The Victor Brooks Show

Charles Wright had a desire to form a solid soul band that would take the drive of R&B and push it to the limits. With an amazing cast of musicians, Charles formed the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, which recorded a string of hit songs including the classic “Express Yourself.” Charles took pride in writing the song and the classic bass riff, played by his longtime friend Melvin Dunlap. Over his long and incredible career, Charles covered early Doo Wop era all the way into the funk and soul sound of the 1970s. What has always remained with him is his passion for the music!

As a songwriter,he has written many songs recorded by Caetano Veloso, Gal Costa, Gilberto Gil, Milton Nascimento, Marcos Valle, Carlinhos Brown,Maria Bethania,Vinicius Cantuaria, Nana Caymmi, Luiz Melodia, Daniela Mercury, Clara Moreno, Ney Matogrosso, Bossacucanova, Antonio Chainho, Ana Carolina, Samantha James, among others.

Celso has fourteen critically acclaimed solo albums: "Minha cara"( 1986 ), "O som do sim" ( 1993 ),"Sorte" ( 1994), "Paradiso" ( 1997 ) and "Juventude/Slow motion Bossa Nova" (which has 3 times Latin Grammy nomination in 2002), "Natural"( 2002 - released by Ziriguiboom / Crammed discs ) , "Rive Gauche Rio", ( 2005 - Nominated by The Sunday Times as one of the best 10 albuns of the year ), "Polaroides" ( 2006 ) ,"Feriado" ( 2007 ) , "Celso Fonseca Ao Vivo", ( 2008 - Live CD and DVD with special guests as Gilberto Gil and Ana Carolina), "Pagina Central" ,with Marcos Valle ( 2009 - Original songs written with Brazilian songwriter/ legend Marcos Valle ), "Celso Fonseca ,voz e violao" , ( 2010 - CD and DVD with solo performance covers of classic Brazilian and International songs ), "No meu filme" ( 2011), and "Like Nice", ( 2015 ) (four times nominated for the Latin Grammy 2016 ).

Celso Fonseca has been touring the world with his band, playing a lot of concerts in Europe, US and Japan. Also he was the second Brazilian artist to be on "Later with Jools" the acclaimed music show on BBC. In 2014 and 2016 he performed in Moscow together with Marcos Valle at Tchaikowsky Hall with the Moscow Philharmonia Orchestra, playing his originals and a couple of Brazilian classics.

The artist has collaborated with some international artists like the Italian songwriter/legend, Toni Renis, with the Uruguayan Oscar winner, Jorge Drexler, the Italian singer Chiara Civello and the American singer/songwriter Samantha James. Celso has written recently a song for his new album "Turning Point" with Erika Ender, one of the songwriters from the mega worldwide hit: "Despacito".

