KECHI OKWUCHI
Kechi Okwuchi America's Got Talent 2017 Audition｜GTF
We may like glamour and be drawn to sensationalism. We may be attracted to what is superficial, but those experiences usually fade quickly and can even turn toxic, and we are left wanting what is true and real, reliable and honorable.
Unwritten is about changing toward positive directions, even if it is tragedy that altered our course.
Unwritten is a call to become who you want to be in your core, not just your skin.
Unwritten is exemplified by the person we are announcing… Kechi
Unwritten: Life Illuminated is proud to host Kechi as both a speaker and performer at our life-changing event on Saturday, August 17th in Exhibit Hall at the Dixie Convention Center in St. George, Utah.
Let's join Kechi as she continues her journey to illuminate so many lives. As Howie Mandell said to Kechi after her much-deserved Golden Buzzer moment on America's Got Talent - The Champions, "you're so much more than your songs and your sound; more than a champion of singing and of talent. You're a champion of life."
We agree, Kechi Okwuchi. You are a beautiful champion of life.
MIKALENE IPSON
Never Enough The Greatest Showman
Mikalene has over fifteen years of professional performing experience under her boots, having performed all over the Western United States, both as a solo artist, and with various bands at events including; county fairs, festivals, corporate events, elegant galas, community celebrations, intimate private events and concerts.
Mikalene has opened concerts for several outstanding performers - her favorite being country superstar, Jo Dee Messina. She currently has two albums of original songs available for purchase, on her official music website, or on iTunes and Amazon. Mikalene's busy working on her third album and an original soundtrack for a world release of a feature-length documentary film.
She plays guitar and piano and found her love of writing her own songs while in Nashville. Mikalene has been commissioned to write numerous songs and jingles for many individuals, companies, and brands. She has won many singing competitions and awards, including The Colgate Country Showdown - (Southern Utah); Hawk Idol, The 99.9 Kony Country Showcase, SUSWA Songwriting Contest; and more.
LYNDY BUTLER
Lyndy Butler - Buffalo Skater Album Release Show
After graduating from Dixie State University with an elementary ed. teaching degree and opening a performing arts preschool and private music studio, Lyndy began writing and recording her own music. She independently released two full length solo albums, found national attention as a Finalist in the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Songwriters showcase in Lyons, Colorado, and in the Kerrville NewFolk Songwriting competition in Kerrville, Texas. Her third release, The Buddy System, a children’s album collaboration with her pal, Cherie Call, was awarded a Gold Medal from Parents Choice Awards and also includes "The Astronaut and The Mermaid" which won the Grand Prize from The John Lennon Songwriting competition in 2017. Named the winner of Utah's 2018 Troubeliever Song Contest, Lyndy shared a song to warm the stage for Rodney Crowell and Emmylou Harris.
"Buffalo Skater" is Lyndy's newest release that she's lovingly nicknamed, her Spirit Animal-Album. The songs are vintage-country at the core, with hints of Folkpop-bluegrass. "These songs are my home, and making music with my friends right here in Utah has meant everything to me..."
LUKE RANDALL
Luke began learning how to play the piano from his mother at the tender age of five. He went on to learn how to play the guitar and decided to pursue music and entertainment as a career path. If you ask Luke, he'll confidently say, "I was born to entertain people."
Luke's repertoire ranges from gracing a stage with his classical piano playing relaxing cocktail jazz to an excitingly high-energy brand of rock and roll. He auditioned in San Francisco for the 2015 season of American Idol, making it to the fourth round. He has wowed audiences ever since, throughout Utah and other states, entertaining at events such as the elegant Spirit of Hope Gala, Heartbeat: A Tribute to Heart, and The Billy and Elton Show with John Houston.
JOHN HOUSTON
John Houston has an extensive and enduring background as a piano/keyboard player, sound engineer, producer, creative arranger and professional singer.
John tours nationally and throughout Canada with several bands, including tribute acts, such as Heart and The Billy and Elton Show.
John was a member of Gladys Knight's SUV Choir in Las Vegas and leads his own very talented Gospel Choir – John Houston’s Gospel Choir in appearances throughout southern Utah.
THE BILLY AND ELTON SHOW
The Billy and Elton Tribute Show
John Houston and Luke Randall star in The Billy and Elton Show - an homage to the renowned performers, Sir Elton John and Billy Joel. As they are quick to point out, "We are not impersonators, but we do pay tribute to these timeless entertainers."
As tough as it is to do well by the music of those two legendary artists, John and Luke do just that, rocking the stage while donning spectacular get-ups and belting out classics. They electrify crowds, performing hits such as Rocket Man, Piano Man, Tiny Dancer, My Life, Don't let the Sun Go Down on Me, Movin' Out (Anthony's Song), Philadelphia Freedom, Uptown Girl, Levon, She's Always a Woman, Candle in the Wind, and more.
"That was the best tribute show I have ever been to. Great Show!" - C. Jackson
Sit back and enjoy the video below to check out some highlights from The Billy and Elton Show starring John Houston and Luke Randall. Before you ask, yes, you are allowed to sing along at the top of your lungs.
JADON WEBSTER
Jadon is a singer, and performer, exhilarating audiences with his vocal talent and polished acting. He discovered his life's purpose - to uplift others with the power of music and acting while in high school, and still pursues that purpose to this day.
