Sara Klotz de Aguilar, pianist and vocalist has been performing 1920s jazz, blues and swing in the Bay Area since 1987 as a soloist and bandleader of "Sara and Swingtime". She is a regular attraction at vintage-themed festivals such as the Ahwahnee Heritage Holidays in Yosemite and the Queen Mary Art Deco Weekend.
She also is a nationally known expert on the fashions of the 20s and 30s. Sara would like to dedicate her performances in the Aids Lifecycle concerts to the memory of Mark Jones, Couturier. Sara's Web Site

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Marcie Brown, has a Master's Degree from the Manhattan School of Music. She has a Master's Degree in progress from the University of Massachusetts in improvisation and composition. Ms. Brown's most recent performance posts were with the Cirque du Soleil from 2002-2004 and with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra in 2005. She has performed with many fine artists such as Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie, Andreas Bocelli and Luciano Pavaratti. She currently lives in Alameda and plays with her new group AGAVE!, a guitar and strings ensemble, and with Ramana Vieira and her Portugese Fado Ensemble.
Marcie's Web Site & Home Page.

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Isabelle Brown-Lyden is 6 years old and has been playing the cello for a year and a half. She has performed for art openings, benefit concerts and retirement homes in the Bay Area. For the most part, she studies with her mom, playing fun games such as cello bingo and cello hot potato in her lessons.

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Carlo Antonio Delconte, tenor is originally from New York, this 27 year old Actor, Singer, Dancer has been living in the SF Bay Area for the past 8 years, during which time he has starred in numerous productions across the bay, including 2 separate productions of "West Side Story," both in SF as Tony, and in Hayward as Bernardo, playing the famous Matt from the 2nd longest running show "the Fantastiks," and numerous other roles, including the life reenactment of the famous blind Spanish composer, Joaquin Rodrigo, for a production at Santa Clara University. As a result, he was twice nominated for the Irene Ryan acting award, and presently, sings Tenor II with the SF Bay Area Chamber Choir. He is currently studying at Novus University Law School with the hopes of one day practicing civil rights defense. Carlo will be accompanied by Valdez Hill for all concert dates.

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Bob Fowler has been an active musician since age 9, when he began singing in the youth choir at Christ Episcopal Church in Los Altos. Piano lessons followed soon after. He received a B.S. in Mathematics from Harvey Mudd College in 1971. Bob has played numerous piano recitals and has accompanied hundreds of vocal and instrumental soloists, choruses and other pianists. He has created dozens of translation and pronunciation guides for choruses, based on the International Phonetic Alphabet.
Bob is the composer of several original pieces for solo voice and chorus. He currently pays his rent by programming computers. His other interests include Astronomy, Astrology, Mathematics, Calendars, Nutritional Health, DNA, Space Pictures, and The Future. Bob is generously donating his talents to AIDS/Lifecycle and the SF AIDS Foundation. Bob will be accompanying Steve Wedgwoodand Debra Golata for several perfomances.

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Wendy Frado is a graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music, has toured the U.S. and Europe professionally in various productions and is a new resident of the Bay Area."

Andrew Sherman is a graduate of the Ohio State University's Theatre program, has sung professionally in the U.S. and Europe, and with his partner Wendy is happy to be settling down in the Bay Area.

Wendy and Andrew are Duet partners and regularly performer together.

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Debra Goleta, Mezzo-Soprano resides in the Bay Area. Her vocal performance experience includes solo recitals, opera, musicals, and professional choral singing. She sings with the Philharmonic Baroque Orchestra Chorale and has concretized throughout the United States and Mexico with classical guitarist Jon Harris. She recorded songs about Bay Area women artists featured in the book “Aging Artfully.” She is currently the organist and music director at Northbrae Community Church in Berkeley and teaches private voice and piano as well as music at St. Perpetual School in Lafayette. She has been accompanist and vocal coach for the Berkeley Community Chorus. Debra will also do a duet with Jacqueline Andersen, Soprano at Northbrea Community Church.