Sarah Dash defines the word "legend." As an award-winning vocalist, songwriter, motivational speaker, educator, entrepreneur, and humanitarian, Sarah is a unique force whose voice has touched millions of listeners around the world. From co-founding Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles and making history as a member of Labelle to becoming the very first Music Ambassador (2017) of Trenton, New Jersey, Sarah has blazed a trail in every facet of her remarkable career. Music has been a constant source of inspiration in Sarah's life ever since her childhood in Trenton. The seventh of thirteen children born to Elder Abraham Dash and Mother Elizabeth Dash, Sarah sang in the Trenton Church of Christ Choir as a young girl and entertained her classmates with renditions of standards like "With These Hands." The radio dial introduced her to everything from R&B and rock 'n' roll to country and polka, with the voices of Tina Turner, Gladys Knight, and Smokey Robinson shaping some of Sarah's earliest influences alongside albums by Mahalia Jackson, Nat "King" Cole, Andy Williams, and her brother's jazz collection. Doo-wop groups The Capris and The Dells inspired the name of Sarah's first group, the Del-Capris, which included another Trenton-based singer, Nona Hendryx. When Sarah and Nona teamed with Patricia (Patti) Holte and Cynthia (Cindy) Birdsong of The Ordettes, a new group was born — The Bluebelles. Beginning in 1962, Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles were among the most dynamic vocal groups of the 1960s, recording for major labels like Cameo-Parkway and Atlantic, touring the Chitlin' Circuit, and earning rave reviews for their appearances at the Apollo Theater where they were affectionately nicknamed "The Sweethearts of the Apollo." Four years after Cindy Birdsong left the Bluebelles to join Diana Ross & the Supremes, Sarah, Patti, and Nona signed with Warner Bros., unveiling a new name and a new style on Labelle (1971) and Moon Shadow (1972), and recording with acclaimed singer-songwriter Laura Nyro on Gonna Take a Miracle (1971). Working with manager and former Ready Steady Go! producer Vicki Wickham, the trio began writing their own songs and geared their sound towards a progressive fusion of rock and soul. With the release of Pressure Cookin' (1973) on RCA, Labelle transformed into funk-rock goddesses outfitted in fashion-forward couture. A trio of albums on Epic Records, the gold-selling Nightbirds (1974), Phoenix (1975), and Chameleon (1976), sparked Labelle's breakthrough to mainstream success. They topped the Hot 100 with "Lady Marmalade," graced the cover of Rolling Stone, sold out theaters across the country, and made history as the first black group to perform at New York's Metropolitan Opera House. After Labelle parted ways in 1977, Sarah embarked on a successful solo career. She acted in and wrote the theme song to Watch Your Mouth! (1978), a PBS series produced by Ellis Haizlip (Soul!) that also starred Joe Morton (Scandal). She released three albums on CBS-distributed Kirshner Records, Sarah Dash (1978), Oo-La-La (1980), and Close Enough (1981), scoring a massive disco hit with "Sinner Man," which featured Jerry Butler. Throughout the '80s and '90s, she recorded a series of club singles, including "Low Down Dirty Rhythm," plus her fourth solo effort You're All I Need (1988) on EMI-Manhattan Records. Her highly accalimed Gospel project featured several of her own self-penned tracks, including "I'm Still Here," which has since become a show-stopper of her concerts. In between producing her one-woman stage shows, "Dash of Diva" and "Sarah: One Woman," Sarah brought her talent to several different projects. Having worked with a variety of acts like Living Colour, Nile Rodgers, Alice Cooper, The Marshall Tucker Band, The O'Jays, Wilson Pickett and Bo Diddley over the years, she toured and recorded with Keith Richards' X-Pensive Winos and appeared on the Rolling Stones' Steel Wheels (1989) album. She reunited with Patti and Nona for the #1 club hit "Turn It Out" (1995), received the Rhythm & Blues Foundation’s "Pioneer Award" in 1999, and recorded the Labelle reunion album Back to Now (2008), featuring productions by Lenny Kravitz, Wyclef Jean, and Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff. In 2017, the members of Labelle were inducted to the Philadelphia Music Alliance's Music Walk of Fame. She's a member of the Grammy Board of Governors (Philadelphia chapter), serves as the Grammy New Jersey Ambassador for the Advocacy Board of the Membership Committee, and is a member of the Grammy Hall of Fame (2003), as well as the Board of Trustees for the New Jersey Capital Philharmonic Orchestra. Most recently, she joined fellow legends at the Apollo Theater for the Jazz Foundation of America’s salute to singer Merry Clayton. Sarah Dash has built on a legacy that traces more than 50 years of music. Like the greatest music legends, there is truly no limit to the inspiration Sarah Dash brings to every note she sings.

Brown currently serves as Professor of Practice and Director for the Center for Drug Discovery for Rare and Underserved Diseases at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia and Fellow at the National Academy of Inventors (FNAI). His distinguished career has led to his international recognition as a leader in drug discovery and development research.

“We are excited to have Dr. Brown join our Board, bringing his unique talents, expertise and perspectives to FARE and the 32 million Americans living with potentially life-threatening food allergies,” said David G. Bunning, chairman of the Board of Directors for FARE. “Dr. Brown’s passion for medicine is clear, and we know this passion will aid us in our mission to find a cure for food allergies and improve the lives of all those affected.”

Dr. Brown is a recipient of the 2015 Percy Julian Award by the National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers for significant contributions in pure and/or applied research in science and has served as a scientific reviewer of grants and programs for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Center Support Grants, Department of Defense (DOD) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Brown previously served as Deputy Director for Drug Discovery & Development at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute and Director of the Inova Schar Cancer Center for Drug Discovery at Inova Center for Personalized Health in Fairfax, Virginia.

In addition to his role on FARE’s Board of Directors, Brown will also serve as a co-chair of FARE’s Voice of the Patient Roundtable: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. The Roundtable, which is set to be scheduled this fall, is co-chaired by Michael Frazier, FARE Board of National Ambassadors and Advocacy Advisory Committee member, and seeks to bring thought leaders together to find consensus on how patient advocacy organizations can advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the work that they do. Following the event, FARE will publish a blueprint outlining actionable steps to address DEI in food allergy education and research.

