Community Engagement > More Music @ The Moore

Amanda Hardy (2014 Artist, 2015 Young Mentor)

Amanda Hardy is a singer/guitarist from Seattle, Washington. She started performing at the age of 13 and hasn’t looked back, knowing that it was her passion. Now, at 24, she lives in Los Angeles where she is working on her latest project “Bexley.” Amanda created this character for herself to embody and write music that emits the darker side of emotions everyone feels. The music takes influence from bands such as Alice in Chains, Queens of the Stone Age, and Led Zeppelin to name a few. Amanda and her bandmates are set to release their first full length album early 2021. You can check out more about Bexley at www.bexleyofficial.com.

Bernadette Bascom (2009-2014)

Bernadette Bascom has produced, directed and taught young people all over the country. She has had an incredible career as a singer and performer. She was the first artist who Stevie Wonder signed and contracted to his record label. She has performed and worked with everyone who really mattered in the music industry for the past 40 years. Bernadette is also the subject of an Emmy Award Winning Documentary about her work with the Music Project program a special needs and music partnership program to assist students in developing relationships, communication, music skills and rules of personal engagement and to foster inclusion and compassion in the process. More at https://www.musicprojectnorthshore.com.

Dr. Carlene Brown (2004-2017 Project Director)

Dr. Carlene Brown was the Project Director for More Music @ The Moore for thirteen years. She is a musician, music educator, music therapist, and arts manager. Her early training began in Boston, Massachusetts, where she studied music education and music therapy, taught in the Boston Public School system, and worked several summers at Tanglewood, for the Boston Symphony Orchestra. She earned a doctorate degree in Systematic Musicology, with a focus on the Psychology of Music, from the University of Washington. Carlene is currently a Professor of Music at Seattle Pacific University. She is a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) and director of the SPU Music Therapy Program, the first and only music therapy program in the state of Washington. Carlene is also serving as a consultant for the development of a master’s degree music therapy program at the National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City, Taiwan. In 2004, Carlene joined the team at Seattle Theatre Group as a project manager to support the unique programming of More Music @ the Moore. She is grateful for the experience in working with extremely talented young artists and committed professionals in the music industry to pay it forward.

Chris LeVaughn (2010 Artist)

Chris LeVaughn is a Soul-pop singer/songwriter and producer from Seattle, Washington. With a sound like coffee, he is often compared vocally to John Legend. He currently produces and writes his own music with various music genres. LeVaughn has sung for Grammy-winning musicians and nominees such as Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, and Interscope records K. Flay. More at ChrisLeVaughn.com.

Chris Luquette (2010 Artist)

“Chris Luquette is one of the hardest working musicians originally from the Seattle music scene. Now living in Brooklyn-New York, you'd be hard pressed to find another musician seamlessly switching from International Music to Jazz and from Rock to Bluegrass so comfortably. He has even studied Brazilian Jazz with Seattle based legendary Brazilian Musician, Jovino Santos Neto.

Chris’ musicianship reflects the multitude of musical influences he turns to for inspiration. His acoustic guitar playing really stands out, but this virtuosic, multi-instrumentalist is equally at home playing mandolin, drums, bass, electric guitar, banjo, and Greek bouzouki.

In February of 2017 and March of 2019, Chris as a member Dirty Kitchen played on the world famous Grand Ole Opry! In addition, Chris was a founding member of Seattle based band Northern Departure, and has found himself performing onstage with the likes of Jerry Douglas, Emmylou Harris, Bryan Sutton, Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley, The Steep Canyon Rangers, Kenny and Amanda Smith, The Boxcars, Yogi and The Yogini's and many others." - From dirtykitchenband.com

Critical (2010 Artist)

Joseph "Critical" Perez is a Hip-Hop artist from Tacoma, Washington by way of Seattle. As a rapper, he's released numerous singles as well as multiple full length albums. His most recent release, "Breaking the Fourth Wall" is available on all platforms under TheCriticalShow. He also had the opportunity to open for Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube at the Paramount Theatre! Among other things, much of his records speak of themes of life, conquering struggle, and the chase for success. More at facebook.com/TheCriticalShow

