SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2025 | SANTA MONICA, CA
2:30-4:30 pm
SIDNEY
EDWARDS
DONALD
TAYLOR
meet our stars
Sidney Edwards
Sidney Edwards is an actress, singer, dancer, improv artist, and director, based in LA. She has a BFA in Musical Theater from William Peace University (NC), an MFA in Acting from the University of Louisville, and a graduate certificate in African American theatre.
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She’s appeared in dozens of musicals, plays, Shakespeare festivals, and films - and won a Distinguished Actor award at the Kennedy Center's American College Theater Festival for her performance as Ida B. Wells.
as Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Donald Taylor & LA Mass Choir
as himself
Donald Taylor, legendary in the gospel music community, is most famous for his role as the founder and director of the chart-topping Los Angeles Mass Choir, which sold more than a million albums.
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Taylor’s passion for gospel developed early, influenced by his godfather, Harrison Johnson of the Los Angeles Community Choir in the 1960s. Under his mentorship, Taylor was inspired to start his own choir, beginning with directing his youth choir at church at 17.
In the 1980s, L.A. Mass regularly topped the charts. Their debut album, Give Him the Glory (1988), reached number three on the U.S. Gospel charts, and their follow-up album, Can't Hold Back (1989), climbed even higher, securing the #2 spot.
Under Taylor's leadership, the L.A. Mass Choir became known for its dynamic performances and innovative arrangements; they were Grammy nominated and have won many Gospel awards
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In addition to his work with the L.A. Mass Choir, Taylor has been a member of Faithful Central Church for over 20 years, directing groups like "One Voice" and "Men of Praise”. His dedication to gospel music and choir directing has made him an inspiring figure in shaping future generations of gospel musicians.
The Blues Man:
Doug MacLeod
Doug Macleod has won 8 Blues Music Awards (the Grammy’s of The Blues), including 5 times as Artist of the Year, and the 2024 winner of Album of the Year. He’s revered for his songwriting, guitar wizardry, soulful vocals, wit, and unforgettable performances. At the heart of Doug’s magic is storytelling, bringing his characters to strikingly real life.
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Doug was mentored by and played alongside the old masters: George 'Harmonica' Smith, Big Joe Turner, Pee Wee Crayton, Eddie 'Cleanhead' Vinson, Lowell Fulson, and Big Mama Thornton.
Over 40 years, 29 studio albums, and countless international tours, Doug consistently earns raves. His songs have been covered by many artists including Albert King, Albert Collins, Joe Louis Walker and Eva Cassidy.
Doug says the most important lessons he learned as a young musician came from Ernest Banks, a one-eyed country bluesman from Toano, VA: "Never play a note you don't believe” and "Never write or sing about what you don't know about.”
Tia P
An Inglewood native and Howard University Alum, Tia P is a multi-faceted artist: rapper, singer, songwriter, drummer, producer, and actress. Known for her unparalleled lyrical prowess, freestyling, and magnetic stage presence, Tia P. brings a bold, innovative, and unapologetically authentic vibe.
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Often compared to icons like Lauryn Hill and Janelle Monáe, Tia P.’s music blends hip-hop, R&B, soul, and funk. She’s opened for legends such as KRS-One, Bootsy Collins, and DJ Quik, while headlining at iconic venues like the BMO Arena, Roxy, and the Viper Room. Tia P is also a force in sync licensing, with over 300 sync placements to her name.
Otis Easter
as Thomas Dorsey
Otis Easter is a 7-time Emmy Award-winning producer at CBS2/KCAL9. He’s appeared in musical productions of The Color Purple, Dreamgirls, and Gospel at Colonus. And he’s a central member of the LA Mass Choir.
David Daughtry
as soloist on "Oh Happy Day"
A skilled musician, David Daughtry is a true minister of the Gospel on a mission to sing to the glory of God that souls might be saved, and lives may be changed. He serves as Assistant Minister of Music at West Angeles COGIC (Bishop Charles E. Blake). He lends his vocals to some of the world’s most renowned singers (Aretha Franklin, Michael Buble, Beyonce Knowles, Yolanda Adams, etc.).
