Because all blood is red...
Solomon Ahmed, a West African percussionist is the leader of D.W.E. They have performed at multiple venues such as: The Muny, St. Louis Art Museum, and the Missouri History Museum. One of their most notable performances occurred at the Fox Theater where they were finalists for three years in the Teen Talent competition. Other percussionists in D.W.E. include Addison Jones, Corrin Ward, and Ismail Botcway.
Drawing from personal experiences, IbenaGod uses artistic expression to illuminate a path where Black men can express themselves positively, empowering themselves and enriching their communities. By leveraging music, poetry, comedy, and candid dialogue, he advocates for healing vibes. When Black men are afforded avenues for artistic expression, it mitigates the manifestation of toxicity such as dysfunction and violence within our communities.
When Frank Dunbar is not playing the bass guitar, he’s flying high in his ultralight airplane. He began playing bass for Mr. Albert King back in the late ‘70s. Before then, he was bassist for the Charles Drain review, and Casey & the Matadors band. He played for Mrs. Loyce Huston for many years as bassist, and band leader. Now he works alongside Lady J Huston and it's been a great adventure! He also performs as a single act singing, playing guitar and harmonica. He did busking all last year downtown in the city of St Louis and surrounding areas, and loved it!
Bailey Williams has been a musician for over 50 years. He has a degree in Computer Programming and Internet Programming. Interests are computers, science, space, and other fields. He has 5 children and grandchildren and is married to the Executive Director for this amazing organization.
Erica R. Williams is the Founder and Executive Director of A Red Circle, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting community betterment in North St. Louis County through a racial equity lens. As an adult learner, she attended St. Louis Community College Florissant Valley, earning a BA in Paralegal Studies and an MBA from Maryville University. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy and Administration with a concentration in policy analysis from Walden University. Under Erica's leadership, A Red Circle has initiated several impactful projects in the arts, education, and community wellness.
Nicholas Williams is a talented clarinetist and has played the instrument since 2012. He’s always loved being around music in many ways and hopes he can bring some wind to the musical performance for Kwanzaa.
Cameron Williams is a young vocalist from St. Louis MO. He has performed in church productions and his most recent performing endeavour was in McCluer High School’s production of The Wiz“Performing has always been fun to me. I get to become acquainted with people who all love music how I do. We get to learn together, practice together, and hear the beauty that is the culmination of hours of hard work in the end. Being able to meet new people through this art and broaden my circle of understanding has helped me be more in tune with the world around me.”
Eric Williams the Food and Farm Associate of A Red Circle. He was a student at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where he graduated in December 2018 with a vocal performance degree. He has performed all around the city with groups like the InUnison Chorus at Powell Symphony Hall and the Ambassadors of Harmony, he's performed with Brian Owens, along with multi award winner Bebe Winans. Eric loves his work as a farmer and is still able to stay true to his love and passion for music as well.
Eric Johnson has been a trombonist for 23 years with a passion for music since the age of 12. He began playing professionally at the age of 17 with the St. Louis Low Brass Collective and now serves as Band Director for Hazelwood Northwest Middle School. Outside of his profession, he is a devoted family man to his beautiful wife and 3 beautiful children! It is his absolute honor to serve the community in this facet.
Jessica D. Johnson is the Community Arts Director for A Red Circle. With the help of the team and staff, she created Kwanzaa: The Village it takes as a gift to the community. Having been a vocalist for many years, she uses her talents and gifts to uplift North County. From performing in high school musicals to singing at The New Church Stl, her experience on the stage is vast and continues to grow.
LADY J HUSTON is a multi-award-winning vocalist, trumpeter, songwriter & conducts workshops with her “Roots & Blues” music enthused with family history program. Residing in Las Vegas for 25 years, she won many awards & reigned several years as the “Las Vegas Queen of Blues”. Lady J has performed on America’s Got Talent, on “ABC World News Tonight”, St. Louis Public Radio, Associated Press and other news outlets. In 2023, she received the Blues Blast Magazine New Artist Debut Album award for “Groove Me Baby”. At A Red Circle, Joyce “Lady J” Huston serves as the Community Arts Program Coordinator; visit https://ladyjhuston.com for more info.
LaToya a.k.a. Toya comes from a musical family. She believes music and dance give and add life. She’s a nurse by trade and she loves teaching dance! She has been teaching Zumba, Line Dancing and Dance Fitness for 8 years now and was certified to teach Mixxed Fit in 2023. She has also sung background, opened up for local blues artists, and performed around STL and IL teaching and performing at events, and organizations.Toya says “DANCE and us are like a marriage….Until death do us part!”
Erisha Tyus is a St. Louis native. She studied classical piano and voice in college and has a genuine passion for music. "Music has given me opportunities that I never would have had without it. I've had the chance to perform locally and internationally. Performing has always been therapeutic for me. Art is one of the joys of my life."
Hope Walker has served as a music educator for over 25 years. She is currently a Director of Bands in the Hazelwood School District at the middle school level. Ms. Walker is a clarinetist and saxophonist. She received her degree in Music Education from Missouri State University. Ms. Walker is a member of The Jazz Edge Orchestra and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
A composer, arranger, and a multi genre instrumentalist, Keith’s musical foundation is rooted in church. In addition to various genres, he enjoys various musical settings like video scoring, theater, concerts, worship, etc. He has an eclectic taste, and loves to learn.
The Afro Kuumba Dancers (T.A.K.D) is a vibrant youth training program dedicated to empowering lives through the rich vitality of Afrocentric dance and culture. Founded by the dynamic Alicia “Coach Sunshine” Gbaho, T.A.K.D serves as a pre-professional training company, showcasing the talents of its principal dancers while celebrating the essence of African Diaspora heritage. The name "AfroKuumba"—pronounced Afro - Coo - Oom- buh—beautifully captures the spirit of creativity and expression inherent in African culture.
Raymond a.k.a. The “Raydle” Show started performing with the Double O Shuttle band in 2008. He went solo 2011 and played locally in restaurants, backyard parties, senior residence, and on Fitz patio as well as in front of their restaurants. He also played in 2018 at Fubar Bar with his own band and original songs.
Stay tuned for more productions!
Take a look at some highlights from our past Kwanzaa celebrations.
A Red Circle's Kwanzaa celebration is rooted in a cherished family tradition that began in the 1980s. Led by the Executive Director Erica Williams’ uncle, Damu Smith, the celebrations were held at their Aunt Sylnice Williams' home in North County St. Louis. This incredible family, known as the Black O’Kelleys, carries a legacy of pride and cultural celebration passed down through generations. This year, we’re thrilled to have Lady J Huston, family historian and Community Arts Program Coordinator, playing a vital role in coordinating “Kwanzaa: The Village it Takes” on December 21, 2024, at St. Stephens Episcopal Church.