Daniel Bernard Roumain aka DBR (2006-2011 More Music Music Director)

Daniel Bernard Roumain’s acclaimed work as a composer, performer, educator, and activist spans more than two decades, and he has been commissioned by venerable artists and institutions worldwide. “About as omnivorous as a contemporary artist gets” (NYT), DBR is perhaps the only composer whose collaborations span Philip Glass, Bill T. Jones, Savion Glover and Lady Gaga.

Known for his signature violin sounds infused with myriad electronic, urban, and African-American music influences, DBR takes his genre-bending music beyond the proscenium. He is a composer of chamber, orchestral, and operatic works; has won an Emmy for Outstanding Musical Composition for his collaborations with ESPN; featured as keynote performer at technology conferences; and created large scale, site-specific musical events for public spaces.

DBR is currently creating Cipher, a new pocket opera for the Philadelphia Boys Choir, with a libretto by Joseph, based on the incarceration of young, Black boys. More at danielroumain.com.

D’Vonne Lewis (2002-2003 Artist)

Winner of the 2013 and 2018 “NW Instrumentalist of the Year” honors in the Seattle Earshot Jazz Golden Ear Awards, D’Vonne Lewis (drums) is the grandson of the ‘Godfather’ of rock and roll/soul, 1950s-1960s Northwest organ legend, Dave Lewis. Lewis graduated from Seattle’s Roosevelt High School in 2002 and was a member of the award-winning jazz band, directed by SRJO trombonist, Scott Brown. While in high school, D’Vonne received the Essentially Ellington Drum soloist award for the years 2000, 2001 and 2002. Lewis resides in Seattle, WA, and extensively tours and performs various gigs in styles ranging from jazz, big band, funk, hip-hop, rock, Brazilian and African. He has recorded and performed with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis; Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra; Maria Schneider; Digable Planets; Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam; Source of Labor; Christian McBride and John Clayton; Skerik; George Porter, Jr. of the Meters; George Cables; Diane “Deedles” Schuur; Bucky Pizzarelli; Wycliffe Gordon; Floyd Standifer; Julian Priester; Hadley Caliman; and a number of other local and national artists. Lewis composes for his own band, ‘D’Vonne Lewis’ Limited Edition’ and the FOLKS TRIO.

He is also the Earshot Golden Ear Award winner for ‘Emerging Artist of the Year’ and the 2014 Stranger Magazine ‘Genius’ award recipient. More at: https://www.facebook.com/DLLEband/ and https://www.facebook.com/dvonne.lewis.

EriAm (2009 Artists)

EriAm is a vocal, R&B trio act who appeared as semifinalists of America's Got Talent. The sister group consists of Haben, Salina, and Lianda Abraham. 'EriAm' stands for Eritrean-American; the talented and diverse trio wanted a name that would highlight the uniqueness of their cultural makeup and the international aspect of their journey. The group has performed across the globe and their music viewed over 14 million times online. The talented trio has received a Key To The City of Renton in recognition of their extraordinary talent and musical contribution to the community.

Jawann Blanchey (2016 Artist & 2017 Young Mentor)

Jawann Blanchey has had the opportunity to perform with artists such as Sheila E, Robert Glasper, Questlove, and Kanye West. He is from Seattle, Washington and hopes to continue to share his gift with the world.

Josh Penner (2005 Artist)

Josh Penner is a More Music @ the Moore alumni who played with the band Bilateral. He took his love of writing and performing music and made a career in live audio engineering. He is the lead sound engineer at the Showbox and does audio at the Moore and Neptune Theatres. Josh also tours with bands including Phantogram, Big Grams, Garbage, and Empire of the Sun.

