ACHI Magazine Award Show
SUNDAY, JULY 27
@ Westin Hotel
Doors open @4pm
COUNTDOWN TO SHOW
EXCELLENCE
IN THE PERFORMING ARTS
*Please note: If it says "No Bio Entered" beside your image than you have not submitted a bio.
Please submit your bio to: Editor@ACHIMagazine.com by June 30th for your bio to be added. (It will not be accepted after this date)*
Ticket sales end on July 13th.
ACHI Artist Award
Ayanna Smith
WINNER
Psalmist and Recording Artist Ayanna Smith Ayanna Smith has been soaring vocally since the tender age of 3 years old. Her love for music continued to blossom and grow during her adolescence and God began to raise her up as a voice for her generation.
While in high school Ayanna began her classical vocal training and began performing in competitions singing in Italian, French and German. With one listen, it would soon become apparent, that her voice was an anointed gift from God and she would be destined for greatness. The melodic sounds of her natural soprano vocals have been hailed as jazzy with a Gospel touch.
Ayanna’s versatility in musical styling has allowed her to take the stage in many arenas. As a worship leader within her local assembly, The Mount - Chesapeake, VA, Ayanna has evolved into a powerhouse for the Kingdom of God as she ministers the truth of God’s word in song. With her new single, “So Free,” (The Remix) slated for release in January of 2014 and her full project entitled “Sincerely Ayanna” scheduled for release in Summer 2014. The relevant words that are song professing her freedom in Christ rings through the souls of those who hear her minister. As a songwriter and producer in her own right, Ayanna’s fusion of jazz, classical, and gospel music has set her apart from her musical contemporaries. Quickly, climbing the charts, Ayanna’s music and ministry is already being hailed as one of the gospel industries most notable rising voices as she continues to minister and impact the lives of all who glean from her music. In addition to being an accomplished vocalist and music minister, Ayanna is an internet radio show host, emcee, motivational speaker, educator & entrepreneur who loves encouraging, lifting and inspiring others to pursue their passion & purpose in life!
Hope Askew
Hope Askew, Virginia’s Sweetheart, seems to be everywhere! Whether acting in a play, managing her blog, ministering in song or visiting a nursing home, she’s doing it all. When it comes to this vessel of God, there are a few things you must know. She is one of the most compassionate, resilient, & unstoppable women in the business of gospel music. This wife and mother of three is Grace, Elegance and Class! With 3 full length projects under her belt, Hope Askew is no stranger to hard work. She has achieved Billboard’s top 50 recognition and her music has been displayed on some of Gospel’s top
charts. Her music was listed on the Most Added Gospel Song of the Week and Gospel Most New and Active Song of the Week charts; with Mary Mary, BeBe & CeCe Winans, The Sounds of Blackness, Jessica Reedy and more. The success of her music has catapulted Hope into being one of the Top 50 gospel artists in the country according to Billboard Charts at that time. She has shared the stage with Marvin Sapp, Andrae Crouch, Fred Hammond, and Ty Tribbett, to name a few. As if it was not hard enough to accomplish all of this and manage a family, Hope obtained a Master’s degree in Business from the University of Phoenix, AZ. In the midst of all the success, in 2012 Hope was dealt a devastating blow. She was awakened one morning in 2008 to numb feet with no understanding of why. Within the week, she was not able to feel anything from the chest down. She admits that this moment of uncertainty, was one of the scariest she had experienced. She could barely walk straight and could not feel anything with her hands. It took 4 years of pain and suffering to arrive at the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. She is currently in treatment, but declares that for the first time, she is confident and clear of her path. The diagnosis has totally changed her perception of life. This path has produced the beginning of a true relationship with God. A relationship that is totally dependent on Him and His desire for her life. Of this experience, she says, “it taught me focus, how to totally depend on the Lord, and left me with a strength I never knew existed”. She exemplifies the meaning of walking through pain with victory!
