces with his words as he weaves tales from his life experiences, everyday occurrences and simply creative storytelling. Picture a southern Common Sense with the wit of Jay-Z and the writing ability of Andre 3000. His lyrical diversity embodies his many aliases, including "Shelltoe Merlot" and "Jawz of Life," or "JOL" for short, and provides positive inspiration for the spiritually challenged of every background. As an MC, his mission is simple yet profound: to be a powerful, legendary lyricist who uses hip hop to reach those who need a jolt of life.
The former member of the critically-acclaimed hip hop group Passport, he says, "Just like the emergency Jawz of Life, I help people with verbal medical applications. Rescuing all people, including those that don't listen to Hip Hop, as well as people trapped in everyday mental accidents and situations. In other words, my music is for the soul."
As a writer and vice president of the Bobbi Monroe Production Company, he also creates original scripts for TV series. Jawz says this new venture represents his collective evolution as a writer and performer. Meanwhile, you can listen to him perform with his music crews: The 5ive, as wells as the Dungeon Family 2nd Generation. You can also check out his LifeApparel statement clothing line, which represents all that he is: positive and energetic.
Ty the Sanger - (Set time: 9:30 PM)
From the streets of Long Beach emerges a strong, powerful, soulful, independent R&B artist and entrepreneur. Standing at six foot six, La-Ty Banks, A.K.A. ‘TY Tha Sanger,’ A.K.A ‘Hurricane’ releases a mixture of R&B as well as rap, in a way never done by any other artist. With seven underground albums released since 2004, his most recent works, ‘Dedicated’ and ‘Devoted’ have created a buzz throughout the Los Angeles and Long Beach area. ‘The Best of Me’ compiles hits from old and new with a mixture of raw talent and soulful melodies.
TY is currently working on a new follow-up album, ‘I am LA-TY while carving his niche and shining as a leading progressive voice and new face of independent R&B. Although inspired and motivated by black entertainers such as Michael Jackson, and groups like Boyz II Men, TY is musically self-taught and came up on the streets. Growing up in the system, in and out of numerous group homes, he dodged gang and drug violence by diving into his passion for music. Although his struggles have impacted him in many ways, he holds firm to the belief that his test will become his testimony, and pushes himself in all aspects of his life to be a positive figure for today’s youth. His work ethic and humble attitude separates him from the masses and his thought provoking lyrics without profanity defines good character.
TY presents work written exclusively by himself and sung with sincerity and passion, reflecting all dimensions of human emotion. He writes on community needs, struggles with faith, love and relationships, domestic and world politics, and the obstacles today’s independent artists face. TY’s lyrics are rooted in a deep comprehension and awareness of the hurt and pain that people suffer in the world around him. He has seen up close and personal the problems that his music addresses such as poverty, drug and alcohol addicted, black on black crime, and child neglect and abuse. His empathy for the human condition translates into lyrics and melodies with the capacity to heal the soul.
For the past seven years he has sold between 10-20 cd’s a day off several Long Beach corners including the shopping center at the intersection of Atlantic and Artesia Blvd. He has also performed at many venues such as Club Vice in Hollywood and Club Cohiba in Long Beach. In addition to the new record, he is attending college to receive a degree in business and works with many social, and youth based initiatives to raise community awareness. TY has opened up for such artist as Colby O Donis, to Mann, with fans and a strong support system to follow him. His music is guaranteed to please people of all ages
R&Bs future....wide range of vocals,with a sexy soulful sound and a 2013 swagg......RAP GAME OFF THE HOOK TOO
TY is currently working on a new follow-up album, ‘I am LA-TY while carving his niche and shining as a leading progressive voice and new face of independent R&B. Although inspired and motivated by black entertainers such as Michael Jackson, and groups like Boyz II Men, TY is musically self-taught and came up on the streets. Growing up in the system, in and out of numerous group homes, he dodged gang and drug violence by diving into his passion for music. Although his struggles have impacted him in many ways, he holds firm to the belief that his test will become his testimony, and pushes himself in all aspects of his life to be a positive figure for today’s youth. His work ethic and humble attitude separates him from the masses and his thought provoking lyrics without profanity defines good character.
