Pandorie Productions
Designs Music Theatre Arts
Profile: Walter W. Whitman, Jr.
By the time Walter Whitman, Jr. was 17 years old, he lived in Athens, visited Ireland, Rome, Amsterdam and traveled throughout other countries in Europe.
Although his family is from Chicago, Walter was born in San Antonio, Texas. He attended high school in Anchorage, Alaska for 3 1/2 years.
The wealth of experience Walter gained through his extensive traveling and lifestyle was due to growing up as an "Air Force Brat" and the son of a Master Sgt. in the military. When his father retired from the Air Force, the family returned to Chicago where Walter completed his last semester and graduated from Calumet High School.
Walter's musical experience is as extensive as his traveling. He has been singing and performing for "as long as I can remember" building on the important foundation he received in the church. He studied classical piano at the Chicago Music Conservatory and has completed courses at DePaul University.
Walter has recorded and/or performed with some of the world's great artists including Rev. James Cleveland, Tremaine Hawkins, Neil Diamond, Diana Ross, Mavis Staples, Kirk Franklin, Sandi Patti, Stevie Wonder, Darryl Hall, Gladys Knight and many others. He has been the musical director of such award-winning plays such as "Godspell", "Don't Both Me, I Can't Cope", and "In De Beginning". He has also produced such mammoth productions as the Soul Children of Chicago's version of the famed Broadway musical, "The Wiz" and his own special creation which he wrote, "From Generation to Generation."
Some of the many personal awards and honors Mr. Whitman has received include:
- The Pinnacle Award as one of "America's Upcoming Young Black Professionals:
- Featured on the cover of Being Single magazine, a national publication
- Featured as one of Ebony magazine's "50 Future Leaders"
- Received Keys to the City of Kansas City, Kansas
- Named "one of the Outstanding Young Men of America"
- Featured in Dollars & Sense magazine as one of "America's Best and Brightest"
- Received Proclamations for his work with children from
-Governor Thompson
-The Illinois State Senate
-The Illinois House of Representatives
-Mayor Richard M. Daley
-Mayor Harold Washington
-Operation Push
-Rev. Jesse Jackson
- St. Sabina Church
- Performed for Pope John Paul II in the Vatican City
- Interviews and performance on major television shows
- Produced six major recording projects, "We Are One", "This Is the Day", "Live and Blessed", and Stellar Award Winning project on CGI Records entitled "Growing Up", and two time Stellar Award nominated project "Generation X Celebration", The new project entitled "Reaching the Nations" and most recently a compilation project of all the best songs of Soul Children entitled "The Legacy" celebrating 25 years of musical excellence.
- Performed before 1.7 billion people at opening ceremonies for the world-wide televised "World Cup Soccer Tournaments" at Soldier's Field with Diano Ross, Sounds of Blackness, and Harryl Hall
- Recorded with Neil Diamond for Christmas album
- European performance/Amsterdam Holland with Harry Belafonte for Ronald McDonald's Children Charities/Ronald McDonald House
- Featured in the late Dave Thomas's book Well Done
- Featured on prime time at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) The United Center
- Featured performer for Walt Disney's Young Symphony Musicians Television Special
- Featured as Master Conductor for International "Choral Music Experience" in Sweden
- Featured guest artist/clinician at Seaside Gospel Festival in Oslo, Norway
- Toured Switzerland for 12 day concert Christmas tour
- Toured and featured in Israel withthe 40 piece Kibbutz Orchestra featured on CNN and National Television Network, and major theatre venues
- Toured 10 days in Sweden and Denmark for Gospel Choir festival
- Featured clinician in Chmnitz, Germany with 1,800 German gospel choir
- Featured in the R&B phenomenon R. Kelly's movie soundrack and video "The World's Greatest" from the movie Ali featuringWill Smith
- Featured guest with Garth Brooks for Ronald McDonald's Children's Charities Benefit
- Appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show with Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston
- Presented with the Black Image Award
- Featured with writer and publisher Lerone Bennett on NBC's People You Should Know
- Guest clinician of 9 world class conductors selected for the 21st Zimriya World Assembly of Choirs in Jerusalem, Israel (2007) with 35 nations represented
- Recipient of the President's Choice Award (2007) presented by the Chicago Area Gospel Announcers Guild
- Featured in concert at Davies Hall Symphony Center, San Francisco, California by San Francisco Symphony
- Performed before 6 million in Lagos, Nigeria, at Redemption Camp for the Redeemed Christian Church of God
- Performed ground breaking and grand opening of the Illinois Holocaust Museum with President Bill Clinton
- Featured at the American Cantors Association Conference in the Temple Sholom Synagogue with 220 Jewish cantors from around U.S. and Canada
- Featured as Master Conductor for Europe Cantat in Utrecht, Holland, 4000 classical and choral singers from around the world
- Featured as guest conductor for the Soul Children Festival in Oslo, Norway. 1500 Soul Children in Norway with 5 Scandanavian countries represented
Walt Whitman is now expanding Soul Children to Nigeria, South Africa, and Sweden and in cities and states across America.
