Greetings, The purpose of this missive is to announce the First Annual Independent Gospel Aritsts United Tour! This tour visions to showcase prominent, highly potentiated, and powerful independent gospel artists from across the country. Our goal is to showcase a united front as independent gospel artists to the general public as well as the music industry (both gospel and secular) of the power of independent artists standing together and uniting. We want to build relationships, network, and set the way for artists to begin to come together and unite instead of competing against one another. The artists that are a part of this tour are those who possess a great anointing and calling on their lives and ministries, and have great potential of showcasing the positive side of music ministry and musical arts. It is our desire to take the tour, featuring 4-5 different independent gospel artists, around the country as the headliners of the tour and to include local independent artists to open up for the tour in the various cities that we schedule. We understand that as independent artists it is hard work to independently promote, market, and gain exposure for your gift and ministry. The Independent Gospel Artists United Tour serves to aid independent artists in their efforts to minister at a greater level and a larger platform. We are currently accepting applications from independent artists who would like to showcase their music during one of our tour stops. In addition, if you desire to host the Independent Gospel Artists United Tour in your city or area and/or to be a sponsor, please feel free to contact us at any time. Your support is greatly appreciated. For questions, comments, information, and inquires please contact any one of our Executive Staff: E. Carlyle German – Executive Director ceo@elliotcarlyle.net Anissa King – Operations Executive anissaking@hotmail.com
Visionary: Dreux – Dreux Music dreuxm@dreuxmusic.com Thank you in advance for your time, consideration, and interest in the Independent Gospel Artists United Tour 2009. We look forward to hearing from you and remember “United We Stand, Together We Can.” Humbly submitted, Executive Staff Independent Gospel Artists United Tour 2009
Dreux is considered to be one of "The Next Generation Contemporary Gospel Music Artist" originally from New Orleans, LA now residing in Dallas, TX. After evacuating the city of New Orleans from Hurricane Katrina in August of 2005 along with his family members, the future was very unclear, "But God". The words and music birthed out of the heart and soul of this artist explains the pain and suffering of going through a life changing experience. With all of the time that has gone by since the tragic experience of losing everything unfolded, his faith in God and his determination would not allow him to give up on his purpose and music ministry. God has ordained and allowed this music ministrel the opportunity to share with the world what was spoken to his heart and for him to share it through music and song. With his multi-octave diversed voice, he delivers a crisp, bold, and smooth sound giving music lovers of all kind something to appreciate. Dreux has crafted his music ministry and singing to his inspirations and spiritual fathers Donnie McClurkin, Daryl Coley, and Fred Hammond. Dreux has served as Minister of Music and Worship Leader at different churches in New Orleans and the Dallas Metroplex areas over the past few years. Dreux has been blessed with the opportunity to share the stage with legendary artists such as Chaka Khan, Kelly Price, Karen Clark-Sheard, Yolanda Adams, Kurt Carr & KCS, Pastor Shirley Caesar, V.M. McKay, Byron Cage, Donald Lawrence, William Murphy Jr., Daryl Coley, Kim Burrell, Mark Taylor Therrow Scott, James Hall..... and so many others. Also opening at the House of Blues, New Orleans, for the Essence Music Festival Gospel Fest for Mary Mary and others for several years. Dreux has been featured at many music festivals and conferences; including, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Music and Arts Seminar with Edwin and Walter Hawkins, and Royal Carribbean Music Festival, etc. More recently Dreux help in the efforts of raising funds to go towards the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Monument in Washington, D.C. with the "Build the Dream" Concert in November of 2007 held in his hometown of New Orleans, LA. Featuring many national recording gospel music artist. Along with being one of the music industry's phenomenal male voices and best kept secrets Dreux is also interested and part of organizations that help build and strengthen people and communities. He has served as the President and now Advisor of the African American and Latino Student Male Alliance at his Alma Mater Richland College in Dallas, TX along with other developmental organizations. Presently, Dreux has completed a 4-song demo/sampler album entitled "A Sinner's Plea,� with all original music and lyrics written and produced by Dreux along with musician/producer/songwriter Jameal Williams at Audio Dallas in Dallas, TX. The album released in April 2007 is blessing the world for which it was intended for. Currently, Dreux has obtained his Associate of Arts Degree in Music from Richland College in Dallas, TX in 2008 with goals of obtaining a Doctoral Degree in Music Performance and Education. Dreux's passion and purpose is to take the praise and worship of God's people both musically and as a lifestyle to the next level and the next dimension.
