Meet our Artists!
We believe our local artists are the heart and soul of the music community and we work with some of the best emerging talent. Our network of artists is diverse and represents a wide range of music - from hip-hop to country to pop. Click on the artist photo to see a full bio!
Austin Staley is a singer/songwriter born and raised in Dallas, Texas but spent years honing his craft in New York City. With influences such as Kris Kristofferson, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, and many more, Austin puts his own twist on country blues and soul music.
When you hear Westonn's music, you know it's something special. It might be his smooth melodies, harmonies, his way of putting you in the front seat of his storytelling, or the infectious beats and hooks. Westonn continues to hone his craft to carve out his own lane within the realm of RnB. His music is inspired by the late 90s/2000s sound he grew up on, yet he keeps a knack for making his sound modern without losing touch with his roots.
Rebekah Prim is an indie pop singer/songwriter from Dallas, Texas. Rebekah recently released the instrumental single "Song for Sleep." Available on iTunes, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. Her 5 song EP album is set to release soon.
Rebekah has performed all around the Dallas metroplex and loves connecting and collaborating with other local artists. Her music is inspired by Sara Bareilles & Colbie Callait, among others.
Austin Chatfield is a 18 year old music artist, singer, songwriter, guitarist, and pianist from Frisco Tx. Loves being on stage and sharing his love of music with the world. Started at a young age performing all around Texas and has been singing everywhere from coffee shops to House of Blues, Six Flags, and Gas Monkey Live! Born and raised in Texas, lives with his mom, dad, brother, and dog Toby. Has studied with School of Rock, Septien Entertainment group, and Studio 35. He won 3 awards from the largest independent music award show in the world: the Josies.. Has an early background with acting and modeling with the Campbell Agency. Attends Wakeland High School and pursues music full time. Committed to Belmont University class of 26. Diehard fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Ready to show the world what he’s got!
Sophia Annello is a 21-year-old award winning singer-songwriter from Dallas, TX.
She writes and sings an array of pop music as well as plays a guitar, ukulele, and piano. The young upstart has been writing and performing music since the age of 13.
Sophia’s “Runaway” and “Seventeen” music videos have gained millions of social media views with the former gaining rotation in retail stores and TV ads across the country. It’s no surprise that NPR chose her for their 20 under 20 North Texas artists to watch list.
As Sophia’s profile has risen her single, “Falling” shot to the #4 spot in the global Tik Tok ranking for the Indie genre with 13,000+ videos totaling over 60 million views.
With that promising momentum, Sophia Annello just released a new single on platforms, and is graduating from Berklee College of Music this May. She has plans to move to Nashville by the end of 2022.
Andrew Plan is a Dallas-based, Filipino-American award-winning independent artist and songwriter. His accolades include placing as a finalist in the 1st annual Kollaboration San Francisco Showcase, winning the grand prize at the 2014 East Texas Songwriters’ Lab Songwriting Competition, and being selected as a finalist in the 2020 UK Songwriting Contest. Once an ambitious pre-med student, Andrew decided against medical school and found a lane for himself as a different kind of healer. With his smoky-smooth voice, sharp pop melodies and life-affirming lyrics, Andrew is winning listeners over and carving out his own place in the Dallas music scene and beyond.
At the end of 2019 Andrew released his first commercial single, “Supposed to Go”, co-written with Selby Copeland and produced by Denny White and Andrew himself. Andrew followed that up with "People Needing People", a collaboration with country artist Kristine Wriding that led both artists to be selected as finalists in the 2020 UK Songwriting Contest.
Inspired to share more of his music, Andrew hit the ground running in 2022, releasing a new single every Saturday since January and growing an awesome community with his weekly Twitch livestreams. With every new song released and show performed, Andrew continues to live out his mission to heal, inspire and empower others through his music. He opens his heart so you can be emboldened to open yours and grace the world with the beauty you were made with.
