The CAST
Wyomme Pariss (Creator)
Wyomme Pariss “Wy” as her family and friends call her is a native New Yorker and the visionary and creator of the New Upcoming Stage Play “Then Sings My Soul” Musical. Wyomme is a “soul-stirring vocalist” “consummate singer”, “song stylist” and “sultry songstress”. Wyomme is all “that” and more. She has toured as lead/background vocalist with such recording artists as Stellar Award Winners: Yolanda Adams, Jeff Majors, William Becton & Friends, Ricky Dillard and Canton Spirituals (Live DVD Recording in DC). She had the pleasure of traveling to Paris, France and Italy singing Gospel Music. Her theatre credits include: casting as Pit singer/Understudy in "Sanctified" as (Sarah and Clara) , portrayal of ‘Ma Rainey’ in the stage production ”Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”, “E-Man”, “Cotton Club Review”, “Wizzin”, “Heartbeat Rhythm of the Streets” and “Jazzamina”. Her church productions include: Union Temple Kwanzaa musical & “Harvest of Love”. Wyomme’s film credits include: “House of Cards” (Netflex) ; “VEEP” (HBO);“Boomerang”. Her original song compositions: "My Prayer"; "When I Look Around" and "Christmas Time Is Here". One of her memorable moments was singing in stage play featuring Vickie Winans and LaVan Davis - auditioning for Tyler Perry at The Warner Theater. Wyomme is one of nature’s songbirds. She sings to uplift and inspire. One may discover her distinct voice in the background on major recordings or way out front at benefits and social events.
Roz White (Story Concept)
Roz White is a musician, actor, motivational speaker, and educator. She is currently starring in and receiving stellar reviews for her self-penned cabaret “Pearl Bailey… by Request”. A Washington, DC native, Roz graduated from Duke Ellington School of the Arts, and Howard University. She has worked as a featured vocalist with Yolanda Adams, Stevie Wonder, and the late Michael Jackson. In theatre, she has become widely recognized for her versatility, boasting a resume that includes leading roles in a variety of productions throughout the US and abroad. Her newest venture is a music movement called “Griot Soul” which merges her storytelling gift with the warmth and earthiness of her vocal styling.
Paul Anthony
Being an Award winning Songwriter, Producer & Recording Artist in the music business for almost 30 years, as well as a Health Fitness & Wellness Authority, inspiring millions in both area, P.A. knows and understands sustainability. Such is the "Then Sings My Soul" Stage Play."Being A Cancer Champion of Non-Hodgkins Mantle Cell Lymphoma, MDS, Acute Myleoid Leukemia and two Bone Marrow Transplants, I'm qualified to say that Domestic Violence is very much like Cancer: It quietly Sits within, somethings triggers it and very bad thing happen."As with The Paul Anthony Cancer Champions Initiative & It's Foundation(www.palivelife.org) "Then Sings My Soul" moves to evoke thought, change and self-victory! Finding a cure for "Cancer of the Spirit" is what TSMS brings. As Executive Vice President of TSMS I take great pride in doing all I can to bring this Movement to a place where everyone that experiences it walks away with a feeling of Self-Transformation and self-empowerment.
Sylver Logan Sharp
Voice of the Future, Sylver Logan Sharp, is poised to top the charts again with her latest CD, THE GROOVEMENT, recorded LIVE in Stockholm, Sweden! Soon to be released, THE GROOVEMENT CD was created and produced in collaboration with Sylver and impresario, producer/pianist and music director, Daryl L.A. Hunt.
From the Duke Ellington school of Arts to the international stage, Sylver toured the US, Europe, Japan and the UK as lead singer of the legendary group, CHIC, with Nile Rodgers for 20 years. Crossing many genres, R&B, pop, jazz, gospel, blues, Sylver is also known for her amazing a cappella magic in the moment. She also topped the dance music charts with her #1 Billboard Hit - All This Time, produced by Jonathan Peters.
Sylver's voice and namesake jewelry line, SYLVERWEAR, keep her in the company of "who's who". She has performed and/or recorded with Yolanda Adams, Patti Labelle, Michael Bolton, Roberta Flack, Ledisi, Whoopi Goldberg to name a few. For more information on Sylver, Visit www.sylverwear.com for your SYLVERWEAR now and Stay Tuned . . . for THE GROOVEMENT.
