The release of the single "Tell Me Why" (Bruno on lead vocals) made music history for the group when they became the first girl group to have 7 back-to-back Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. "Your Baby Never Looked Good in Blue" (Jurado on lead vocals) and "Stop, Listen, Look & Think" (Curless on lead vocals) soon followed afterwards. Their continued success granted Exposé their first headlining tour and continued television appearances on Soul Train, The Pat Sajak Show and The Byron Allen Show, among others.

Exposé has survived through several changes to the group and now consists of the original group’s vocalists: Ann Curless, Gioia Bruno and Jeanette Jurado. Presented “In association with T-Best Talent Agency” . www.exposeonline.net

Grime, Silk & Thunder may serve as the ideal if intriguing title of Ultra Naté's new disc, but something along the lines of Resilience, Regal and Real could best describe her well-established position in pop and dance music.

Ever since Ultra released the internationally renowned deep house classic, "It's Over Now" with the esteemed Basement Boys in 1989, which led to her equally eminent debut album, Blue Notes in the Basement (Warner Bros., 1991), Ultra has been a perennial force in dance music, regardless of idiomatic styles. Considering the ephemeral nature of dance/electronica music (e.g. Hot today, gone tomorrow), Naté's endurance attests to her musical acumen.

She attributes solid songwriting and being a true artist, as opposed to an anonymous voice, to her longevity. "I'm a songwriter. I've written about 95 percent of my material," Naté explains. "In that music, there's a very specific personality that comes across, which really transcends the dance-floor moment and becomes a part of people's lives." Ultra's music not only "transcends the dance-floor moment," it traverses various styles. Next to her instantly recognizable husky voice, her sheer versatility serves as a high trump card. On Grime, Silk & Thunder, she covers the waterfront of pop, club and DJ culture, ranging from glittery, anthemic, crystal ball swirling gems like "Give It All You Got," "Star," and a revisited Naté classic "Scandal" to the technosoul of the Pointer Sisters cover "Automatic" and the bouncy, electro pop ode to her new son, Izaya with"Falling" to seductive, R&B-inflected midtempo joints like "Feel Love," "This House" and an inspired makeover of her breakthrough single, "It's Over Now." Ultra admirably channels early-'80s club reggae (think Sly & Robbie's work with Grace Jones and Gwen Guthrie) on "Love's the Only Drug" (which simultaneously alludes to the legendary Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte), "Lethal Shot" and "Slow Grind" then effortlessly channels vintage Philadelphia International soul with the Teddy Pendergrass' inspired "Getaway."

When asked about the new disc's provocative title, Ultra again illustrates her enormous musical swath by mentioning the heroic '90s grunge band Nirvana. "The idea came from a Rolling Stone magazine article about Nirvana's first record," she says. "They said Nevermind was a great mix of grime, silk and thunder. That's a real cool concept of what a record should really be about. In relationship to me, it had an elemental feeling, kind of like earth, wind and fire but in an edgier form."

Naté's edgy artistry at once recalls the fierceness of Grace Jones, the sensuality of Donna Summer and the riot girl soulfulness of Nona Hendryx. Adding more ammunition to Ultra, the singer, songwriter and producer, is being a DJ. She's been manning DJ booths for about five years and has secured DJ-ing gigs in Australia, Montreal, Brazil and France.

1991's Blue Notes in the Basement kicked off Naté's career as an artist who could deliver albums as opposed to a string of singles. Songs like "Deeper Love" and "Rejoicing" became instant DJ staples. Her follow-up Warner Bros. album, One Woman's Insanity (1994) also garnered critical praise, thanks to its club smashes, "How Long" "Joy" and "Show Me." Ultra's following two albums, Situation Critical (1998) and Stranger Than Fiction (2001) were released on the venerable Strictly Rhythm label, both of which solidified her reputation as an enduring songstress and a platinum selling artist with radio, video and club favorites such as, the now-classic "Free," "Found A Cure", "Desire", "Twisted" and "Divine Love." Contributions to films such as the cult mainstay "Party Girl" (Ultra wrote and performed its title theme) and Ô54' (Ultra along with Amber and Jocelyn Enriquez ushered in the soundtrack's hit single "If You Could Read My Mind" ) continue to endear fans around the globe.