Singer/songwriter April Sapp recognizes the hope and healing music can bring firsthand. Growing up in a broken home, April often turned to God and music as her outlet. After being inspired at the age of 5 by her worship leader at her church she knew instantly that was what she wanted to do. It was God who brought her through so many storms of her childhood and later marriage through worship music. Music is like a fresh breath of air in her lungs and without it she doesn’t know where she would be. Her sound is a mix of gospel and country which is where her roots are in the church. Her “why” is so that she can see others experience the love and hope of Jesus as she has during the good and tough times. She wants others to feel a “God hug” through her music and songwriting to let them know he hasn’t forgotten them. They are not alone and they never have been.
With her sweet, controlled voice influenced by Dolly Parton, Taylor packs a punch with daring, unexpected vocal grit that blurs the lines between the Pop Country and Indie Alternative worlds. Raw, emotional lyrics of love, life and heartbreak paired with minor chord progressions take listeners on a nostalgic journey to the center of Taylor’s heart. Her debut 2020 release, Lonely, launched her into the industry leaving fans excited for more.
Bruce Dunai
Music Biography – Feb-23
One Man Band: Bruce Dunai / See TheBash.com – DFW
Many year performer playing guitar with harmonica/vocals and most recently accordion all around DFW. Play Classic Country and Standards at numerous Independent and Assisted Living locations all over DFW. Performed harmonica at Bass Hall with the Ft. Worth Opera Orchestra – Silent Night & Of Mice & Men on two occasions. Strolling accordionist at Dallas OctoberFest 10/22. Performed National Anthem on Harmonica at The Texas Motorplex – Stampede of Speed – 10/22
Bands & Organizations:
Ericsson Corporate Band – played harmonica and participated in various festivals, etc. Company flew us to Las Vegas a couple times. 8 years - Classic Rock Band – Covers
Texas Round-Up Band – Classic Country band Played harmonica and rhythm guitar, back-up vocals – 35 years – Various Texas-based events of all types. One CD on https://music.apple.com/us/artist/texas-roundup-band/429749930
First Baptist Dallas Orchestra – 40 year participant as Euphonium & Valve Trombone player. Weekly rehearsal and Worship performances, various recordings, concerts (including Carnegie Hall), and international trips to Zambia & Brazil.
Harmonica Organization of Texas – performer / contributor to monthly meetings
Dallas Accordion Club - performer / contributor to monthly meetings
Instruction:
Staff Harmonica instructor to Sam Ash Music – Dallas, TX
Private Teacher – harmonica / chromatic & diatonic
Participant/Volunteer:
SPAH.org – Society for the Preservation & Advancement of the Harmonica - Organization treasurer (5 years) Harmonica conventions annually, training, performances, Youth initiatives
Trekorda – DFW-based music talent organization – Plano, TX
Flying Musicians – Flying Musicians.org Pilot/musicians organization
Operation Care – treasurer – opcare.org
Kyee is a singer/songwriter , entertainer, entrepreneur, and a Dallas-Texas sight to see. Her captivating warm tone , soulful delivery and eclectic taste results in a unique fusion of RnB and Pop. Her latest project “No Days Off”, co-created with Los Angeles producer Sean2Miles, is a whole vibe. It brings retro sounds with versatility and current warm, colorful ,musical, vocal notes. There’s a bright and airy take to a love story that isn’t always so light. On this ride it goes from demanding more ,to choosing to sticking to your choice in love. Then to committing and letting old things go. No days off -is the mindset of making a choice and being all in. KYEE recently was featured on KXT music blog and will be in the December issue of Dallas Southern Magazine. KYEE has also had the pleasure of opening up for Erykah Badu at the "TBAAL Riverfront Jazz festival ” , “The Deep Ellum Art Collaboration Festival” as well as the “Lewisville Music Pavillion”. She has also brought her fantasy world to light, through performances at the House of Blues as well as Dallas own “Trees”. It is KYEE’s mission to continue to sprinkle love, authenticity, faith and hope everywhere she goes. Primarily through her music, and performances .