“In identifying leaders who can play a key role in moving food allergy science and advocacy forward, Dr. Brown stood out as a seasoned professional who has a track record for developing trust in the community and with grateful patients and in maintaining multi-investigator collaborations in academia and industry, locally, nationally and internationally,” said Lisa Gable, chief executive officer for FARE. “We are thrilled to have him join our board and look forward to all we will be able to do together.”

Junior Giscombe cut his teeth as a backing vocalist with Linx before enjoying success as a solo artist with Mama Used To Say, a 1982 hit on both sides of the Atlantic. His third album, Acquired Taste, was helmed by top producer Arif Mardin. He made the British Top 10 again in 1987, this time alongside Kim Wilde on Another Step (Closer To You). A prolific writer, Junior has penned songs for Maxi Priest, Amy Stewart and Ruby Turner, and collaborated with Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott. A reggae reboot of his best known material, featuring duets with the likes of Luciano and Stephen Marley, is released later this year.

Twenty years ago, the People confirmed that Patricia J. Titus was the "Right Choice for Justice," and elected her as Judge of the Superior Court of California for the County of Los Angeles. With Exodus 18:21 as her foundation, Judge Titus' campaign was set apart from its inception. Because of her character, integrity, professional ability and legacy of community involvement, her candidacy garnered endorsements from a broad cross section of national, state, and local elected officials, pastors, community leaders, judges and attorneys.

Since February, 2009, Judge Titus has been assigned to the Inglewood Superior Court where she hears requests for domestic violence and civil harassment restraining orders and presides over the Drug Court. In honor of her 20th year as a judge and as a community service, she has published the book, “F.R.I.E.N.D.S. for LIFE: 7 Keys to Supporting Loved Ones Experiencing Domestic Violence.” Using the word “friends” as an acronym, Judge Titus educates, enlightens and empowers the reader by providing an easy-to-follow guide on how to support the people experiencing domestic abuse in their lives.

Judge Titus served as the Judicial Advisor for the California Legislative Black Caucus’ Black History exhibit which was on display in the Capitol Rotunda in Sacramento, in San Francisco in the Great Hall of the California Judicial Council and here, in Los Angeles, at the California African American Museum. The exhibit, entitled “And Justice for All,” acknowledged and celebrated the 70th anniversary of the appointment of the first African American Superior Court judge to preside over a California courtroom as well as commemorated the 50th anniversary of the appointment of the first African American Appellate Court justice.

Judge Titus has also participated in the Superior Court’s “Adoption Day” where she finalized the adoption of over 40 children into loving homes and she has administered the oath of office to numerous public officials and civic leaders.

Prior to her election, she enjoyed a 15-year career as a criminal prosecutor with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. A top-level felony trial attorney, she established a reputation for excellence in trial and received national media acclaim when she convicted a prominent Ladera Heights businessman of the domestic violence drowning murder of Michael Jackson’s former sister-in-law, Delores “Dee Dee” Jackson, who was the former wife of Tito Jackson of the Jackson 5. In the trial of this case, she worked with the Trial Support Department of the DA’s Office to draw a female autopsy figure so that the victim’s 58 blunt force traumatic injuries could be accurately detailed. The female autopsy form remains in use to date. Prior to her trial, all victims had been depicted using a male autopsy figure. Her successful prosecution of this case was profiled on Court TV and is highlighted in the book, “For the People,” which chronicles the history of high-profile prosecutions in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office from 1850-2000. While in the DA’s office, Judge Titus wrote the first draft of legislation now known as “The Safely Surrendered Baby Law (S.B. 1368).” Under this legislation, within 72-hours of birth, a mother may surrender her newborn child confidentially at an emergency room or fire station without fear of prosecution for child endangerment or abandonment.

Judge Titus is a charter and life member of the Association of African American California Judicial Officers, the California Association of Black Lawyers, Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, Inc., and the John M. Langston Bar Association. She is a member of the American Bar Association Judicial Council, California Judges Association, National Bar Association Judicial Council and the National Association of Women Judges.

Judge Titus is a past president of Black Women Lawyers of Los Angeles, Inc., a former trustee of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, and a former board member of the National Bar Association, California Women Lawyers, John M. Langston Bar Association, Multicultural Bar Alliance, and Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles.