He has been performing and starring in roles for years, emerging as a local theater star with significant roles in shows such as Beauty and the Beast, Les Miserables, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and The Scarlet Pimpernel, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, and Guys and Dolls.
Jadon has also released two solo albums, titled, Because of Him, and Songs of the Season. On them, he passionately sings of purpose and love. “The purpose of music is to uplift and inspire." His rendition of well-known classics does just that.
Jadon is excited to be featured in a significant role in the upcoming play, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, at The Noorda Center for the Performing Arts at UVU.
TAMMY DEE
Tammy Dee has been entertaining Southern Utah audiences since 2005. Her delightful Darling Dee characters and passion for all kinds of music bring a refreshing twist and a smile to everyone’s face.
Tammy Dee has performed in such venues as RV Resorts, Elks Lodges, Private Parties, Clubs, Chamber Functions, Dixie Round-Up Rodeo, Washington County Board of Realtors, Women’s Council of Realtor’s, Utah Business Women Events, the elegant Spirit of Hope Gala, and numerous music festivals.
Tammy is also the lead vocalist for the band Vinyl Fusion performing 60's, 70's and 80's Rock & Roll for southwestern tri-state audiences.
Tammy finds she’s happiest when singing and performing in front of an audience and takes advantage of the opportunity any chance she gets. Her love for music and making people laugh shines through in each performance she gives.
JOHN HOUSTON'S GOSPEL CHOIR
For years, John Houston and his gospel choir have been entertaining masses and uplifting people from all walks of life.
John Houston and his soulful singers are sure to uplift and inspire, offering traditional favorites and contemporary praise.
"We love to bring joy to our audience and glory to our Heavenly Father," says John Houston, who often describes the choir's performances as a way to "spread the good news!"
AUTUMN BEST
Autumn Best is a seventeen-year-old performer from Southern Utah. Shrek the Musical at Tuacahn Amphitheatre was her first professional theatre credit, playing the role of Teen Fiona. She recently returned from New York City, where she read for the role of Willow in Fly More Than You Fall’s industry reading and she is thrilled to bring her character to life for a full commercial run at UVU in the fall of 2019.
Besides theatre, Autumn has a passion for songwriting and posts original music on her YouTube channel where she has over 70,000 subscribers and 4 million views.
Autumn was born missing several fingers on her left hand and she uses her social media platforms to talk about embracing diversity.
AMI GENT
Ami is a lifelong vocalist and entertainer. Ami’s "main gig" is loving her husband, Troy Gent, and running around and playing with her three beautiful daughters. Some of her favorite working gigs and roles include playing as Luisa in The Fantastics, narrator in Joseph and the Technicolored Dream Coat, Minnie Fay in Hello Dolly, as well as teaching vocalists across the United States with online leading vocal coach Richard Fink IV, owning and operating Mrs. Ami’s Dance Studio and Ami Kawailaniakealii Hula Studio, and being an emcee, singer, and host for Tahiti Productions on the Big Island, Hawai’i.
Ami has made Southern Utah her main station after moving more than thirty times throughout her life! She loves the area and teaches voice lessons to all ages and abilities locally and internationally.
Her company Wish Entertainment keeps her extra busy here in the area while they teach Hawaiian education and are for hire to do hula shows, as well as please the little audiences with princess and character parties.
REBECCA GENT
Rebecca is a singer / songwriter who has been writing lyrics and composing music for three years. Rebecca’s performance experience has ranged from musical theatre roles, choirs, ballroom, and working for Wish Entertainment as various princesses and mermaids! Her love for recording music began in 2017 when she recorded her first original piece at Star Lake Studios in Orlando, FL.
Rebecca was able to attend a vocal retreat there with her mother, Ami Gent, who contracts vocal coaching through THROGA, owned by
Richard Fink lV, a leading international vocal coach. At various retreats she has been able to sing for and work with Frankie Moreno, Pat Thrall, Bobby Ferrari, Johnny Cummings, Sarah Thiele, Cesar De La Rosa, and Walt Disney World Directors. This past year she has also been working with Ryan Tilby which has been a fun, educating, and inspiring experience.
Rebecca currently has her last recorded single, “Lonely”, released and is excited to continue recording and creating music.
DICK BARTON
Dick graduated from the McCune Conservatory of Music in Salt Lake City, Utah and later graduated from the University of Utah majoring in music.
Dick has performed professionally throughout the Western States, including Salt Lake City, St. George, Utah and the San Diego and Palm Springs, California area. He has performed at political events, weddings, Dixie State College graduation commencement exercises. He has played at the St. George Tabernacle, St. George Opera House and the Grand Stage at the Cox Performing Art Center in St. George. Dick also performed in the Lex de Azevedo Concert Series in Salt Lake City, Utah. He toured Palm Desert, Palm Springs and the Lawrence Welk Resort in San Diego, California. Dick was one of the regulars at the Encore RV Resort in Harrisberg, Utah. He was one of the finalists in the “Senior Week” Talent show and was critiqued by Michael Ballam, worldwide entertainer, and Professor of Music at Utah State University, as giving a “command performance.”
Dick released his second CD “Steppin Out With My Baby," featuring his special arrangement of "Happy Anniversary," which was recognized by both The Spectrum and St. George News.
Dick lives in St. George with his wife Carole.