Savannah Low is a singer-songwriter based in Dallas, Texas with a professional career spanning over 17 years. Refining her skills since the age of nine, Savannah studied with Devon Dawson (“Jessie the Yodelin’ Cowgirl” Toy Story 2), Mark Stamper (Fort Worth Opera, American Choral Directors Association, The Singing Girls of Texas, Turtle Creek Chorale) and Nathan Myers (Myers Brothers Band).
Through classical voice training, passion and hard work, Savannah’s efforts have led to an abundance of performances and notable feats—singing at the Fort Worth Stockyards, Billy Bobs, Opries and competitions across the U.S, which included the first place prize in the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Yodeling Competition and winning Texas’ Best Solo Artist competition in 2015. She has continued her career performing as a member of the girl group Girls4Life, opening for the Jonas Brothers at the State Fair of Texas, KC and the Sunshine Band, Zara Larsson, and appearing on season 9 of American Idol as one of the top 40 contestants. Savannah also secured a scholarship at the New York Conservatory For Dramatic Arts where she studied TV & Film Acting.
Savannah is featured on multiple tracks ranging in genres from artists across the world and debuted her first solo EP titled “Bare” on January 19, 2019, gaining recognition from the Dallas Observer and COSIGN Magazine with nominations for Best Pop Act and Creative Artist of the Year. Today, she works as an independent artist, songwriter, voice actor, artist coach and vocal instructor.
The stirring, soulful voice of DFW’s independent singer-songwriter Simone Nicole moves beyond “happy” or “sad” and illuminates a broad range of emotions for her listeners. Simone is primarily recognized for folksy compositions. She evolved sonically on 2019’s “Subtle”, on which her acoustic guitar is surrounded by organs, percussion, electric bridges, and layered of ethereal vocals that produce dreamy indie-pop sonics.
Grace Tyler is an award winning BMI artist and singer/songwriter from Texas who made her mark on the Texas music scene at an early age. Grace now lives in Nashville, TN and released her first single "My Mistake" on April 2, 2021
Valeria is a young musician from North Texas. She is a unique vocalist who also plays the piano, guitar, and harp. She spends most of her time performing acoustic sets at local venues such as wine bars, coffee shops, cafes, private events, amusement parks, and festivals. While her passion is live music, she has recently shifted her focus to songwriting and is now ready to share her heart with you through her personal stories. She hopes that you love her original music, but even more important, that you feel it 🎵 Be sure to follow her on Instagram @vals.music for updates on when new music is releasing…lots to share really soon!!!
Eleise Renea is a Fort Worth based singer/songwriter who's passionate about empowering others in their identity and writing stories of hope in the midst of struggle. In 2019, Eleise began singing her original songs at open mics and has been gigging around DFW since. Her top musical influences have been Norah Jones, Amy Winehouse, Adele, and many others. Although she has not released any music yet, it is a priority and hopes to have music out soon.
Emmeline is a pint-sized singer-songwriter from Dallas, TX with a soulful voice and an infectious smile. Called a “piano-focused Joni Mitchell” by DFW’s beloved Ghost of Blind Lemon blog and “a must-see Texas artist” by the Dallas Morning News, Emmeline’s jazzy take on folk-pop delivers detailed, heartfelt stories about love, loss, hope, perseverance, and triumph in the face of adversity. With her debut full-length album, Rise, Emmeline broke new sonic ground, partnering with The Click Five’s Ethan Mentzer and Braveheart alum Joe Phillips to deliver eleven diverse, expansive songs about what it really means to be human. While Emmeline is blessed to offer Rise and her four previous EPs on all streaming platforms, she is best known for her engaging live show. She was grateful to be a finalist for the Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest at the Wildflower Festival, and she is enjoying finding alternative ways to connect with loyal fans and new friends in this strange time. When she’s not playing music, Emmeline is a doctoral candidate at Southern Methodist University and a proud mom to her rescue lab mix, Chloe, who inspires her to be better in every way.