A pure breath of fresh air, energetic, witty, down to earth humor with an urban flare, Ron G is swiftly establishing himself as one of the top upcoming comedians in the nation. Not only is he versatile enough to perform at clubs, colleges, churches, corporate and even women and kids conferences. This electrifying performer has made a commitment to clean humor Ron G is making his mark across the world by being crowned the Sierra Mist Late Nite Laff Off winner 2005 for Atlanta, GA and also being hand-picked by the legendary Robert Townsend to be one of the cast members on the nationally televised show, Barber Shop Critics on the Black Family Channel. While receiving his first standing ovation at only eight months in the game at the Ft. Benning Military base in Macon, GA, Ron G continues to raise the bar for Comedy, Clean Comedy with his highly anticipated 1st Comedy cd, “Don’t Judge Me!” His tenacity to influence all generations and impact the entertainment industry has landed him in Los Angeles, where you can see him performing regularly at the world famous Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory, The Comedy Union and various other clubs in Los Angeles. Watch out! This kid is destined to be a King of comedy!
When you first meet Duawne Starling, you may be taken by his powerful presence, but moments later you’ll see something below the surface; a sincere, insightful, passionate person. His genuine zeal for life and his mission to use his gifts for God are compelling. Duawne’s resume is virtually a who’s who in music. He has worked with artists such as Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Fred Hammond, Yolanda Adams, Nicole C. Mullen, Michael W. Smith, Dolly Parton, Michael McDonald, Kelly Price and countless others. After distinguishing himself as one of the top supporting vocalists in the music industry, it was evident that it was time to launch his solo career. “I worked as a background artist for ten years before stepping forward as a soloist. I had been vocally ready for years but when I assessed where I was vocally and compared it to where I was spiritually, the two did not measure up. It is important that I be mature in all areas, because the last thing this world needs is just another singer.” Now, five years later Duawne has released his debut self-titled CD, and is currently composing his sophomore CD. Not only does Duawne have the vocal schooling of years in the studio and on the road, he has also earned a Masters of Arts in Religious Studies from Howard University School of Divinity, a convincing combination. “I needed a sense of balance – to increase my biblical knowledge and my capacity to speak into the lives of others as well as minister in song.” “While doing a concert with Donnie McClurkin, I remember praying for a young man responding to the altar call. When I saw him get a breakthrough, it was then that I realized I was called to something far greater than singing. I was changed that night and my heart was transformed into that of a minister.” Duawne’s music shares the triumphs and struggles of his journey through life. His simplistically profound lyrics impact audiences with their unprecedented honesty. “My gift is God’s tool. In my writing, I always speak from the place of truth. We are all intrinsically connected so I know that others will relate to what I’ve experienced. My purpose is to enlighten, encourage and empower the listener.” Duawne’s journey began in Petersburg, Virginia where he lived until attending boarding school at age 13. “As a child, my mother had the greatest influence on me. She was the one who brought Christ into our home and I don’t know where I would be had she not. I grew up listening to traditional Gospel, lot’s of Mahalia Jackson (my mother’s favorite), my dad’s quartet and a little Pop radio whenever my mom was working. After my father died of cancer when I was seven, music became my freedom from reality.”Ultimately, Duawne describes himself as a “simple man” and has one goal. “I just want to be all that I am intended – a man of honor, a devoted husband, a loving father and an uncompromising minister of the gospel.”