The sparkling Grime, Silk & Thunder, Naté's fifth album, amounts to another benchmark in that its released, in partnership with Tommy Boy Records, on her own boutique imprint, Blufire. In an era of 15-minute divas, the album is an apt and passionate portrait of a remarkable, versatile singer, songwriter, producer, who's survived the cutthroat music business by being resilient, regal and real. Presented “In association with T-Best Talent Agency www.ultranate.com

She’s been singing and dancing since she could talk and walk. But Michaels’ career launched into new orbit in 2006, following her official “Coming Out” party at the House of Blues’ Club Worship in Atlantic City. It was a House of Blues first, and a turning point for Michaels in her evolution to in-demand solo artist and nationwide headliner with her head-turning Me & The Girls shows. By the summer of 2007, she was signing on to record with a new label –- and the songs haven’t stopped coming to her ever since.

In a time when coming out has evolved from something equated with fear to something much more about freedom, Michaels has freed her artistic soul to deliver “Living My Life Out Loud.” It is a testament to, above all else, her love of the song – whether that means writing, arranging and performing the vocals (lead and backgrounds), showcasing her talents on the piano/keys, or overseeing production with the best in the business to leave listeners breathless.

As fans will note in her “Meet Me at the Partay” track, Ms. Michaels has been dubbed “diva” – as in “The Dyke Diva” – in part because of her command of any venue, in part because she is the whole package. To quote GO! Magazine, she is “a new Renaissance woman” –- a powerful singer/songwriter, a musician of the first order, and the star and choreographer of her “Me & The Girls” song and dance act. The fans of NFL, NHL, NBA, and WNBA franchises know Michaels for her chill-rendering delivery of the National Anthem, as well as producing, directing, and wowing crowds in her pre-game and half-time performances. Countless couples know Michael's for “Unconditionally,” her love song sung at many a gay wedding. And club audiences know her for being (in the words of Philadelphia Gay News) “smokin’ sexy” in her steamy Me & The Girls hit show.

Since her Coming Out in March of 2006, Michaels has taken Me & The Girls to venues including a Ladies Rock concert in Philadelphia, opening engagements for the Village People and Ashford & Simpson, a headliner performance for Showtime and the Human Rights Campaign at the New York City 2008 L Word Premiere Party, a Sing Out for AIDS special guest performance with Betty (of Showtime’s L Word), and Pride events from New York all the way to California.

Michaels grew up in the small town of Fairview, New Jersey. Her professional training began in her youth at Broadway Dance Center in New York City. She later graduated from New York University with a pre-law degree. She is the founder and president of the non-profit organization, Reach Out, Inc. and is an honorary board member of the Joey Dipaolo AIDS Foundation. For more on Lori Michaels, go to www.lorimichaelsproductions.com.

Afeelya Bunz - My name is Rich Z. also known in the community as Afeelya Bunz.  I am orginially from Yuma, Az and have lived in Phoenix for 12 years.  I have been performing for the community for over 6 years.  Within this time, I have held 3 titles,  Miss Gay Coppercity America 2005, Miss Gay Phoenix America 2206/2007 and now Miss Gay Phoenix Pride 2008.  I originally started performing in fundraisers show, during this time I realize how much fun it was and how good it felt helping out the community.  As Miss Gay Phx,  I  realize how wonderful our community was and how much they are willing to help each other.  So when I ran for the title of Miss Gay Pride, I knew from the bottom of my heart, that I would continue to raise money for the community and also be available to help other with the same mission.
 
I would like to say thank you to my family, friends, the community of Phoenix and especially TEAM BUNZ for supporting me and helping me get to where I am today.  May we continue to grow stronger as a community and help each other, because we all fight the same battle.

Orgena Rose is an inspirational singer/songwriter, recording artist, actor and vocal coach who travels around the country giving concerts and leading vocal workshops and sharing her gifts of song, drama and dance.

