Swamp Dogg

Larry "Moogstar" Clemon gained his nickname playing synthesizers for several funk and R&B bands such as the Zapp Band and Cameo.  While working with Roger Troutman with the Zapp Band, Moogstar helped design a wireless vocoder to make it possible for Roger to walk into the crowds while performing.  Sadly, the project was stalled when Roger was killed in 1999 by his brother, Larry, who turned the gun on himself.  That tragic event was difficult on Moogstar, who found great comfort in music.  A year later he wrote several songs for Cameo's album "Sexy Sweet Thing."

Cydnea Dean (Squid) is a devoted educator specializing in supporting special needs children through the transformative power of music. Growing up in Northridge, California, with a Caribbean heritage, she was immersed in a rich tapestry of musical styles, further enriched by her brother’s role as a DJ. This eclectic exposure became a cornerstone of her teaching methodology and personal expression. A pivotal moment in her life was meeting musicians Swamp Dogg, Moogstar, and the late Guitar Shorty, whom she proudly calls musical mentors and dear friends.

Donnielé Graves describes performing gospel music before a church congregation as an “embodiment of magical experiences.” She believes the spiritual power of music leaves a deep, lasting imprint on listeners, offering them a comforting friend they can call upon for years to come. As a passionate vocalist and choir director, Donnielé feels this profound connection too, making each performance deeply meaningful and transformative. Her love of music radiates pure joy, and she considers it a blessing to share that joy with others.

Guitar Shorty was born in Houston with the name David Kearney, but found fame with his nickname in the blues world beginning in the 1950s.  He grew up in Florida, where he began playing gigs as a teenager.  After working with the Ray Charles band and Walter Johnson, Shorty released his first recording in 1957 with a song called “You Don’t Treat Me Right.”  A large part of his education as a musician came when he worked at the Dew Drop Inn in New Orleans as he played a wide variety of musical styles for artists such as Little Richard and T-Bone Walker.  Later in his career Shorty b

Crazy Tomes grew up in Israel, where his love for music blossomed, particularly his fascination with vintage American rock and roll. When his family moved to the United States at age 14, they attended an electrifying oldies rock show featuring the legendary Little Richard. During the concert, Richard invited a few audience members onstage — Tomes among them. When asked his name, he replied “Tomes,” to which Richard shouted, “You are Crazy Tomes, wooooo!” — a nickname that stuck and defined his musical identity ever since.

Wadada fondly recalls growing up in Maryland surrounded by music, with his grandmother and brothers playing mandolins and guitars. At just four years old, he was already swaying his feet to the rhythm, inspiring his grandmother to buy him a Mickey Mouse guitar — an instrument he instantly connected with and that sparked his lifelong passion. By 14, Wadada was playing bass in local bands, setting the stage for an extraordinary musical journey that would take him around the world, performing with artists of all ages. With a radiant smile, Wadada often shares that music truly saved h

Jerry "Swamp Dogg" Williams is the songwriter and blues singer who began his recording career in 1954.  His soul and R&B-based blues included "There Ain't Enough Love," "She's So Devine" and "I'm in the Danger Zone."  His popular singles of the 1950s and 60s on 45rpm changed with the trends of R&B recordings of the 1970s and he found greater success with the LP format.

Kenny “Blanket” Williams is a drummer and songwriter whose lifelong connection to music began in Mississippi, where he often says, “I didn’t choose music — music chose me.” Raised in a musical environment, Kenny was inspired early on while helping his grandfather, who worked on the railroad, saving his earnings to purchase his first Rogers drum kit. Kenny’s passion for performance soon expanded into songwriting. Hearing melodies in his head and capturing them on paper, he recalls, “Before I knew it, I was a songwriter.” His career has included performances with blues singer McKinl