Ashton began studying music at age 11; vocals first then adding guitar, keyboard, songwriting and then Artist Development. Her very first single ‘Break the Distance’ released on iTunes at Thanksgiving 2014 when she was only 15 years old. Currently, Ashton has 22 original songs on Spotify and iTunes and other outlets, with cumulative streams of over 18 million from all over the world on Spotify alone. While her style has changed since Break The Distance, her masterful lyrics, amazing vocals and mesmerizing harmonies are refreshing and pleasing to the ear. New music is on the horizon.
Rock Radio is a 5 piece rock cover band based out of Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, handling Classic/Alt Rock and Power Ballads from the 80s & 90s!
Berkley Coscia is from Carrollton, Texas and has lived there for most of her life. She has been singing since she was a child, performing with school choirs and acapella groups, and she started playing guitar when she was in 3rd grade. She began leading worship for FCA and YoungLife in her school when she was 14, and continued to do so in high school and college at summer camps. Berkley began posting covers on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube in 2014 and grew a large following as her videos grew in popularity. As a freshman at the University of Oklahoma, Berkley performed in a musical with her sorority for a competition, and the following year she was the vocal director for her sorority’s competition and formal recruitment process.
Berkley has developed a love for red dirt country music because that is what she grew up listening to. Her current main inspirations are artists like Shane Smith & the Saints, Zach Bryan, and Flatland Cavalry. She has written a few of her own songs, but mostly performs covers by these artists and more.
After graduating with a degree in Psychology at OU in May 2023, Berkley plans to pursue a degree in Music Therapy at Texas Women’s University in Denton. Her goal is to be able to implement music in her career while also helping others overcome the challenges they may face in their life.
A former Middle School teacher, now living in Fort Worth TX, David brings his soulful sound as singer/songwriter to the scene. Writing and singing with compassion and conviction connecting with audiences on and off stage, solo or with his band, spanning the Folk, Indie and Americana genres with soul-filled melodies and bars of truth. Being raised up in church has built the foundation for who he is today, and now balancing family and fatherhood with his wife and two daughters, he continues faithfully marching down that path, with original and authentic songs that lend a hand in telling about life in all its splendor and disarray, delivered in a way that is eager to be heard.
After a short but meaningful journey with the TV show “The Voice”, in 2014, David chose to continue doing what he loved to do, write and perform his own music, now more determined and motivated than ever. He just released his 3rd album, “Golden Junk”, in 2021. A collection of personal songs, new and old, and his most vulnerable album yet.
Britain born and Texas raised, Jillie Kerwin found her way to Nashville eventually in 2020 and has been making a name for herself since.
Heavily influenced by female artists and songwriters like Taylor Swift and The Chicks, Jillie would describe her sound as a combination of those two + a dash of Kacey Musgraves. Her soulful vocals and unique songwriting style bring a truly authentic take on country-pop music that has captured audiences near and far.
After releasing her debut EP in 2021 which has accumulated over 40,000 streams and was featured on Spotify’s Next From Nashville and Fresh Finds Country, she is now digging deeper into her artistry and releasing new, deep-cutting tunes in 2023. Stay tuned and yeehaw, folks.
Ava Shipp brings a unique sound to timeless classics, new tunes, and originals. Hailing from Dallas, TX, the singer-songwriter developed a love of music from a very young age, later learning to accompany herself on the guitar. She plays a variety of music, ranging from alternative, pop, country, to rock. Constantly inspired by a variety of genres, her individuality and grit influences her writing, stage presence, and percussive style.
A native resident of the small southern, Louisiana village Cow Island, Gaspard prides himself on the representation of his home. He is strongly influenced by his upbringing in the deep rural south and Cajun culture. His "Road to Release" series was an accumulation of videos displaying where he grew up, and he performed original songs with other local artists in scenic landscapes of his home in route to his album release show. Fellow artists featured include K.C. Jones, Wilson Savoy, Wayne Toups and Gracie Babineaux.
