Grammy nominated vocalist, producer, percussionist, arranger and cultural historian Linda Tillery is recognized as a pioneer in Women's music, with her second solo album titled Linda Tillery released on Olivia Records in 1977. Known for her insightful commentary and armed with her "healing with humor" philosophy, Comic Karen Williams is a modern-day alchemist and motivational humorist. Grammy nominated Amythyst Kiah is a versatile songwriter and deeply soulful singer from Tennessee. Her music drifts easily between old-time folk, blues, country, and more contemporary strains of R&B and alt-rock. A Canadian national treasure in the Dept. of Comedy, Elvira Kurt is a trail-blazing queer icon and Second City veteran whose credits as star, host, guest, writer and or talent director are simply far too many to mention. Rainbow Girls are an eclectic folk trio hailing from Californiaâs Bay Area. They seamlessly combine soul-touching harmonies, vari-textured instrumentals, and poignant lyrical content into a beautiful sonic tapestry. Dana Goldberg is a quick-witted, politically adept comic who will surely deliver poignant, timely comedy. Turks & Caicos native Tess Charles is a dynamic and consummate performer whoâs repertoire includes music ranging from Jazz to Pop to Reggae, Soca and R&B. Yoli Mayor is a Cuban American songbird who first amazed audiences around the world on both Americaâs Got Talent and American Idol with her powerhouse vocals. Her multifaceted sound ranges from R&B, Hip Hop, to Pop, and Salsa, to name a few. Known internationally as Madonnaâs full time DJ, DJ Mary Mac is sure to keep you twirling on the dance floor and DJ Olga T is a Bay Area legend whoâs mastery of creating perfect live mixes, generates extreme crowd satisfaction. Our resident Yogini Richelle Donigan will help you greet the day with alignment and mindfulness through her daily Yoga sessions and meditation offerings. Plus, weâre excited to share that Vitus "V" Spehar, an accomplished TikToker, podcaster, citizen journalist, and political advocate who runs the brand Under The Desk Newsâą, will be joining us as a speaker in Punta Cana, with a meet and greet after.
Linda Tillery
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Linda Tillery
Linda Tillery is a Grammy© nominated vocalist, producer, percussionist, arranger and cultural historian. Since she first appeared on stage at the tender age of 19, she has been considered as one of the Bay Areaâs most soulful and dynamic singers.
She is recognized as a pioneer inâŻWomen's music, with her second solo album titledâŻLinda TilleryâŻreleased onâŻOlivia RecordsâŻin 1977 and winning a Bammy (Bay Area Music Award) for âBest Independently Produced Album.â Tillery was also twice named âOutstanding Female Vocalistâ at the Bay Area Jazz Awards. In addition to performing, she was the producer on three of Olivia's first eight albums.âŻWithin the women's music genre, she has collaborated withâŻJune Millington,âŻDeidre McCalla,âŻBarbara Higbie,âŻHolly Near,âŻMargie Adam, and others.âŻ
During the 1980s, Tillery branched out in many directions, recording three albums under her own name while becoming a central figure in Oaklandâs R&B and funk scene.
In the 90âs, Ms. Tillery became a founding member of Bobby McFerrinâs Voicestra, where she began serious study of improvisation and vocal performance. She toured with Voicestra for over five years.
In addition to her performing credits Tillery has appeared on over 70 recordings by such artists as Carlos Santana, Boz Scaggs, Pete and Sheila Escovedo, Taj Mahal, Vicki Randle, Eric Bibb, Mickey Hart, Bobby McFerrin, Linda Ronstadt, Huey Lewis & The News, The Whispers, Turtle Island String Quartet and Keith Terryâs percussion ensemble, Crosspulse.
In 1992, Tillery formed the 6-member Cultural Heritage Choir â a percussion driven, vocal ensemble.
She has metamorphosed into an authority onâŻthe African Diaspora in song.âŻHer current mission is to help preserve and share the rich musical traditions of African American roots music.
Linda will be joined by Tammy Hall on piano, Ruthie Price on drums and Kofy Brown on bass.
