Hope lingers on
fall 2023
Program

Table of Contents

Program Order

Program Notes

Artist Bios

Program Order

How Can I Keep From Singing arr. Gweneth Walker (b. 1947)
Song Sponsored by John Y. Brown

Nevertheless Vocal Ensemble - Debbie Beavin, Piano

I am here. Where are you? Emily Ravenscraft (b. 1989)

August Anderson, Dance - Michaiah Peebles, Choreography

“We Won’t Let You Break” Hannah Drake  & Brandi LaShay
From Broken Wings Still Fly

Cicily Bullard, Stephanie Collins, Lonetta Martin Grimes, Dedra Reid, Morgan Younge

Breathe in Hope Dale Trumbore (b. 1987)
Song Sponsored by Wist Data Solutions

Nevertheless Vocal Ensemble - Debbie Beavin, Piano

Blue and Green Sara Buchanan MacLean (b. 1952)

Nevertheless Youth Ensemble -  Sara Buchanan MacLean, Piano

~ PAUSE ~

Star Song Sara Buchanan MacLean (b. 1952)

Nevertheless Youth Ensemble -  Sara Buchanan MacLean, Piano

Hope is the Thing with Feathers Susan LaBarr (b. 1981)
Song Sponsored by NTL Vocal Ensemble Alto Section

Nevertheless Vocal Ensemble -  Debbie Beavin, Piano

“Love” Hannah Drake  & Brandi LaShay 
from Broken Wings Still Fly   

Cicily Bullard, Stephanie Collins, Lonetta Martin Grimes, Dedra Reid, Morgan Younge

Sweet Simplicity Emily Ravenscraft (b. 1989)

August Anderson, Dance - Michaiah Peebles, Choreography

Still I Rise Maya Angelou (1928 - 2014)

Brandi LaShay & Krasel Morales

Still I Rise Rosephanye Powell (b. 1962)

Nevertheless Vocal Ensemble - Christina Booker, Soprano -  Debbie Beavin, Piano

Hope Lingers On Lissa Schneckenburger (b. 1979)
arr. Andrea Ramsey  (b. 1977)

Nevertheless Vocal Ensemble - Nevertheless Youth Ensemble

Program Order

Program Notes

Artist Bios

Program Notes

How on Earth are we supposed to find hope in our world today? All one has to do is turn on the television for 5 minutes to be bombarded with stories of racism, shootings, war, environmental crises, rape, murder, debt, every form of inequality possible - anyone can add to the list ad infinitum.  Add to these issues the extreme difficulty of existing as a woman in our world today; constantly dealing with insecurities, body image, and the unnamed shame that plagues so many - it’s a wonder any of us can get out of bed. 

I can admit, though not proudly, that there have been times the never-ending onslaught of terror seemed too heavy to bear and I simply had to turn off the news to spare my own sanity.  Oh what a privilege to shut down and bury my head in the sand. In the face of all that is wrong, it can even seem naive to hope, and much easier to complain about the state of the world, wallowing in it's darkness.  Ultimately, my heart knows this isn’t a responsible action.  One has to come face to face with the fact that if we want to add into the world and change it for the better, ignoring the problem  will get us no closer to a solution.  

The concept behind Hope Lingers On, is to take the opportunity to address some of the above issues and study them through the microscope of our various artistic mediums.  However, the real challenge is to avoid leaving it with the problem.  It’s not good enough simply to identify the issue and leave it, even if in doing so, we offer new information and perspective. Our goal is to go further, offering to you, and to ourselves, our version of the solution.  As artists, we’re predisposed to use our chosen creative medium to help us, and others, cope.  How WE find the solution, is to create and share those creations.  We want to add in, to call out, to comfort, to touch, to inspire others with the art we create.  We want to help each other process these complicated, dark and painful emotions.  After all, it’s only together that we can find any hope.  It's only together that we can create a road to communication, collaboration, understanding and service that will lead us out of the world's most troubling issues.  For us, the solution is Creativity.  It’s Connection. It’s Collaboration, and above all, it’s Love.   These are the things we want to share with you today.  We hope the first half of our performance will change your perspective.  We hope that the second half will leave you with a lingering sense of hope.  