Born and raised outside of Chicago, IL Tomás began his music career as a member of a mariachi group El Paso, Texas. He has performed in and managed three Spanish Guitar Trios with regular engagements throughout the Southern New Mexico/West Texas borderland area, including Mexico. His groups have released two albums, with music capturing the heart of the Southwest. He completed his master’s degree in biology and is well into his career with the Environmental Protection Agency, where he works as a Community Relations Coordinator. He is an active member of St. Francis of Assisi parish in Frisco, TX and has served as Music Director for several Spanish Men’s ACTS retreats. Tomás stays busy raising his four children (ages 6 – 13) with his wife, Alicia. He enjoys family time, New Mexican green chile, and everything about baseball.
Sam is a singer/songwriter that has been making music in Dallas for about a year. He started singing in church choir and picked up instruments along the way. He loves the piano; really loves the clarinet. He strives to create community and healing through music.
Lorenzo Gapud proves that those who can teach, do. As a choir director in Frisco ISD, he is passionate about harmony–in music and the small corners of the world we can each influence. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Bruno Mars, Joji, Daniel Caesar, and Jacob Collier, he is always experimenting to find his own sound. Lorenzo’s single Bubble Tea, written during the pandemic, explores themes such as loneliness and isolation. Check it out on Spotify and YouTube, and visit his Insta @enzo_sings and YouTube @LorenzoGapud to stay up to date on his upcoming covers and previews of his originals!
Jordan Stoltz has been playing guitar for many years and most have been professionally. Jordan normally plays the electric guitar fronting his band “NeverRest” with a heavier rock sound, but also enjoys a solo acoustic act leaning more towards Blues, Classical and Alternative music. Jordan writes all of his own music and tends to throw in some cover songs to bring a broader range of music to the audience. Jordan has played many different venues ranging from nightclubs, weddings, private parties, coffee shops and corporate events. Jordan can play all cover songs, original material or play instrumental.
Frisco-based singer/songwriter Haven Victoria is a graduate of the Masters program at Septien entertainment group. At 15 years old, she is already showcasing her vocals by playing multiple instruments including guitar, piano, and ukulele. Haven is also a symphonic level harpist at Memorial High School in Frisco. Her recent performances include Love and War in Texas and Didi’s Downtown. Haven has been described as a ‘blue-eyed soul’ singer. She loves covering artists like Elton John, Etta James, Amy Winehouse, and Stevie Nicks. She’s currently working on recording her original songs, including ’Friends Again’ which won her 3rd place at this year’s Frisco’s Got Talent.
Matthew is a local bluegrass musician based in Frisco, TX. His musical journey started with mandolin while studying as an undergraduate at the University of Texas at Austin. There, he helped establish the student organization Burnt Orange Bluegrass. Since then, Matthew has performed in a variety of bands and stages in Austin, Houston, and Dallas. Currently, he is the mandolinist for The Grackles Bluegrass Band and an active volunteer for the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation. Matthew hopes that his music inspires and engages those that hear it.
Jake Pyeatt grew up in a music family, and spent the first decade of his career playing lead guitar for various artists and bands throughout Texas. In early 2014, he got the opportunity to step out on his own, and started his pursuit of a solo career. He then began playing and performing as a solo artist, as well as with a full band. He is currently touring primarily North to West Texas, while continuing to support his young family.
Currently in Austin, Texas, Rob Bray grew up in suburban New Jersey and formed the band Gideon’s Army in New York City - releasing 3 critically acclaimed albums in the Southern Rock genre before going solo, switching gears and deciding to focus more on the country side. He plays regularly in central and east Texas, has toured extensively in the US, from coast to coast, has a devoted following, and released his first single as a solo artist “Feels Like a Country Song” in January of 2023. As a man of faith and a lover of Texas and it’s people, he is thrilled to join Melody of Hope and it’s partner organizations in bringing a joyful, soulful, and uplifting brand of music to their events and gatherings. He’s very much looking forward to connecting with ya’ll in 2023!
