Fletcher Opera Theater
North Carolina is home to some of the greatest entertainers in the world, with a rich musical history that spans jazz, blues, country, soul, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and pop.
Wherever there’s music, you’ll find NC legends. Join BG PREMIER ENTERTAINMENT as we celebrate the music you love, honoring icons and today’s superstars like Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Nina Simone, Roberta Flack, George Clinton, Fantasia, Anthony Hamilton, and Jodeci. Experience heartfelt musical interpretations performed by North Carolina's rising stars as we pay tribute to these incredible artists.
Lydia Salett Dudley
Lydia Salett Dudley is a jazz pianist, singer, composer and arranger in Raleigh, NC. She is the bandleader for the group Jazz Xpressions feat. Lydia Salett Dudley. She received her Graduate degree from North Carolina Central University in Jazz Composition. In 2011 her passion for music education eventually led her to start The Salett Art Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide music enrichment for underserved youth. She has performed for many occasions and shared the stage with several national and international artists. Her most memorable performance was the opportunity to perform at the childhood home of Nina Simone in Tryon, NC, which was declared a National Treasure. She is bandleader of the group “Jazz Xpressions featuring Lydia Salett Dudley '', she recently received a female-led ensemble grant from Chamber Music America and had the opportunity to study with Grammy nominated jazz artist Carmen Lundy. Her latest project RISE UP was released in October (2023). For more information please visit LYDIASALETTDUDLEY.COM.
Audrey Givens
Audrey Givens started singing at the age of 6, starring in What’s Happening on NBC as one of The Givens Kids, and continued throughout her teens and 20’s. Signing several contracts that allowed her to work with some of the industry greats at the time including Stevie Wonder on his Songs in the Key of Life album, and Bernard Belle. Lifes ups and downs dictated her career and Audrey stopped singing for more than 10 years until she was compelled to audition for BET’s Sunday Best, where she placed in the Top 20, out of 20k hopefuls. She was “Floored and so grateful to God for giving me another chance to be used as a vessel through song - The experience on Sunday Best was the ultimate validation and renewal of who I am and what God’s purpose for my life is and I now know that it is not about me it is about connecting with God and his people and living in truth.” She now runs a Facebook page where “I can connect and share other people stories of renewal and new beginning along with my Journey.” Still working on music, with a single to be released soon and an EP following shortly after, you will be hearing more from this honest and gifted singer.
Elijah McCormick
Elijah McCormick is a powerhouse vocalist and a shining talent from season 21 of American Idol, where he captured hearts as a finalist and made history by winning the first-ever America's Platinum Ticket award. Making it to the top 24 on the show was just the beginning for Elijah; he has since traveled the world, performing at numerous events and sharing his music with audiences far and wide. He was also named “Best of the Pines Local Singer,” further solidifying his reputation as an outstanding talent. With a passion for uplifting and inspiring others, Elijah’s music is a reflection of his own journey through life’s challenges. His debut single ”Soar”, resonates with messages of love, hope and perseverance. Elijah’s unique sound combines soulful melodies with heartfelt lyrics, aiming to encourage everyone to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles. Having faced his own battles, Elijah believes it’s his time to give back to the world through his music. He invites you to join him on this journey of inspiration, strength, and unwavering positivity.
Terrance Morrow
Terrance Morrow is a 29 year old R&B vocalist. He was born in Durham, NC where he also studied music industry business with a vocal concentration at North Carolina Central University. Over the years he has had the pleasure of singing many genres of music. He was a score vocalist in Oprah Winfrey’s HBO movie “The Life of Henrietta Lacks” for Branford Marsalis. Terrance and his brother currently sings in an R&B in the group "Eclectic Flavor".
Curtis Olawumi
Curtis Olawumi is a 3-Time Grammy Award Winning Trumpeter, Producer, and Bandleader. Born in Atlanta, Ga, he started his career performing in local clubs, performing arts centers, festivals, and touring at the age of 12. He began his professional development when he joined the RiAlto Youth Jazz Orchestra at Georgia State University and a teen fusion group composed of local student musicians by the name of AudioWolf under Harmony in Life Records. In 2018, He was a Downbeat Jazz Award winner for best Jazz Combo (RiAlto Honors Combo).