Source: www.HarrisTheaterChicago.org
Contact: 312-334-2460
Access Tickets Program: Enrich a Child's Life Through Music and Dance
The Harris Theater is pleased to announce that its Access Tickets Program will continue during the Theater's 2009-2010 Season.
Launched in January 2009, the Access Tickets Program ensures that families, who might not have the financial capacity or access, are able to experience the powerful and uplifting benefits of the performing arts.
Through the Access Tickets Program, the Harris Theater partners with social service and health agencies to provide complimentary tickets to Family Series performances. Organizations participating in this program include those serving:
- underserved or disadvantaged children
- families coping with disabilities and life-threatening illnesses
- victims of domestic abuse and ex-offender re-integration programs
- youth participating in programs provided by the Theater's performing arts education partners
The Access Tickets Program has provided over 500 complimentary tickets to these partner organizations:
Health and Human Services Partners
Better Boys Foundation
Chicago West Community Music Center
Celestial Ministries
Easter Seals' Gilchrist-Marchman Inclusive Child Development Center
Gilda's Club Chicago
Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly
Mercy Home for Boys and Girls
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's Caring for Kids Program
The Enterprising Kitchen
USO of Illinois Discovery Kids
Arts Education Partners
Ariel Community Academy
Chicago Academy for the Arts
Chicago Jazz Institute
MAGIC (Music Institute of Chicago)
Merit School of Music
The Access Tickets Program is completely dependent upon contributions. Help us reach our goal of serving over 1,000 children and family members this season.
A donation of only $10 will provide one child with the opportunity to experience music and dance. Donations
can be made at www.HarrisTheaterChicago.org or by calling 312-334-2460/
Thank you for your generosity.
Sponsors: Kraft Foods
CVS/pharmacy
Allstate
Deborah A. Bricker
Kenneth R. Norgan
Harris Theater website: http://www.HarrisTheaterChicago.org
Soul Children of Chicago Alumni
Julia Huff
Russoul has opened for artists Kanye West, New Edition, Erykah Badu, Chaka Khan, Cameo, Frankie Beverly and Maze, and Sam Salter. He also has performed for major events in the city of Chicago. Russoul was declared the Chicago Idol winner by celebrity judges, Kanye West, Common, No ID, Selena Johnson, Tiffany Green and contest sponsor, Elroy Smith. Grammy Award winner Kanye West, produced the song, Second Chance on Russoul.
Sherree Brown (formerly known as Sherree Ford-Payne) is a Chicago native who is no stranger to the music industry. Her unique gifting of versatile vocalizing has given her a firm foundation of accolades. Her discography reads like a virtual "Who's Who" in the music industry, having sung with legendary artists Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Chaka Khan, Christina Aguilera, Nancy Wilson, Celine Dion, Toni Braxton, Brandy, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Usher, Jamie Foxx, Kelly Rowland, Rob Thomas, as well as "Idol" artists Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, Jordin Sparks, Catherine McPhee, and Elliot Yamin. Other industry greats have included Michael Buble, Al Jarreau, Mary J. Blige, George Michael, Jonathan Butler, Sheila E., Brian Culbertson, Four Play, Norman Brown, Sam Moore, Travis Tritt, Dave Hollister, Rahsaan Patterson, Lalah Hathaway, CeCe Winans, The Winans, Crystal Lewis, Walt Whitman and The Soul Children of Chicago, Israel and New Breed.
Jermaine Sellers BET Sunday's Best Gospel Finalist! Finishing 3rd out of 20,000 contestants, Jermaine Sellers blew the Judges away! Born and raised in Joliet, IL, Sellers' childhood was focused on the art of vocal performance. Sellers' motto is very simple: "No trial, no triumph," and he has definitely had his share of trials. The triumph continues as Sellars recently finished a tour with Tyler Perry's play "The Marriage Counselor." He has also recently appeared on BET's Bobby Jones Gospel and is working on a new show with BET called 106 & Park Generation Gospel. Finally, Sellers is looking forward to recording a contemporary gospel album some time in 2009. In the course of his life, he has also learned what it means to be true to his God. He wants everyone to know that once you let God put things into place for you, things will work out better than you could ever imagine.
