Wake Up, Rise Up Live4peace organising committee, broadcast every September 21st.
A virtual music event, this is a no-profit organisation promoting peace throughout the world.
West Philadelphia, Pa
Click on Picture to See the Full Bio.
Wake Up Rise Up - LIVE4Peace - 2
Wake Up Rise Up - LIVE4Peace - 3
Wake Up Rise Up - LIVE4Peace - 2
Van Fields
Van Fields born and raised in West Philadelphia began singing at a young age. His career started as a Vocalist While at Bartram junior high school. The First group that he sang with was the Symphonics.In 1969 after they all graduated they went their own way. Some of the group ended up going into the military while others went to work. Van then joined
a group out of West Philly call the Majestic
Van ended up in the Military honourably for nine years singing in the circuit and later formed an acapella group called Perfect Blend which was on Showtime at the Apollo and won. Van ended up singing with the renowned Delfonics for a very short time and then was called the fabulous Stylistic whom he sang for 11 years. After leaving the group for artistic differences Van started his own group Stylistic Revue in 2011 and has been travelling around the world since.
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Lisa Chavous
Lisa Chavous and the Philadelphia Blues Messengers was founded by Philly Blues and Jazz Legend, the late, great Byard Lancaster, Larry Hambrecht, and Lisa Chavous. The diverse Vocals of Lisa Chavous and the songwriting abilities of Hambrecht and Chavous brought forth Global Recognition of the unique Philadelphia sound of soulful Jazz and Blues.
Favourable reviews have appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Paris Jazz, Nouvelle Vague France, Puerto Rico, Alternative Music Press, Scoop Newspaper, Big City Blues Magazine, the Philadelphia Weekly, and the Philadelphia Daily News. France’s Nouvelle Vague Magazine described Lisa Chavous as “the next Tina Turner” in a review during their tour of the South of France and the Cote D’Azur. Lisa Chavous and the Philadelphia Blues Messengers are leading a worldwide, international Blues, Jazz and Soul revival. Unapologetic Blues with a Touch of Soul!! Spread the word!! The Blues Invasion is in Full Effect, and the Message is the Blues!! 
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Dwight K Smith
Dwight K Smith born in Virginia Beach raised in Philadelphia joined the Challengers Drill Team at age 10 the director of the Drill Team started a vocal group called New Love LTD later they became Philly Cream Dwight travelled with Philly Cream with a dance group he started called The Flamingo Dancers later he joined Philly Cream as a lead vocalist and he choreographed most of the dance routines for Philly Cream Dwight departed Philly Cream and started a vocal duo called Fire and Desire who did the grand opening for the Show Boat casino in Atlantic City NJ traveling around the world from Asia to Europe Dwight later started doing the Gospel Play Circuit performing at sold-out theatre’s around the country he caught the eye of the Universoul Circus becoming the Ringmaster there he became the Soulman he later returned to Philadelphia performing locally he became the Host at Wilson's Restaurant and Live Entertainment 5 nights a week his hosting skills are in demand at private and corporate events The Soulman has inspired many artists and has done artists development he's now Hosting and performing at the all new Shaking Crab in Philadelphia Dwight is the ultimate performer.
SYRIN SONGS
Syrin Songs is a Philadelphia native with a sultry soulful sound and has an undying love for music to share with the world. Syrin has more than 20 years' experience collaborating, performing lead, and background vocals with talents such as: A Cut Above The Rest Band with Raiena Graham; Philadelphia, Cecil Parker at T.S.O.P. (The Sound Of Philadelphia) The Tropicana Hotel and Casino; Atlantic City, Cuba Gooding Sr. and The Main Ingredient; New Orleans, Percy Sledge at; Foxwoods Resort Casino; Mashantucket Connecticut, The Stylistics at The Dell East; Philadelphia, DJ Kev Karaoke; Philadelphia, Herb Smith Experience; Philadelphia, and so many more wonderful talents which have all been gifts. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to be a part of this wonderful lineup of performers at this Great and Historic Event. I am most humbled and honored.
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Kenny Pitt
Kenny Pitt, a West Philadelphia native, has always had a great love for the arts. He began his professional musical experiences as a violinist, and while in college formed a singing group that became the front line for a local band. Since then, Kenny has performed in the United States and abroad as a singer and actor. He has acted in various plays and films. Kenny teaches academic elementary/middle classes in the Philadelphia Public School District. but has never given up or lost his passion for entertaining. Currently, he is a member of the award-winning singing group, Double Exposure. “There is still a thrill each time I step on stage to perform!"
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Frederick-Deon Mennette
Frederick-Deon began singing in his native hometown of Bainbridge, GA after showing enough musical aptitude to be thrown into a school choir at age 3. He moved up to soloist status by his preschool graduation ceremony. He went on to start singing in church at the early age of 7. Throughout his formative years, Fred joined various groups including a touring gospel quartet group he started called God’s Children which lasted for nearly a decade. Frederick has travelled to various places to sing throughout his singing life including Chicago IL, Orlando Fl, The Bahamas, and Mexico, amongst other cities and locations. Fred is affectionately known as “The Singing Chef” as just as much as he can sing he can also cook. He is the owner of Southern Cuisine Catering Services LLC which he started 11 years ago. Frederick ultimately loves gospel music but also enjoys oldies R&B, Jazz, Classical, & some Blues. He also writes music and does voice training and workshops. In the future, he is looking to record solo projects with others.