Nevertheless Arts Ensemble (501c3) is a collaborative of artists – actors, singers, writers, dancers,, visual artists and instrumentalists – committed to manifesting a culture where opportunities and resources are abundant for women artists. We seek to foster integrity within our industries by exemplifying authenticity and acceptance.  NTL encourages women artists to boldly serve and inspire our community through the embodiment of compassion, respect and self-worth.

Follow us:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neverthelessarts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverthelessarts/
TikTok: @neverthelessarts

NARRATORS:
Brandy LaShay  - Krasel Morales

NEVERTHELESS VOCAL ENSEMBLE

Soprano I
Danielle Armstrong
Carla McMillin
Christina Booker
DeWan Snelling

Alto I
Francesca Kemper
Carol Hoeppner
Kim Root
Laura Saeed

NEVERTHELESS YOUTH ENSEMBLE

Eleanor Abney
Athena Canon
Piper Petty
Laima Rusinas
Harlow Smith

Acknowledgements:

Special thanks to Dr. Mark Kano and Bellarmine University for generously providing our performance and rehearsal space.

Workshop Sponsors
William Dean Salon
Preferred Benefits, LLC

Artist Sponsors
Right Angle
Bill and Susie Tonini

Song Sponsors
Wist Data Solutions
John Y Brown
The Alto Section *In honor of Emma

Production Staff:

Sarah Tonini, Artistic Producer/Music Director
Brandi LaShay, Creative Director
Christina Booker/MusicDirector
Jack Andrews, Sound Design
Costume Creation, Carol White
Tami Stoecker, Choral Librarian

Board:

Sarah Tonini, President
Debbie Beavin, Finance Chair
Christina Booker, Operations Chair
Brandi LaShay, Community Creative Liaison
Kya Rafferty, Secretary
Judith Youngblood, Development Chair

Program Order

Program Notes

Artist Bios

Artist Bios

PERFORMER BIOS

August Anderson, Dance, is a lover of and performer in the local theatre and dance communities. You may have seen her most recently as Ariel Moore in Redline Performing Arts' production of Footloose Live!, or as Averie Shealy in Pandora Productions' production of Dot. She also spends her time training and performing with Keen Dance Theatre, led by the artistic direction of John Keen. She would like to thank Nevertheless Arts Ensemble for the opportunity to share her love of art in this space, and to Michaiah Peebles for sharing her art of choreography!

Eleanor Abney, Youth Ensemble, is 11 years old and attends the Louisville Collegiate School. She loves music and is fortunate to take piano lessons from Ms Sara Maclean. Eleanor also plays the guitar in her middle school rock band and sings with the performance group at the School of Rock St Matthews. 

Danielle Armstrong, Soprano, loves the camaraderie and support that comes from performing alongside the many talented women of the Nevertheless Arts Ensemble.  Her passion for music began when she was a little girl singing in church. She soon expanded her repertoire to include secular works, including slumber party sing-alongs with The Little Mermaid. Danielle hails from Massachusetts, where her parents always encouraged her musical pursuits, patiently enduring every concert. The limits of their support were later tested when they learned she was cutting classes to sing small backup roles with touring artists like Barry Manilow and Kenny Rogers. Now based in Louisville, Danielle has performed with the Louisville Orchestra, the Gilbert & Sullivan Society, St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and Voces Novae. The musical thrill of 2022 was an invitation to sing in London at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle and as the choir-in-residence at St. Paul’s Cathedral, and this weekend she also joins Foreigner onstage in Southern Indiana!

Debbie Beavin, Piano, joined the Nevertheless Arts Ensemble in 2019 as a musician and in 2021 joined the board as Finance chair.  Debbie began playing the piano at age 5 and while she pursued a business career initially with GE and later with Humana and YUM!’s dedicated supply chain, music remained a steady part of her life.  Throughout her adult life, Debbie has served as a cantor and musician for the Archdiocese of Louisville, primarily within her own parish of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, yet also for the Cathedral and various other parishes.  Wishing to more closely align her creative and personal interests with her professional career, Debbie assumed the Director of Worship and Music role with  Our Lady of Lourdes’ Catholic Church in 2021.

