2010 Artists
If you would like to perform for Family Day 2011
Please send bio and a professional quality music sample to
Family Day Enterprises, Inc. P.O. Box 1924 Hartford, CT 06144
Jus Us – R & B
www.myspace.com/jususband
Jus Us is a funky-soul band out of Springfield, MA founded in 2002. The eight piece group performs old school funk and soul music with a touch of today's hip-hop to give them a unique, upbeat sound. Each band member has an extensive musical background, performing in various local and regional groups over the past thirty years. The members of Jus Us have previously opened for major artists such as The Temptations, Gladys Knight, B.B. King and Taj Mahal. These old school masters will provide an unbeatable performance with their talent and enthusiasm for soul and funk music.
Davonne Biggins – Spoken Word
Davonne “Biggs The Poet” Biggins
biggsthepoet@gmail.com
Born in Hartford, Connecticut on February 1, 1978, Davonne Biggins grew up in Hartford’s North End neighborhood. Growing up in an urban landscape introduced him to many harsh realities, social inequalities, and hardships at an early age. Though never participating in any negative behaviors himself; he learned volumes of life lessons from neighborhood kids, peers, and family members. “My upbringing in the church served as my foundation allowing me to plant my feet in morality while my eyes allowed me to learn the lesson…Always search for the best in myself and others.”
Davonne began writing poetry as a student at Hartford Public High School. Though he never shared his poetry with peers or any audience, he would often use his material in conversations to inspire friends. He used the lives lived by friends to inspire his poetry. He graduated for high school in 1996 and went on to get a degree as a Dental Hygienist from Tunxis University. During his college years he continued to add poems to his collection of work but had yet to perform any of them publicly.
In 2008, inspired by the rise of then presidential candidate Barack Obama, Davonne decided it was time to share his poems with the world. He describes his style as clean cut, eloquent, and writes in the spirit of love and inspiration. In the past 8 months his passion for spoken word has led him to perform AT The Russell Lounge, delivered multiple crowd pleasing performances at The Bushnell, a role in the socially conscious play 'Posthumous'. Recently, Davonne recited his poetry on Brad Davis' radio show for 100,000 listeners. His latest endeavor is converting his poems and ideas into love ballads and theater works. "In these times of hardship, people have an unquenchable thirst for Truth and Love."
Kenny Hamber
IBorn the oldest of five children on September 18, 1943, Kenny Hamber grew up on the east side of Baltimore Maryland. With the profound realization that he was gifted, Kenny started his singing at the age of ten years old at Weldon Baptist Church as lead male vocalist in the mass choir. He went on and started his music career with various Du-Wop Groups singing five part harmony.
Kenny has consistently delivered his outstanding vocal qualities to thousands of enthusiastic fans around the country. He has appeared with such performers as the Temptations, The Four Tops, James Brown, The Stylistics, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, The Manhattans, Blue Magic, Ray Goodman and Brown, Donna Allen, Shirley Murdock, Gladys Knight, Jerry Butler, The Platters and the late great Jackie Wilson. Kenny hosted his own TV show in Washington D.C. He received a lifetime achievement award for his spectacular contributions to the musical industry.
After rededicating his life to Christ and becoming a member of Phillips Metropolitan C.M.E church in Hartford, CT, Kenny has now embarked on a spiritual mission, traveling around the country, bringing glory to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with his outstanding gospel music with the same power and passion.
Honored with an incredible array of awards in his lifetime, Kenny has recently received the “Holla Back” 2008 Gospel Award, given by the gospel radio announcers of New England for the best male vocalist. He has appeared with the Gospel greats Kurt Carr, Rev. Shirley Caesar and The Blind Boys of Alabama. When singing with Shirley Caesar, she stated that he was headed for a great anointing.
Kenny Hamber is now recording for the gospel recording label Rose Petal Jewel Records. He has released his first gospel CD in April of 2007, entitled Truly Blessed. The single Falling In Love With Jesus was released in May of 2009.
Flyy Fitness Zumba Dance Party
flyyfitness@sbcglobal.net
Sister Anyango is currently the Founder of FLYY” Fitness…Freedom to Love the You in You… As a Dancer, Fitness Professional and Wholistic Health Consultant, it is her goal to offer “Whole Self”, “Soul-Blowing” experiences! These experiences include: A Cardio Dance Party/Zumba, BodyLove Strength and Conditioning as well as Soulful Core & Stretch!
Sistah Anyango is an experienced instructor with over thirty years in various dance mediums. She holds Group Exercise certifications from The Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and the American Aerobic Association International (AAAI). Additionally, Sistah Anyango is certified to teach Zumba; Zumba Gold; Mat Pilates; Powerflex.
Voices - Gospel
VOICES is a diverse group of individuals with one thing in common, “praising the Lord” through song. We specialize in contemporary and traditional gospel music. Our goal is to minister to all that will listen and receive the message. God has anointed our voices and has allowed us to lift his name through song at many venues. Some of which are the Office of Black Catholic Ministries Awards Program, Bloomfield, CT “Concerts on the Green,” the Annual Music from the African Diaspora Celebration at the Bushnell Memorial, Family Day in Keney Park, the Evelyn Preston Fund Summer Festival, The Kwanzaa Celebration and the Int. Festival of Arts & Ideas on the New Haven Green, and the American Cancer Society for their Annual Luminaria Program.
We also performed at the Black History Month Celebration for the Department of Public Safety by special request of the State Police Commissioner of CT and for GlORY AM Radio Station’s 1st Fund Raider. VOICES was voted “Group of the Month” in February ’07, by the Lift Every Voice and Sing Committee. Because of this honor, we performed at their Annual Gospel Festive in Bushnell Park. VOICES has also performed at many churches in and around Connecticut.
We were blessed to open for recording artists Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson and Kenny Hamber.
Our family includes the following members: Libby Gray, Al Harris, Sr., Ronnie Jenkins, Estella Lewis, Dawn McKinley, Mikki Ortiz, LaShawn Robinson, Linda Robinson, Angela Shropshire, Bobbie Shropshire, Jr. and Brittany Shropshire.
Contact & Booking Info:
Paula B. Gripes 1-860-478-3577
E-mail: miss_p_48@yahoo.com
Angela Shropshire 1-860-543-2870 |
