THE BAND THAT "ROCKS"
Musical Director & Keys 1 & Percussionist
Bio: Meet Arreic (aka Cierra Fleming)
(Artist,CEO,Arranger,Composer,Writer,Producer,and Musician) Arreic also known as Cierra Fleming, originally from Denver, Colorado moved to the DC area as preteen. Arreic’s musical talent started with playing drums at the young age of 10 years old. This love of music led to her being the lead percussionist in her high school band. It was during this time Arreic found her talent to write musical lyrics and dance. Her musical influences are drawn from Beyoncé, Michael and Janet Jackson and her dance movements by Michael Jackson, Usher, and James Brown. Her innate ability to create music and perform led her to perfecting her percussion craft, to include piano, at Tennessee State University where she graduated, cum laude, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Commercial Music Technology and Minor in Mass Communication. Currently she and her Band, The Funk Don’t Die (FDD Band), is playing locally at venues in Nashville, TN, while working on her debut album "Good Vibes". Her singles “Good Vibes” and "Please Don't", are available on all digital music media platforms. She also started her own independent entertainment company called Arreic Star Entertainment, LLC. ASE services include, Production, Artist Development, and Management. ASE puts on a music festival every year, giving upcoming artists and established artists a platform to showcase their craft and network with music industry folks. You are sure to love the unique sound and business for she has a style all of her own…enchanting.
Bio: Meet Arreic (aka Cierra Fleming)
(Artist,CEO,Arranger,Composer,Writer,Producer,and Musician) Arreic also known as Cierra Fleming, originally from Denver, Colorado moved to the DC area as preteen. Arreic’s musical talent started with playing drums at the young age of 10 years old. This love of music led to her being the lead percussionist in her high school band. It was during this time Arreic found her talent to write musical lyrics and dance. Her musical influences are drawn from Beyoncé, Michael and Janet Jackson and her dance movements by Michael Jackson, Usher, and James Brown. Her innate ability to create music and perform led her to perfecting her percussion craft, to include piano, at Tennessee State University where she graduated, cum laude, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Commercial Music Technology and Minor in Mass Communication. Currently she and her Band, The Funk Don’t Die (FDD Band), is playing locally at venues in Nashville, TN, while working on her debut album "Good Vibes". Her singles “Good Vibes” and "Please Don't", are available on all digital music media platforms. She also started her own independent entertainment company called Arreic Star Entertainment, LLC. ASE services include, Production, Artist Development, and Management. ASE puts on a music festival every year, giving upcoming artists and established artists a platform to showcase their craft and network with music industry folks. You are sure to love the unique sound and business for she has a style all of her own…enchanting.
Keyboardist
Bio: Meet Alacia Reynolds
Alacia LaRobin began singing at an early age and has always dreamed of writing and performing her own songs. She is a former high-school English teacher turned full time musician and artist. Alacia is now pursuing a music degree at Belmont University and will graduate this year. When she’s not performing or leading worship, she is busy writing songs. Her most recent collection of songs, Identity Crisis: Found, is half of a two-part project that addresses issues Alacia has faced along her journey to embracing her uniqueness and purpose and can best be described as Inspirational R & B. Alacia has high expectations for her music career and other artistic aspirations and hopes that her willingness to share her testimony through the arts will allow her to reach audiences both nationally and internationally.
Bio: Meet Alacia Reynolds
Alacia LaRobin began singing at an early age and has always dreamed of writing and performing her own songs. She is a former high-school English teacher turned full time musician and artist. Alacia is now pursuing a music degree at Belmont University and will graduate this year. When she’s not performing or leading worship, she is busy writing songs. Her most recent collection of songs, Identity Crisis: Found, is half of a two-part project that addresses issues Alacia has faced along her journey to embracing her uniqueness and purpose and can best be described as Inspirational R & B. Alacia has high expectations for her music career and other artistic aspirations and hopes that her willingness to share her testimony through the arts will allow her to reach audiences both nationally and internationally.