Karen Williams
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Karen Williams
Karen Williams is a force, a buzzsaw joke machine. She is proactively provocative, and fearless in confronting cliches, and investigating stereotypes through hyperbole. Her comedy stands out as a distinct, cantankerous voice in the lesbian community and a unique perspective on the world at large. âHuman Beings: What A Concept,â Karen Williamsâ debut comedy album, is a glimpse into the inner politics of a marginalized group that, by necessity, became curators and creators of their own culture. Karen addresses conformity in kindness,âŻlove, and relationships. She shares misgivings about aging, codependency, motherhood, and sexuality, especially regarding intersections with race and libertine living. Karen tells it like it is, as she sees it, cutting through the pleasantries with nuance, texture, ambiance, ambivalence, and gusto. She has lingo for those in the know and expertly crafted elaborations for those who arenât. Throughout, Karen displays an unmatched genius for sarcasm, irony, and rhetoric. If something doesnât make sense, sheâll knock some sense into it, but gracefully. Her technique is impressive. Rather than beat her opponent over the head, sheâll take the egregiously erroneous or misinformed stance as her own, stretch the faulty logic until itâs paper thin, and wrap the whole farce up into a bow. Karen Williams is special. For more about Karen's humor and healing work, visit www.hahainstitute.com
Amythyst Kiah
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Amythyst Kiah
Before earning a Grammy nomination for her work with the all-female folk supergroupâŻOur Native Daughters, Amythyst Kiah had already built a substantial career as a solo artist in the Americana and roots music arena. A versatile songwriter and deeply soulful singer from Tennessee, Kiah's music drifts easily between old-time folk, blues, country, and more contemporary strains of R&B and alt-rock. Self-releasing her first solo album in 2012, she then established herself as an international touring act before joiningâŻOur Native Daughters, whose acclaimed 2019 debut was led by Kiah's standout song "Black Myself." The song was later re-recorded for her 2021 Rounder Records debutâŻâWary + Strange".
Raised in Chattanooga, Kiah began playing guitar in high school, taking influence from her parents' diverse musical tastes as well as the alt-rock she heard on MTV. After coming out as gay during her teenage years, she struggled to find acceptance and took solace in her creative pursuits. Her shift toward roots music began in college when she enrolled in a bluegrass program at East Tennessee State University where she also picked up the banjo. Released independently in 2012, Kiah's debut album,âŻâDigâ, set her on a path of perpetual touring that would carry her over the next several years. With her powerhouse voice and rich amalgam of roots-related styles, she learned to command an audience and became a festival favorite both in the U.S. and the U.K. With her backing band, she released the 2016 EP,âŻâAmythyst Kiah & Her Chest of Glassâ. When the opportunity to collaborate with a group of other likeminded women of color in the roots music scene arrived, she jumped on board. Spearheaded byâŻRhiannon GiddensâŻand featuring Kiah,âŻAllison Russell, andâŻLeyla McCalla,âŻOur Native Daughters' debut album boldly took on themes of American history and cultural identity from slavery and racism to sexism and civil rights. Released in 2019 by Smithsonian Folkways,âŻâSongs of Our Native DaughtersââŻwas led by Kiah's fiery Black identity missive "Black Myself" which was nominated for a Grammy Award and earned Song of the Year honors and the Folk Alliance International Awards. With her profile on the rise, she teamed up with producerâŻTony BergâŻ(Andrew Bird,âŻMichael Penn) to record her second album. Issued by the Rounder label in 2021,âŻâWary + StrangeââŻpaired Kiah's gritty alt rock influences with folk, Americana, and blues and featured a rearranged version of "Black Myself."
Elvira Kurt
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Elvira Kurt
Elvira Kurt is an award-winning, trail-blazing, blazer-wearing stand-up comic and Second City alumna who can now add thespian lesbian to her long list of credits following her Montreal theatrical stage debut in the Broadway smash hit, POTUS:. From hosting her own prime time talk show in Canada, popcultured with Elvira Kurt, to her more recent co-hosting appearances on CTVâs The Social, along with her numerous televised comedy specials, Kurt has done it allâat home and abroad. Sheâs earned multiple nominations for U.S. College Comedian of The Year, performed solo shows from Iceland and Iqaluit to Australia and New Zealand and is considered a queer icon for being one of the first openly gay stand-up comedians.
