WenDY RAquel Robinson
Wendy Raquel Robinson is a 2021 and 2022 Emmy Award Winning Producer, Philanthropist, Actress, and NAACP Image Award recipient, known for her groundbreaking roles as ambitious, leading women on television and film.
A cum laude graduate of Howard University, where she honed her artistic skills in acting, directing, writing, directing, producing, and choreographing, Robinson is one of the most talented and professional actors in the entertainment industry, She continually strives for excellence in her career as an artist, scholar, mentor and Co-founder/Artistic Director of Amazing Grace Conservatory, (AGC) a theatrical training institute, that provides performing, media and digital arts opportunities for youth and young adults interested in careers in the entertainment industry.
Robinson is best known as the no nonsense diva principal, ‘Regina Grier’ on the “The Steve Harvey Show” for six seasons. She made television history as the first African American actress to portray Disney’s iconic villain, Cruella DeVille, in Disney Channel’s, “Descendants” directed by Emmy Award-winning director and choreographer Kenny Ortega.
Robinson made history by portraying the feisty, savvy, mom-manager and mogul 'Tasha Mack,' on the groundbreaking dramedy, "The Game" for an unprecedented 11 seasons! The fan favorite show premiered on the CW Network, BET and is currently in production of Season 2 on the Paramount Plus streaming platform. Wendy is no stranger to television and has been a Series Regular on TV One’s generational comedy, “Here We Go Again”, ABC’s bold, provocative drama, “Grand Hotel”, executive produced by Eva Longoria and recurring roles on ABC’s comedy, “The Mayor”, Netflix's “Dear White People,”, HBO’s “Insecure,” Netflix's Family Reunion, and most recently the newly rebooted "MacGyver" on CBS.
Robinson’s additional television and film credits include the 2017 psychological horror drama remake of “Flatliners,” "Miss Congeniality,” “Something New,” “Rebound,” “Two Can Play That Game,” "A weekend with the Family,” "A Christmas Surprise,” "A Christmas Reunion,” and the 30th Anniversary Pan African American Film Festival's 'Remember Me-The Mahalia Jackson Story.” Additional television credits include roles on ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy," Fox's animated show, "Family Guy,” and “Cedric the Entertainer Presents!”
With her incandescent personality and vivacious spirit, Ms. Robinson has been the recipient of various national awards as well as local dignitaries in the City and County of Los Angeles for her philanthropy, community and entrepreneurial leadership of Amazing Grace Conservatory, which was named as one of California’s 2019 Nonprofits of the Year. Amazing Grace Conservatory has been servicing youth ages 5-18 years old in the Los Angeles community for over 25 years. AGC has touched, moved, and inspired thousands of lives including prestigious alumni Issa Rae, Ashton Sanders and Aldis Hodge to name a few. Hearts are healed and lives are changed at AGC! Robinson continues to reveal the myriad of talents she possesses, through hosting appearances and as a distinguished keynote speaker to various audiences that range from women empowerment symposiums to inspiring youth from all walks of life to seek brighter futures for themselves and their families.
dwight trible
Dwight Trible is an inimitable jazz vocalist, activist, and nominal godfather of the LA jazz scene. Dwight is known for his spiritual sound and powerful vocals, and he has had an incredible career spanning decades. He is the vocalist for the Pharoah Sanders Quartet and the vocal director for the Horace Tapscott Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra - a Los Angeles institution with a history stretching back forty years and an active engagement in the city’s Black community since the Watts Uprising.
Trible has been at the forefront of the US jazz resurgence, serving as the executive director of the critically important art space, The World Stage. This space, a cornerstone of Leimert Park, has been the hub of African-American art and culture in Los Angeles since the late 1960s. The venue’s influence on artists such as Kamasi Washington and Terrace Martin, who credit it with shaping their sounds and fostering a sense of community, is undeniable. It has also been a significant influence on the likes of Kendrick Lamar, as well as several artists from LA tastemaker label Brainfeeder and more.
An avid and passionate activist, an enabler of the local scene, and a figurehead in the LA jazz community, Trible’s focus is rarely self-seeking. Always facing outward, his focus is largely centered on giving, inclusion, and teaching. He also inspires others and expresses himself both on stage and on record behind the scenes.
Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center Jazz Band
The Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center is a nonprofit organization based in South Los Angeles whose mission is to provide quality performing arts instruction to underserved youth and help them build self-esteem, develop civic responsibility, and achieve academic success.
Fernando Pullum has been recognized by many organizations and individuals throughout his tenure, including Oprah, VH-1, the John Lennon Foundation and the State of California as its teacher of the year. He has performed and recorded with many industry greats, such as Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Jackson Browne, Etta James, Alicia Keys, Eddie Murphy, Fishbone and more.
Over the years, Fernando’s students have performed for many dignitaries, including President Ford and Prince Charles. The students have performed with Jackson Browne, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Lionel Hampton, Wynton Marsalis, Al Jarreau, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and many other incredible musicians. They have opened the Playboy Jazz Festival four times and traveled to Cuba, Brazil, Spain, and New York. Six of his former students have won Grammys.
kinnara taiko
One of the leading Japanese-American taiko drum groups in the USA, Kinnara Taiko blends Japanese, American, Latin, Cuban, and African rhythms into a dynamic and strictly Japanese-American taiko sound. These rhythms are combined with choreographed movements, mime, flute, and various other percussion sounds.
Kinnara originated and revolutionized the use of oak wine barrels as a taiko drum, creating a uniquely Japanese-American instrument. This made taiko drums affordable, and allowed for the creation of taiko groups to spread across the United States .
Kinnara has been performing, celebrating, and communicating Japanese-American Buddhist Taiko for over 50 years.
S.Pearl
Sharp
S. Pearl Sharp is a writer, filmmaker, actor and radio producer. Published work includes the non-fiction Black Women For Beginners (For Beginners LLC), Uncertain Rituals, an audio book of short fiction, the poetry w/jazz CDsOn The Sharp Side and Higher Ground and four volumes of poetry including Typing In The Dark (Harlem River Press). She worked with esteemed actress Beah Richards to create There's A Brown Girl In The Ring, a collection of Richards' essays, later adapting them to stage. S. Pearl's essays and commentaries were broadcast on NPR. She performs her literary work collaborating with dancers, musicians and visual artists. (View clips on YouTube/A Sharp Show.)
An award-winning independent filmmaker, Sharp's documentary films include The Healing Passage/ Voices From The Water, which aired on The Documentary Channel, Life Is A Saxophone, on poet Kamau Daaood, and cultural arts documentaries for the City of Los Angeles CH 35. S. Pearl facilitates workshops connecting language and wellness & offers creativity coaching through The Gate Is Open.
project knucklehead
Project KnuckleHead works to inspire and empower youth and communities through the arts, education, and activism.
Project KnuckleHead is a national 501(c)3 non-profit organization operating community-based programs, encouraging activism, and other forms of self-expression.