Electric Guitarist
Bio: Meet Krista Hess
Krista Hess is a professional guitarist with a passion for inspiring others through music. She has worked as a musician for 7 years playing a variety of venues across the US, including Knuckleheads Saloon in Kansas City, MO, and the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis IN. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Guitar Performance from Belmont University in May 2017 and is currently living and working as a full-time musician in Nashville TN. She began learning guitar at the age of 14, becoming very passionate about the instrument and, the blues. Getting her start playing local blues jams in Indiana, Krista fell deeper in love with blues and considers it her favorite to play. Krista believes that music is a gift; a powerful force that brings people together and expresses the complexities of the human experience. She is grateful to be a part of the musical conversation and will always consider herself a student of it.
Bio: Meet Krista Hess
Krista Hess is a professional guitarist with a passion for inspiring others through music. She has worked as a musician for 7 years playing a variety of venues across the US, including Knuckleheads Saloon in Kansas City, MO, and the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis IN. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Guitar Performance from Belmont University in May 2017 and is currently living and working as a full-time musician in Nashville TN. She began learning guitar at the age of 14, becoming very passionate about the instrument and, the blues. Getting her start playing local blues jams in Indiana, Krista fell deeper in love with blues and considers it her favorite to play. Krista believes that music is a gift; a powerful force that brings people together and expresses the complexities of the human experience. She is grateful to be a part of the musical conversation and will always consider herself a student of it.
Lead Vocalist, Artist and Songwriter
Bio: Meet Aerion Jackson
Aerion Jackson is a R&B singer-songwriter from Memphis, TN. She discovered her passion for music after watching a musician perform "Give Me One Reason" by Tracy Chapman at the age of 6. That very same day, she had her mother buy the cassette tape and she's been singing ever since. Aerion has always been drawn to music that was before her time, oldies but goodies, like Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin. Aerion Jackson received her Bachelors in Music with and emphasis in Jazz from Middle Tennessee State University. Upon graduating, she decided to remain in Nashville, TN and performs locally within the community. Aerion Jackson is a R&B/Soul singer-songwriter from Memphis, TN. She now resides in Nashville, TN and performs locally. Her first single drops May 24th on all digital streaming platforms.
Bio: Meet Aerion Jackson
Aerion Jackson is a R&B singer-songwriter from Memphis, TN. She discovered her passion for music after watching a musician perform "Give Me One Reason" by Tracy Chapman at the age of 6. That very same day, she had her mother buy the cassette tape and she's been singing ever since. Aerion has always been drawn to music that was before her time, oldies but goodies, like Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin. Aerion Jackson received her Bachelors in Music with and emphasis in Jazz from Middle Tennessee State University. Upon graduating, she decided to remain in Nashville, TN and performs locally within the community. Aerion Jackson is a R&B/Soul singer-songwriter from Memphis, TN. She now resides in Nashville, TN and performs locally. Her first single drops May 24th on all digital streaming platforms.
Bass Guitarist
Bio: Meet Aretta Hill
One vocalist that has recently crossed our radar is singer Aretta Hill. Like many independent artists bucking radio trends, Ms. Hill too cites many old school soul vocalists like Wonder and Hathaway as inspirations, but she also expresses an appreciation for newer soul communicators like Ledisi. In essence, Aretta Hill "loves real music that talks to the soul. “Growing up, Hill had a double-fold advantage at her disposal with both her musician parents and a cousin who was a well-respected promoter for Luther Vandross, Salt n' Peppa and the late Clarence Jones, among others. In her short professional career, this backup vocalist and multi-instrumental talented gained experience through both the local and national scene by touring with artists in different genres. Her performance resume includes hip-hop veterans T-Mo Goodie (Goodie Mob) and Mystikal; the R&B balladeer Eric Benet; and neo-soul favorite, Anthony Hamilton. In the meantime, her self-titled five-song debut released a few months ago is a promising showcase, mixing R&B, smooth jazz and classic soul--all capped off with a chilled-out vibe. Within Hill's mellow vocal ambience is the same vibrant spirit captured by Ledisi, Jill Scott, and other singers whose material sits apart from that of many lifeless R&B vocalists ruling the Billboard charts. Even with just five tracks serving as an overture to her recording journey, Hill shows plenty of promise with her soulful vocal strut and her overall musicality. She also has in her favor the privilege of working with some top-notch producers, including Kelvin Wooten (Raphael Saadiq, Anthony Hamilton) to guide her long-awaited full-length debut. When that time finally comes, Hill should have a more than decent shot in adding another potent voice to the neo-soul independent movement.