An accomplished professional singer and actor, Orgena has performed in Ragtime on Broadway, Porgy and Bess at Carnegie Hall, appeared on Rosie O'Donnell, the Tony Awards, the Today show, in two PBS specials , The Making of Ragtime and in the Denyce Graves Special, Breaking All the Rules with Patti Labelle.  She has also toured nationally and internationally and has appeared in numerous commercials, industrials, in the BBC Docudrama, Pandemic and the feature film, Snappers.

Her new CD, It's All About Love, is a collection of original songs that will inspire the heart, lift the spirit and heal the soul. For more information visit www.orgenarose.com.

Orgena is an incredibly versatile artist who is comfortable with a wide range of musical genres. In addition to having performed in operas such as Charlotte in Opera Delaware's production of Charlotte's Web, Barbarina in Le Nozze di Figaro with the Pennsylvania Opera Theatre and Despina in Cosi Fan Tutte, Orgena has also been a featured soprano soloist in concert in many world premieres with the Ocean City Pops, the New York Pops, New Jersey Symphony, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. She has performed jazz, gospel, and musical theatre at venues such as NJPAC, YPAC in Toronto, Canada, Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, Russia and Carnegie Hall with Maestro Skitch Henderson and Ricardo Muti.  

Orgena also has an extensive background as an Arts Educator  and vocal coach. In addition to having been the Executive Director for the Phoenix Children?s Chorus, Orgena has been a vocal, dance, and drama teacher as well as a music director and director for over 12 years at schools and organizations such as the Westminster Conservatory of Music, Mercer County Performing Arts HS, Arizona Theatre Company and currently, the Arizona School for the Arts as an Artist in Residence for the Phoenix Theatre. She excels in helping people of varying levels and ability to "find their voice."  This is the phrase that all of her students have used in describing their experience with Orgena's supportive teaching. Orgena's educational background includes the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and the Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ.

Jason Brock is primarily known as a vocalist, but is also a songwriter. He is the current Arizona Gay Idol and can be seen singing and acting regularly in Tucson, AZ. Jason gets his inspiration from Gospel, Jazz, R&B, and Folk. He has placed highly in several national music competitions, and will be releasing a cd later this year.

SUNDAY (Schedule)

Sheena Easton, whose career has spanned the last 25 years, was born in Bellshill, Scotland, the youngest of six children. Her early musical influences were Motown, Barbra Streisand, rock and 70's soul. Her recording career has included Gold and Platinum albums in the United States, Europe and Asia. She has received two Grammys, and was the first artist to have top five records on five Billboard's charts. In addition to her recording success, Sheena is a top concert attraction around the world, having performed in the U.S., United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore and Taipei, her last album in Japan "My Cherie? Was a number one hit.
 
Sheena's acting credits include a five-episode appearance on Miami Vice, a co-starring role opposite Stacy Keach in a John Carpenter-directed trilogy for Showtime titled "Body Bags," and as a guest star in the cult syndicated series "The Highlander," as well as a starring role in UPN's "Ghost Stories," other guest roles have included "Brisco County" and Tech Wars," as well as a starring role in Showtime's "Outer Limits." At present Sheena is appearing as a regular on the PAX TV show "Young Blades" which starts airing in February 2005. During 2004 Sheena and Brian McKnight hosted a talk show originating in Las Vegas, she especially enjoy this area of performance.
 
On Broadway Sheena starred as (Aldonza/Dulcinea) in "Man of La Mancha" opposite the late Raul Julia's "Don Quixote." Through out its year run the play remained one of the tope five grossing hits at the box office. She also starred on Broadway in the hit musical "Grease" as Rizzo. Animation has been a very enjoyable part of Sheena's career; she has appeared in the Warner Bros feature "All Dogs Go to Heaven" as the voice of Sasha, the Irish setter. Sheena's leading man - make that dog - is Charlie Sheen. She then reprised her role in the series of "All Dogs Go to Heaven" as well as lending her voice to the "Road Rovers" series for Warner Bros. In addition she can be heard in several recurring roles in the Disney hit series "Gargoyles."
 