Isabella Heck is a 16 year old bassist, singer, guitarist and songwriter who discovered her passion for all music at an early age. She is now a junior at Booker T Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts where she as further broadened her musical skills to include sound engineering and music production.
Sean Foster is a folksinger/songwriter who spent several years traveling and solo touring the North American continent while based in Texas. After a recent stint as a long-haul truck driver he returned to his home state. His songs stem from these experiences and provide an intimate and introspective impression of them. He also performs a catalog of traditional folk, old country, and blues songs. He is currently at work on his first album set to be released in 2023.
At just 22-years-old, State Fair Records artist, singer/songwriter Jade Nickol is gaining a name for herself in the Dallas music scene at a swift pace. With her controversial writing and distinctive tone, she has been compared to the voices of Joni Mitchell and Stevie Nicks. Jade brings a fresh breath to songs you love with acoustic stylings. 2020 Dallas Observer Awards 'Best Vocalist' nominee.
Inspired by watching his dad sing/play guitar, Stephen is trying to do the same for his young son and also teach him guitar and ukulele. Covering songs from the Beatles to country, Stephen has played in a laundromat, to coffee shops and restaurants around town.
Busy with work and family, it wasn't until he had extra time during the pandemic that he started to write his own songs which sometimes is like pulling teeth but finds the process rewarding and plans to get some music on Spotify/Apple Music. He also plays in a band called "Random Strangers"
Acoustic duo, Rima and Tommy, draw in crowds of all ages and connect with their audience through a variety of timeless tunes. They draw their repertoire from multiple genres, including classic & soft rock classics, R&B, pop, and country.
Rima and Tommy's versatility is showcased through their ability to bring each original artist's unique sound to every song, while incorporating soulful harmonies and distinct arrangements to their covers. They're always happy to take special requests, and look forward to sharing their love for music and bringing that energy to the stage!
Carly Caroll is a Texas-based singer-songwriter known for her lyric-driven melodies mixed with her vocals that can be described as haunting, hopeful, and cathartic. Carly began her musical journey by taking piano lessons and watching her father play the keyboard for country western bands. She curated a love for storytelling which led her to fall in love with well-known lyricists like Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Bob Dylan, and Carly Simon. Carly has performed at over 50 different venues in the DFW area and is versatile in her styles ranging from popular covers to original music. She was ranked in the top 3 at the B.W. Stevenson Singer-Songwriter competition at Poor David's Pub, and was recently selected to be featured in a SoFar Sounds performance. Carly is active on social media and has created a local following for her gigs.
Singer songwriter Joseph Neville hopes to connect with audiences through honest songwriting and folk inspired guitar playing. Lovingly labeled, “sad guitar music,” this performer highlights the comedy surrounded some of life’s heartache through clever storytelling and banter. Joseph has performed theaters, clubs, bars, and living rooms all around the country and beyond but continues to call Fort Worth his home. Listen to the thoughtful musical stylings of Joseph Neville wherever music is streamed.
David Archibald is here to share his tunes with the world and connect with fellow music lovers.
Mark Lafon is the most decorated guitarist in the history of the Academy of Texas Music. After almost 4 decades of performing with many of the top bands across the U.S. and playing on over 250 albums as a guitarist, he released his first solo project. His highly anticipated single “Goodbye” has been widely received on multiple radio stations and podcasts, vocally giving listeners the ability to hear what he’s always wanted to say musically.
Singer, song-writer, composer and performer, Clay Jarvis plays all original rock, boogie and blues across Texas. He was a finalist in the 2017 International Blues Competition - via the Mile High Blues Society at Ziggie's in Denver and has now relocated back to his home town of Dallas.