Mads Jacobsen (2011 Artist)

Mads Jacobsen is a multi-genre blending world travelling musician, singer songwriter and rapper. You might find him performing on a street corner in Zurich, Switzerland or for thousands of people at the Tacoma Dome. He might be serenading you with his guitar and harmonica and singing sweetly or dropping freestyle raps over beats or combining the two. His influences vary from the folk music of the 60s to the hip hop of the 90s and modern-day trap and pop coming out now. He has opened for Allen Stone at The Paramount Theatre and performed in festivals around Europe and has always stayed true to his heart and authentic message. He is currently in Zurich, Switzerland playing livestream concerts and recording. More at https://www.madsjacobsen.net/.

Max Levin (2013 Artist)

Max Levin is an LA-based producer and keys player, who is one half of the production duo max & kyle. Best known for creating original samples with exceptional sound design and ear-catching melodies, he has cuts with Travis Scott, Tinashe, Juicy J, & many more. Max has also toured with artists including Macklemore, Sol, Grieves, Kore Ionz, among others. Having grown up in the Seattle area, he is a former participant and mentor at More Music @ The Moore and UW graduate.

Merrily James (2004 + 2011 Artist)

The London-born, Seattle-raised songstress began honing her musical craft during her teen years — performing with the Total Experience Gospel Choir, competing as part of “Showtime at the Apollo," and learning songwriting through the Jimi Hendrix Experience. After earning her undergraduate degree from Berklee College of Music, she relocated to Brooklyn where she immersed herself within the burgeoning local scene. Over the course of her career, Merrily has shared the stage with industry icons such as Bobby McFerrin, Phillip Bailey (Earth, Wind, & Fire), Rocco Prestia (Tower of Power), Don Was, and Valerie Simpson. She is currently an Assistant Professor at Berklee College of Music. More at merrilyjames.com.

Meshell Ndegeocello (2013 & 2014 Music Director)

Meshell Ndegeocello has been trying her best since 1968.
meshell.com

Michael Shrieve (2002-2005 Music Director)

Michael Shrieve has had a long and interesting career as a rock drummer, percussionist, and progressive electronic composer. Gaining early recognition as the powerhouse drummer for Santana, the teenage Shrieve was launched into the popular culture maelstrom when he performed an extended drum solo during Santana's appearance at the legendary Woodstock festival. Over the years, Shrieve has continued to strive for innovative approaches to percussion-based music. His numerous collaborations include work with Stomu Yamash'ta, Klaus Schulze, Steve Roach, David Beal, David Torn, and Andy Summers, Mick Jagger, Pete Townshend, David Crosby to name a few. More at michaelshrieve.com.

Parisalexa (2015 Artist)

Seattle R&B singer/songwriter Parisalexa released her highly anticipated debut full-length project, 2 Real in 2020. After releasing her debut EPs in 2018, Parisalexa began to gain national praise from the likes of NPR, NYLON, and Blended, as well as festival spots all over the country.

After inking a publishing deal with Kobalt Music, spending a summer writing for other artists, Parisalexa returned with “2Real” in 2019, her first single to her upcoming project of the same name. Her follow-up single, “Chocolate” is a self-empowerment anthem, whose accompanying music video paid homage to black-owned businesses in the Emerald City, and earned placements on multiple Spotify, AppleMusic, Amazon Music and YouTubeMusic playlists.

Parisalexa was a featured contestant on NBC's hit show 'Songland' where her song, despite not being picked by the show's judges, was hailed by Billboard as "the best song of the entire season." Additionally, Parisalexa is featured on new releases from funk-duo Tuxedo, Travis Thompson, and Xavier Omär, who she supported on tour for a 10-date run earlier this year. More at https://www.parisalexamusic.com/.

Paul Stoot II (2008, 2011 Artist)

Paul Stoot II (aka STYQX) is a gifted music artist who’s been blessed to sing, play keys, bass guitar, and main instrument, the drums. He is not only playing in church and teaching drum lessons, but also currently playing for four local Seattle bands: SoundProof, The Ancient Robotz, Spencer Glen, and a Russian Jazz/pop Band. Paul desires that everyone who plays, sings, or has a desire, to step in and walk in an unfulfilled dream. He feels that music is very therapeutic to him….Little did he know that he was encouraging and touching many others lives with his playing, stage presents, personality, and skills.