TY presents work written exclusively by himself and sung with sincerity and passion, reflecting all dimensions of human emotion. He writes on community needs, struggles with faith, love and relationships, domestic and world politics, and the obstacles today’s independent artists face. TY’s lyrics are rooted in a deep comprehension and awareness of the hurt and pain that people suffer in the world around him. He has seen up close and personal the problems that his music addresses such as poverty, drug and alcohol addicted, black on black crime, and child neglect and abuse. His empathy for the human condition translates into lyrics and melodies with the capacity to heal the soul.
For the past seven years he has sold between 10-20 cd’s a day off several Long Beach corners including the shopping center at the intersection of Atlantic and Artesia Blvd. He has also performed at many venues such as Club Vice in Hollywood and Club Cohiba in Long Beach. In addition to the new record, he is attending college to receive a degree in business and works with many social, and youth based initiatives to raise community awareness. TY has opened up for such artist as Colby O Donis, to Mann, with fans and a strong support system to follow him. His music is guaranteed to please people of all ages
R&Bs future....wide range of vocals,with a sexy soulful sound and a 2013 swagg......RAP GAME OFF THE HOOK TOO
Tasha Rodgers - (Set time: 9:00 PM)
Tarsha Rodgers, a native Angelino has always had a love and appreciation for music which began at an early age. Her first solo was Lift Every Voice and Sing at Mary Clay Nursery school at the age of 4. Her Grandmother, an accomplished musician taught her to play the piano and organ. Although Tarsha had a gift of listening to music and playing it, she never had much interest in instruments. Her great grandfather was the founder and Pastor of Lovely Hope Baptist Church, where she would often sing as a little girl. Tarsha was also a member of The Quincy Fielding Choral Ensemble and a local Baptist church in Los Angeles, where at the age of 12, she was the youngest member of the choir. In church, she led many solo’s and directed choirs learning from the best, her Godmother, the late gospel pioneer, Cora Martin of the Sally Martin singers. Tarsha currently sings with the gospel group, The Los Angeles Gospel Messengers which was founded by the Late King of Gospel, James Cleveland.
Outside of church, in school, Tarsha was in many plays and productions such as Grease, Westside Story and Tom Sawyer. At the age of 19 she was the lead singer of an R&B group called Prestige who often performed at Marla’s Memory Lane.
“Music is my life line, without it I can’t breathe,” sums up the passion that this up and coming artist displays in her vocals. Her sultry sound she credits to many influences. “ My roots of course is Gospel, but I love all kinds of music, R&B, Blues, Rock, Jazz and Classical”. Whitney Houston, Patti Labelle, Aretha Franklin, Lauren Hill, Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia are just some of her favorites.
Tarsha has performed at some of the top clubs in Hollywood including the Whiskey a gogo and the House of Blues where she is a regular in the Martini Jazz Show.
Her recent accomplishments have been a small role in the production of the stage play, “Love in a day where she also sang an original song she wrote entitled “Love” for the intermission. She has recorded two more hit singles, Lovers Paradise, which she wrote and I’m So Flyy, which she co-wrote and is working on her debut album. Her drive, professionalism, talent and ambition will open many doors for her in the future and she is prepared to go all the way and be amongst the stars.
Outside of church, in school, Tarsha was in many plays and productions such as Grease, Westside Story and Tom Sawyer. At the age of 19 she was the lead singer of an R&B group called Prestige who often performed at Marla’s Memory Lane.
“Music is my life line, without it I can’t breathe,” sums up the passion that this up and coming artist displays in her vocals. Her sultry sound she credits to many influences. “ My roots of course is Gospel, but I love all kinds of music, R&B, Blues, Rock, Jazz and Classical”. Whitney Houston, Patti Labelle, Aretha Franklin, Lauren Hill, Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia are just some of her favorites.
Tarsha has performed at some of the top clubs in Hollywood including the Whiskey a gogo and the House of Blues where she is a regular in the Martini Jazz Show.