Bio: Meet Aretta Hill
One vocalist that has recently crossed our radar is singer Aretta Hill. Like many independent artists bucking radio trends, Ms. Hill too cites many old school soul vocalists like Wonder and Hathaway as inspirations, but she also expresses an appreciation for newer soul communicators like Ledisi. In essence, Aretta Hill "loves real music that talks to the soul. “Growing up, Hill had a double-fold advantage at her disposal with both her musician parents and a cousin who was a well-respected promoter for Luther Vandross, Salt n' Peppa and the late Clarence Jones, among others. In her short professional career, this backup vocalist and multi-instrumental talented gained experience through both the local and national scene by touring with artists in different genres. Her performance resume includes hip-hop veterans T-Mo Goodie (Goodie Mob) and Mystikal; the R&B balladeer Eric Benet; and neo-soul favorite, Anthony Hamilton. In the meantime, her self-titled five-song debut released a few months ago is a promising showcase, mixing R&B, smooth jazz and classic soul--all capped off with a chilled-out vibe. Within Hill's mellow vocal ambience is the same vibrant spirit captured by Ledisi, Jill Scott, and other singers whose material sits apart from that of many lifeless R&B vocalists ruling the Billboard charts. Even with just five tracks serving as an overture to her recording journey, Hill shows plenty of promise with her soulful vocal strut and her overall musicality. She also has in her favor the privilege of working with some top-notch producers, including Kelvin Wooten (Raphael Saadiq, Anthony Hamilton) to guide her long-awaited full-length debut. When that time finally comes, Hill should have a more than decent shot in adding another potent voice to the neo-soul independent movement.
Saxophonist
Bio: Meet Emily Anne VK
Emily Anne VK is a Nashville-based saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist who has developed into a highly motivated, contemporary-minded performer. She displays an intense drive towards furthering the role of the saxophone in every genre of music. She holds a Master of Music degree in Saxophone Performance from Louisiana State University and a BA in Music Education and Hispanic Studies from Connecticut College. As she continues pursuit in developing all aspects of saxophone performance, she maintains a deep-seated passion for personal artistic development and growth. Her research interests include contemporary improvisation, popular music, and art music for the saxophone. She hopes to build a foundation upon which the saxophone becomes a regularly used instrument in the popular and commercial music industries. Emily holds a chair in the award-winning Music City Big Band, operates as a bandleader for emerging jazz combo Marmalade, and collaborates with several Nashville recording artists. Equally passionate about education, Emily currently serves as the Adjunct Professor of Saxophone at Middle Tennessee State University. She maintains a busy schedule as a teacher and guest clinician for the Metro Nashville, Wilson County and Williamson County School Districts, and held a previous appointment at Murray State University (KY).
Bio: Meet Emily Anne VK
Emily Anne VK is a Nashville-based saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist who has developed into a highly motivated, contemporary-minded performer. She displays an intense drive towards furthering the role of the saxophone in every genre of music. She holds a Master of Music degree in Saxophone Performance from Louisiana State University and a BA in Music Education and Hispanic Studies from Connecticut College. As she continues pursuit in developing all aspects of saxophone performance, she maintains a deep-seated passion for personal artistic development and growth. Her research interests include contemporary improvisation, popular music, and art music for the saxophone. She hopes to build a foundation upon which the saxophone becomes a regularly used instrument in the popular and commercial music industries. Emily holds a chair in the award-winning Music City Big Band, operates as a bandleader for emerging jazz combo Marmalade, and collaborates with several Nashville recording artists. Equally passionate about education, Emily currently serves as the Adjunct Professor of Saxophone at Middle Tennessee State University. She maintains a busy schedule as a teacher and guest clinician for the Metro Nashville, Wilson County and Williamson County School Districts, and held a previous appointment at Murray State University (KY).