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Wanda Goree, gospel singer is a native of Texas, is a member of Beth Eden Baptist Church. Wanda loves to sing the praises of the Lord, so it was no surprise that she joined the Joyful Sound Choir, under Director Rev. Wendell Ferguson and earned soloist status with the choir. She has performed with the choir in Napa Valley events, for President Clinton at Jack London Square and at the Paramount Theater for Best Choir Awards. She has been a guest soloist at the NAACP Presentation Banquet for the Business and Professional Women’s Auxiliary of North Oakland Baptist Church, various programs, and other special events. She has sung with such artists as Mr. Neva Jackson and Mr. Trent Morante. Ms Goree loves her family, church and the community. She would like to mention her pastor, Dr. Gillette O. James and first Lady, Dr. Rosa James, for their support through the years.

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Morris LeGrande from Oakland, California has been a staple on the Bay Area music scene for more than 25 years. After spending time as a back up musician for Bay area legends Lenny Williams, Edwin Hawkins and The Gospel Hummingbirds, the time has come for LeGrande to stand in front of the band.
Melodic soulful guitar along with butter smooth vocals are at the center of Morris LeGrande's sophomore effort, One For The Road. A smooth jazz album that immerses the listener in memorable yet toe tapping grooves, is destined to be a fan favorite whether you are in the peak of the commute, at the beach, dinner for two, or at a picnic in the park.

One For The Road is full of great instrumentation that wraps around the melodies of the songs, creating hooks that leave you humming and whistling all day. The production is alive with just the right amount of percussion sprinkled in for a musical balance that compliments LeGrande's guitar work. Whether it is one of LeGrande's trademark solos, or his funky melody lines, there is a groove factor that is simply undeniable. One For The Road is an album that was created for the road. It will at times have you wanting to shake it up a little, at times make you introspective, but it will always have you grooving.

Morris LeGrande will be performing at Northbrae Community Church
Morris LeGrande Website & Homepage

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Gemini Soul (Andrè Ajamu Akinyele - bass & programming; Jon O'Bergh - piano, keyboards & programming; Andrew Foster - percussion; and Alex Marks - drums) originating from the San Francisco bay area are known for their eclectic blend of jazz/funk fusion with an electronic element known as "Cyber Jazz." Andre Ajamu Akinyele and Jon O'Bergh joined forces in 2005 with the release of "A Cyber Jazz Holiday;" Gemini Soul was born fusing jazz and funk fusion for a new generation. Two years later on January 9, 2007, Gemini Soul released their second offering "Liquid Soul," which features 13 tracks of new original music, plus favorite standards. In late January 2007, Gemini Soul added Andrew Foster on percussion and Alex Marks on drums in early June 2007. With the success of "Liquid Soul," on July 25, 2007, the world witnessed Gemini Soul's third release "Live : The Liquid Soul Tour," which captured Gemini Soul doing what they do best, performing live. In conjunction with the CD, Gemini Soul launched and headlined their own mini west coast tour taking them from Phoenix, AZ to Portland. Gemini Soul have since produced and recorded their fourth cyber jazz CD titled, "The Nefertiti Xperience," which is a blend of jazz/funk fusion influenced by Herbie Hancock's critically acclaimed funk fusion album Head Hunters and bassist MeShell Ndegeocello. Although Gemini Soul continues to be influenced by other artists such as the smooth sounds of Sade, the funkiness of bassists Marcus Miller and Stanley Clarke, the funk fusion of jazz legend Herbie Hancock and the pop/funk/jazz fusion of Miles Davis; "The Nefertiti Xperience" will guarantee that Gemini Soul is about to start a new jazz revolution in the music industry. "The Nefertiti Xperience" is now available at Amazon, CD Baby, iTunes and various major online retailers as of February 25, 2008. Gemini Soul's music has been featured on the hit television shows Girlfriends, The Tony Danza Show, and Entertainment Tonight. They also performed on the morning television show Sacramento & Co. (ABC affiliate KXTV) and various radio shows. Gemini Soul was a "Featured Artist" in the September/October 2007 issue of Abyss Jazz Magazine, one of the jazz industry's premiere publications. Gemini Soul had the opportunity to open for legendary Latin/Jazz percussionist Pete Escovedo at the 2007 San Jose Juneteenth Festival. Pete Escovedo said, "Ajamu is one FUNKY bass player!" Gemini Soul headlined their own west coast tour from September to November 2007 playing in some of the country's most prestigious jazz and club venues such as Catalina Jazz Club, Hollywood, CA; The Knitting Factory; Hollywood, CA; The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano; The Rhythm Room, Phoenix, AZ; Kuumbwa Jazz, Santa Cruz, CA and many others.