Bexley Bock, Youth Ensemble, is in 2nd grade at Notre Dame Academy and is turning 8 on Nov 3rd. She loves singing and entertaining.  This is her first performance with a youth ensemble. 

Christina Booker, Soprano, is thrilled to be a part of the Nevertheless Arts Ensemble as an artist and board member. She is adjunct faculty at Bellarmine University and Indiana University Southeast and is the founder of CLB Voice Studio. She enjoys working with artists of all ages and backgrounds and has had the pleasure of collaborating with several professional and community Arts organizations across Kentuckiana. Christina holds a master's degree in Kodály music education as well as vocal performance and uses Kodály-inspired teaching practices to build music literacy and promote musical storytelling through the development of the voice. 
www.facebook.com/christina.l.booker
www.instagram.com/clbooker33 

Cicily Bullard, Broken Wings Still Fly, is a Louisville girl, born and raised; receiving her Bachelor's and Master's degree in Teaching from the University of Louisville. Cicily has a love for music, education and the arts. Currently, she is an High School Educator and Performing Artist: cast in roles such as Deena Jones in “Dream Girls” and Shug Avery in “The Color Purple”. Cicily has a passion for young people and has designed her life in a way that intentionally supports that purpose. Music is her second love and it is her intent to leave her musical footprint wherever life takes her.

Athena Canon, Youth Ensemble, is an actor, singer, dancer, girl scout, cosplay enthusiast, and gamer from New Albany, Indiana. She is proud to sing for Nevertheless Arts Ensemble and to study voice with Ms. Sarah! 

Dedra Chandler-Reid, Broken Wings Still Fly, is a native Louisvillian and YPAS Alumni was singing by the tender age of 3, fine with the Louisville Orchestra by 9, and fit for her first costume and role as Young Therese in Stage One’s production of A Tale Of Two Cities. Some of her favorite roles she’s performed are the Urchin Chiffon (Little Shop Of Horrors,) Darlene, Church Lady (The Color Purple, the musical,) Princess Jasmine (Disney Live: the musical (FWS,) and Mama Euralie (Once on this Island- Redline Performing Arts).
When not spending time with her outstanding offspring Daij and Chaz, she’s either telling the story with The Sankofa Players or showcasing her voice as a Slay Bell with For Whom The Bell Tolls. Dedra looks forward to portraying Aunt Mama (Sugar in Our Wounds-Pandora Productions) at the top of 2024. 

Stephanie Collins, Broken Wings Still Fly, is thrilled to be sharing these beautiful stories again! Her recent performance roles have included Effie White in Faith Works Studios’ production of Dreamgirls, Vi Moore in Redline Performing Arts’ production of Footloose and is currently on stage with Pandora Productions in RENT as the featured soloist for Season’s of Love. She’s also performed original scripts as Detective Fletcher in The Jones Family Christmas (EJ Productions) and her own original script Questions To The Cross, coming back to the Louisville stage in January 2024. 

Hannah Drake, Broken Wings Still Fly, is a blogger, podcast host, activist, public speaker, poet, author of 11 books. She serves as the Chief Creative Officer at IDEAS xLab and co-founder of the (Un)Known Project, which seeks to discover the hidden names and stories of Black people who were enslaved in Kentucky and beyond. She writes commentary on politics, feminism, and race, and her writing has been featured online at Cosmopolitan, TheWashington Post, The Bitter Southerner, The Lily, Harper’s Bazaar, and Revolt TV. Her work has beenrecognized by Colin Kaepernick, Ava DuVernay, and The New York Times. Hannah was recognized by Today’s Woman Magazine as the Most Admired Woman in the Arts, and she was honored as a Kentucky Colonel, the highest title of honor bestowed by the Kentucky Governor, recognizing an individual’s noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to the community, state, and nation. Selected as a Soros Fellow by the Open Society Foundation, Hannah stands as a visionary leader committed to driving long-term innovation in the pursuit of racial justice. Her dedication to social justice was further celebrated with an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from Simmons College, recognizing her profound contributions to the cause. Hannah’s enduring impact on Kentucky’s history was solidified as she was inducted into the Kentucky Women Remembered exhibit, a permanent display in the State Capitol honoring exceptional women who have left an indelible mark on the state. Hannah’s message is thought-provoking and, at times, challenging; however, Hannah believes that it is in uncomfortable spaces that change can take place. “My sole purpose in writing and speaking is not that I entertain you. I am trying to shake a nation.” 
Twitter: hannahdrake628
Instagram: hannahdrake628
TikTok: Hannahdrake628
www.hannahldrake.com 
Email: hld@hannahldrake.com