Victoria Purcell
Seven-time Grammy Award winner, Al Jarreau, calls her voice “ethereal.” Billboard Magazine’s Gospel front-runner, Yolanda Adams, unreservedly declares that this singer is “ready!” With unmistakable clarity, Victoria Purcell’s mellifluous voice has skillfully drawn the listening ear to the power of Almighty God. For more than 20 years her stunning vocal skills have been heard throughout the United States and the continents of Europe and Africa. Victoria’s voice displays the tonal acuity of a precisely-tuned instrument. She consistently performs each musical selection with an undeniable depth of interpretation, poise and technical mastery.
The native North Carolinian is committed to being a light in any setting. As such, she has garnered praise and inspired millions within the Gospel and Jazz communities. Victoria has shared performances with an impressive roster of Gospel and Jazz luminaries, which include: Yolanda Adams; Kirk Franklin; Fred Hammond; Mary, Mary; Pastor Shirley Caesar; Pastor Donnie McClurkin; Martha Munizzi; Smokie Norful; Take 6; Shelia E; Al Jarreau; Patti Austin; Najee; Ray Charles; Quincy Jones; James Ingram and Ledisi.
Her stand-out career is marked by performances at The White House, New York City’s famed Apollo Theater, and a PBS appearance with American Idol’s seventh-season favorite -- David Archuleta. Victoria has also made guest appearances on several, nationally-recognized television show, which include: the Oprah Winfrey Show; The View; the Rosie O’Donnell Show; the Today Morning Show; the American Music Awards; the Tom Joyner Morning Show and the BET Awards. In December 2013, Victoria landed a principle role in Nolan Williams' musical theater production Christmas Gift in her role as Imani Wise.
Angela Steele
Angela Steele is a native of Alexandria, Virginia. She is a gifted song stylist and gospel recording artist whose melodic angelic lyric soprano voice has inspired and blessed many for over 20 years. She sings along with her seven siblings better known as "The Steele Family". In addition, Angela traveled to Paris, France to sing and minister with Ms. Liz McComb. She is the proud mother of one daughter, Paris Morrisey. Angela also enjoys acting and has been afforded numerous opportunities to participate in local productions. To name a few: "Then Sings My Soul" as a pit singer, "What Will It Take" produced by Dennis Jones, "Love Forgotten", produced by Ms. Patrice Reynolds, and her most memorable experience was with "Gospel at Colonus", Arena stage in Washington, DC. She shared the stage in the choir scenes with the late Dr. Wesley Boyd, another Steele Family of Minnesota, The Five Blind Boys and actor Morgan Freeman. Knowing from whence her gift came from, God and God alone, she will continue to uplift others and bring joy to those who are placed in her path.
Shang
Shang was born in Washington DC and raised in the Maryland suburbs as a young child by her parents Hosea & Lillie Green along with 4 other siblings. There is where she was introduced to singing and using her talent. She was groomed by her mother and her older siblings on how to and what not to. At the age of 4, Shang was introduced to her first audience of at least 150 people at New Macedonia Church in Fairmont Height Maryland.
Shang decided to branch out in where she met the incredible Nathan Heathman. After one note, Nathan took her under his wing where she started touring and getting called to be a backup singer for such artists as Patrice Rushen, Phil Perry, Gary Taylor, Jean Carne, Freddie Jackson and many many others. This is where she created a name for herself being one of the best background vocalist who was always ready and willing to put in the time and the patience to become what she is today!! Nathan was a very important piece to this puzzle for Shang.
Today you can see this phenomenal vocalist performing everywhere with the help of Brencore Entertainment, Charm City Jazz and private events as well. This is Shang's story..... and this is where it all began.....
Melanie Burwell
Melanie Burwell has been performing in theater productions since the age of 15. As a Theater Performance major at North Carolina Central University, she has performed, written, directed, and choreographed many of the theater department productions. She has also worked with the National Black Theater Festival for the last two years under such actors as Laman Rucker and Phylicia Rashad. Melanie has been in such productions as The Color Purple, For Colored Girls, Mama’s Child, and Sarafina. She has written and directed plays such as Behind these walls and Emmitt. Most recently and prior to her graduation, she wrote and directed “Diary of Eve” for her senior showcase. She looks forward to continuing her passion and desire for theater in “Then Sings My Soul” and thanks the production company for this tremendous opportunity.