Gemini Soul will be performing at Northbrae Community Church and St. Timothy's Eposical Church
Website & Homepage

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Yolanda Harden, dramatic Soprano made her professional debut in 1992, appearing as Senta in a concert version of Wagner's Der fliegendeHolländer, sponsored by the Wagner Society of Northern California. Her performance was dubbed "a sympathetic Senta whose ringing soprano soared through the music with ease." Following her operatic debut, the soprano continued her exploration of the Wagnerian repertoire, performing the role of Brünnhilde in The Tale of the Wälsungs (an adaptation of Wagner's Die Walküre).

The following year, Miss Harden made her symphonic debut in a performance of Vivaldi's Magnificat in G Minor with the Solano Symphony. A native of San Francisco and graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, Miss Harden has performed extensively throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and has been heard in many cities across the United States, Germany, and West Africa, performing selections from Aïda, Manon Lescaut, Turandot, Otello, Cavalleria rusticana, Suor Angelica, Lohengrin, Amahl and the Night Visitors. Although she focuses on operatic literature, the soprano relishes every opportunity to share with others her passion for Negro spirituals.

Miss Harden has been featured on radio broadcasts such as A Salute to the Joy of Making Music and has received awards and recognition from the California Music Educators Association, the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and the National Association of Negro Musicians. Yolanda will be accompanied by Valdez Hill at St. Dominic's Catholic Church.

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Camille Hudson, gospel singer is a native of San Francisco, has been singing since the age of five. Camille is well known for her ministry as a gifted and anointed soloist. She is a vocal coach and mentor. She recently released her debut CD, entitled "God Has A Plan." Camille has performed in many of the major performing arts venues in the Bay Area, including the War Memorial Opera House, Herbst Theater, Davies Symphony Hall, and the Paramount Theater.
Camille has performed as the Bride in "The Brawling Bride" at the Bayview Opera House, and as Tessie in "Jubilee" at the Novato Hamilton Amphitheater. Camille was nominated as "Soloist of the Year" at the 1999 Gospel Academy Awards. Camille's Home Page

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The Jazz*City Singers were formed as a part of the Piedmont Adult School in 1998. Joe Piazza led the group for five years, then turned it over to the current director, Don W. Howe. Under Mr. Howe's direction, the Singers have blossomed into one of the Bay Area's better amateur choruses, specializing in Swing Era standards, in increasingly sophisticated arrangements. They are now adding original arrangements by the Manhattan Transfer and NY Voices. The members represent many walks of life, from schoolteacher to lawyer.

Don W. Howe, Director, Jazz*City Singers has been a professional trombonist since his college days at Indiana University. He toured with Henry Mancini, Andy Williams, Johnny Mathis, the Carpenters, Sammy Davis Jr., and more, before moving to the West Coast in 1973. In the Bay Area, he has performed with the SF Symphony, SF Opera, SF Ballet, and all of the junior symphonies in the region. An extremely versatile musician, he has also played Broadway shows at the Curran Theater, and with most of the top jazz bands in the area. Prior to taking the helm at JCS, he sang with the Pacific Mozart Ensemble and the Berkeley Chamber Singers. He is a prolific arranger and composer as well. Coaching, teaching, and writing are now his primary occupations, though performance still plays an important role.

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Larry Marietta, Conductor, Music Program Director at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, Artistic Director/Conductor of the San Francisco City Chorus, Resident Conductor of the California Chamber Symphony and Accompanist for the Bay Area Professional Singers' Forum. An active Bay Area conductor, accompanist, and vocal coach, he serves on the faculties of Contra Costa Community College and The Crowden School. He has appeared as a featured piano accompanist for such distinguished singers as Renée Fleming, Arleen Auger and John Shirley-Quirk, the Pittsburgh Symphony Pops with Marvin Hamlisch, the Metropolitan Young Artists Program, the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Pittsburgh Ballet and the Manhattan Opera Company. His recent Bay Area conducting performances include the Requiems of Verdi, Mozart, Brahms, Handel's Messiah, and Vaughan Williams Serenade to Music among others.