Lonetta Martin Grimes, Broken Wings Still Fly, is a teacher at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary and has been for more than 20 plus years. She is the mother of 3 children who have always been the focal point of her life. Along with spending a great deal of family time with her children, she also spends time with her 3 grandchildren. Most of her professional career has been teaching at King Elementary, but first began as an Artist in residence teaching dance more than 25 years ago. Her performance career has primarily been as a dancer which began early on in life. Her dance career began as a dancer with companies like Harambee Dance Company, Imani Dance Company and as of now the founder of D.E.S.T.I.N.E.D. Dance Company. Dance has always been a part of her world where teaching, practicing, and performing was the major part. Her formidable years of training in other styles of dance besides African continued at the Youth Performing Arts School. Upon graduating high school, she attended University of Louisville and was a Ladybird from 1988 to 1990. She later continued on as a professional dancer with the Indiana Pacers and the Louisville Fire Arena Football team. She has been in countless , (too many to name them all) as a dancer, choreographer, and other minor roles. Some shows include ¨The Wiz¨, ¨The Death of Black and White¨, ¨Soul of Christmas¨, and most recently ¨Broken Wings Still Fly.¨ Lonnetta has a strong motto that she holds dear to everything she does. ¨To the world, you may be one person. But to one person, you are the world.¨

Carol Hoeppner, Soprano, has always enjoyed singing. She sings with the church choir at DePauw Memorial United Methodist Church and is thrilled to be part of the Nevertheless ensemble. She started her adventure with music as a child when she took piano lessons from her grandmother. Carol is a retired teacher and taught preschool and special education for many years.

Francesca Kemper, Mezzo Soprano, is a resident of New Albany, Indiana, and is honored to be among the founding members of the Nevertheless Vocal Ensemble. Since moving to this area over 30 years ago, she has enjoyed performing with The Louisville Bach Society, the Kentucky Opera Chorus, and the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Louisville. She also worked at various churches as a soloist and section leader. She is a member of St. Marks United Church of Christ in New Albany, where she serves by singing in several ensembles within its rich music ministry program, on the church's Homeless Mission Team, and as part of the Saturday Cafe (formerly Soup Kitchen) Leadership Team. 

Brandi LaShay, Creative Director/Narrator, is a native of Orangeburg, SC. She is an Alumnus of Claflin University (’17) and the University of Louisville ('22) and furthered her career as a Resident Performer and Education Assistant at the St. Louis Black Repertory Co. Brandi currently serves the Louisville community as a Performance Practitioner and Resident Teaching Artist. She also works as the Museum Theatre Director at Historic Locust Grove; spearheading the creative interpretations of enslaved narratives. Forgoing her academic career at UofL, Brandi continues to serve as an inaugural creative partner with IdeasXLabs, “Journey’s to Freedom” and the (Un)Known Project. Brandi last performed as Nya in “Pipeline” by  Dominique Morisseau with Redline Performing Arts. She is excited to serve the community as the creative liaison for Nevertheless Arts Ensemble.

Sara Buchanan MacLean, Composer/Pianist, creates music inspired by stories, poetry, and nature. She has a Masters degree in Music Composition from Indiana University, Bloomington and has composed chamber music, song settings, choral music, and works for orchestra. Her works include musical settings for five story albums by Beatrice Bowles, a San Francisco writer and  mythologist, piano pieces “Psyche, Eros and Four Fairy Tales”, which have been performed throughout the U.S. and Europe by Louisville pianist Denine LeBlanc, various settings of Emily Dickinson’s poetry, “The Drop that  Wrestles in the Sea”, a work, for Flute, Mezzo Soprano and Piano performed at the Kentucky Flute Society’s convention, and a recent visual-audio collaboration with textile artist Denise Furnish.

