SHESHE
Azusa Dance
Entertainer, Songtress, Actress
Favorite Quotes
Singing is an extension of who you are.
-Steven Tyler
He who sings, prays twice.
- Saint Augustine
DREAM UP FESTIVAL
BUSKERS the MUSICAL Theater for the New City
SEPT
2017
MUSIC UNDER NEW YORK (MUNY) SHESHE is in full swing "sanging in the subways, so stop in and listen for a while. Check posted Schedule for times and locations. Please #SHESHE when posting pics or videos on social media. THANKS!!
MUNY
3 days
a week
AMERICA'S GOT TALENT contacts SHESHE personally to come and audition for the show while casting in NYC January 27
People have constantly inquired with SHESHE about auditioning for talent reality shows for a long time. SHESHE has auditioned for THE VOICE and submitted a video for THE XFACTOR. Though she attended a recording of the AGT show in ATL, a few years back, she had never auditioned. Knowing the pain and agony of waiting all day, in long lines and often told NO, SHESHE just hasn't desired to do so again. Who would have known that AGT themselves would contact her to inquire of her auditioning for their show!! YES!! This is unbelieveably true, but a casting director called and inquired about the audtion and SHESHE will audition Friday, Jan 27 at QUEENS College. There will be a vast number of other talent, but she was personally asked, so SHESHE will NOT have to wait in line like so many others. What an honor to be asked to audition with a personal phone call!
We'll have to wait and see. The final city auditions take place February 11, 2017. If anything happens, she'll be contacted. If not, as she always says, what an honor to be asked and another day, another adventure.
Wish her Luck!! WHo knows you may just be cheering her on through the television and calling in to vote!!
UPDATE MARCH 16, 2017
SHESHE notified by email, not selected for AGT Season 12 but what an honor to be asked to audition for such a great show!
SHESHE cast as DIONNE in an OFF BROADWAY production of HAIR with Columbia University~~ SOLD OUT
Shows run March 29-April 1
Trying to keep busy isnt very hard for SHESHE in NYC, with opportunites around every corner. Singing in the subway is GREAT exposure, but she continues to audition and keep busy dabbling in other art forms as well. She recently submitted to be a part of a HAIR production online, was invited to audition, called back and cast as DIONNE in HAIR!! Though she has been cast in a production of HAIR before, this production is mostly cast of actors 55+!! It will be very interesting this run, for the majority of the people actually lived thru the 60s and 70s, verses the first run she was a part of with a cast all under 30. SHESHE is very excited!!
The show is produced by Columbia University under the direction of Ari Rodriguez and has SOLD OUT for every show!! There is a waiting list at the door each day before the show.
DREAM UP FESTIVAL
BUSKERS the MUSICAL
at the THeatre for the New City featuring SHESHE & her story!
WELCOME to AMERICA: a Carribean Musical produced by BRAATA PRODUCTIONS features SHESHE as JOY and part of the Ensemble. This show runs October, 2017 at GET YOUR TICKETS ASAP before SOLD OUT!!
WELCOME TO AMERICA
OCTOBER
2017
SHESHE cast as EVILLENE in THE WIZ
produced by NYBlack Arts July-Aug 2016
Another dream role for SHESHE, EVILLENE in THE WIZ!! What an honor and how exciting. This is the first villian role, SHESHE has portrayed and is enjoying every minute. Shows are at the OBERIA DEMPSEY THEATRE on 123rd street, between MALCOLM X BLND & ADAM CLAYTON POWELL in HARLEM. The majority of the shows are performed for school aged children in summer camps during the week and adults on the weekends. Check the NY Black Arts site for details.
HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR
2017
SHESHE LIVE on WWW.CITYWORLDRADIO.COM
with LISA PEARL
JANUARY 18, 2017 at 6pm
SHESHE was discovered by LISA PEARL in the subway
singing at PORT AUTHORITY (42nd St/8th Ave). Lisa
heard THE VOICE of SHESHE, recorded and posted a video,
then inquired about SHESHE coming on er show. WIN WIN!
Be sure to TUNE IN LIVE www.cityworldradio.com with
LISA PEARL LIVE: PEARLS OF THE CITY. There will be
some SHESHE talking, history and some sanging,
ALL LIVE ON AIR!!
LISA PEARL host
LISA PEARL host
SHESHE WINS 3RD PLACE at THE APOLLO and RETURNS JULY 6, 2016
SHESHE can't believe she will return to THE APOLLO stage for a second time and she is just pinching herself. One time was a dream and now a second?? Thanks for the LOVE and SUPPORT, for no matter what SHESHE is a WINNER whether on stage or off!!
Be sure to check out the article written by BARRY COUTER of the CHattanooga Times Free Press about SHESHE's experience.
The long-running, live, weekly talent competition on the world-famous Apollo Theater stage.
Apollo Amateur Night Auditions are open to singers, dancers, comedians, rappers, spoken word artists and musicians ages 5 and older. Amateur performances of all styles are welcome. Those chosen from the audition will have the chance to perform and compete on the legendary stage during the Apollo Amateur Night at the world-famous Apollo Theater in New York.