Robert Glasper (2017-2018 Music Director)

Robert Glasper is the leader of a new sonic paradigm with a career that bridges musical and artistic genres. To date, he boasts 3 Grammy wins and 9 nominations across 6 categories, and an Emmy Award for his song for Ava Duvernay’s critically hailed documentary “13th” with Common and Karriem Riggins.

Evolution is his hallmark. Glasper’s breakout crossover album Black Radio changed the face of the genre and set a new expectation for what popular music could be. The album won him the Grammy for best R&B album and established him as the musician of choice for some of the world’s most iconic artists; notably playing keys throughout Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly, winning another Grammy for the elastic track “These Walls”. The ongoing Black Radio series has since become Glasper’s calling card, upholding a place at the heart of a trailblazing community: from long-time sonic brothers Mos Def and Bilal, to legends including Ledisi, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Jill Scott, and Erykah Badu.

Whether producing a remix album or as a bandleader, Robert consistently defies the limits of the genre. This is evident in a portfolio that ranges from his acoustic jazz trio; which simultaneously defies and elevates the traditional idiom by uniting it effortlessly with electronics from visionary DJ Jahi Sundance, to August Greene; a collaboration with Common + Karriem Riggins, to R+R=Now; a supergroup at the crossroads of hip-hop and Jazz.

Glasper is an artist at the heart of a moment - and a movement - to champion Black music, Black people, and the possibility of a better future. More at robertglasper.com.

Romaro Franceswa (2015 Artist)

A product of Seattle, WA- by way of Federal Way, Franceswa started his musical journey around 9-years-old. Growing up as the younger cousin of Seattle rapper Fatal Lucciauno, Franceswa was routinely exposed to live shows and he earned a strong reputation freestyling backstage amongst many of the city's elite artists. After the release of 3 albums so far under the label Day One Ent. Franceswa looks toward the future of a new wave of not only thinking but musical approach. Franceswa has toured nationally with Grieves of Rhymesayers Ent, Sam Lachow and Dave B.

Ryan Leyva (2002-2020 Artist, House Band, Mentor)

Ryan Leyva (AKA Johnny Nails) is a touring multi-instrumentalist/songwriter who focuses on producing and mixing records for various artists when not on the road.  Ryan's talents can be seen and heard in over 50 countries and on hundreds of records.  He currently resides in Seattle, Wa and has been a part of nearly every More Music @ The Moore.  More at https://www.nailsy.world/.

Sam Shrieve (2007, 2011 Artist)

Sam Shrieve is a musician, performer and songwriter. After graduating from Berklee College of Music, Shrieve has collaborated with world renowned artists including Hillary Duff, Tove Lo, Bebe Rhexa and more while writing songs on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and top 10 albums on the Billboard Top 200. Most recently, Shrieve has written and produced music for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, as well as syncs and ad campaigns for Balenciaga, NBC, CBS, ESPN, MTV, CNN, ABC, FOX, Bravo, ITV2 (Love Island) Netflix (Queer Eye, Love Is Blind) and original music for Disney Plus.

Sean Hutchinson (2003 Artist)

Sean Hutchinson is a touring & recording member of the band Bleachers (2014-Present). Over his 15-year career, Sean has shared the stage with some of the most notable artists of his generation-- performing with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Lorde, St. Vincent, Carlie Rae Jepsen, the Broadway production of Hamilton, Darren Criss, High Highs, Doe Paoro, Cathedrals, and Francis & the Lights among many others.

Through his affiliation with Bleachers, Sean has also collaborated on many recording projects with Jack Antonoff including The Chicks, Lana Del Rey, Taylor Swift, Diana Ross, Robyn, and Tame Impala.