Jamila Woods-Jones
Rev. Jamila Jaye Woods-Jones is a native of Chesilhurst, NJ. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (1990) and Master of Divinity (1999) from Howard University. She received numerous academic scholarships, including the “There is Hope” Scholarship, The Ford Foundation Fellowship , The Marlowe and Howard Stone Anderson Award, the Gerald Durley Award, and two Howard University Trustee Scholarships. Additionally, she earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Maryland (2002) and received the Maryland Delegate Scholarship during her tenure there. She was featured in the School of Social Work Recruitment magazine, as a result of her commitments toward social justice advocacy. Jamila Jaye Woods-Jones is a Gospel Recording Artist with several CD projects. She has peformed for many High Profile Events. Jamila Jaye Woods-Jones brings significant experience to her Role in Then Sings My Soul.
Angela Bryant-Brown
For Angela Bryant-Brown, a native of Syracuse, New York now living in Northern Virginia, praise and worship is more than a style of music. It is what she does in response to God’s presence in her life. Her passion for worship has led her to become a vibrant praise leader, prolific songwriter and recording artist and producer of three CD recordings.
Since Bryant-Brown’s call to ministry at the age of seven, she's performed at various sacred and secular events. She has shared the stage with various Christian recording artists such as Witness, Byron Cage, Dr. Bobby Jones and John Stoddart, in addition to being featured on Cornerstone TV and 3ABN “Today” talk show. From 2005 to 2012, Bryant-Brown established the singing and speaking ministry, Sounds 4 the Soul, founded the non-profit, “By Your Side Ministries” (young single-parent ministry), and launched a blog talk radio show, Life Happens: So what are you going to do about it?
Simone Walker
Simone Walker is a native Washingtonian and started a career in radio in 1986 at Washington’s WYCB and moved on to WWGB in 1998. In Simone’s radio days, she hosted an array of events, activities, shows and more. She branched out to Television production and started doing freelance voiceovers in Video, Radio, Television, Businesses and Individual voicing. While loving the world of radio Simone always had a heart for acting. Realizing her dream to be an actor could come true, she moved on to the stage in such shows as A Raisin in the Sun, We Got Choices and The Blue Corner Band Stand and others. From the stage to the camera, her first feature film was One Chance growing as a n actor she played a principal role in a Soap Opera Web Series, Archives of the Heart, and several movies such as Coming From Africa, Torn and Second Chance just to name a few. Acting and singing from a young age, she has developed a love and passion for the stage. These opportunities have afforded Simone the break for development in her desire to make acting her career. Simone’s favorite saying is.. “I was born to act”
Gene 'Groove' Allen
Gene “GROOVE” Allen acclaimed rap artist, actor, non-profit executive director, and financial wizard. Best known for his music with his group “Groove B Chill” on the Uptown & A&M label. Also in his breakout role in the urban hit teen movie “House Party”, his story is unprecedented.
Gene “GROOVE” Allen has been involved in the entertainment business since the mid 80”s when he along with another group, “The Rock Squad” was signed to the Tommy Boy label, where they released a rap/club single titled “Facts of Life”, which led him to “Groove B Chill” After signing with legendary CEO of Uptown MCA records Andre Harrell, “Grove B Chill” for their first recording put them face to face with the “Hudlin Brothers”, who later penned them in the now classic, “House Par-ty” movie that has become a genre…
Bitten by the movie bug, Gene “GROOVE” Allen then went on being cast in a series of movie hits – “House Party 2”, “Boomerang” starring “Eddie Murphy”, and the biopic “What’s Love Got To Do With It” the story of Tina Turner starring “Angela Basset” & “Lawrence Fishburne”.
Gene “GROOVE” Allen is also utilizing his experience in the entertainment business by galvanizing a model to uplift urban communities with Financial Empowerment. Being a lead financial consultant at one of the top financial institutions in the country, Gene “GROOVE” Allen not only guides clients on how to build wealth, but how to build a financial legacy to leave for his clients families. His motto is “Empower the Young and You Empower the World”.