SHESHE braved the cold winter elements early Saturday morning March 19, 2016. Auditions started at 10:00 am and SHESHE was in the long line that wrapped around the block of Frederick Douglas and 125th at 8:00 am. There were SO many people in line, there was no way to determine what number of contestants were present. SHESHE was handed a sheet of paper that read #226 at approximately 10:45 am., completed the necessary paperwork and began the long wait to audition, sitting in the balcony of THE APOLLO until 5:58pm. Nervous and excited SHESHE left ALL she had on the stage and was notified by email April 28 that she was selected to perform June 15 7:30pm at Amateur Night. Auditions were an emotional experience, and SHESHE was thankful to be apart. To have the opportunity to actually perform on THE APOLLO stage is A DREAM COME TRUE!!
THE APOLLO holds Spring Auditions,
SHESHE is #226 of 300
& is to perform June 15, 2016 7:30 pm
Amateur Night: Nothin' But Soul
SHESHE wows Music Under New York Auditions May 18
Since 1985, Arts & Design has managed the Music program presenting quality music to the commuting public. At present, more than 350 soloists and groups participate in Music Under New York providing over 7,500 annual performances at 30 locations throughout the transit system.
Every year, the annual auditions are held in Grand Central Terminal to review and add new performers to the MUSIC roster. In an effort to appeal to all, MUSIC seeks musicians who reflect the culture and diversity of the people of New York City. All performers are welcome to apply for the audition. Audition application forms are available at the beginning of the year. Eligible performers are contacted and invited to perform at the auditions, which are held live, one-day only, and open to public. A panel of professionals, consisting of representatives from the music industry, cultural institutions, MTA station operations, fellow musicians and others, judge each of the five minute performances based on the criteria of quality, variety, and appropriateness for the mass transit environment.
After the auditions, the selected performers attend an orientation meeting to receive information explaining the procedures of the program and the regulations of the transit system, especially relating to passenger safety and comfort. As a member of MUSIC, performers receive personalized MUSIC banners to display during scheduled MUSIC performance at the 30 designated MUSIC sites. MUSIC sites are busy, highly visible locations in the subway and commuter rail stations including Long Island Rail Road Penn Station and Metro-North Grand Central Terminal.
Throughout the year for the public, MUSIC presents special events in the transit system with such themes as Blues Festival, Divas Underground, Summer Solstice, Jazz Festival, etc.
A Carribean
Children's Musical
April 23 & 24, 29 & 30;
May 7, 14 & 15, 20-22 & 27
13th Street
Repertory Theatre
SHESHE has been cast as ENEZ in YAKI YIM BAMBOO!!
Third audition and third success!!
YAKI YIM BAMBOO THE MUSICAL is based on THE ISLAND OF YAKI YIM BAMBOO, a children’s play that was performed with music. It was commissioned by The Sandy Ground Historical Society on Staten Island and later performed at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture for the kids in Harlem. In 1984 a class of middle school students from United Nations International School presented the play with actor Dustin Hoffman’s daughter, Rebecca Hoffman, playing one of the lead roles.
Eventually, the play was performed by two professional children’s theaters, Creative Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey and The St. Louis Black Repertory Company in Missouri, for two of their consecutive seasons.
Like the play, the musical interacts with its audience and fills the room with the flavor of Caribbean culture as the actors dance, sing and talk in the easy to understand West Indian dialect.
The story takes place on a magical island designed for kids of the Caribbean. It’s the only place where adults are not around and are unable to find the island’s location. The problem arises when a young man enters his adolescence and knows he won't be able to return. This, of course, upsets him and shows the uncertainty he has about growing older.
The musical like the play will be a pure enjoyment by people of all ages, though, it is played for children of elementary school age. The music alone will have everyone contagiously moving to its various beats. YAKI YIM BAMBOO THE MUSICAL will not only be a delightful experience but one that children will take away knowing about the Caribbean culture and the lesson to what it means to grow up.
SHESHE landed another showcase after her second audition in NYC!!
In May 2016, she will showcase a comedic monologue and an original CARNER & GREGOR song with TAPNYC.
The Actor's Project NYC (TAPNYC) is a unique membership theatre company dedicated to assisting its members land agents and get work through quality Off Broadway Industry Showcases. All TAPNYC shows are attended by legit agents, commercial agents, talent managers and casting directors in TV, Film, and Theatre!
Special thanks to TROUPE 15 Mark Drum, Christine Schisano and Landon Zwick and what an honor to sing with you and be in the same troupe. Many Thanks to Troupe 10 Sketch Comedy as well.
TAPNYC SEASON 35 MONOLOGUE CHALLENGE
SHESHE one of TOP 5 FINALISTS
The Actor's Project of NYC holds a MONOLOGUE CHALLENGE each Season for their clients to compete for a number of prizes that improve their efforts and training in pursuing an acting career. Qualified candidates compete amongst each other and are judged by INDUSTRY Agents and Managers, and also by the attending audience. Contestants have exactly one minute to show their ALL!!
Among the top five finalists, was SHESHE herself with a perfect score from judges, performing monologue FAIRYTALE by Bobby Holder. A last minute decision to participate, in an attempt to learn more about the organization and its events, proved worthy!!