Born and raised in Yakima, Washington and educated at Central Washington University, Yvette Chappell-Williams is proud to say that she is a born again Christian with a solid relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Knowing that without him as her anchor she would be nothing, but with Christ, ALL things are possible. (Philippians 4:19) Yvette moved to Los Angeles, California in October of 1988 and joined the West Angeles Church of God in Christ, where Bishop Charles Blake is the pastor. She became active in both the Music and Arts Department in addition to the Choirs and Praise Teams. For the past eleven years, Yvette has been a member of the nine-time Stellar award winning Grammy nominated gospel group Kurt Carr and the Kurt Carr singers under the direction of Kurt Carr. Yvette has shared the stage with Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Norman Hutchins, Mariah Carey, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Martha Munizzi, Bryan Duncan, Vicki Yohe, Rachel Lampa and many others. Yvette has also appeared on 'The Tonight Show' hosted by Jay Leno with Yolanda Adams as well as the hit series Providence and Ellen Clegghorn. She is also well known for being a professional studio and commercial singer. The most memorable national syndicated commercials would include AT&T’s “It’s all within your reach" and CBS “Welcome home." Yvette is well-known for singing and bringing to life Kurt Carr’s hit songs, “For Every Mountain," "Something Happens," and the praise song of the century, “In the Sanctuary." Yvette Williams has also sung background vocals and recorded with Byron Cage on his Stellar-Award winning“Prince of Praise” album recorded live in New Birth South Church in Atlanta, GA with Bishop Eddie L. Long. She has sung and recorded background vocals for Bishop Paul S. Morton’s StellarNominated album “I’m Still Standing," recorded live in New Orleans, LA after the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Yvette has been featured on Bobby Jones Gospel, several Gospel Fest Celebrations with Clifton Davis, and BET’s Celebration of Gospel. She has also been featured on TBN’s “Praise the Lord” Program on several occassions. Yvette is known as an international soprano powerhouse and is often noted as the role model of singers and musicians both gospel and secular. As a mother, musical artist, and business woman, Yvette is the true essence of a virtuous woman. She possesses an anointing that is unlike no other and has become a world-renowned gospel music artist.
Minister Lawrence A. Flowers was born and raised in Jacksonville, Fl, to Lawrence and Frances Flowers. He is adamant about his salvation, serious about his calling, determined to be in the will of God, and has faith enough to believe that God desires for us to enjoy life! Min. Flowers began singing at a very young age. His first concert was at the age of five. He began singing throughout the Jacksonville, FL area at various churches, school functions and talent shows. That is until a particular engagement housed a Broadway singer by the name of, Roslin Burroughs. She along with a team of producers invited him to New York, where he recorded three songs for children’s sing-a-long books by Silver Burdett. At this time, he was eleven years of age. Since then he has undergone numerous levels of transition and achievement. He attended Florida State University, where he studied as a Musical Performance and Education Major. While at FSU, he made the deans list his first and second semester in college. He has sang in venues such as Carnegie Hall, The White House for the President of the United States, Gov. of Florida, St. Peters Bacilica for the Pope, and The Pentagon in Washington, D.C., just to name a few. He has traveled to Milan and Italy; several continents in Trinidad, and several places in the Bahamas. He has also been blessed to tour with the Boys Choir of Tallahassee, FL, while sharing the platform with gospel greats such as Dr.Bobby Jones, Pastor Shirley Ceasar, Kim Burrell, Karen Clark-Sheard, Donald Lawrence, Ted & Sherri, Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Dorinda Clark-Cole, William Murphy, Vanessa Bell-Armstrong, Pastor John P. Kee, and many more. In the fall of 2001, God charged Min.Flowers to take on the responsibility of forming a music ministry. The assignment and mission was to “Enter into sessions of one’s life to affect change.” This ministry produced a group of radical individuals that set out to do the will of God by ANY MEANS NECESSARY! This ministry is known as Lawrence Flowers & Intercession, who is notoriously known for the single entitled “Your Love,” which has been in existence for six years. God has opened many doors for the group to ministry across the country. Their mission statement and purpose in life is being fulfilled as they trust God and obey his every command. The ministry encompasses levitical training and has been both ordained and dedicated as Levites unto God. The spiritual father and covering for this ministry is Dr. John E. Guns, who pastors St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL. Since the ministry’s existence, they have shared the stage and met with some of gospels greats such as: Natalie Wilson, Zie’l, Men of Standard, Myron Butler & Levi, Donald Lawrence, Blanch McAlister, Ted & Sherri, Tobbi White, DeWayne Woods, Richard Smallwood, Rodney Jerkins, Warren Campbell, James Fortune, and our mother who is the “Queen of Gospel Music”, Kim Burrell. Please be on the lookout for their very first project that will be released this fall entitled…Major in Ministry, Minor in Music “The Transformation.”
