Welcome 'Blues Man' Lonne G. to the Chicago Stage of the WakeUpRiseUp-Live4Peace event, airing on September 21st, 2023.                         
Lonne G is a Chicago songwriter Artist and Producer since 1991. Known worldwide for his dedication to R&B and community service worldwide. Performing hits taking the charts by storm and spending much time working with radio Producers and promoters in the music industry. Nominated to National Black Radio Hall of Fame Chicago Chapter.

Lonne G is a highly talented individual from North Chicago Illinois. He began his career with Soul Sensations and later formed a group called Pick of the Litter and recorded a powerful single "the many sides of Love".

After several years with the group, Lonne G decided to go solo. He recorded "the heat is on", which was produced under the guidance of Mitchell Austin Productions of Detroit Michigan. As a result, great music was made. Lonne has appeared with such artists as the Floaters, Detroit Emeralds, Patrice Rushin, war, The Temptation Review featuring Dennis Edwards, friends of Distinction, and Blues Legend Buddy Guy.

 Lonne G has toured the Philippine islands, Tokyo Japan, Tennessee, Arkansas, Las Vegas, Michigan, Florida, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Indiana. This Soulful G&G recording artist is currently enjoying chart-topping hits such as Standing in the Crossroads, Too Late, and Hold on to the Blues just to name a few.

 Lonne G continues to hit the stage with excitement, passion, and heartfelt soul,

​

​

RJ Mitchell

RJ Mitchell Born and raised in Chicago, RJ’s passion for music was sparked when he played the drums at just 8 years old. It was while beating out the rhythm at such a young age to the soulful melodies that came forth from Sunday after Sunday that he also fell in love with singing. By age 12, RJ was honing his obvious vocal talent with a group he had formed. He continued to sing throughout the years with a couple of groups before finally deciding to go...solo! Through the years RJ has written & and recorded over 50 songs, won a host of talent shows and went on a couple of national tours sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Over the years, RJ has added songwriting and promoting to his musical résumé as well. But he continues to shine brightest lending his own exceptional vocals to gospel, R&B, soul, hip hop, pop, punk and rock. In short, he is a dynamic performer who has mastered a diverse medley of musical styles. These days RJ can be witnessed wowing audiences live on stages around Chicago and throughout the Nation...

​

​

Joan Collaso

Joan Collaso Emmy award winner and international vocalist Joan Collaso was born, raised and is living in Chicago. Joan’s flowing sensual melodies will capture your ear, but her spirit will capture your heart, as she blends the textures of Jazz, R&B, Blues and Gospel in a way that gives her a distinct sound. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Chicago State University. Her artistry is celebrated throughout Chicago, the Midwest and internationally. Her credits and contributions to the performing arts community are numerous, including sold-out productions and performances, live and recorded background vocalist for top artists, and performances for film and television. Among many awards, Joan received a coveted Emmy for her performance in the PBS Special Precious Memories, Strolling 47th Street. Her film and television credits span from Oprah Winfrey to the hit TV show Empire. Her voice has been heard on numerous radio and TV commercials, and recordings. She’s performed supporting vocals in concert for musical giants like Stevie Wonder, George Duke, Al Jarreau and for the late “Queen of Soul” Ms. Aretha Franklin. She’s opened for Jeffrey Osbourne and India Irie and performed her one-woman show, A Tribute to Nancy Wilson and Shirley Horn in Chicago and Las Vegas. In addition to being an accomplished performer, Ms. Collaso is the founder and Executive Director of Timeless Gifts Performing Arts Program for Youth & Young Adults, an organization that inspires, instructs and provides advanced professional performance opportunities for young aspiring artists in the Chicago land area. In April 2019, Ms. Collaso and her team took The Timeless Gifts’ Vocal Ensemble, 16 young vocalists, and 3 young musicians on their debut performance tour in Milan, Italy. And they are finally cleared to return to Milan in December 2023! Quotes: “She happens to be one of the best Jazz vocalists in Chicago.” — Richard Steele, WBEZ 91.5FM I’d love to turn the rest of the jazz universe on to one of the best singers in Chicago. —Mark Ruffin, Program Director Real Jazz, Sirius XM Satellite Radio Joan Collaso is one of the most talented and versatile singers/entertainers that I have had the pleasure to work with. In my experience of working with her, she has amazed me with her ability to capture audiences across the world. She can get down in any genre of music hence her versatility. I would have to say that anyone who has the opportunity to see a Joan Collaso performance should without hesitation. —Nick Colionne, International Smooth Jazz Guitarist

​

​

Antone

Antone hails from the south side of Chicago, where he was raised in a musical family with a strong emphasis on worship. He grew up singing in an A Cappella church choir led by his father, who was also a worship leader. At the young age of five, Antone began taking piano lessons and soon added the trumpet, drums, and saxophone to his repertoire. In high school, he started writing, recording, and producing his own music, and even directed and shot a music video for one of his original songs, despite it being the early 80s. From high school until the present day, Antone has continued to pursue his passion for music, performing, writing, producing, and recording across multiple genres. He has graced hundreds of stages in Chicago and the Midwest, performing as the lead singer for the Associate's Band, choir director, worship leader at his church, and a member of the travelling gospel Quintet, The United Quintet of Chicago. Antone directed the Sheldon Heights Acapella Choir for over two decades, recording seven CDs and winning a Christian Acapella Music Award in 2004. Additionally, he has produced and written four R&B CDs and one gospel CD of his own. Antone's latest project is to release 7 singles throughout 2023. All of them will be showcased on his website and be available on all major streaming platforms. Antone has been increasingly drawn back to the R&B and Soul sounds from his youth. His mantra of using real musicians with real relatable lyrics to produce real R&B has driven his songwriting on these 2023 singles. Antone is also infusing his gospel themes, harmonies, rhythms, and melodic phrasing into his songs. He is excited to continue exploring, revisiting, and reimagining the R&B soul genre and finding new ways to incorporate it into his music.

​

​

Lady A

Lady A was influenced by listening to Blues, R&B, Motown, Soul, and Rock. She knew that music would play an intricate part in her life. Pursuing her musical identity, she became very involved in the church choir. While feeling that she had more to give the music industry; attending jam sessions in the Wisconsin and Chicagoland area encouraged her to home in on her musical gift and learn from other entertainers. She yearned to push forward to organize her own band while performing with several local musicians, and she developed a great following, not to mention a reputation. Lady A was a 2017 contestant on The Voice and received several invitations for 2018 through 2022 to compete again. The African American Arts of Chicago nominated Lady A for the Outstanding Achievement Award in Music. She has had the opportunity to perform on many stages such as BB Kings in Nashville, TN, Mr. J’s Blues & Jazz – Milwaukee, WI; The Checkerboard, The Green Mill, The Red Fish, Unleaded Blues – Chicago, IL. Lady A has had the opportunity to participate in Paramount Music Fest Grafton, WI; Mahone Music Summer Series, Libertyville Days, Libertyville, IL; Zion in the Park Summer Music Series, Summer Vibes on Villard – Milwaukee, WI; Party on the Pavement, Wisconsin’s largest downtown festival– Racine, WI, to name a few. Lady A ‘s contribution to the world of music and her talent is yet to be achieved. She receives standing ovations wherever she performs. Everyone who has had the opportunity to enjoy this talented and aggressive artist knows she is on her way and there are no limits to where she can go.