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Daughtry has appeared in several feature films including First Sunday, Something New & Woman Thou Art Loosed by Bishop T.D. Jakes. His mother, who doubled as a spiritual mentor and musical instructor, trained him to read and play music at age 6. He works with “Disciples on the Move”, a ministry headed by his mother that focuses on feeding the hungry and assisting the homeless at the popular Venice Beach Boardwalk.
Harmony
The Harmony Choir is composed entirely of high professional-grade singers and their list of credentials could go on for thousands of words. What’s unique is their versatility. While all were raised singin’ in church, they’ve performed in venues ranging from football stadiums to local theaters, and across a range of musical genres from Broadway to R&B to Hip Hop to Gospel.
What’s most remarkable is their sound. You haven’t heard this before. With Donald Taylor’s arrangement and direction, they deliver a style, dynamic range, and propulsion that is simply powerful. You hear them and feel them-- and are lifted by them.
Gorden Campbell
as Band Leader
Gorden is a widely sought-after musician, producer, and creator. A Howard University grad in music studies, Gordon started playing drums in church at the age of 5 and later, the organ.
He has worked alongside: Herbie Hancock, Earth Wind, and Fire, Mary J Blige, and Jessica Simpson-- and his work has been featured in many shows and films, such as the smash hit “Dreamgirls”.
Desiree Taylor
as Mahalia Jackson
Desiree is an actress and singer, who has worked on dozens of national scale projects and today brilliantly fills the greatest shoes, appearing as the most revered gospel singer of all time, Mahalia Jackson.
Markita Knight
as Lead on “Changed”
A native of Los Angeles, Markita Knight has been singing in the church since she was a child. She has toured with Andrae’ Crouch, Wynton Marsalis, Kurt Carr, Judith McAllister, Damien Sneed, Norman Hutchins, Valerie Simpson and Jeremy Camp. Knight is also an avid sports enthusiast and was a track and field athlete with the LA Jets from the age of nine.
Kim Parchman
as lead on “Come On Children Let’s Sing”
Kim Parchman is a highly respected lead and background vocalist whose powerful voice has graced stages and studios around the world. As the niece of Ermant Franklin, a founding member of the legendary Mighty Clouds of Joy, she carries a rich musical legacy. Her extraordinary talent has led her to record with gospel greats, including the late Quincy Fielding Jr. and the late Daryl Coley, and contemporary Jazz Legend guitarist Doc Powell. With a career marked by excellence and dedication, Kim’s gift continues to inspire audiences everywhere.
Narda Smith
as lead on "How I Got Over"
Mabvuto Carpenter
as lead on "Man in the Mirror"
Mabuvto is a Gospel singer from Los Angeles, who toured with Toto for 10 years and has backed up Snoop Dogg, Stevie Wonder, and Chaka Kahn. Tonight he fills the shoes of none other than Michael Jackson.
Paul Gillis Jr
as lead on "Everything You Touch is a Song"
A native of LA, born to Helen Baines-Alexander, a sultry gospel singer, Paul began his musical career at the age of 4. And Paul performed for BBKing's Gospel Brunch at Universal City Walk and has sung with Gospel recording artist Tony McGill, Trenora Parker and Rene Spearman as well as the Christian Fellowship Chorale. Paul is known and loved by the Church of God in Christ and Evangelistic Lutheran Church Association.
Byron Pope
as James Cleveland and lead on “Jesus Is The Best Thing”
At the age of 5, Byron’s journey began as a pianist, and as a teenager, he played for the Youth Sunday School General Assemblies at his home church, Paradise Baptist Church in LA. After graduating from ASU, Byron returned as their Minister of Music for 12 years.
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In the early 1990s, Pope joined the LA Mass Choir and became a member of Faithful Central Bible Church (FCBC) in 1999, where he was the Director of the Men of Faith Choir and a member of the Praise and Worship Team. He has worked with several award-winning recording artists and continues to enjoy singing for studio and live recordings, television, movie and award
shows.
Aladrian Elmore
as lead on “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”
Aladrian is a highly accomplished Soprano, Singer, Worhsiper Leader, and Song writer.
Sunita Shanel
as soloist on "Shackles (Praise You)"
Caprisha Smyles-Garrett,
as lead on "Shackles (Praise You)"