2024 entertainment lineup
2000's R&B
Sunshine Anderson
National Act
Though she sang in musicals and talent shows throughout her childhood, Charlotte, NC native Sunshine Anderson was discovered while she was waiting in line in a cafeteria at North Carolina Central University, the institution where she earned a B.S. in criminal justice. A friend of producer/Soulife A&R Vice President Mike City heard Anderson humming while she waited and introduced her to City. After she graduated from college, Anderson moved to Washington, D.C., and took a government job in human resources, but eventually relocated to Los Angeles, where she worked with City on her debut and found a manager in critically acclaimed singer Macy Gray. Propelled by the single "Heard It All Before," Anderson's first album -- 2001's Your Woman -- reached number two on Billboard's R&B albums chart and eventually went gold, selling over 800,000 copies. Sunshine at Midnight, released on Mathew Knowles' Music World label and featuring assistance from Raphael Saadiq (as well as City), was released nearly six years later and did not fare nearly as well. Except for one track, Anderson's third album, The Sun Shines Again (2010), was produced entirely by City.
90's R&B
Kut Klose
National Opening Act
Formed in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, by the female trio of Tabitha Duncan, Athena Cage and LaVonn Battle, Kut Klose specialize in a sassy brand of urban R&B pop, primarily mounted on their smooth harmonies. Their debut album, Surrender, was the second to be released on Keith Sweat’s Keia Records label (the first being Silk’s platinum-selling debut), and merged pop sensibilities with hip-hop beats and simplistic but effective lyrics - as Battle puts it: ‘A little hip-hop, a little rhythm and blues, a little soulful and a little youthful.’ Comprising ballads such as ‘I Like’ and ‘Giving You My Love’ alongside the New Jill Swing of ‘Don’t Change’, the opening single was ‘Get Up On It’, a duet with Sweat himself. The album was written and produced by Sweat, Eric McCaine (of Entouch) and the group themselves, and recorded at the Sweat Shop, the state-of-the-art studio built by Sweat in his Atlanta home.
2000's R&B
SLIM of 112
National Headliner
Marvin Scandrick (born September 25, 1974), better known as Slim, is an American contemporary R&B singer best known as the lead singer/frontman for the group 112. His 2008 debut album Love's Crazy peaked at #32 on the Billboard 200. It included the hit singles "So Fly", which reached #49 on the Billboard Hot 100, and "Good Lovin", which reached #39 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
R&B - Neo Soul
Traylece NakedHeart
Traylece NakedHeart singer/songwriter born in the historically rich low country on an island of the coast of South Carolina called John's Island.
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There she received an upbringing greatly influenced by a long line of strong, highly independent and outspoken women. While still at a very young age these inherited qualities first took form in eloquent and insightful poetry. Traylece’s poems evolved into songs and her elegant recitations transitioned into a powerful form of melodic expression.
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Influenced by R&B, soul, and hip-hop, her highly authentic personality makes for very few dull moments. Traylece’s authenticity makes itself most evident in her music. From tear-jerking ballads to thought provoking rap lyrics that tell stories influenced by personal life experiences...good, bad and ugly. The name, NakedHeart was created because she found the term similar to "bearing your soul." As a strong & ambitious black woman, it is her nature to build a formidable wall of protection around herself. However, as an artist one of Traylece’s quest is to find the ability to peel away those layers of protection and expose her vulnerability in hopes of connecting, strengthening, and inspiring others while still doing what feels good to the soul.
Country Line Dance
ElektroHorse
Elektro Horse is an artist, DJ, and producer from the south side of Chicago who has created a new sound: CDM (Country Dance Music). He was one of the few to depart from such a harsh city and even gained the opportunity to travel internationally for his craft.
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He is aiming to be the Deadmau5 of country by integrating elements from every genre of music into a new sound for country tunes. Seeking to diversify the standards of country records by bringing an interest from all ethnicities to one common love: music! With influences such as David Guetta, Muddy Waters, Showtek, James Brown, Big & Rich, Cowboy Troy and Nelly, he is sure to make a mark in history.
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Elektro Horse has worked with the likes of Lukas Hilbert, Big Makk, Mykal, Snoody, Will.I.Am, and Nicki Minaj. A few of his current favorite artists are Thomas Rhett, Kacey Musgraves, Blake Shelton, Big & Rich, Eric Church, and Kenny Chesney. He has created a successful marketing strategy using a lighted horse mask, which gains attention everywhere he goes. Look out! The first single, ’Stomp' featuring Floyd Holloway, Jesse Charrette, and Terell Skreetzz will have everyone line-dancing all night long!
Country Soul
Devonese
DeVonese, a rising star in the local music scene, takes the stage. This eagerly anticipated event promises to be an evening filled with soulful melodies, electrifying performances, and an atmosphere that celebrates a "good-time" in music.
With a unique blend of Blues, R & B, and Gospel music, DeVonese has been making waves with her soul-stirring lyrics and captivating presence. Her ability to connect with audiences on a profound level sets her apart as a true musical sensation in the community.
Rock Band
School of Rock
The School of Rock House Band is composed of our most talented and dedicated students in the Performance Program, ages 13-18. Playing songs from ACDC to Zappa, students work long hours to craft a special setlist for every show. Although very young, our band has been performing to high acclaim in major festivals like Rock in Rio, Summerfest and local GA events like Big Shanty, Pigs and Peaches, North GA Fair, Smoke on the Lake and in top venues like Tabernacle, Center Stage, MadLife and Hard Rock Café.
Hip-hop
QNOVA
Quachavious Ellison, stage name Qnova, is an artist from Atlanta, Georgia who is flourishing in the music industry. Qnova’s unique style and rhythm complement the hip-hop urban community. Qnova brings diversity and limitlessness, which undeniably makes her a great
candidate within many music genres. She has earned recognition and has been listed in the DJ Coalition's hottest tracks for rotation, which has influenced global DJs to request drops for spinning her record. Moving upscale, Qnova has swiftly made accomplishments of pushing her latest single, “Talk Yo Talk Sis”, onto FM radio in six states and counting. Because of the positive feedback from Qnova’s airplay and interviews, she is continuously receiving requests from stations and communities. Her sound has marked territories globally around the US, the UK and the Netherlands. With ongoing ambition, it’s safe to say that this independent artist will
continue to reach greater heights within her music career.
Hip-hop
Nakel
I’m a Rap artist, and Aspiring Engineer/Producer from Powder Springs, Ga, by way of Atlanta, Ga. I started writing and making beats at the age of 16. I also graduated Honors from McEachern High School and, I’m currently attending college in the city. Overall, I make music for the average person going through things in their day-to-day life but, I just do it with more perspective, descriptive detail, enthusiasm, and wittier wordplay than the average rapper.