R&B / Soul Artists

Doneta Dawson is the founder of Pure Heart Media and Doneta Dawson Ministries (DDM) LLC. She is a Cincinnati, OH native and now resident of Charlotte, NC. Doneta Dawson is a Wife, Mother, Singer/Songwriter, Author, Teacher, Minister and Prophet. She has been given rave reviews for arrangement of music, powerhouse vocals with range, piercing clarity, and writing ability. Known to carry the presence of heaven in her voice she leaves a lasting impression whereever she goes.

Doneta released her Debut CD project 'R&B Repent & Believe' in 2013 with much success, great reviews of an inspirational and powerful project with an R&B Soulful flow. She recently released new singles 'I Am I Take Authority' and 'Sovereign' and the first ever Prophetic Musical Movie "Triumphant Entry".

Doneta is a 2014 CWIMA (Christian Women in Media Association) Songwriter of the year finalist, she has also received awards from the Black Essence Awards, and The Gospel fest of the city of Forest Park, OH.

Doneta has sung on the Bobby Jones Presents Show, at Apostle John Eckhardt's Annual IMPACT Conference, The GMWA's 50 year celebration, Chicago's Dancer Bootcamp, Charlotte's Warrior Arise Dance Conference, The Eagles International Summit, Cincinnati Ohio's Black Family Reunion, Juneteenth Celebrations, Charlotte's Neighborhood Theater's Queen City Streams, Fedor Presents Roof Above's benefit concert as well as with Tosco Music Party events. Her music can be obtained via her website, all digital store outlets, live-streamed, and even locally at lunchbox records in uptown.

A connection to DDM Doneta Dawson Ministries LLC for your event guarantees you will not regret it! Connect today! Visit Pure heartmedia.org

Jay D. Jones is one sure act that's hard to follow and one you definitely don't want to miss. He is a Charlotte native and personifies the true quality of music at its finest. This modern day "Crooner" is bellowing his way to the top in the Indie industry of music and into the hearts of his fans with his soulful sounds and distinguished gentlemanly image. His artistry is credited to inspiring artists such as Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, and his all time favorite, The Temptations, and that's only a few. Jay D. Jones gives honor to the Most High for his accomplishments and makes no excuses for anyone. "It is this solid foundation/rock on which I stand that has elevated me to the highest places and I'm still climbing." His genre of Jazzy Inspirational Soul or HeartSoul is sweeping the nation as he invites people of all races, cultures, and creeds to an experience beyond such barriers to hear what he considers just plain old GOOD MUSIC!!!

Mercedes Monique is a new artist who is taking her first steps out into the music scene. She spent years hiding my talent due to struggling with doubt and insecurity. She's spent years traveling the world as a back up dancer for bigger artists, wondering if she should stay in the background, questioning if what she had to say was even worth hearing. This is where my EP Pink Sky was born. She wrote the songs on this project during quarantine for the sake of believing in herself. She hopes it helps you believe in you too.

My name is Frank Caldwell, artist brand is IAMCALDWELL. I mainly write and sing R&B/Soul and alternative/indie music that encourages, uplifts and inspires. My experience with mental health issues for numerous years has naturally translated into being an advocate for that and other communities. The music of IAMCALDWELL shows up wherever there is a need. Be it homelessness, protest issues (the song "Learn"), self esteem (The song "My Story"), experiencing anxiety (The song "I won't PANIC") or social injustices (The song "Love always wins, SMH"). As an artist and brand it is my goal to perform for audiences and have them leave feeling great about themselves and their future. I am a billboard charting song writer, released 1 mainstream R&B/Inspirational album, 2 Christmas CD's with covers and originals, and a couple of maxi singles, one of which was included in soldiers care packages during Operation Storm as a way to lift the morale of the soldiers. I endeavor to begin performing again this year in this region including doing a benefit concert for the homeless and a Christmas concert to benefit families and children in need during those times.