Elvira's work in television is extensive. Highlights include writing and performing on Baroness Von sketch Show, Carolyn Taylor's I Have Nothing, being a judge on The Second Cityâs Next Comedy Legend, a recurring role in the critically acclaimed pre-school series, Miss Persona, and hosting a Mark Burnett- produced game show, Spin Off.
She continues to showcase her creative talents in writing, producing, and directing in everything from the Seth Rogen-produced, The Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown to the Netflix hit, Drink Masters, Canadaâs Drag Race, and The Great Canadian Baking Show. Elvira has received many prestigious accolades, including recognition at the Canadian Screen Awards, Canadian Comedy Awards, Toronto Fringe Festival, and earning the Jury Choice Award at the Cannes Short Film Showcase. All this and a sitcom currently in development means Elvira Kurt is one busy teacup butch!
Rainbow Girls
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Rainbow Girls
Rainbow Girls are an eclectic folk trio hailing from the golden countryside just north of Californiaâs Bay Area. Vanessa May, Erin Chapin, and Caitlin Gowdey seamlessly combine soul-touching harmonies, varitextured instrumentals, and poignant lyrical content into a beautiful sonic tapestry. Throughout their performance, voices are paired with an ever-changing amalgamation of acoustic and slide guitar, keys, upright bass, harmonica, and an array of vocal techniques creating an engaging and often emotionally moving live show.
Their music delves deeply into themes of the human experience: hopeful love, honest self-reflection, and pursuits of social justice. Their latest album, âAmerican Dream,â crystallizes these ideas in acoustic amber, encapsulating a beautiful new direction for their ever-evolving sound.
Originally formed in Santa Barbara, CA in 2010, the Rainbow Girls have spread their musical wings both internationally and domestically, from busking on the streets of Europe to playing pubs and theaters in the UK, to house concerts, festivals, and shows in the US.
Dana Goldberg
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Dana Goldberg
Raised by a wild pack of Jews, otherwise known as her mother and two siblings, veteran comedian Dana Goldberg is a force of nature on stage. With performances at the San Francisco International Comedy Competition, The Comedy Festival produced by TBS and HBO, and the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, Goldbergâs quick wit and playful stage presence have earned her loyal fans across the country and abroad.
A crowd favorite, she has become a triple threat, combining her comedy, hosting, and writing talents to become one of the most sought-after entertainers on the circuit. Deeming her one of the top five funniest lesbians in America, Curve magazine raved, âGoldberg is one of the brightest lights in a stellar comedy landscape,â and Advocate.com named Goldberg one of the top three LGBT comedians in the nation.
In addition to headlining clubs, theaters, and festivals around the country, Goldberg has performed at and emceed dozens of high profile events and has shared the national stage with luminaries such as President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, President Bill Clinton, Kerry Washington, Jennifer Lopez, John Lithgow, Alfred Molina, Jennifer Hudson, Sir Elton John, Mariah Carey, Shonda Rhimes, and many more. Combining her gift of humor with humanitarian efforts, Goldberg has helped to raise over thirty million dollars for nonprofits around the country in the fight for marriage equality, LGBT rights, womenâs rights, and HIV and AIDS education and prevention.
Tess Charles
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Tess Charles
Born on the Capital Isle of Grand Turk TCI, Chrystal âTESSâ Charles is a product of Turks & Caicos, Jamaican, and Vincentian Heritage, and still makes her home in Turks. Her stage name carries special meaning, as it stands for the acronym Tell Someone Something, a phrase made popular by local residents who urged the public to share information with the police following the killing of 25 year old Kaziah Burke in 2013.
Chrystal uses the name as a reminder.
With 10 years of experience and a degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management, and helping to produce local jazz festivals, Tess was a shoe-in as a hotelier but had a calling she could no longer ignoreâMusic.