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Kathleen "Kat" Fontaine-Prattis: Songwriter, Producer, Vocalist
Kathleen "Kat" Fontaine-Prattis
From the small city of Chester, PA, on the perimeter of Philadelphia, a songbird named Kathleen Fontaine-Prattis (affectionately dubbed "Kat" by her Family and Friends) exhibited extraordinary talent as a singer at an early age. This began her notable journey as a Vocalist. Her various experiences lay the foundation on which her illustrious career has blossomed.
As a teenager, Kat began performing and recording with a host of local artists. Although she performed regularly, she maintained a high GPA and her position as Captain of the majorettes for the Chester High School Marching Band. Kat was even crowned Miss Black Chester in 1974. She would go on to major in Instrumental Music and Pre-Law at Delaware State University, one of America's top 5 leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Inspired by determination, Kat maintained her relationships and her chops in the studio and on stage. It was not long before she was sought out by countless musicians, singers, and producers that revolved around Philadelphia at the time. As the Sound of Philadelphia and the recording empire created by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff grew, so did the experience and reputation of Kathleen Fontaine-Prattis. By now, she earned her place on a very short list of the area's top voices in the city.
Kat quickly moved up the ranks of Philadelphia's music scene. She performed or recorded lead and/or background vocals for the likes of Norman Harris, Bunny Sigler, Billy Paul, The Tramps and The Temptations' Ron Tyson to name a few. She even had time to lend her vocal talents to a few jingles for both radio and television commercials.
Kat's career would eventually land her many opportunities to share the stage with internationally known artists ranging from KC & The Sunshine Band, Sister Sledge, Disco Queen, and Gloria Gaynor to late greats like BB King and Ray Charles. It was Kat who held down the mic as lead singer for the Salsoul Records Group, "True Example" when they recorded "Love Is Finally Comin' My Way" and the critically acclaimed, "As Long as You Love Me." That song went on to become #5 on the Billboard R&B Chart in May of 1976. This track received prominent airplay on scores of R&B and Soul radio stations. Another highlight in Katheen's career was during the 70's when she shined as one of the soulful backup singers for boxing great, Joe Frazier in his R&B act, Joe Frazier and the Knockouts!
Following her passion and fuelled by her dreams, Kat would find herself embracing an opportunity to venture overseas to The Netherlands. There she would work as a music teacher, marry, and for the next decade she would continue performing lead and background vocals and as a Musical Director. She made several appearances on the popular Soundmixshow, a European, precursor of shows like The Voice and American Idol. In 1992 and 1993, she was a featured performer on the world-renowned, World Press Photo Awards Ceremonies held in Amsterdam.
Kat took full advantage of her time overseas to reflect on her career and expand her interests in songwriting, arranging and even producing her original music...much of which is even more relevant today than it was when she created it.
Kathleen recently moved back to the States. Like all of us, she is adjusting to this "new normal". As the world is experiencing some rapidly changing times there are but a few things that have remained constant. Kathleen's drive, passion, creativity, and magnificent personality. However, one thing that has changed is her soulful voice. Like a fine wine, it has evolved and only grown richer with time
Ladies and Gentlemen, Ms. Kathleen Fontaine-Prattis!
Need more information about Kathleen "Kat" Fontaine-Prattis?
Shirley Lites is an International Recording Artist. She was on Atlantic, West End and Arista Records. She is on Karmic Power Records and Midnight Riot Records. Shirley was the band leader and background Vocalist for Billy Paul for 16 years until his passing in April 2016. She is the Philadelphia Network Director for NABFEME (National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment). Shirley is well travelled having performed in Japan, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, London, Israel, Istanbul, Alaska, Algeria, Iceland, Portugal, Egypt, France, Greenland, and Honduras to name a few. She has worked with or opened for several artists including Barbara Mason, Jean Carne, Scherrie Payne, Angela Bofil, Melisa Morgan, Melba Moore, Miles Jaye, Gladys Knight, Dorothy Moore, Carl Carlton, The New Funkadelic’s, McFadden and Whitehead, Al Jarreau, Freddie Jackson, Howard Hewitt, Chaka Khan and others. Shirley's vocal range wows audiences everywhere she performs. Her first commercial record, "Heat You Up/ Melt You Down" on West End Records set the stage for her future success. She covered "Deja Vu" by Teena Marie as a house version. Produced by Steve Mason of WdasFM, this song is exceptional. Shirley also collaborated with legendary producer, Lenny Fontana. You might know him for his work with DTrain. This collaboration birthed a hot track that is burning up the charts and dance floors in Europe. The track, “Fire" is self-explanatory. Mix Mag magazine featured the song in September 2018 as song of the month. Be on the lookout for Shirley's new CD "Every Side of Me", scheduled to be released in 2021. Her amazing vocal range has critics swooning and she receives standing ovations on a regular basis. Shirley is an artist with her own unique style. Feel the intensity and vibe of her music. Shirley Lites currently hosts a radio show on Wednesdays from 8 PM until 10 PM called the "Love Zone" on Philly Live Radio powered by Live 365. The name speaks for itself, broadcasting the Love Songs of today and yesterday. She hosts an upbeat show on Friday nights, playing House, Dance, Disco, R&B, Soul, Funk, Pop, and Neo Soul from 10 PM until 12 AM EST.
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