Sheena has been busy with frequent appearances in Las Vegas where she has been a major attraction for the last decade, and was recently inducted into the Las Vegas Hall Of Fame. Presented in association with T-Best Talent Agency. If you’re not familiar with Sheena Easton and her music, check it out here www.sheenaeaston.com

Kat DeLuna Look no further, this summer's main course has been cooked up and a fiery young newcomer named Kat DeLuna has served it. "Whine Up" featuring Elephant Man is not only a SMASH, it's a DANCE, and it's soon to be a global MOVEMENT. Led by the 19-year-old star-on-the-rise, Kat's debut album 9 Lives is sure to have chart-topping release late this summer.

To say Kat DeLuna is a crossover artist would be an understatement. DeLuna's musical training is as unique as her sound, learning how to sing Opera at a very early age. Her sound is a colorful canvas of strokes blending Hip Hop, R&B, Merengue, Pop, Latin Jazz, and Electronica and Dance; the bi-lingual songstress does it all. At the young age of 19, Kat has some of music's biggest names in entertainment singing her praise; with supporters ranging from R&B superstar R.Kelly, who has called her a "prodigy" to the famous Salvadorian singer Alvaro Torres, referring to her as "the new Selena". This quadruple threat artist not only has the complete package but also embodies the girl next-door attitude that helps her effortlessly connect with her audience.

Despite her success, things haven't always come easy for the artist. Born in the Bronx, Kat was raised in the Dominican Republic, where by age four, friends and family had already recognized her talent. At age 9, shortly after she and her family relocated back to the states - this time to the coarse streets of Newark, New Jersey - she used her parents divorce as inspiration to pen her first song titled "Estoy Triste" (I Am Sad). "In the song, I'm telling my mom how I feel about the situation and I'm asking her not to cry for my daddy," explains Kat.

Though Kat and her sisters found themselves forced to beg their neighbors for food after their father split, their financial situation prompted the level-headed pre-teen to stay in school and work harder to "make it". She started to perform at local carnivals, sharing stages with such known Latino acts like Milly Quezada and Marc Anthony. In her free time, Kat studied Aretha Franklin and Billie Holiday records, which she imitated daily on her karaoke machine. “In association with T-Best Talent Agency www.katdeluna.com

The extraordinarily talented Cheril Vendetti began her professional career when she was ten years old when her parent’s pizzeria burned down under suspicious circumstances. “Everyone was so upset, I started telling jokes.” From that day on, she knew that burnt pizza and laughter were a winning combination.

She is a seasoned and much sought after comedienne on America’s comedy circuit, where her bookings keep her on the road a good portion of the year. When in Los Angeles, she is a regular at The World Famous Comedy Store in Hollywood, and recently appeared in The Main Room – a documentary about the club. She received a Clio Award for playing, what else, but an Italian cook in a Foster Farms commercial, and has appeared on HBO’s Real Sex (thankfully, fully clothed). She earned praise for her appearance at NATPE Pitch Me Competition, where Newsweek, said, “Anyone that can make Judge Judy look tame deserves her own show.” It was on the stage at NATPE where talent agent David Tenzer of CAA began to represent Miss Vendetti and her cooking show “I Got Your Recipes… Right Here!! It was also on that stage where Emmy nominated producer Roy Rede and Christopher Lawrence from Resonant Media fell in love with her talent and created two TV Pilots, “The Queen of New Jersey” and “Queen of the Road.” Miss Vendetti has just completed a comical cookbook, “Mistress of the Mob Cuisine.”

There are two types of comics – people who work the audience and people who do their script. And then there’s Cheril Vendetti - one of the few to do both so effortlessly that the only thing that remains the same in two of her shows is that they are both hysterical. Brassy and sassy, this is one comic working without a net and she never falls. Her voluptuous showgirl persona, feathers, boas, and a wild mane that not even Siegfried and Roy could tame, has earned her a devoted following. “I think I was a tripper in a past life, only this time I came back a little chubbier.” Taking her lead from the likes of Totie Fields, Rusty Warren, and John Gotti (to name a few), Miss Vendetti is homey and outrageous. Like an old friend from the Bronx, she is warm, natural, and at ease – with just a hint of coarseness.

Ira Levi - One of the first vocalists signed to legendary mega-dance label Strictly Rhythm/WEA in the 90's, singer songwriter Ira Levi is one of the first Dance artists to cross over and to be signed by a major label. His Billboard singles include "Free Your Mind" and "We Came To Work It Out" . In 2007, he released an incredible cover of the Eurythmics' classic "Sweet Dreams" and  the smash "Let The Children Dance"  (First heard exclusively in ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH stores woldwide).