His latest CD, "Then and Now", was recorded and released in 2013 in San Antonio, TX. His first solo album was released in 1979 and his second project was recorded in 1983. Clay has worked on countless projects as a studio musician.
Clay has a music video for his song, "Stay in Your Lane", which can be viewed below under Sample Videos.
Long drives down to Junction, Texas with George Jones on the radio planted a seed. One that would grow through his own storytelling, heartache, and the pains of growing up. Roots run deep for this Texas Panhandle kid and his songs will sweep you away like a gust of Amarillo wind. His stories will give you those deep belly laughs then change like a blue northern and have your nose deep in nostalgia.
His debut album was recorded in Houston, Texas. These original songs allowed him to get established gigging as an independent artist in Dallas. Playing gigs almost every weekend throughout the next year sharpened his skills.
In June 2020, Youngblood debuted at the Texas Music Revolution, a music festival in McKinney, Texas, that’s gone on for twenty years and featured the likes of Randy Rodgers and Charley Crockett. He has also played at the House of Blues in Dallas on a local artist showcase. He doesn’t show any signs of slowing down this year.
His new full length album titled Moons & Mornings was recorded in Dallas, Texas, inspired by Tom Petty guitar and Gin Blossoms vocals, is available now.
Youngblood is whimsical yet serious, too folk for the country crowd and too country for the folk crowd, rock n’ roll until he’s not.
That’s Todd Youngblood.
Figaro is a professional & experienced bass-baritone with a diverse musical background including over 15 years of on stage experience. His unique style incorporates a blend of Jazz, Classical, Opera, Musical Theatre, Pop and R&B. Starting off his career performing opera overseas at The Venetian, in the “Las Vegas of the East”, Macau, China. He has had the honor and privilege to perform for former President Jimmy Carter and Dr. Maya Angelou.
Figaro has gone on to perform at several major venues on the Las Vegas strip, such as: Caesar’s Palace, The Bellagio, The Mandalay Bay, The Luxor, The Venetian, The Palazzo, & many more including several off strip properties. In addition to major business venues, he has performed in a variety of full productions at various performing arts centers, educational institutions, & theaters including the Smith Center for Performing Arts in Las Vegas & the Judy Bayley Theatre & The Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. His highlight performances include lead roles in Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, The King and I, Rent, Le Nozze di Figaro, and Pagliacci.
He has also won a number of awards and accolades, including several first place awards in classical and musical theatre vocal competitions, such as Solo & Ensemble, National Association of Teachers of Singing, as well as being awarded and selected as the Baritone Section Leader of the Nevada All-State Honor Choir for two consecutive years. Figaro was selected to perform the National Anthem at two separate NBA Summer League games.
Now living in Dallas, Texas, Figaro uses his vast musical knowledge to pursue other creative paths such as production, songwriting and teaching voice lessons.
Mark Lafon and Ariana Ortiz Bio-
Ariana Ortiz and Mark Lafon met almost 10 years ago at a Singer Songwriter’s night called, “Songwriter’s Anonymous” in Plano, Texas. Although funny enough, if you ask how long they’ve known each other, you’ll get nothing short of a different answer each time.
Both singer/songwriters in their own right, this dynamic duo decided to team up in 2021, successfully playing over 250 well received shows each year since.
These storytellers have combined their love for each other, their need for music, and their want for the road into an intertwined and entertaining live show.
Mark Lafon started guitar at the age of 4, honing in his skills over the last 4 decades. 300 record later, this accomplished and award winning musician decided to further his craft by shedding light on his vocals and songwriting skills.
Ariana Ortiz knew from the age of 6 she wanted to be a singer. Only a short time after, at the age of 16 did she pick up a pen and begin her journey as a songwriter, adding guitar to her repertoire at 18. She has yet to put down her pen writing over 250 songs to date.
This duo group, simply named Ariana Ortiz and Mark Lafon, have a show that can be enjoyed by all.