Judge Titus was born and raised in Los Angeles. She received her bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and juris doctorate from the UCLA School of Law. Judge Titus is a member of the Harbor Area Chapter (CA) of The Links, Incorporated and the Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is also a Registered Parliamentarian and a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians and a member of Toastmasters International with the designation of Distinguished Toastmaster. In her free time, Judge Titus enjoys exercising, shopping, traveling and Happy Planning.

Jeremy Winston is an innovative leader that helps individuals share their passions

and talents with the global community. He is the founder of The Jeremy Winston

Chorale, LLC and Assistant Professor of Music and Chorus Director at Central State

University (CSU) in Ohio. He is a visionary with emphasis in orchestral and choral

composing, choral directing, orchestral conducting, collegiate education, classical

singing, and leadership training.

Passionate about music, Jeremy discovers talent in often­ignored areas of the

country and shapes it for national and international stages. Performances with The

Jeremy Winston Chorale and CSU Chorus include:

● The White House for President Barack Obama and The First Lady Michelle

Obama (2012, 2013, 2015, 2016).

● Gold Medal Champion for World Choir Games: A Choral Competition

● Guest Conductor for Czech National Symphony Orchestra (2016, 2015, 2014)

● Critically acclaimed European tour of Hamburg, Durbach, Frankfurt

(Germany), and Strassbourg, France.

● Viral (over 4 million views) YouTube & Facebook Video of flash mob singing

Oh, Happy Day in Hamburg, Germany.

● Guest Conductor for EAFIT Symphony Orchestra in Medellin, Colombia

(2015).

● Two inaugural performances of Wynton Marsalis’ works including All Rise

with Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra and Mass with Jazz at Lincoln Center

Orchestra.

Before entering education as a full­time instructor, Jeremy served as the Ray Charles

Distinguished Chair of Sacred and Choral Music at Wilberforce University where he

lead the growth and curriculum development of the program to be the leading major

at the institution.

Jeremy’s arrangements and compositions have been performed by many leading

musicians and musical groups including Grammy­winning group Take6, The Czech

National Symphony Orchestra, The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Wintley Phipps,

and numerous high school, collegiate, and professional ensembles.

In addition to being a professional musician, Jeremy is husband, father of three girls,

a squash player, and a cook.

Make no mistake: You know and love the voice—and it belongs to Chris Willis. At once soulful and gritty, Willis’ voice has fueled numerous dance and top 40 pop hits, including the 2007 charttopper, “Love Is Gone,” which dominated charts around the world, and “Everytime We Touch,” a Top 10 European smash earlier this year. In a world of sound-alike dance divas, Willis is that rare male vocalist doing dance music successfully. But the man does more than sing. He’s an accomplished producer and stellar songwriter.

Selimah Nemoy is a storyteller, journalist, and author of SINCE I LOST MY BABY: A MEMOIR OF TEMPTATIONS, TROUBLE & TRUTH (OG Press, June 2020). Born in Los Angeles, her coming-of-age journey was shaped by soul music in the 1960s, then by the turbulent, multicultural 1970s in the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Area. It was in Oakland that she fell in love with African dance.

Selimah served with the (President Bill Clinton) White House Press Corps in 1994, and as the English editor for both an Italian-American and a Japanese-American newspaper. Her play, THE DADDIES, was performed at the Buriel Clay Theatre in San Francisco’s Western Addition, and her short story, GOODBYE, received first place at the Santa Barbara Writers’ Conference.

Raised in California, Kim and Kandy have always been interested in music. They began singing in church around the age of five, gospel tunes were a niche for them. Performing in their church’s youth group was always a thrill for them and is what really sparked their passion with singing. They began performing and touring with various gospel artists like Shirley Caesar and Andrae Crouch.

In 1989, they decided to group up with their sister Krystal Johnson to form The Johnson Sisters. They were able to perform with many prestigious artists like Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, R. Kelly, The Isley Brothers, Earth, Wind and Fire and many others. In 2004, The Johnson Sisters were nominated for a Grammy for their Dreamworks recording “Busted”. The Johnson Sisters also had many important appearances on shows like Oprah Winfrey Show, Soul Train, General Hospital, BET 106th & Park, Ally McBeal Show and more.

Now, Kim and Kandy have decided to take a new approach and launch a singing career with one another. They have a soulful-country vibe that can’t be replicated, really drawing the people into their unique sound. Currently, they are working on writing and recording a new album to share with the world soon.