Lisette Markham, Soprano, is thrilled to be a part of  Nevertheless Arts Ensemble. She is from a long family history of performers. Her Mother, Grandmother, and HER grandmother were all classical singers. She started early with folk and ballet classes at 5 years old, and voice lessons with her grandmother. Lisette has performed for over 30 years as an Actor, Singer, Dancer, and Mime. She has appeared with Music Theatre Louisville, Clarksville Little Theater, Actors Theater, Juneteenth Legacy Theater, and CirqueLouis. She has sung with Voces Novae, Louisville Orchestra Masterworks, the Kentucky Opera, the Gilbert and Sullivan Society and has sung on tour with Umbrian Serenades in Italy. She has also performed in film and television. She trained in classic pantomime with Mick Sgroi, student of Marcel Marceau and has over 25 years of training in ballet, jazz, tap, and voice. When not performing, Lisette, now a retired counselor, loves genealogy research, traveling with her family, her church choir, and volunteer work.

Carla McMillin, Soprano, is a retired school guidance counselor for the Ky School for the Blind.She has sung in choirs from high school choir to Church choirs most of  her life.  It brings her joy to be able to be a part of the Nevertheless  Ensemble and support this mission.

Margareth Miguel, Mezzo Soprano, was born in Brazil and grew up in a musician’s family. Her love and study of music began at the age of eight, and has continued throughout the completion of two bachelor’s degrees in Church Music at FTBSP (Brazil) and Vocal Performance at UNICSUL (Brazil), and a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance at Campbellsville University (Kentucky). She is a Member of Pi Kappa Lambda (National Music Honor Society), NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing), and OMB (Ordem dos Musicos do Brasil). Along with "Fina Sintonia", an album she released in 2006, for over 25 years of experience, Margareth's professional career has included choir conducting, coaching and teaching vocal technique, leading master classes and teaching workshops at music events in USA and other countries. She has performed in several concerts, events and operas in Brazil and USA including the Kentucky Opera in Louisville.

Krasel Morales, Narrator, is an educator, artist, activist, and indigenous healer from Northern California. After a recent brain injury she came to visit family; what started off as an impromptu visit is now quickly turning into an impromptu move across the country. The people, the art, the culture and the community felt so much like the home she never knew she needed, that she has since decided to stay. Full of gratitude and a desire to share in more creative spaces, she is looking forward to all the beautiful things Louisville has to offer. "Thank you so much for this opportunity, I look forward to growing better together."

Héloïse Nobels, Youth Ensemble, is 7 years old, 2nd grade student at Louisville Collegiate. She is a Belgian citizen, but has lived most of her life in São Paulo (Brazil) with her parents, and younger brother and sister. Héloïse loves her family and friends, and has always shown love and interest in music, dancing and singing

Michaiah Peebles, Choreographer,  is 19 years old and has been dancing for 13 years, choreographing and teaching for 7 years. Her favorite genre of dance is Ballet!

Piper Petty, Youth Ensemble, is in 3rd grade at Louisville Collegiate School. She inherited the love of music and performance from her father, and has even been featured in several commercials and a music video.

Emily Ravenscraft, Composer, is a Louisville violinist and uses a loop pedal to create dark, textural melodies - capturing her audience in a moody, dreamy soundscape. She started her studies of classical violin at the School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati, OH for her elementary, middle, and high school education. After graduation, Emily took a hiatus to Seattle, WA and started playing with local musicians at open mics and blues jams. She fell in love with the concepts of improvisation & experimentation and has worked to blend her two backgrounds into one; creating improvisations that stand as whole pieces and composing pieces that have a sense of improvisation. As a violinist, you can find her collaborating with multiple musicians from around the nation - both with audio and live performance. She plays around Louisville in venues like CAMP Social, Planet of the Tapes, Mag Bar, St. Philip Neri, and Art Sanctuary. As well as collaborations with multiple musicians throughout the city, she has played with the Seattle Philharmonic, The Kentucky Chamber Orchestra, The Keep Louisville Weird Syndicate, and more. She has taken the stage at multiple Moth Storytelling events in Seattle, WA, including a MainStage at Beneroya Hall. As a composer, she has won an award for best score in the 2019 48 Hour Film Festival in Louisville, KY. She is currently sitting as Concertmaster/Artistic Director of the Kentucky Chamber Orchestra while attending the University of Louisville, pursuing a Liberal Arts degree focused on Inclusive Music Leadership with a minor in New Media and Music. Don't worry, she's still noodling around with her compositions, writing & playing with various freelance projects. https://www.eravenscraft.com/ 