2008 marks a return to Ira's R&B and Gospel roots as he appears as"Matt Kojak" in the hilarious stage play "Why Won't He Love Me Forever?". He is also preparing for the release of a companion book to "Let The Children Dance!". The single was inspired by his efforts to get 'Scharod's Law" passed in 2004.(' Scharod's Law' is a city ordinance named for a murdered SF teen and was created to protect young people at social events). The book details the struggle to get the law passed and how the experience led to the hit single. Known for catchy hooks,inspirational lyrics and powerful live performances, Ira remains one of Dance/R&B's most sought- after festival and concert artists.

Lakeside Stage (Schedule)

Showcasing the talent from around our own community with a variety of artists to keep you entertained all day long both days like: Off Chute Too Summer Wear Fashion Show at 4:00 on both days! Claudia B Miss Gay Pride 2008 Afeelya Bunz Barbara Seville Devina Sisterzz Twisted Drag Troupe Belly dancing vocalists and a cast of thousands!

PRIDE SALOON (Schedule)

Tamara Marks - The journey evolved from her first performance in a grade school musical in Waynesburg, Ohio and in 2006 came full circle in Nashville, where she recorded her self-titled CD, “Tamara Marks”

Tamara draws upon a variety of musical experiences, ranging from singing in the church choir, the varsity chorus and playing the tenor saxophone in her high school marching band. While pursuing her degree in theater performance and management, she was active in college and community theatrical productions.

It was not until she moved to Michigan in the early 90’s that she was encouraged to sing as a solo performer. And sing she did…winning many vocal awards in the Detroit area. By 1994 she had begun entertaining at fundraising events; charitable benefits which have included Pediatric AIDS, Breast Cancer, and Domestic Abuse of Children, and awareness for homeless “street Kids” to name a few.

Tamara headed west in 1999, making her home in rural Nebraska. It was in Omaha where her dream of recording a CD became a reality. Tamara met Nashville recording artist, Steff Mahan, when both were performing at a charity event. Steff offered her help in producing a CD and a local production company agreed to sponsor her.

Soon the girl from Ohio was on her way to Nashville to record her debut CD! Using a fascinating blend of soft rock, country, and a touch of blues, exploring both the familiar “oldies” and new songs previously unreleased. A singer who demonstrates a powerful range of emotions, Tamara offers a musical experience her listeners will savor. Take a few minutes to check out her musicwww.tamaramarks.com and we’re sure you’ll want to drop by the Saloon to catch her act!

Also at the Pride Saloon...

DJ Marque will keep everyone two-steppin both days. Travis will be teachin’ country line dances too.

Other featured performers throughout the weekend:

• AGRA Rioyalty Team
  
• Mr. IGRA 2008 Gary Rushton from AGRA
  
• Miss IGRA 2008 Janet Jenkins (aka James Jenkins) from Colorado Gay Rodeo Assn.
  
  

BISTRO STAGE (Schedule)

A variety of vocal and acoustic acts providing a more quiet, relaxing bistro, coffeehouse atmosphere. Sit and enjoy a meal or your drink of choice in the shade of the expanded and fully covered Bistro area. SATURDAY 1:00 - 1:30 Marc Pedraza 1:30 - 2:00 Lindsay Owen 2:00 - 2:30 Becky & Theresa Witter 2:30-3:00 Tina Bailey 3:00 - 3:45 Kerry Land 3:45 - 4:15 Laura Sawosko 4:15 - 5:00 Amber Norgaard 5:00 - 5:30 Ritchie Rhinehardt 5:30 - 6:15 Meridith Moore & Mikel Lander 6:15 - 6:45 Carey Slade 6:45 - 7:15 Angie Evans 7:15 - 8:00 Deb Hunseder SUNDAY 1:00 - 1:30 Kenny Thames with Lila Sherman 1:30- 2:00 Lauren Winston 2:00 - 2:45 Kirsten Cuzick with Rick Lindroos 2:45 - 3:15 Audrey Hicks Duo 3:15 - 3:45 Tom Goss 3:45 - 4:15 Kathleen King 4:15 - 5:00 Mary Godfrey 5:00 - 5:45 Gail Revilla 6:00 - 6:45 Eric Himan 6:45 - 7:15 Earleen Wynn 7:15 - 8:00 Candace Aragon For more on the performers visit www.members.cox.net/dabdesign/Bistro_Stage.html

DANCE PAVILION (Schedule)

High-energy dance music spun by Arizona DJs all weekend long. Various music styles on both days.