With one of Soul Music's all-time great group names, the Chairmen of the Board has pleased music lovers for over 30 years. Formed in Detroit , the Chairmen were one of the first acts signed by songwriting legends Holland/Dozier/Holland for their Invictus label following H/D/H's messy divorce from Motown. The group came out of the box strong in 1970 with the wonderful "Give Me Just A Little More Time," a classic early 70's radio smash highlighted by lead singer General Johnson's emotive, plaintive vocals. "Give Me" was the foundation of the group's excellent debut album, which also featured the infectious "(You've Got Me) Dangling on a String,".

BRAVE Entertainment began with two gifted ladies; Raven Stevens and Britney Hughes. Being heavily involved in the music scene, in the Charlotte area as singers and background vocalist, for over 20 years, Raven and Britney created the company to capitalize on their experience as musicians. BRAVE Entertainment began with hosting a live music event, bringing together a culmination of gifted artists and musicians, giving them the ideal platform to express their artistic and creative abilities.

Brave Entertainment's purpose is to provide, promote and carry out every entity that falls under the umbrella of music, fine arts and entertainment. To include but are not limited to Songwriting, event hosting, entertainment outsourcing, live performances and live/studio background vocals. It was through this union of Brave Entertainment that ""Brave the Artist"" was formed.

Coining the phrase ""I Am Brave"", Brave is a force to be reckoned with. Booking shows and releasing their own music, they've become artist within their own right. The name Brave to them is not just merely a word but a lifestyle. Being Brave to these ladies is simply an act and attitude of freedom; Doing what they love in the presence of fear

The Shana Blake Band is an innovative new take on the old soul cover band. The ensemble hails from Charlotte, North Carolina and features singer/songwriter Shana Blake, veteran guitarist Keith Shamel , bassist Dave Eatman and drummer/percussionist Scott Newell. The expressive vocals and rich textures of the instrumentation fuse coherently to create a sound that's as smooth as honey, with a hint of R&B, funk, reggae, southern rock, gospel, country, jazz and the blues.

The Relics have been performing for over 20 years. Each band member has a very unique and diverse background, which gives them the ability to perform top 40, rock-n-roll, blues, jazz, modern standards, and ethnic music. The Relics are truly a band that can play for any occasion. Each Relics band member also contributes vocally in order to deliver the unique five part harmony on many songs and set the Relics apart from other local groups. Another unique feature of the Relics is their ability to alter their instrumentation and lineup by having either two guitarists or by switching to two keyboardists, depending on the style of song and arrangement. This not only gives the Relics the flexibility to perform a wider variety of music than many bands, but also enables them to create a much richer sound by using strings and horns, utilizing synthesizer technologies giving them a sound that rivals larger eight or ten piece bands. This is just one of the many factors that help make the Relics one of the most popular bands in the Chicago land area. Relics shows are not just about music, they are about the total experience, and the Relics never fail to deliver.

A community of artists seasoned in the Gospel, R&B and Funk scenes across the country, led by the inspiring and dynamic vocal stylings of Blanche J-this is The Queen's Guard. Playing together for years in various contexts, the members formally branded themselves as The Queen's Guard in early 2016, debuting to a deafening, sold out audience at the Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte, NC. While members of the community have worked with and been featured alongside influential artists such as George Clinton, Anthony Hamilton, Roy Ayers, Kirk Franklin and Chantae Cann, the musical rhapsody of their debut propelled them to emerge beyond the local music scene; welcome to the Queen's court, we hope you enjoy yourselves.

"Born to a family of vocalists and musicians In Wildwood, FL, Blanche J had very little choice for a hobby. At an early age she learned to play several brass instruments, but it was her big voice that most impressed those that came in contact with her. Blanche started to sing with her family choir at the tender age of 3, and as she got older, she was thrust to the forefront as a lead singer of the family choir, as well as her church choir.