Kim Root, Mezzo-Soprano, is delighted to join Nevertheless Arts Ensemble for the first time this season. She spent her teen and adult years pursuing a career as a dancer, choreographer and dance/movement educator, but she has always found joy in singing. Kim recently completed her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is now a licensed therapist. 

Daiva Rusinas, Youth Ensemble, is 9 years old and in the 4th grade at Our Lady of Lourdes School. Daiva is a member of the Parish Choir and Cherubim Choir at Our Lady of Lourdes. She also sang at Zanzabar as part of the “Big Sound” School of Rock concert in December 2022.  Her performance featured songs by Elvis, Cream and Kiss.

Laima Rusinas, Youth Ensemble, is 6 years old and in the 1st grade at Our Lady of Lourdes School. This will be her first time performing in a live concert but in her free time she enjoys acting, singing and dancing with her family at home.  

Laura Saeed, Mezzo-Soprano, is thrilled to be a part of Nevertheless Arts Ensemble, experiencing a resurgence of her love of singing. She sang for most of her youth in musical theatre, performing art songs, as part of The Charmettes in high school, and a lead in her college Junior Show original musical. She sang sporadically in her 20s and 30s. Then... crickets, nada, no singing. And now… ta da! Laura has been a human resources professional for over 20 years, having worked for The Center for Women and Families and Macy’s. She and her husband Zed, a photographer and videographer, relocated from Los Angeles to Louisville nine years ago and live in Old Louisville with their dear cat Bill.

Thea Lavery Sellers, Soprano, is a speech-language pathologist with Jefferson County Public Schools. Her musical theater debut was in the first grade as Lana Ladybug in “Goin’ Buggy.” She has loved music and performance ever since, singing in choirs, musicals and friends’ weddings for decades. She is thrilled to be an artist with the Nevertheless Arts Ensemble.

DeWan Snelling, Soprano, grew up in Southwest Florida, but hails most recently from New Albany, Indiana. When she was a baby, her mother had a car. That car did not have a radio. DeWan and her mother would take long road trips during which her mother would sing to and with her. By the time she was three or four, she knew and could sing all of the words to “One Tin Soldier” as well as a slew of other songs. When she was 5 she told everyone “When I grow up, I want to be a singer!” DeWan sang in choirs, musicals, and glee club throughout elementary and high school. Eventually, she attended the University of South Florida where she graduated with a Bachelor of the Arts with a concentration on vocal performance. While there, she gained an appreciation for "classically trained" singing.  Although music and singing were her first love, as she grew, she discovered another (as people often do) and went on to study Speech Language Pathology as well. As a Speech Therapist,  she works with people to help regain and retain their independence and quality of life through some of life's many challenging changes. This often includes music and singing as a means to increase many aspects of a person's speech and memory. Therapist by day and musician at heart, she's discovered that music has an important role in both worlds. She is thrilled to share in making beautiful music for you tonight.

Harlow Smith, Youth Ensemble, is a 7 and half year old second grader at Louisville Collegiate. She is excited to be singing in her first performance with Nevertheless Arts Ensemble.

Lily Sommer, Youth Ensemble,  is 10 years old and loves music, dancing, and singing. She also performs in her school’s youth choir and cantor club, and she is excited to perform with Nevertheless. 

