COLLABORATIONS
Vocalist, songwriter, and performer Emeline Michel is internationally acclaimed for fusing pop, jazz, blues, and traditional Haitian rhythms to create deeply moving and joyful music, delivered with a charismatic live show. A master entertainer, Ms. Michel has been sharing her message with audiences across Europe and the Americas for more than 20 years, including appearances at New York’s Carnegie Hall, The United Nations, Ontario’s Luminato Festival, Montreal International Jazz Festival, New Orleans Jazz Fest, Tasmania’s Ten Days On The Island, Zimbabwe’s Harare International Arts Festival, globalFEST at Lincoln Center, Out of Doors, and on MTV’s Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief fundraiser. Hailed by the New York Times as a “diplomat of music” and “the dancing ambassador with a voice serene and warm like the breeze,” Michel first began singing with the gospel choir in the church of Gonaïves, Haiti. She later studied at the Detroit Jazz Center and returned to Haiti, where her career blossomed. Now based in New York City, she runs her own production company, Production Cheval de Feu, and is currently touring in support of her long-awaited 10th album Quintessence. A remarkable blend of spirited songs, the album captures the reverence and gratitude for the present moment and showcases Ms. Michel’s virtuoso vocal, singing in Creole, French and English, with finger-picked guitars, soulful backing vocals, a children’s choir, Haitian percussion, lush strings, playful trumpet and accordion lines. Visit www.facebook.com/emelinemichelmusic for more information.
"As her band delved into regional styles from voodoo drumming to the lilt of the urban compass, her voice kept revealing new aspects - serene and breathy, sharp and percussive, warmly declamatory or nearly operatic - as she soared above the beat like a dancing ambassador."
-NY Times
EMELINE
MICHEL
DJ MR. CISUM
Mr. Cisum, born Larry D. Fowler, Jr., chose his moniker for one reason, the ever-growing interest in the mystic power of music. Crafting his sound out of the soulfulness of the blues, the intricacy of jazz, the rawness of funk, the attitude of hip-hop, and the drive of dance has created a style that is sought after by everyone from party promoters to theatre directors. From DJ residencies in Philadelphia, to working with acclaimed theatre directors, and touring with various dance companies, has given Mr. Cisum the proper foundation in knowing how to sonically speak to an audience of any type. His aim is to engage listeners in a conversation where rhythm, melody, and tone create the bond.
In addition to an esteemed DJ career, Mr. Cisum, is a producer and sound engineer. While attending the Art Institute of Philadelphia, Due in part to an internship that turned into a full time position as recording and mix engineer at Third Story Recording Studio in Philadelphia - Mr. Cisum worked with the likes of world famous artists such as King Britt, DJ Miz, James Poyser, Vikter Duplaix, Poor Righteous Teachers, The Mountain Brothers, Common, The Roots, Jill Scott, Schoolly D., Nou, and Grand Agent. This is where Cis learned to shape sound through old school techniques.
The production work also extends into the theatre world where Cisum has sound engineered and designed with companies such as Rennie Harris Puremovement, Camden Repertory Works, Curtain Call Creations, The Arden Theatre Company, Lantern Theatre Company, and Theatre Horizon, and 5th Ave. Productions.
ARACELIS
GIRMAY
Aracelis Girmay grew up in Santa Ana , CA, and currently lives in New York .Ms. Girmay was awarded the Isabella Gardner Poetry Award for collection, Kingdom Animalia. Her book was published by BOA Editions in 2011. This award is given biennially to a poet with a new work / book of exceptional merit. Manuscripts are solicited and there is no formal submission process for this award. Aracelis Girmay writes poetry, fiction, and essays. Her poetry collection,Teeth (Curbstone Press, 2007), was awarded the GLCA New Writers Award. A Cave Canem Fellow, she has received grants from the Jerome Foundation and the Watson Foundation. Ms. Girmay teaches community writing workshops in her native California and in New York City . She is on the faculty of both Drew University ’s low-residency Poetry MFA program and Hampshire College’s School of Interdisciplinary Arts .
Formerly based in Brooklyn, New York, Alex Goldberg is a freelance Lighting Designer. Over his years in the lighting industry, Mr. Goldberg, has amassed diverse design experience in the worlds of theater, concerts, dance, puppetry, and various live events ranging from business lunches to multi-million dollar wedding spectaculars. An avid traveler, Mr. Goldberg’s touring adventures have allowed his designs to been seen on stages around the US, and also internationally in nine countries. Additionally, since 2010, he has served as an integral team member of the NYC based design firm Arc3design, LLC, working on an assortment of private events, and lighting such musical greats as The Four Tops, Jennifer Hudson, Idina Menzel, En Vogue, George Clinton, Kristin Chenoweth, Janelle Monae, and many more. www.alexgoldbergdesign.com.
