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 Area’s most soulful and dynamic singers.  

She is recognized as a pioneer in Women's music, with her second solo album titled Linda Tillery released on Olivia Records in 1977 and winning a Bammy (Bay Area Music Award) for “Best Independently Produced Album.” Tillery was also twice named “Outstanding Female Vocalist” at the Bay Area Jazz Awards. In addition to performing, she was the producer on three of Olivia's first eight albums. Within the women's music genre, she has collaborated with June Millington, Deidre McCalla, Barbara Higbie, Holly Near, Margie Adam, and others.  

During the 1980s, Tillery branched out in many directions, recording three albums under her own name while becoming a central figure in Oakland’s R&B and funk scene. 

In the 90’s, Ms. Tillery became a founding member of Bobby McFerrin’s 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 Terry’s percussion ensemble, Crosspulse. 

In 1992, Tillery formed the 6-member Cultural Heritage Choir – a percussion driven, vocal ensemble.  

She has metamorphosed into an authority on the African Diaspora in song. Her 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

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. “Human Beings: What A Concept,” Karen Williams’ 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, love, 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 aren’t. Throughout, Karen displays an unmatched genius for sarcasm, irony, and rhetoric. If something doesn’t make sense, she’ll knock some sense into it, but gracefully. Her technique is impressive. Rather than beat her opponent over the head, she’ll take the egregiously erroneous or misinformed stance as her own, stretch the faulty logic until it’s 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

Before earning a Grammy nomination for her work with the all-female folk supergroup Our 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 joining Our 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 debut ‘Wary + 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, ‘Dig’, 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, ‘Amythyst Kiah & Her Chest of Glass’. 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 by Rhiannon Giddens and featuring Kiah, Allison Russell, and Leyla McCalla, Our 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, ‘Songs of Our Native Daughters’ was 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 producer Tony Berg (Andrew Bird, Michael Penn) to record her second album. Issued by the Rounder label in 2021, ‘Wary + Strange’ paired Kiah's gritty alt rock influences with folk, Americana, and blues and featured a rearranged version of "Black Myself." 

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 CTV’s The Social, along with her numerous televised comedy specials, Kurt has done it all—at home and abroad. She’s 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 City’s 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, Canada’s 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

Rainbow Girls are an eclectic folk trio hailing from the golden countryside just north of California’s 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, “American Dream,” 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

Writer, comedian, and activist, Dana Goldberg has been seen on ABC, TBS, and Last Comic Standing. She is a force of nature on stage and was named to CURVE Magazine’s Power List of 2024 and GO Magazine’s 100 Women We Love. With performances at the San Francisco International Comedy Competition, The Comedy Festival produced by TBS and HBO, and the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland; her quick wit and playful stage presence have her earning loyal fans across the world.

In addition to headlining theaters and festivals, Goldberg has performed at and emceed hundreds of high-profile events, sharing the national stage with luminaries like President Barack Obama, President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Kristin Chenoweth, Meryl Streep, Carol Burnett, Sir Elton John and countless others.

Combining her gift of humor with humanitarian efforts, Goldberg has raised over $50M for non-profits around the country in the fight for LGBTQ rights, women's health, and HIV/AIDS education and prevention. Goldberg is the co-host of The Daily Beans and is currently developing her first TV pilot with SOTO Productions.

Tess Charles

Born on the Capital Isle of Grand Turk TCI, Chrystal “TESS” 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 ignore—Music.

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, TESS’s 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 “Daa’n My Business” on the “Grace Bay Riddim", produced by Jovano “Stutters” 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 Caicos—a nationally televised morning show, a member of the association that produced Perform On Point (POP)—a 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

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 like The Miami Herald, The Huffington Post and Downtown Magazine(NYC) who 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.  

In 2017, she made her national debut as a Semi-Finalist on NBC’s America’s Got Talent where 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 her community by contributing towards organizations such as; Equality Florida Institute, Make-a-Wish Foundation, OperationSmile, N.I.C.k.S Camp Chira Family Foundation, Children’s Bereavement Center, Camila’s House, the LGBTQ task force, Taste of the Redlands, Stone Wall’s Pride 50th year anniversary, and multiple Pride festivals within Florida.  

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 as Sarah 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.  

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. This 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 Florida’s 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 March 11th, 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. Mayor is now working with an entirely Cuban band Named “La Ponina” bringing her roots to center stage moving forward for the soulful songstress. 

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 family’s Rosedale, Queens, home. Barely a teen yet intrigued by the techniques of that era’s 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 Mac’s 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, Mac’s 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, she’s played alongside recording artists such as Red Café 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 Madonna’s 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 Kutcher’s 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 Post’s article “23 Inspiring Women Who Are Blazing Trails for the LGBT Community” 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

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. This northern California legend is known for masterfully 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 to https://soundcloud.com/djolgat)

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. Richelle’s 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

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.