Kevin Gray, Singer/Songwriter/Producer...what most call in the music business a triple threat. At the end of the day, Kevin is the man who has a passion for music and loves to explore the many aspects of it. With two Urban Gospel projects under his belt, Kevin has solidified himself as oneof the most influential voices in the Urban Inspirational movement.
Nate Pointer Although Nate Pointer's music offers simple songs and lyrics; they offer a powerful message. His ministry goes far beyond the realms of music. It extends to the daily routines of his life. Whether singing, dancing, engaging in a conversation or simply saying hello to someone, Nate truly desires for the love of Christ to be demonstrated to others through his life. In 2006, Nate released his single "Just a test:". This song speaks to the ups and downs of life, with a message of hope and assurance that they are only temporary situations. A life of celibacy in a world of 2007 was an amazing year for Nate. He recorded live with Zomba recording artist and Stellar Award winner Vickie Winans, and also performed with Grammy Award winner Kelly Price. He was featured on Tyscot's own Vashawn Mitchell's live CD/DVD titled "Promises," and was also featured on Dexter Walker and Zion Movement's freshmen project Move. In January 2008, Nate recorded live at the Spoken Word Cafe. His freshmen project titled LifeSongs is a mix of praise, worship, soul and rock. Get ready as a new voice of this generation arises.
Markeyta L. Sconiers When Markeyta L. Sconiers was 8 years old, she never imagined the musical plateaus God would one day take her to. She began her music career at True Vine C.O.G.I.C., where her great-grandfather, Supt. George Hagler, is the Pastor. Markeyta's greatest musical accomplishment is her 1st Praise & Worship CD, entitled "I Will Sing." This live CD was recorded in April 2005and released independently in May 2006. Markeyta is presently working on a 2nd CD and is also making a name for herself as a songwriter. God has even greater things in store for Markeyta in 2010...so stay tuned!
Cinque is a member of the national recording gospel group, Fortitude. Their debut album, "So Grateful to you" hit the nation by storm earning them a Stellar nomination for "Best New Artist." The group will debut their self-titled sophomore project on Warner Brothers Records, garnering them a second Stellar nomination for "Best Group Duo". His most noted accomplishment to date is his birthing of nationally reknown ministry organization, the Tribe of Judah. Cinque started the group at Alabama State University in 1997. Since its inception, the group has traveled the country having the opportunity to perform at some of the most prominent churches in the nation and has shared the stage with such greats as Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Tye Tribbet, Donald Lawrence, LaShun Pace, Brian Mckight and many others. Tribe of Judah has also recorded two nationally released CDs to include their number one single, "Let it Rise". The Tribe remains one of the top college Gospel Choirs in the nation.
Rick Robinson Songwriter, Musician, Producer Rick Robinson has excelled at all three. As a songwriter he has written for many artists which include but not limited to Bishop T.D. Jakes, Bishop Larry Trotter, Byron Cage, Beverly Crawford, Bishop Eddie L. Long, marvin Sapp, and New Direction. Rick has also ventured out into other genres of music including Syleena Johnson (R&B and Urban Knights V (Jazz). As a gifted pianist he has had the privilege of accompanying such gospel greats as Kim Burrell, Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, Donald Lawrence, VaShawn Mitchell, Richard Sammwood, and Mark Hubbard. Even though Rick has always been into the development of music, now he has found a niche in producing.
Julia Huff-Heath
http://www.myspace.com/juliahuffheath
http://www.myspace.com/juliahuffstar
Booking: astarisbornn@sbcglobal.net
Julia Huff is a songstress, actress and former print and trade-show model who is an outstanding talent with personality to match. Julia has displayed her artistry as a jazz vocalist, model, actress, and R&B singer throughout the United States and Asia. She has in a very short time, single handedly and yet masterfully honed her vocal skills to extreme heights and has been compared to musical starlets like Sarah Vaughn, Nancy Wilson, Carmen McRae, and Shirley Horn. She has most recently been on fire on the R&B stage crooning out tunes in the likes of the greats that preceded her like Phyllis Hyman, Anita Baker, Tina Turner and Gladys Knight. Julia has also been known to dazzle her audiences with the sounds of such "new school" artists as Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, and Jill Scott to name a few! Julia has garnered respect as a musical vocalist who started with only her gift from God and a desire to the the BEST.