This trend continued as Blanche J went on to Florida A&M University as a member of the Concert Choir, and later the Gospel Choir. She was also frequently seen leading Praise and Worship at several churches in and around Tallahassee, FL. Shortly after graduating, Blanche relocated to Charlotte, NC, where she set out to learn the music scene in her new home. Here she met and formed a bond with local jazz artist, Paul Whitley. Paul saw something familiar in Blanche J that led him to take her under his wing and push her to share her voice with the world in the form of ""real music"". Along her journey to create a name for herself, Blanche J has had the honor and privilege of singing alongside or accompanying such great names as Kim Burrell, Kelly Price, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and Blanche McAllister-Dykes.

Blanche J's background in soul, R&B, gospel and classical music shines through in everything she sings. She manages to take the most essential aspects of each genre of music and blends it every so masterfully, making it artistically pleasing to the ear. Blanche J is currently working on her newest album which will be produced by the mastermind, Micki Miller. Blanche J provides private vocal lessons in person and via Skype. She is also the lead singer of Charlotte, NC band, The Queen's Guard."

"Before Anthony Hamilton laid down the gospel as an R&B singer, the Charlotte, North Carolina native found his calling as a member of the church choir. "It's like that feeling you get hearing somebody else lead that made me start to really pay attention to music, not just sonically but what it did to people," says Hamilton, who began singing at six or seven years old. An introvert raised with his brother and sister by a single mother (his father left when he was nine years old), Hamilton found comfort in a foam-covered speaker while dreaming of stardom. "I was a child who had a very wide imagination and I would become the song. I used to listen to "Ben" by Michael Jackson a lot and I would dream like one day I'm gonna become a famous singer. I said that over and over again for years and I always believed it."

Over two decades worth of label changes later (past deals included Uptown, MCA, Atlantic Records, Soulife Records, Andre Harrell's Harrell Entertainment and Jermaine Dupri's So So Def Recordings), Hamilton has found his happy place on RCA Records. Following up 2011's Grammy-nominated effort Back To Love and his 2014 Christmas offering Home For The Holidays, the R&B cantor maintains his Southern sensibility and poignant songwriting on his fifth studio effort What I'm Feelin.' Its lead single "Amen" -- a melodic love note produced by Salaam Remi and James Poyser, praises a special lady's efforts. "'Amen' is just celebrating the beauty that a woman makes you feel, not just physical attributes, but the fact that she works, she goes to church, prays for you, cooks, cleans, just all those things that a woman brings to the table," Hamilton explains.

Hamilton is known for flipping heartbreak into a blessing as heard on his biggest ballad "Charlene." After a significant relationship had ended, he left his one-bedroom brownstone apartment in Harlem on 146th Street and Convent Avenue and took the train to 33rd Street to meet with producer Batson at a Manhattan recording studio. "My record deal [at the time], I was pretty much trying to get off. I remember I didn't have a lot of money. At that time, I was heartbroken," he reflects. "I just poured my heart out and ["Charlene"] was one of the songs that came out of it." He notes that his soulful formula stays consistent with What I'm Feelin', even on a personal level. "I'm fully capable of taking from a broken place and truly turning it into something amazing," says Hamilton confidently. "I'm truly capable of loving in spite of my situation. I think I still have a fear of letting go to a degree and I think there's preparations I need to do to get there. I'm not done yet."

Hamilton's decorated catalog includes his 2003 debut, Comin' From Where I'm From (which carried the hit title track), 2005's Ain't Nobody Worryin' among other efforts. He has earned several Grammy nominations, like "Po' Folks," the 2002 Nappy Roots collaboration that earned a nod for best rap/sung collaboration, and won his first trophy in 2009 for best traditional R&B vocal performance for his duet with Al Green on "You've Got The Love I Need." He has also lent his vocals to a variety of talent includingNas, Rick Ross, Carlos Santana, Jill Scott, Tupac, and Al Green to name a few. His first album in over five years, What I'm Feelin', will be released via RCA Records on March 25th."