Sean, a Seattle native, studied Jazz Percussion at University of Southern California and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Percussion in 2007 from the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music.

In addition to drumming, Sean is an active Songwriter, Producer and Musical Director—he is an in-demand player as both Studio Collaborator and Musical Director for live performance.

Sheila E. ( 2015-2016 Music Director)

Sheila Escovedo picked up the drumsticks and started making music at the precocious age of three. Sheila delivered her first solo performance to a live audience two years later and has since established herself as one of the most talented percussionist/drummers and performers in the world. Best known to music fans as Sheila E., she became a top session and touring musician before the age of 20, performing and/or recording with George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Billy Cobham, Con Funk Shun, Marvin Gaye (on his final world tour), Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Gloria Estefan, Patti LaBelle, and Steve Nicks among others.

Sheila E.'s producing, arranging, and performance talents have been showcased throughout the music and film industry with appearances on, The Academy Awards, The Latin Grammy Awards, BET Awards, The American Music Awards, The Kennedy Center Honors, The Summer Olympics, WOW Awards, ALMA's, and The Image Awards just to name a few. In 2014, Sheila released her literary biography Titled The Beat of My Own Drum, and her solo album, ICON.

Sheila E. continues to produce and perform music throughout the world. Her current single, No Line with the legendary Snoop Dogg, is Sheila's continued contribution to the music industry. The Queen of Percussion plans to release new music in 2020 Sheila E. is CEO of the entertainment company StilettoFlats Inc. located in Los Angeles California.

Sheldon Reynolds (2005 Guest Mentor)

For 14 years Sheldon Reynolds was lead vocalist and guitarist for Earth, Wind and Fire. He also was with The Commodores, Sun, and is a Grammy-nominated Songwriter and Producer.

Sky Sanoy Easterbrook & David Sanoy (2010 Artists)

Sky & David were part of the More Music @ The Moore 2010. They are siblings who grew up in a music-oriented family. Sky has been singing since she was 8 and David since he was 12. They both have been using their talents at church and have been involved in the Filipino community. They also had opportunities to sing at different Filipino events in Seattle and even Philippines through out the years.

Ten Man Brass Band (2014 Artists)

Ten Man Brass is Seattle’s New Orleans-style brass band. Founded at Seattle's own Roosevelt High School, the group has become a staple at the Northwest Folklife Festival and HonkWest. Over the past decade Ten Man has performed at brass festivals throughout the US and Europe, including HonkTX, the Bemmelse Dweildag, and Fête de la Musique. Ten Man Brass is the product of an outstanding public school music program and is passionate about passing it on and making music accessible.

Vicky Lee (2002-2020 Creator, Project Director + Advisor)

For the past 22 years Vicky Lee served as STG’s Director of Education & Performance Programs and recently retired from that position. Currently she continues her role as Curator for STG’s Silent Film Program. Under her leadership she established the Education and Community Programs Department, launching core programs which continue to this day. She placed a strong focus on young artist development resulting in More Music @ The Moore, celebrating 20 years of production in March 2021.

Making arts accessible is a guiding principle for her, both on the participant level and for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Vicky formed significant regional and national partnerships with such organizations as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AileyCamp), Disney Theatrical (Disney Musicals in Schools) and Mark Morris Dance Group (Dance for Parkinsons). She has produced many projects over the years on STG’s three stages and in diverse regional locations—connecting performing artists to community.

Prior to STG, she led programs in Seattle for King County Arts Commission (now 4 Culture), One Reel, Seattle Children’s Theatre and worked as a theatre teaching artist. She co-founded The Coterie Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri which still continues to this day. In addition to her work in the arts Vicky manages her family farm in Iowa.

Virginia Easthope (2009 Artist)

Virginia Easthope is a 29 year old Seattle-based songwriter. Her music, produced and orchestrated by her older brother Evan, exists in the intersection of folk rock, broadway, and gritty indie pop. Recent music is available at virginiaeasthope.bandcamp.com.