SATURDAY
12:00-3:00 DJ Q (Tucson)  www.myspace.com/qthedj 
3:00-4:00 DJ Spyder www.myspace.com/cosmicsea
4:00 Amber Dirks of Power2Move www.myspace.com/power2move
4:00 Clint Crisher - www.myspace.com/crishermusic
4:00-6:00 DJ Juan Rocha www.Myspace.com/djJuanRocha
6:00-9:00 DJ Jeremy  www.djjeremy.com / www.myspace.com/djjeremymartorano
  

SUNDAY
12:00-3:00 DJ Jeremy  www.djjeremy.com / www.myspace.com/djjeremymartorano
3:00-6:00 DJ Domenica  www.djdomenica.com / www.myspace.com/djdomenica
6:00-9:00 Closing T Dance with The Wondertwins (Joey & PJ)

DJ – Event Producer
Quinton "DJ QnTesyntial" Jenkins

“Music to me is the language of Angels, the one communication which connects us beyond ourselves”.

A DJ for over eighteen years, Quinton got his start in Phoenix, Arizona. Playing alongside notables Marcus “the slice” Schultz, Eddie Amador, Kevin Brown and Jamie J. Sanchez, Quinton quickly gained a loyal mainstream and LGBT following with his self produced, sold out dance events, “Club Blackout” and “Ascension” in Sedona and Flagstaff, AZ.

Quinton has built a diverse musical record that he considers “an amazing and spiritual gift”, with DJ residencies and special appearances in Vancouver, BC; Sedona, Arizona; Lansing, Michigan;  Tucson, Arizona; Las Vegas, NV; Los Angeles, California, Santorini, Greece, Barcelona, Spain and Paris, France.

His inventive range and entertainment evolution also are documented by remix projects for musical legend Connie Francis (Where the Boys Are 2005), R&B artist Cleer, White Label, Pride Festivals every year since 1998 in Lansing, MI as well Phoenix and Tucson, AZ., and fundraising productions for local, regional and national organizations.

Past and present clients include celebrities as wide ranging as former President William Jefferson Clinton and then first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton; fashion designers Paloma Picasso, Bob Mackie, Zondra Rhodes; Tommy Hilfiger and Alexander Julian; shoe designers Joan and David Helpern; Hollywood dance icon Cyd Cherise; comedy classics Rip Taylor; Phyllis Diller and singer/songwriter Jackson Browne.

Quinton’s work has also earned the praise and respect of dance music notables Grace Jones, Sylvester, Jennifer Holiday, The Village People, Martha Wash, Viola Wills, Debbie and Joanne Sledge, Erin Hamilton, Ce Ce Peniston, Peppa Mashay, Pat Hodges, Robin S., Kristine W. and Inaya Day.

dj Domenica
Spinning a Global-fusion blend of music.
www.djdomenica.com
www.myspace.com/djdomenica
 
I was born in Brooklyn, NY on November 6th, and lived in different cities of Suffolk County, Long Island until 1987, when I moved out west.
 
I AM a true scorpio (and proud of it) and among the many traits associated with this sign is Intense Passion. I am an extremely passionate person about many things, music being one of those things and I knew that music would always be a part of my life.
 
When I went out clubbing, I was always infatuated with the DJ's. As I danced, I would listen. When I had my chance, I would watch the DJ in action. When I moved to Phoenix, AZ, I worked in a nightclub, Talk of the Town (presently known today as zGirl Club), in 1988 as a waitress, but I really wanted to be a DJ, but I had no experience, just the passion.
 
With some inspiration and guidance from another DJ and with the luck of a former DJ walking out on a Saturday night, I was called by the owner to fill the position.
 