Shanae St. Louis
Shanae St. Louis is a national recording artist who uses her gift to inspire, encourage and motivate others. She currently serves as Youth Minister at More Than Conquerors Church and mentors young ladies as part of her call. She has a heart to reach the multitude and demonstrates her passion through life and song.
Dr. Gwen Lee Thomas
Dr. Gwen Lee-Thomas was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and is a recording artist, songwriter, praise and worship leader, playwright, producer, entrepreneur, educator, author, wife, mother & grandmother. She released a CD in 2013 and a single in 2014, launched the Gwendolyn Thomas Praise Ministry, and hosts the Created to Praise Radio Show. She received the 2010 Recording Artist of the Year award from KR Music of Atlanta and the 2014 Best Gospel Artist award from VEER Magazine of Hampton Roads. Gwen has served in various leadership capacities in ministry and communities since 1988 and earned her PhD and Master’s degrees in education.
Charlene Puryear
Charlene Puryear has been blessed to release her sophomore album "My Worship". She wants the world to know that you can make it through anything that the enemy throws your way and that no weapon formed against thee shall prosper. Born and raised in Portsmouth VA, with an anointed background of singing and ministry. She has been singing since the age of five. God called, anointed and appointed her while in her mother's womb. At the age of sixteen she gave her life to God and received the Holy Ghost a month later. It was at that time she realized that God had placed a powerful anointing and
calling upon her life. The gift of songwriting was bestowed upon her during her discovery of what is now her journey. She knew then she wanted to be a national recording artist. February 2002, her first album “It's My Time Now" aired on Willis Broadcasting and Gospel Spotlight, (WGPL 1350, WPCE 1400, and WTJZ 1270AM.) Charlene has sung solos for many churches in the Hampton Roads area, as well as sung background for many groups and choirs. While in her solo career, Mrs. Puryear has opened for Gospel artist such as Timothy Wright, Norman Hutchins, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Karen Clark Sheard, just to name a few. She has also had the opportunity to Travel Internationally and sing in Italy and Rome. Charlene’s vision is to spread the gospel through music and ministry to every soul. So let your mind meditate as the word ministers to your heart and soul.
Delores Gee
The successful album won Dee-Dee the VEER Music Award for gospel in 2013. Her sophomore album Passionate Praises II is due out this summer. Dee-Dee's previous business venture was as proprietor of DDG...Your Personal Shopper where she shopped and provided fashion consultations to local women. Dee-Dee is very active in the community, currently or previously serving on non-profit boards such as Junior Achievement, United Way Women's Initiative, AIM Family Services, Volunteer Hampton Roads, AMIkids and Girls Inc. She also volunteers with WHRO-TV as an on-air pledge host. She has been recognized by YWCA with a Woman of Distinction Award, First Baptist Church as Mother of the Year, Lead Hampton Roads' "Encouraging the Heart" Leadership Award and the Urban League's Silver Star Award.
Dee-Dee lives in Chesapeake and has two daughters.
Delores "Dee-Dee" Gee is well known throughout Hampton Roads for her achievements in media, music and business. Dee-Dee is a native of Norfolk and graduate of Hampton University. She has negotiated a career in media as a producer at WAVY-TV and WTKR NewsChannel 3 as well as print as publisher of MIX Magazine. She also hosted and produced the public affairs talk show MIX11 on Cox11.
In 2012, Dee-Dee surprised her community by revealing her vocal talents as a gifted singer. "Passionate Praises, produced by Dee-Dee was her debut album of traditional and classic gospel hymns.
Sheila Holloman
Sheila Holman is a native of Norfolk, VA and proud alumnus of Norview High School. She is a third generation vocalist, wife, and mother of four with strong roots in Gospel, Soul, and R&B. As a solo artist, she has been the featured vocalist for The Attucks Nutcracker, Bryant & Stratton Commencement Exercises, Virginia Beach Branch NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet, Girls With Goals Alliance Inaugural Opportunitea, as well as many other events and venues. Sheila is a pint sized powerhouse who inspires audiences from schools and churches to lounges and coliseums. She is the definition of embracing all of your of talents, dreaming big, and making those dreams a reality by sharing them with the world.