Tami Stoecker, Mezzo Soprano, has been privileged to have been a part of many different singing groups, including the Michael O'neal Singers of Atlanta, being part of a Concert Tour of the British Isles, the Louisville Choral Arts Society and St. Francis in the Fields Evensong Choir both under the direction of Jim Rightmyer. She was Assistant to the former Director of Music and Worship at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish in Louisville, having the opportunity to sing with the Schola of St. Clare, a Cantor and conducting the SFA Treble Choir. She is currently a proud member of the Royal School of Church Music American National Choir, under the direction of Bruce Neswick, having sung as a part of the Choir in Residence at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland and is currently a staff singer and assistant conductor for the children’s choir at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.  She maintains membership in RSCM and pursues continuing education through their summer programs. Tami has studied voice with Louisville local Laura Lea Duckworth and currently studies with Sarah Tonini.  She is beyond thrilled to be a part of the Nevertheless Arts Ensemble as a singer and Music Librarian.

Sarah Tonini, Founder, has been singing since she could talk, often choosing to sing instead of talk. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music from University of South Florida and a Master’s degree in voice from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She’s had the privilege of performing with opera companies around the world and recently has been supporting the arts locally with KY Opera, CenterStage, Mind’s Eye Theatre, RedLine Performing Arts and The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Louisville. Sarah loves teaching people to find and celebrate their own voices in her private voice practice, Smart Singer Studio (https://www.smartsingerstudio.com/ ). Her mission throughout her career has been to do her part to reverse the culture of degradation that is the unfortunate norm in the art world, replacing it with positive energy, love and support. She is passionate about forwarding this mission through her efforts with Nevertheless Arts Ensemble.

Verity E. Vonberg, Youth Ensemble, is 10 years old and she is currently homeschooled. Her first performance was with the Kentucky Opera’s production of Hansel and Gretel, which premiered September 2023. She is excited to share her passion for singing with the audience.

Jennifer Watson, Soprano, is a native of Louisville. She grew up in the Highlands where she was exposed to a variety of art music and free spirited creativity. Ms. Watson inherited her passion for music and an ear for playing music from her father, Bobby Watson, a saxophonist who took her to see many live bands in the local Louisville music scene. She started playing piano by ear at the age of seven and took lessons for a few years, but was always getting in trouble with her piano teacher for improvising. Ms. Watson previously sang with Voices of Kentuckiana and had the privilege of singing at the GALA Choruses Festival in Denver Colorado in 2012. She is excited to be back to choral singing, after a few years off, with Nevertheless Arts Ensemble.

Carol White, Mezzo- Soprano, is a retired RN who has a lifelong love of music and the arts.  Her mother directed multiple church choral and handbell choirs for over fifty years.  A natural, Carol sang and rang in almost every group until her mother retired from directing in her eighties.  She currently sings in the choir at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Jeffersonville, IN.  Carol wishes to thank Sarah and Christina for the great opportunity to sing with the inspirational Nevertheless Arts Ensemble.  

Judith Youngblood, Mezzo Soprano, is a founding member of Nevertheless Arts Ensemble and sits on the board as development chair.  She is a longtime member of the Kentucky Opera Chorus and has also sung with Louisville Master Chorale and Mid-Kentucky Chorus and is currently the alto section leader for  Louisville Master Chorale. She is an active cantor in the Archdiocese of Louisville. In her other life, Judith is the founder and CEO of WIST Data Solutions and a proud puppy fosterer for the Kentucky Humane Society.

Morgan M. Younge, Broken Wings Still Fly, is originally from Nashville, Tennessee. Morgan now resides in Louisville, and has been an active member of the theatre community. Morgan considers herself a Theatre Professional: her craft includes costume designing, writing, directing and teaching artistry. After commiting to becoming a full time teaching artist, she has taught with several local companies including StageOne Family Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Looking for Lilith Theatre Company, Redline Performing Arts and Drama by George. Recently, Morgan was awarded a grant from the Kentucky Foundation for Women to produce a summer camp of her original script Hip Hop Herc (October 2023). In addition to her Teaching Artistry, Morgan's acting credits include: Aunt Franny in Don't Tell Me I Can't Fly (StageOne Family Theatre); Truvy in Steel Magnolias (Faith Works Studios) A Sista in Say Her Name: Breonna Taylor (Berea College Theatre Laboratory); Maybelle in Before it Hits Home (The Griot Project); Lady Manchester (The Unknown Project) and June in Good Grief (Looking for Lilith) where she also is a company member. Morgan is grateful to be able to share her gifts with such a group of dynamic people. Please visit her website, https://www.morganmyounge.com/ 

VISUAL ARTIST BIOS 
(Visit these artists in our lobby!)