Gregory Cox is a Twenty Four Year old creative based out of Charlotte, NC. Greg grew up in Wilson, NC with a musical family,. He has Toured as a Keyboardist since the age of 18. He's also appeared on MTV's hit show "P Diddy's" Making His Band as a keyboardist. Greg released his first full EP "The Last Start" in 2012. . He's released a new Single "Just In Case" on Itunes in 2014

"Curtis Hayes, who is best known as Curt Keyz began his musical journey at the age of three years old. It is in his home church in the small town of Great Falls, South Carolina that he started playing the drums. Receiving inspiration from his Uncle and his Quartet Group, Curt Keyz decided to journey beyond the beat and to seep into the heart of music, in which he first discovered the piano at age sixteen. After arriving at Winthrop University, Curt Keyz began to perfect the clarity of his music; since his inception, he has released three singles in 2017 and 2018, and a Christmas CD an EP in 2015 and his debut album "Love or The Lack Thereof" which went #68 on Amazon Music charts and has been streamed 14k times between Apple Music and Spotify.

Aside from the music, it is more about the experience for him; thus, he often attributes his greatest inspiration to life itself. According to Curt Keyz, what makes life worth living is the idea that each day, we spend and gain something; thus, his role as an artist is to extract the story that lies in between to create an authentic experience."

YD's an artist, engineer, and record producer with a sense of musical appeal. He can hear a hit and he makes them too. He knows exactly what he wants out of this industry and presses on to make sure he gets it. He's pretty versatile but his personal style of music he's produced in his recent project is this melodic HARD R&B hip hop sound. Very unapologetic. Courtney J has a cute voice with a nostalgic 90's sound. She loves the 90's and Old School R&B. YD produces her and the combo makes a nice production and songwriting style. Courtney tends to bring nostalgic elements through her song writing and her vocal arrangements whole YD brings her music the modern age with his signature production style and current sound.
The two are an effective proactive team because both compliment the other. They're both very corny in their humor but they're on the same wave so they can never not have a laugh together.

Cyanca is an R&B singer-songwriter living in Charlotte originally from Smithfield, NC. Cyanca got her musical start in church first playing the drums and keys eventually evolving into a vocalist. Cyanca attended UNCG's music program but decided she wanted to go in a different direction than the program was pushing her. Her journey has been filled with milestones that emerging artists typically have a challenge securing. She has been featured in Teen Vogue, performed at A3C and Facebook among other great feats, more recently she got her first major placements with super producer Hit Boy and the television show "Delilah." Cyanca's upcoming project is slated for September 2021.

The Polk Duo is a contradiction in many ways; they are light & winsome -- they are deep & contemplative; they are uplifting and joyful -- they are brash and confrontational. They make you laugh -- they make you think; they tickle your funny bone; they sharpen your convictions. They are spiritual and they are down-to-earth.
- Charlie Jones of PB & Java

The Polk Duo is a married Christian voice and guitar duo made up of Kasey and Myranda Polk. Kasey and Myranda met in college while both performing in the university jazz band and joined in marriage in the summer of 2014. Kasey and Myranda both hold degrees in music from NC A&T SU and both work daily as elementary music educators.

Kasey, originally from Los Angeles and Myranda from Charlotte, NC, their unique combination of cultures, backgrounds, musical influences help to drive their original songs. At the center of The Polk Duo, their music, and marriage, is their love for Jesus Christ. Their music has been described as refreshing, unique, and inspirational.

Ken has been in the music industry for more than a decade, working his way from Northwest Indiana and the Chicago stages; to the Atlanta music scene in the 90's; and finally around the world touring with the international show band "Exotique." His vocal styles range from smooth jazz to pop to R&B to gospel. Whether performing on large stages, intimate venues or cabaret rooms, Ken has had the opportunity of sharing his musical talents worldwide.

Moving from Gary, Indiana to Atlanta opened many doors for Ken's gifts to first be discovered. After arriving in Atlanta, Ga., he joined a touring show band "Exotique" and began traveling throughout the Southeast working corporate conventions and venues during the week and the Atlanta club scene at night.