Her recent accomplishments have been a small role in the production of the stage play, “Love in a day where she also sang an original song she wrote entitled “Love” for the intermission. She has recorded two more hit singles, Lovers Paradise, which she wrote and I’m So Flyy, which she co-wrote and is working on her debut album. Her drive, professionalism, talent and ambition will open many doors for her in the future and she is prepared to go all the way and be amongst the stars.
Wil-Key - (Set time: 8:30 PM)
Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Wil Key, has been producing his unique and soulful brand of contemporary soul music for many years now. This talented artist and producer has written for, recorded and produced some of the finest musical acts in the nation. He has recently performed in Europe, Canada and Hawaii in support of his current CD "Satisfy My Soul," which has received favorable reviews in Westword (USA) and Soulwalking (UK).
He has worked with Def Jam recording artists Playa, whose subsequent debut album was produced by Timbaland and features Missy Elliot and the late Aaliyah among others. He has also worked extensively with former Jive recording artists LA Ganz, with whom he attended the High School of The Performing Arts as a Theater and Music major. The group recorded fifteen tracks for the label, four of which went on to be included on Major-Motion-Picture soundtracks including Booty Call, Phat Beach and The Long Kiss Good Night. In addition to co-sequencing the LA Ganz song "Count On Me," which is featured on the soundtrack for the New Line Cinema release Dangerous Ground (Ice Cube), Wil also performs the piano solo.
Additionally Wil recently appeared as a singer with Universal recording artists The Flobots at the Ogden Theater (Denver).
Wil received his Bachelor's of Music degree while studying at Howard University in Washington, D.C and the University of Louisville. He moved to Denver in 2000 and studied graduate audio recording for 2 years at the University of Colorado at Denver (UCD) with Roy Pritts. While there, he received honorable mention from legendary producer and engineer, Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zepplin), for his production and performance of the original song "Dandelion" which is featured on the school's CD release for that year, as well as Wil's solo debut CD entitled "Gypsy."
Wil went on to receive a Masters of Music in Jazz Performance and Pedagogy in 2005 from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He has been a guest lecturer at several college campuses including the University of Louisville, and the University of Northern Colorado where he has presented courses on keyboard technology and software synthesis. Wil is currently working on a brand new CD entitled "But A Woman" which will feature songs celebrating women in various roles (daughters, mothers, lovers, sisters).
He has worked with Def Jam recording artists Playa, whose subsequent debut album was produced by Timbaland and features Missy Elliot and the late Aaliyah among others. He has also worked extensively with former Jive recording artists LA Ganz, with whom he attended the High School of The Performing Arts as a Theater and Music major. The group recorded fifteen tracks for the label, four of which went on to be included on Major-Motion-Picture soundtracks including Booty Call, Phat Beach and The Long Kiss Good Night. In addition to co-sequencing the LA Ganz song "Count On Me," which is featured on the soundtrack for the New Line Cinema release Dangerous Ground (Ice Cube), Wil also performs the piano solo.
Additionally Wil recently appeared as a singer with Universal recording artists The Flobots at the Ogden Theater (Denver).
Wil received his Bachelor's of Music degree while studying at Howard University in Washington, D.C and the University of Louisville. He moved to Denver in 2000 and studied graduate audio recording for 2 years at the University of Colorado at Denver (UCD) with Roy Pritts. While there, he received honorable mention from legendary producer and engineer, Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zepplin), for his production and performance of the original song "Dandelion" which is featured on the school's CD release for that year, as well as Wil's solo debut CD entitled "Gypsy."
Wil went on to receive a Masters of Music in Jazz Performance and Pedagogy in 2005 from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He has been a guest lecturer at several college campuses including the University of Louisville, and the University of Northern Colorado where he has presented courses on keyboard technology and software synthesis. Wil is currently working on a brand new CD entitled "But A Woman" which will feature songs celebrating women in various roles (daughters, mothers, lovers, sisters).
Kraze - (Set time: 8:00 PM)