M. Kathy Christian, Artist, is a painter of florals, landscapes and animals primarily, but never says no to taking on a new subject.  She enjoys working in mixed media because of the eclectic nature of the work she can create with multiple forms of media.  Kathy also works extensively in pastel and acrylic.  Her style leans towards impressionistic but she has a style of her own.  She frames all of her own artwork as part of her artistic process.   
Be sure to visit her website at https://www.mkathychristianart.com/

Carrie Beth Collins, Mixed Media Artist, “I create art for the plant-loving, modern hippie heart that loves music festivals, vibrant paintings, and decor that glows.  I’m here to modernize the stereotypical blacklight painting of the past and breathe new life into this atypical art form. 
My paintings are contemporary during the day, and a party when the lights go out at night. It’s true that you can enjoy my paintings without a black light. But it’s so much fun I’m not sure why anybody would.   I’ve been told more than once that I sell joy, and I really like hearing it. It feels like a much-needed vibe to put out into the world.” 
You may find/follow Carrie Beth at the links below: 
Website & Shop: https://carriebethcollins.com
Facebook:     https://www.facebook.com/happylittleartist
Instagram:    https://www.instagram.com/artistcarriebethcollins

Yah Yah Compton, Mixed Media Artist/Chef, My creations come from my intuition. I never really plan ahead with my art/food. I let my creative nature take over and the outcome is always something unique and more beautiful than what I envisioned. I make my art for anyone who feels aligned with it. Having people from different walks of life be attracted to my drawings, sculptures, jewelry, food, etc has really shown me beauty is in the eyes of the beholder no matter who they are. I create art with the purpose of love and healing. My food is tailored towards diabetics like myself but meant for everybody who just loves good food. Everything is pretty much sugar free, dairy free, and vegan unless stated otherwise. I spend most of my time finding the best ingredients that's good for the body, not just for the taste. Just like my art, I create with the intention of love and healing for the body, mind, and soul. 
You can follow me on my socials
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empresselixirz/  or PureYou Divine
Instagram: @empressdelights333 or @pureyoudivine or @venuspynk

Maria Maupin, ceramicist. is a marriage and family therapist associate specializing in play therapy and treatment of trauma. While her primary occupation is as a counselor, she holds a BFA from Murray State University. This foundation in the arts acts as a scaffolding and foundation for all Maria’s pursuits; from the cultivation of her creative and spiritual practice, to collaborating with clients on their own journeys of self-discovery. Maria dabbles in many mediums but is primarily drawn to the tactile and grounding qualities of clay. Her current body of work consists of both wheel thrown and sculptural pieces utilizing either saggar or raku firing techniques. For further information regarding Maria’s work, please email: mmaupinanderson@gmail.com

Kayla Morgan, Artist, is an African American female artist from the west end of Louisville, Kentucky and has been creating art since age 9.  Her current medium is acrylic paint on stretched canvas. Kayla uses painting as a tool to express all the beautiful aspects of a black life, including tragedy, love, fashion and history.  She believes more light should be shown on these subjects to help grow and guide our youth. Kayla is the current event coordinator, CFO of Who Don’t Love Art and has had a beautiful experience creating art, (over 1500 paintings ) events (16 paint & sips, 2 art festivals, 3 art exhibitions)and Murals (2 acrylic paint murals & 3 chalk murals ) with her fiancé (Ci’Vaughn Green).
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whodontloveart?mibextid=ZbWKwL 
Instagram: Blossomingbrownskin https://instagram.com/blossomingbrownskin?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Business page : WhodontLoveArt ( across all social media)

Thea Lavery Sellers, Jewelry Designer and owner of Thea Lavery Jewelry, LLC offers unique, handcrafted resin earrings made with love! Using premium glitter and creative polymer clay slices, these earrings are ageless, comfortable and giftable. From everyday styles to glamorous statement, whimsical to retro, seasonal and holidays, there's something for everyone! Because we ALL *sparkle*.  Follow Thea on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thealaveryjewelry and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thealaveryjewelry/ 

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