And as they say... the rest is history.
 

Jeremy Martorano
Billboard / Mixshow Reporting DJ
www.djjeremy.com 

17 Years DJ Experience (Top40, Hip Hop, Latin, House, Tribal, Trance, Progressive, Weddings, Mitzvahs, Corporate)

Voted Best DJ by Echo Magazine Readers 4 out of the last 6 years (2001, 2003, 2005, & 2006)

Billboard Reporting DJ

Nationally syndicated radio mixshow: WBZC (NJ), Sirius & iPartyRadio.com (Intl)
Past mixshows: 104.7 KISS FM, 92.7 Energy AZ, 103 Jamz WOWI (VA), & WBVS (Chicago)

DMA (Dance Music Authority) Featured Music Reviewer

Hot 100 Mixshow DJ Reporter (National Chart)

Nationally Touring Club DJ (Seattle, Louisville, Miami, Orlando, Norfolk, Las Vegas & more)

Corporate Clients include Tommy Hilfiger, GE Healthcare, Mary Kay, AZ Heart Walk, Special Olympics, National Kidney Foundation, AOL & more

Marketing & Promotions Director for Hot Mix 5 Records, Red Wallet Records, iPartyRadio.com

Managed / Promoted four top 5 Billboard Charting Dance Artists

AMBER DIRKS

Vocal powerhouse AMBER DIRKS was born in Holland and raised in New York City. While still in her teens, AMBER decided to leave the bright lights of New York City and head out west in search of fame and fortune. It wasn’t long before her strong, “rip the roof off” vocal style whisked her through the door and the professional singing career she had always dreamed of had finally begun.

AMBER’S cross-country gamble paid off in the studios of Phoenix and Los Angeles, where she quickly began working for several hit-making producers including Richard Shear (Stephanie Mills, Brenda K. Starr) and Nick Trevesick (5 Star). Her considerable vocal skills impressed producers and remix masters R.K. Jackson (CeCe Peniston) and Marcus Schulz, who eagerly recruited AMBER as the vocalist on the Plastik Records release "Do You Want Me". AMBER was also a featured vocalist on Motown recording artist Eddie Minninfield's Christmas album.

AMBER has provided backing vocals for an array of notable entertainers including Roberta Flack, KC & The Sunshine Band and A&M recording artist Malaika. As a Guest Vocalist of the classic group Sister Sledge, AMBER has traveled extensively in the US and abroad, performing in front of tens of thousands of adoring fans. With Sister Sledge, AMBER has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with some of the music industry’s premiere recording artists including Gladys Knight, Michael Bublé, Destiny’s Child, Macy Gray, Martha Wash (C&C Music Factory & The Weather Girls) and Chic. AMBER'S musical experience also includes a lengthy tour of South America with Latin recording sensation Raphael. With Sister Sledge, AMBER appeared at the "Disco Fever to Race to Erase MS 2006" and along with superstar Natalie Cole, helped kick off the Grand Finale, "Lean On Me". After hearing AMBER lead off the second verse, industry legend David Foster singled out AMBER'S voice for praise.

AMBER has also appeared on BET, VH1 and has sung the National Anthem at numerous major televised sporting events. Her exotic blend of talent and beauty won her a spot as a former Miss Black USA finalist representing the state of Arizona.

Some of AMBER’S earliest influences growing up were the soulful stylings of strong female artists including Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, Toni Braxton, Etta James, Chaka Khan and Aretha Franklin.

AMBER is currently recording with dynamic hitmaster Electrik Pulse (aka Themi Charalambous). Together they have formed the group www.myspace.com/power2move. Power 2 Move and are collaborating on material for a full length album. AMBER has also contributed vocals on upcoming projects by artists including Heathrow Project and Joni Sledge (Sister Sledge), and on a remake of the mid-90’s dance hit “Sweet Dreams” by LaBouche. AMBER’S strong, smoky vocals on Sweet Dreams 2007, on the German-based Fahrenheit-Music, bring a new 21st century flavor to the classic dance track.

AMBER continues to prove without a doubt that with a combination of talent, drive and determination, sweet dreams really do come true.