Her repertoire includes all genres of music ranging from Jazz to Pop to Reggae, Soca, and R&B. While she croons the works of Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald, TESSâs originals are inspired by her island influences. Tess has been featured in 2015 Summer Issue of Turks and Caicos Magazine and the 2016 Summer Edition of Karib Magazine. She released her self written Soca/Rip Saw track âDaaân My Businessâ on the âGrace Bay Riddim", produced by Jovano âStuttersâ Robinson (Native of Middle Caicos, TCI).
Since 2015, TESS has held residencies at multiple 5 stars resorts, headlined galas and local events, represented the Turks and Caicos Islands in New York for Caribbean Tourism Week, performed in MIA, Bahamas, and Dominican Republic, Executive Produced multiple shows like Moonlit Jazz, Love Jones and The Concert Series. She was the host of Good Morning Turks and Caicosâa nationally televised morning show, a member of the association that produced Perform On Point (POP)âa singing competition that makes charitable donations to local schools, and held the Secretary post in the Musicians of the Turks and Caicos Association (MOTTAC) from 2019 to 2023 and co-produced their first show in October 2019.
In 2023, TESS partnered with The Department of Mental Health and shared her story of sexual and alcohol abuse and encouraged persons to see their worth and work towards their healing as she has and continues to do. The ultimate achievement for TESS is to assist in empowering all people of the Turks and Caicos and beyond to be their authentic selves, revel in freedom of expression and to insist that your passion can pay your bills, if you are willing to go the distance.
Yoli Mayor
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Yoli Mayor
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Yoli Mayor has mastered a fusion of sounds as multicultural as her hometown. The 26-year-old singer first gained her voice through The Magic City's burgeoning underground music scene, quickly becoming a regular at community events, open mics, and intimate venues around town. Her trademark Latin-Pop sound earned the attention of award-winning publications likeâŻThe Miami Herald,âŻThe Huffington PostâŻandâŻDowntown Magazine(NYC)âŻwho dubbed her as "The Cuban Adele". Partnering with award-winning local musicians and producers, she eventually came into her own, shedding the attachment to her roots and finding her unique, passion-fueled voice.âŻ
In 2017, she made her national debutâŻas a Semi-Finalist on NBCâsâŻAmericaâs Got TalentâŻwhere her infectious personality and powerful voice built her a community of passionate followers eager to follow her along her path. Mayor represented Miami again, when she appeared on American idol is 2022 for their platinum season. Mayor has continued to build herâŻcommunity by contributing towards organizations such as; Equality Florida Institute, Make-a-Wish Foundation, OperationSmile, N.I.C.k.S Camp Chira Family Foundation, Childrenâs Bereavement Center, Camilaâs House, the LGBTQ task force, Taste of the Redlands, Stone Wallâs Pride 50th year anniversary, and multiple Pride festivals within Florida.âŻ
The South Florida performer is known for her multifaceted sound, inhabiting a myriad of genres in a single showcase--from R&B, Hip Hop, to Pop, and Salsa, to name a few. She names such vocal powerhouses asâŻSarah Vaughn, Celia Cruz and Sade as musical influences--a credit to a depth of musical maturity well beyond her years. Mayor believes that music is a form of communication, between singer and audience, among musicians, and between the audience members themselves--and inspires conversation with every performance.âŻ
She has shared the stage with some of the world's most notable acts, performing alongside names like Steven Tyler, Marlos Rosado and Tito Puentes Jr, among many others.âŻThis power to command stages of every size continues to be one of the most significant reasons she is called upon for performances during each new venture of South Floridaâs growth, from national anthems at the beloved Orange Bowl to the latest opening of the Inter Miami CF Stadium and most recently opening the main stage of Okeechobee Fest in March 2022--qualifying as her first Major festival performance as a main act. On MarchâŻ11th, 2022, Mayor released her first Spotify single, "Malamente Cover by Yoli Mayor_"--a landmark moment that is sure to be followed by many more to come.âŻMayor is now working with an entirely Cuban band Named âLa Poninaâ bringing her roots to center stage moving forward for the soulful songstress.
DJ Mary Mac
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DJ Mary Mac
Mary was introduced to the art of turntables and mixing by her older brother while he practiced daily in the basement of their familyâs Rosedale, Queens, home. Barely a teen yet intrigued by the techniques of that eraâs many notable DJs, Mary worked diligently to perfect her skills. With a combination of natural talent, passion, and influences from her Haitian background, Mary Mac quickly became a highly sought-after DJ.