Yolanda Hinton
Yolanda Hinton an accomplished singer, songwriter and producer, has made great strides in developing and creating a unique and special musical style. Born in Brooklyn New York is where she was influenced and surrounded by many musical genres and talent. Yolanda became involved in music at an early age participating in many musical productions. Yolanda has recorded and toured throughout the United States and Europe. She had the privilege to perform with the European Metropolitan Orchestra in Holland. Yolanda Hinton is also the Founder of Cristo Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization that helps develop skills of young men and women. She has just released new music from her own independent Record Label, Cristo Records and has written a children's book; Bullying Is Right Underneath Your Nose.
ACHI Playwright Award
Latrese Carter
Latrese B. Carter is a native of Portsmouth, Virginia. She began acting, singing, and performing before large audiences at age four at her home church. Latrese is a Playwright, Director, Producer, & Vocal Coach. Her talents have been showcased in several stage plays & productions. She has also produced several plays & musicals through her company, Faithwalk Productions. Latrese debuted her first stage play "Church Folk" at Willett Hall Auditorium in Portsmouth, Virginia on June 12, 2009. With a great script, phenomenal cast and dynamic musical performances, the show was a huge
success. She has written and produced several plays, to include but not limited to "Follow The Star", "Talkin' Bout Good News", "Forever Grateful", & "The Steps Of A Good Man" since that time; however, "Church Folk" remains her favorite and most popular show. In fact, it was loved so much by her fans, that she presented the encore in May of 2013 with several returning original cast members and new additions, to include D'Atra Hicks of several Tyler Perry plays, Orlando Wright of many David E. Talbert plays, Minister Earl Bynum, Peggy Britt, Slater Johnson, and many more!!! In March 2014, she had the opportunity to perform at the Star Luncheon sponsored by the Norfolk Chapter of the National Association of Professional Women, with guest speaker Star Jones and at the "Sistas In Step" Women's Conference sponsored by the Women's Economics Center at Norfolk State University with guest speaker Bishop Vashti McKenzie. In March 2014, she revised, directed, produced, and starred in "Living In Recovery"(debuted August 2011). Latrese is currently writing the script for a new screen play entitled “A Night To Remember”. She has also embarked on the “DREAM BIG” project in which she’s looking to acquire a theater as a home for her Gospel Dinner Theater and the G.I.F.T.S. Christian School of the Arts (Dream Big Academy).
Floria Comeaux
loria Comeaux is a playwright/director as well as lead writer for Nivlaco Entertainment productions of Virginia Beach. Her work includes “What About Your Friends”, “Estranged”, and “What She Won’t do for Love.” Cast The First Stone” and several other plays being produced to tour 2014.. She has featured inspirational blogs and poems on several websites. Recently separated she maintains her a balance of four children ranging from the age 21 to 13 two daughters and two sons Shaniqua, Tiffany, Delvonte’ and Diondre’. .Floria has also co-hosted the talk show for Rejoice 100.9 FM “You Shoulda Been In Church” on Mondays at 12
noon which covers a large listening audience…she has upcoming short films as well as a web-series premiering soon called “Eve’s Haiku”…In the future she works towards her stories making it to big screen her genres are faith based and inspirational.