Drummer
Bio: Meet Kyra Curenton
Kyra Curenton is a drummer from Columbus, Ohio. She now lives in Nashville Tennessee. Since exploding onto the Columbus music scene years ago, she has become an established drummer in the jazz, blues, gospel and soul/R&B community. She has been described as a female or younger version of her musical hero’s – Dennis Chambers and Sheila E by having a lot of pocket. She understood that having a groove or pocket was very important. Which lead her to teach drums at the Overcomers Institution in Columbus, Ohio. Starting out in a musical family and in the church as a keyboardist, bassist, vocalist, and (and even playing the harmonica), she was certain that she would need to learn drums as well. It soon became her love. She now has 29 years of drumming under her belt and has played for numerous musical giants such as the Jazz greats Bobby Floyd, Gene Walker, Christian Howe, and Pamela Williams. Gospel musicians Tonex, Judith McCallister, Jonathon Alvarado, and H.A.W.C. and the Few. Soul and R&B projects include recording artists Jimmy McGee, Shaun Booker, Daniel Morgan (of Robert Randolph and the Family Band), Mo Jo Flo and Soul Derivative. Other accomplishments and endeavors include performing on tours, cruise ships, and studio sessions. Gospel stage plays and concerts with Tony Cobbs, and served as the touring drummer for C.A.P.A (Columbus Association for the Performing Arts).
Bio: Meet Kyra Curenton
Kyra Curenton is a drummer from Columbus, Ohio. She now lives in Nashville Tennessee. Since exploding onto the Columbus music scene years ago, she has become an established drummer in the jazz, blues, gospel and soul/R&B community. She has been described as a female or younger version of her musical hero’s – Dennis Chambers and Sheila E by having a lot of pocket. She understood that having a groove or pocket was very important. Which lead her to teach drums at the Overcomers Institution in Columbus, Ohio. Starting out in a musical family and in the church as a keyboardist, bassist, vocalist, and (and even playing the harmonica), she was certain that she would need to learn drums as well. It soon became her love. She now has 29 years of drumming under her belt and has played for numerous musical giants such as the Jazz greats Bobby Floyd, Gene Walker, Christian Howe, and Pamela Williams. Gospel musicians Tonex, Judith McCallister, Jonathon Alvarado, and H.A.W.C. and the Few. Soul and R&B projects include recording artists Jimmy McGee, Shaun Booker, Daniel Morgan (of Robert Randolph and the Family Band), Mo Jo Flo and Soul Derivative. Other accomplishments and endeavors include performing on tours, cruise ships, and studio sessions. Gospel stage plays and concerts with Tony Cobbs, and served as the touring drummer for C.A.P.A (Columbus Association for the Performing Arts).
Background Vocalist
Bio: Meet Maya Olivia Lake
She’s a 26 yrs. old emerging artist from West Tennessee currently based in Nashville, Tn. Although she’s new in the music scene, she has been a part of various ensembles and choirs for years. She’s classically trained with a primary focus in jazz, gospel and soul. During undergrad, she studied under Cedric Dent of the world-renowned group, Take 6. Currently, she sings locally with other upcoming artists. Recently, Maya was privileged to sing BGVs at the 2019 Dove Awards. She will be releasing music of her own in 2020.
Bio: Meet Maya Olivia Lake
She’s a 26 yrs. old emerging artist from West Tennessee currently based in Nashville, Tn. Although she’s new in the music scene, she has been a part of various ensembles and choirs for years. She’s classically trained with a primary focus in jazz, gospel and soul. During undergrad, she studied under Cedric Dent of the world-renowned group, Take 6. Currently, she sings locally with other upcoming artists. Recently, Maya was privileged to sing BGVs at the 2019 Dove Awards. She will be releasing music of her own in 2020.
Background Vocalist
Bio: Meet Chasti Brooks
Chasti Brooks from Memphis, Tn, 25 years old. She has been a singer since elementary school. Performing in many different All-State and City choirs and school choirs as a soprano she has received years of training. Singing has always been a leisure activity, but quickly turned into a part-time profession. Music has been a joy of mine, from classical to country. Being able to feel and hear the meanings from different genres and languages has always given her a sense of joy and fulfillment.
Bio: Meet Chasti Brooks
Chasti Brooks from Memphis, Tn, 25 years old. She has been a singer since elementary school. Performing in many different All-State and City choirs and school choirs as a soprano she has received years of training. Singing has always been a leisure activity, but quickly turned into a part-time profession. Music has been a joy of mine, from classical to country. Being able to feel and hear the meanings from different genres and languages has always given her a sense of joy and fulfillment.