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Alex Lee started Viola lessons at the age of 9 and currently studies with Mrs. Madeline Prager. Two years ago his love of music led him to start piano lessons under Mrs. Peggy O' Dell. Alex presently attends Foothill Middle School in Walnut Creek, CA and is 1st chair violist of the Foothill Middle School String Orchestra. Since last year, he has been a member of the Oakland Youth Orchestra (OYO), under Conductor Michael Morgan and Bryan Nies. He is also in the Honor Band with the Mt. Diablo School District. His favorite composer is Arturo Marquez. Alex has many interests outside of music; some of his interests include his passion for computers, car designing and car racing games.
Alex recently Received National School Orchestra Award upon graduating in recognition of singular merit and outstanding contributions to the success of the school orchestra; Both Commend Performance in Gold Reward from California Association for Music Education State Solo Festival and Bay Area Solo Festival.
Performing at Lakeshore Ave Baptist Church, St. Dominic's Catholic Church

Oakland Youth Orchestra (OYO)
Oakland Youth Orchestra, founded in 1964 as the educational arm of the Oakland Symphony, is recognized as an important musical organization in Oakland and the San Francisco Bay area. An independent non-profit organization since 1986, the orchestra has a history of commissioning, premiering and recording the works of American composers. Consequently, the orchestra has been recipient of numerous awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers for service to contemporary music.

Today, in our 42nd season, the Oakland Youth Orchestra consists of seventy-eight talented young music students aged 12-22 years. These young people represent forty-six different schools, and over 30 cities in the San Francisco Bay Area. We rehearse a wide range of serious and challenging works and present several classical, pops and youth outreach concerts each season. The orchestra is coached by professional orchestral musicians and is open by audition to all qualified young people. No young musician is excluded for reasons of financial need.
Oakland Youth Orchestra

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San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus -Lollipop Guild
The Lollipop Guild, now in its 29th year, has the distinction of being the first gay men's small ensemble in the international Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) of Choruses. Originally founded in 1979 as a barbershop quartet, the Guild has performed in many concerts with its parent organization the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. In 1981, they sang with SFGMC on their historic national tour, and in 1996, they represented SFGMC at the GALA Choruses festival in Tampa, Florida. The Lollipop Guild's membership has expanded and their repertoire now includes various styles of music, both accompanied and a cappella. In 1998, they recorded their first CD, Our Boys Will Shine, which includes music by The Beatles, ABBA, Madonna, The Andrew Sisters, plus jazz standards and Broadway tunes.

Paul Saccone, Musical Director, joined SFGMC in 2003 and became the Musical Director for the Lollipop Guild in 2004. Originally from New Jersey, Paul studied piano and voice under Richard M. Loatman before receiving a degree in Music Composition from West Chester University. Paul has sang under esteemed conductor Paul Salumunovich with the St. Charles Borromeo choir and can be heard singing on their holiday CD, "Peace On Earth." Under his guidance the Lollipop Guild has performed in the 2004 GALA festival in Montreal, in numerous concerts with SFGMC, in several dedicated concerts featuring SFGMC's small ensembles, and at a wide range of community sing-outs including two appearances with the SF Giants to sing the national anthem.

Performing at Nothbrae Community Church and St. Dominic's Catholic Church

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Steve Wedgwood, Baritone is section leader and bass soloist at Northbrae Community Church in Berkeley. He began vocal study with Jackie Hairston at Laney College, and later studied with Marco Sorisio, and Amanda Kairis in Oakland. He sang Samuel Barber's "Dover Beach" at Old First Church, San Francisco in 1994 with the Greening/Anderson String Quartet.
He has worked with Margery Tede and George Buckbee and has appeared in operas under Ina Chalis at the S. F. Community Music Center. He has presented numerous song recitals in the Bay Area and sang for the wedding of Jerry Brown and Anne Gust with the Gregorian group Exaudi Nos. Recently he received enthusiastic applause from his Harvard classmates in a concert at Sanders Theatre, Cambridge. He holds a degree in German, and is retired from the U.S. Postal Service. Steve is currently a student of Mark Goodrich. Steve is riding in AIDS/Lifecycle this year for the third time.

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