Soon after, Exotique took their show-stopping act overseas with Ken as one of two lead singers in the group. The five-piece act traveled to the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and working exclusively in the "Explorers Lounge" for Princess Cruise Lines.

Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Sound Engineer, Gabriel Jules holds many titles under his belt. The Miami-born artist currently living in Charlotte, NC has worked in different fields of the music industry. As a Student at Berklee School of music, he focused on music production but started his journey as a singer songwriter. In 2017, He released his first EP "First Love" that included "Missing Moments" a song co-written with Kanye West's Long time Collaborator, Malik Yusef. Mentored by Anthony Hamilton's Grammy award winning engineer, Bruce Irvine, Gabriel's skills got him to engineer many famous artists. Most recently, he was one of the sound engineers behind J Cole's Half time NBA All Star Performance.

Her Story, Gabirel Jules newest album is an international love story dedicated to women. "This project depicts the Afrocentric woman who firmly stands with her culture maintaining her roots within a modernized world." With this project, Jules pays homage to his Caribbean roots. This is an album that will keep you on your feet and always moving. "LUV LUV" is the first official single.

Ali Steele, singer / songwriter business owner of ethnicbyali and 1/3 of Issa vibe adventures was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. He was subject to bullying for the color of his skin at a very young age. This caused him to write. He became a songwriter at the fairly young age of 14. At that age, he knew he had a gift. He eventually produced a published record.

While still working on music in his spare time, he also yearned for more. He grew up in an adverse environment where self-love and pride were not taught. He wasn't exposed to nature and never missed it.

As he got older, he became exposed to different artists and public figures such as Erykah Badu and Dr. Llaila Afrika that showed himself love and acceptance. He became engulfed in learning African roots, traditions as well as strong pride for the color of his skin. This newfound love of himself motivated him to start a business called Ethnic by Ali. He chose that title as a celebration of ethnicity and Ali is his middle name. He also felt as if the name, Ali, means a lot to his family and is a shared middle name amongst some of the males in the family. It means the highest one.

As Ali continued to morph into a man, he started yearning to learn more about nature and wanted to challenge himself while getting in shape. He went on his first hike in 2015 and at that moment, he was hooked. He fell in love with nature. So much so that he wrote a song about it very dear to his heart. The song is titled, "No Care". It can be found on iTunes, YouTube, etc. His favorite excerpt of the song is:

No care
for life of a black man
King, born in this world,
denied his crown &
Brainwashed, stripped of culture, poisoned
Disconnected from the earth
Bring it back, we gotta get back to the earth
We the people learn to live from the earth
It's our duty to nourish the earth
Restore balance, let them stop killing the earth

Encouraging others to reconnect

Jason Plus the MLC is a "Big Tent" band. We love bringing people together under the shelter of good music. We play a lot of different music under our tent, playing for Breweries, Galleries, Crafts Markets, The Charlotte City Club, Arts and Science Council Events and Tosco Music. Jason sings lead, Mark plays keys, accordion and resonator guitar, Guillermo Villar plays guitar, Parker Foley plays upright bass with Jennie Brooks on percussion.

I am Dron. A singer, songwriter, producer, and a dreamer. Since a young age, I've always loved music. After the passing of my father, I finally got the courage to start creating music of my own. My music is heavily influenced by the Neo-Soul of the 90s along with the messages of the music from motown. Inspired by Aretha Franklin and D'Angelo, I create a sound that is not only captivating but also an experience.
andron03@icloud.com

Daniel Thomas (born August 26th, 1998), known as Midas Black, is an American singer, rapper, songwriter, producer and mixing/mastering engineer from the city of Monroe just outside Charlotte, North Carolina. Midas finds solace in creating music. From recording and mixing songs at the age of 13 in his bedroom-fast forward 10 years-to creating full length albums and EP's with other talented musicians in the Charlotte area. The diversity showcasing through his work is somewhere between Alternative R&B, Alternative Hip-Hop and Pop. Recently finishing his album "FREE MIDAS", the 23-year old is ready to bring a new vibe to our playlists.