Mary Macâs introduction to the entertainment industry started when, while she was deejaying a NYC loft party, a Def Jam A&R executive asked her to DJ for their newest hip-hop artist. This gig soon led to her involvement in the nationwide Phat Jam Tour of 1992, featuring artists Run DMC, Redman, and Onyx. By the mid-90s, Macâs reputation was well established, leading to key opportunities for her growth.
Over time, Mary Mac continued to make her name. Booked early on for the celebrity birthday parties of Whitney Houston, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Queen Pen, she later began spinning at events for the Brooklyn Museum, Monie Love, and DJ Kid Capri. In addition, sheâs played alongside recording artists such as Red CafĂ© of Def Jam West, Cheri Dennis of Bad Boy Records, Da Brat of So So Def, and Robin Thicke of Interscope Records.
DJ Mary Mac has spun with many other influential DJs, such as Funkmaster Flex, Jazzy Joyce, Mad Linx, Mister Cee, Spinderella, and SNS. Since 2013, she has been Madonnaâs resident DJ, rocking out as the headlining DJ for her Oscar after-party and the opening act on her Rebel Heart Tour. She also deejayed for Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Ashton Kutcherâs SXSW after-party. Today, she is the resident DJ for Mona Scott-Young of Monami Entertainment, Out of Tune, Mayor Bill DeBlasio, and Salesforce.
In 2013, Mary Mac was featured in Huffington Postâs article â23 Inspiring Women Who Are Blazing Trails for the LGBT Communityâ for her accomplishments of the past 20 years. Nevertheless, Mary Mac remains humble and just wants the world to feel good, through reflections of her sound and energy, each and every time she spins.
DJ Olga T
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DJ Olga T
A Puerto Rican lover of all things music, dogs, community and human connection through the language of rhythm and beats, born in NYC and raised in San Francisco, Olga T has an exceptional style of DJing that never fails to grab your attention on the dance floor.âŻThis northern California legend is known forâŻmasterfully transitioning through nearly every genre of music and always being committed to working with the original Technics 1200 turntables while making creative use of ever evolving digital accessories.⯠DJing for the past 20 years while producing legendary Bay Area events (Mango SF, Good Times Oakland), spinning at major corporate gigs (Salesforce, Oracle, etc.), previous Olivia trips and events as well as queer festivals (SF Pride, Folsom SF) year-round in addition to teaching DJ classes, creating exclusive remixes, edits and mixtapes is Olga T's fulltime passion.
To listen and download various music genres mixtapes created by DJ Olga T, go toâŻhttps://soundcloud.com/djolgat)
Richelle Donigan
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Richelle Donigan
Richelle Evelyn Donigan is a masterful Yoga Instructor, Life Coach, Author, and Speaker. She has been in the work and study of transformation for more than 40 years. Richelle has an extraordinary gift for creating safe empowering spaces for beginners and communities that have been traditionally underserved. She has created and led numerous retreats and workshops focusing on LGBTQ Communities. Her Butch Yoga workshops allow Butch Identified women to come as they are, listen and be heard by other Butches and support one another as they share and practice together. Richelleâs Vision Workshops are life changing. You will walk out with powerful clarity and strategies to create a life that you absolutely LOVE. A consummate teacher, Richelle embodies wellness and is dedicated to uplifting community with the profound healing practices of Yoga & Vision.
Vitus "V" Spehar
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Vitus "V" Spehar
V has quickly become a go-to source for news, building a loyal following of over 3 million subscribers who turn in daily for content that informs and educates while centering the emotional safety of viewers. V Spehar was a nominee for the 2023 GLAAD media award for Outstanding Podcast (V Interesting) and winner of the 2023 Webby's Special Achievement Award. V has been a decades long champion for LGBTQ+ leadership in the policy and culinary space and is a board member of Rainbow Families. Their pronouns are They/Them and they will be joining us on the trip with their wife, Natalie V Spehar, a prominent cellist most recently seen in the Broadway touring cast of Hadestown and The Last Match.