Since then, he has worked with many artists and collaborators such as J.Ivy, Sir The Baptist, Rhonda Thomas, The Black Gold Orchestra, Stephanie Mills, The Clark Sisters, Mr.Talkbox, Sesame Street, Anthony Hamilton, Dallas Austin, Drumline Live!, Kenny Lattimore and Bootsy Collins. He has produced and performed on three Grammy Award Winning Projects, The Urban Hymnal (TSU), The Poet Who Sat By The Door (J.Ivy) and The Light Inside (J.Ivy). He has 3 Grammy Award Wins, 3 Grammy Nominations and 1 NAACP Award Nomination.
Shavona Antoinette
Shavona Antoinette is a singer/songwriter from Raleigh, NC who enjoys playing her guitar and piano. Being raised in household that was active in music ministries at church, she has been singing since childhood. With diverse musical influences such as P.J Morton, Jasmine Sullivan, Lauryn Hill, Lianne La Havas, Tori Kelly, Esperanza Spalding, Moonchild and more; she is a versatile artist. Shavona has frequented various corporate bands throughout the Carolinas. Having been featured and sampled on tracks with notable artists such as Black Thought, Khrysis, Gucci Mane and Big Sean; having opened up for others such as Samhot; and having gone viral with the Lincoln University Concert Choir on several social media platforms, Shavona Antoinette is definitely an artist in her own right. She continues to deliver music that touches the soul and is currently working on releasing a project.
Brandon Seaforth
Brandon Seaforth, trombonist from Prince George’s County, Maryland. Brandon has been playing trombone for 15 years. An alumni from North Carolina Central University, he is currently pursuing his masters degree there in jazz composition/arranging. Brandon is currently a freelance musician who has played with the likes of 99 Brass Band, Uptown Jazz Orchestra(lead by Delfeayo Marsalis), Lovell Bradford, and Gregg Gelb.
Dexter Moses
Dexter Moses, originally from Richmond, VA, now based in Durham, NC is a young rising saxophonist, composer, and educator. He is an alum of NCCU where he studied with Dr. Ira Wiggins, Dr. Brian Horton, and artist-in-residence Branford Marsalis. While obtaining a Bachelors in Jazz Studies and Masters in Jazz Composition & Arranging, he has performed and/or recorded with top artists such as Branford Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, Joey Calderazzo, Nnenna Freelon, Lenora Zenzalai Helm, Antonio Hart, James “Saxsmo” Gates, and many more. Most recently, Moses' debut album, "New Perspective" (2024) aims to musically express the human experience while staying true to the jazz tradition.
Tonya L. Burton
Lives in Raleigh, NC. She discovered her musical talents as a young child through the performing arts. She is a much sought after gospel vocalist in the triangle and has performed and toured with NC based quartet groups. She recently ventured out on her own releasing her first inspirational single "Lord To You".
Keyla Jones
Lives in High Point, NC, and comes from a musically talented family. She sings gospel regularly with her family and friends. In 2024 Keyla made her acting debut playing the role of Mahalia Jackson, a gospel musical, to nightly sold-out crowds. Her recent performance in the play "The Residue of Forgiveness" showcased versatility in singing and acting roles. She is a crowd favorite!
Sam Peterkin
Born and raised in Raleigh, NC. Sam is a self-taught bassist that started playing at the age of 7. This talented bassist is one of the rare examples of a player on his instrument who functions well in both the traditional Christian experience as well as the secular.
In his effort to find his signature sound on the electric bass Sam remains in perpetual motion. Over the years, he’s enjoyed balancing his time between occasional studio work and local gigs with a variety of artists in a variety of musical styles. Sam prides himself on being a musical chameleon of sorts, able to fit comfortably into most any musical situation. Always stylistically authentic, his bass lines ring with passion, conviction, taste, and groove.
Sam’s journey as a professional musician has afforded him the opportunity to open for such greats as the Winans, Fred Hammond and Martha Munizzi. He has collaborated with Reggie Caldwell’s NuVibe Band, Blessed Union and Smooth Ivory.
Sam played bass annually for the Justice Theater Project’s production of the seasonal favorite, “The Black Nativity” for several years. Sam continues to lend his low end prowess to an eclectic number of artists across many genres, but he remains true to his musical influences, namely gospel, rhythm and blues, funk, rock and soul.