Sheri Bailey
JuneteenthVA founder and playwright Sheri Bailey was born in Portsmouth and spent her summers in Suffolk. The Huntington Library in San Marino, CA will house her body of work. She is the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts "Individual Theatre Artist" fellowship and she was the recipient of a 2009 Virginia Commission for the Arts playwriting fellowship. She has been thrice nominated by the NAACP Image Awards for "Best Playwright" for the following plays: Southern Girls (co-written with Dura Temple), Passing and Walking with a Panther. Her commissioned plays
include Murder and Mayhem at the Red River Bar (Dark Horse Productions); Passing (Nancy Cheryll Davis); A Great & Dismal Swamp(Old Dominion University); Christmas Stories (Riddick's Folly Foundation); and, All Kinds of Blue (California Prison System). Southern Girls is published by Dramatic Publishing and Summers in Suffolk: 1870-1992 is published by Telepoetics. A screenplay of her romantic comedy Dannie 'n Laurence won the Willard A. Rodgers, "Best New Minority Screenwriter" award and was optioned by Halle Berry. A filmed version of Dannie 'n Laurence, the play stars Anne-Marie Johnson who has also starred in these other Sheri Bailey plays: A Summer Memory andSouthern Girls. In support of her work with the Juneteenth Festival Company that looks back at how slavery impacts our lives today, Sheri has written the following one-acts to tour in schools, libraries, juvenile detention centers and wherever "the people" can be found: Abolitionists' Museum; Army of 1: James Armistead Lafayette; Ben & Jefferson and 2 Harriets. With JuneteenthVA's recent FCC approval to build a low-powered FM radio station (WJVA 106.5FM) JuneteenthVA looks forward to producing a robust schedule of radio theatre.
La Wanza Lett-Brewington
WINNER
La Wanza Lett-Bre wington is the Director of the Women’s Center at Old Dominion University where she has been credited for her creativity, solution-oriented approach to problem solving, composure and an in-depth understanding of matters important to women. She is also a storyteller, a playwright and a historian focusing on African American slavery in the North during the 1700s. She has written and performed one-woman plays about Lucy Terry Prince, Sojourner Truth, and Rosa Parks. Currently she is writing a book about Lucy Terry Prince, a former slave who lived in Deerfield, MA.
ACHI Choreographer Award
Ravenn Mcdowell
Ravenn McDowell is a Norfolk, VA native who developed a passion for performing arts at an early age. Ravenn received a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre, but also has a passion for film. She is always interested in developing her craft, and helping other artists excel. When she is not performing, Ravenn spends time with her beautifully supportive family and friends, and volunteers at her community recreation center. Ravenn gives all glory and honor to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for all He does in her life and career.
Glenda Perry
Joy Warren & Jeanna Sawyer
Joy Warren and Jeanna Sawyer, also know as JoJean Entertainment, are the well-known dynamic duo choreographers from the Hampton Roads area. Their style ranges from Hip-Hop to Broadway. JoJean has worked with a 150 voice teenage show choir, choreographed and won two Lawrence Brothers hair show battles, performed in the International Bronner Brothers Hair Show in Atlanta, GA, and are currently working with SWV lead singer and professional drummer Coko and Mike Clemons' new girl group TTYL, which will be featured on Season 2 of the hit reality show SWV Reunited on WE TV.
"No Bio Entered"
Marquita Bianca
MB as she is affectionately called has been dancing, teaching, and choregraphing dance for 10 years. She specializes in Latin social styles of dance but excels all genres equally. Marquita Bianca has teamed up with many extraordinary talents in the industry. She has appeared on BET's 106 & Park, BET's Blaze the Stage, MTV's Super Sweet Sixteen, and more! Her dance company (BFDC) travels both professionally and socially to provide service and support to our ever growing dance community. In October of 2013 MB opens BailaFuzion Dance Companies 1st dance studio in Virginia Beach
VA. The BFDC location has over 15 classes in various genres of dance for youth, adults, and seniors per week. She also currently choreographs/directs over a senior citizen dance program put on by the Sandler Center for the Arts sponsored by Atlantic Shores Retirement Community and mentors/choreographs a Latin Jazz ensemble within In One Accord Dance Company an initiative of the Youth & Urban Renewal Center at Regent University. As well as teaching/choreographing dance on the norfolk campus of Tidewater Community College.