"In front are the singers, after them the musicians; with them are the maidens playing tambourines." - Psalms 68:25
A native of Covington Louisiana, a metro city outside of New Orleans,(residing in Atlanta, GA) Alana Sanders is the daughter of the Late, Rev. Leon & Shirley Sanders, former school teachers in the St. Tammany Parish School Board System. Alana began singing at the age of three and was a member of the African Methodist Episcopal church where her father was a minister. Because her father was a music teacher she inherited his gift to where she was taught piano and voice under his direction and later received instructions under some notable teachers. While in grammar school she received much honors for her vocal performance that she was asked to perform at many events, participated in competitions where she has won over 25 beauty and scholarship pageants and always winning the talent portion of the competition. Alana received the honor of being selected for the District IX Honor Chorus and was the soloist her first year. During her last year of high school she received numerous scholarship opportunities from various universities and selected the World Renowned Grambling State University Choir singing under the direction of Dr. Cheryl D. Clancy. Once Alana finished her undergraduate degree she then moved to Atlanta, GA and while working within her career she sung background for a few artist and began writing and arranging music. She entered a few talent competitions in the area and won but she was not satisfied with singing secular music when she was raised in a house loving the Lord. Alana then started recording her music, where she has worked with the talent producer Karl Antoine, whom has produced many celebrities’ albums; this was his first contemporary gospel project. Mr. Antoine worked wonders on her debut Album, “I’m Thankful”. Alana has been working diligently serving the Master (God), making sure that her ministry is heard and that people are touched by the words of the Lord. Alana is not afraid to reveal her trials and tribulations within her songs to where her testimony can help save lives while bringing her listeners closer to God. Her song "Thinking" talks about how she was reared by Godly feared parents instilling in her the instructions from God. Even though she received the teachings about the heavenly father, she made choices that were not of Him and had to learn from her mistakes and disobedience to the Father. Alana’s soulful voice has be compared to the likes of Aretha Franklin, Mavis Staples and many others that have paved the way for Gospel and R&B artist. She has also graced the same stages with many greats in the industry and has held down many audiences, bringing them closer to God. Alana currently holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and works as a College Professor teaching the arts of Entrepreneurship and Marketing/Advertising. She is also studying to receive her PhD in Leadership and Organizational Change.
“United We Stand, Together We Can”
CONTACT INFORMATION VISIONARY Dreux Email: dreuxm@dreuxmusic.com Web Site: www.dreuxmusic.com MySpace: www.myspace.com/dreuxmusic
EXECUTIVE STAFF E. Carlyle German – Executive Director 5380 Constitution Rd Crestview, Florida 32539-8127 Phone: 850.826.2112 Email: ceo@elliotcarlyle.net Anissa King - Operations Executive Email: anissaking@hotmail.com MySpace: www.myspace.com/anissaking Phone: 407.256.4555
Feel free to contact us at any time for information on booking, sponsorship, or hosting. We look forward to hearing from you!