Special Thanks to Brittanie Sheree and Molly Gazy for helping her narrow down her monologue to the required standard of 1 minute and words of encouragement.
SHESHE BOUND for BROADWAY at THE WEST END LOUNGE
Thursday, February 25, 2016 8pm
SHE had only been in NYC for 3 weeks, when she landed this on her first audition!!
She will showaces two of her best songs with BOUND for BROADWAY!!
The staple of JDProductions, Bound for Broadway is a weekly showcase of talent that takes place on Thursday nights at 8pm on... the Upper West Side's The West End Lounge. www.thewestendlounge.com
Started in 2009 by John Forslund, Bound for Broadway was created as a way for up and coming singers who wanted an outlet to perform for an audience in an intimate cabaret setting, to obtain performance footage for their demo reels or YouTube channels.
Bound for Broadway is the premier cabaret showcase for new talent in New York City, and strives to provide excellent exposure along with a wonderful opportunity to cultivate and work on new material. Along with regularly featured new talent, Bound for Broadway is also host to hot new musical theater composers. Past guests have included Bobby Cronin, Jonathan Reid Gealt, Carner & Gregor, Chris Blissett, and many more. Bound for Broadway performers have the exclusive opportunity to work alongside these composers and workshop their new material!
Start spreading the NEWS...
SHESHE has MOVED to THE BIG APPLE....NEW YORK, NEW YORK.
Never in a million years, if someone had asked me: Where I saw myself in 2016?, NYC would have been the furthest place from my mind!! OMG I quit my jobs, left my family and friends, said Good-Bye to all my gigs and contacts, and all I love and adore, to get a bite of the BIG APPLE...NEW YORK CITY!!
I'm so excited to have the opportunity and THANK ALL of my many, many fans, friends & family for your support through the years. BECAUSE OF YOU, I have the confidence and willpower to try a new life, putting my passion of music and theater first, instead of second!! After five WONDERFUL years, sharing my talent on many stages in Chattanooga ( locally and regionally) and being welcomed by so many with open arms and so much love, I can only HOPE I receive a quarter of that spirit in NYC.
Many signs in 2015 said GO!! and many signs let me know, to keep moving forward. Though there were MANY signs that said: "RUN FOREST RUN!!", there was fear as well. When I made the final decision to move, I felt 50% terrified and 50 excited! and to be honest, I STILL DO!! Many told me, if that's the way I felt, it was MEANT TO BE!!
Though, I left behind many of my favorite fans, friends, family and places, I am looking forward to finding new friends and adventures. Some of the ideas I have to get started are: SInging in the Subway, Auditioning at the Apollo, hopefully, Looking to be cast with some small theaters and eventually getting my Equity card to go BIGGER & BETTER...BROADWAY. There is SO much to do here and I have SO much time to do it!!! YAY!!
Many, many thanks CHATTANOOGA!! I LOVE you and will MISS you, but will NEVER forget you!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 2016
SUMMER 2015 IS HERE & IT's GREAT!!
SUMMER has been great for me!! I've been on vacation on a DISNEY CRUISE to CASTAWAY CAY, seen my son GRADUATE from the ART INSTITUTE for CULINARY ARTS & been to NEW YORK!! I even got to sing with a great band in BROOKLYN, NY at WILLIAMSBURG MUSIC CENTER (WMC) with the talented GERRY EASTMAN! I totally felt at home with these marevelously talented people. Can't wait to return and sing again!!
DON'T MISS THESE SHOWS!!
JOIN me at THE OFFICE for my monthly gig Saturday, JULY 18 10pm-2am for FUN, FUn, FUN!! NO COVER 21+ Smoking
Get your GOSPEL ON at the GOSPEL SOUL BRUNCH SUNDAY, JULY 19, 1:30 pm at THE BESSIE SMITH HALL. SHESHE is singing with the family of THE CREATIVE UNDERGROUND. Tickets are $20.
TALENT search at SING IT OR WING IT for CHATTANOOGA POP STAR!! I'll be judging talent with my partner in crime Jermaine Purifory. JOIN us for some FUN!! Tuesday, JULY 28 at 7pm. NO CHARGE
Get your JUKE JOINT on at MEMO's with me as the featured GOOD TIME GAL THURSDAY, JULY 30 6-8pm. JAZZANOOGA Presents JUKE JOINT SESSIONS!! GREAT fun, food & tunes. JOIN US!! NO CHARGE
2015 MAY FLOWERS
APRIL showers, bring MAY flowers and SO MUCH MORE!! Hope you are enjoying the SPRING. I truly am and just returned from a phenomenal DISNEY CRUISE to Castaway Cay that was a DREAM!!
SHESHE will be LIVE and out and about during the month of MAY. Singing and helping raise funds for the CHATTANOOGA THEATRE CENTRE, EVER AFTER PRODUCTIONS at THE CAMPHOUSE & SISKIN CHILDREN'S INSTITUTE at the LOOKUTS, JUDGING with one of her show besties the AMAZING Jermaine Purifory at SING IT OR WING IT for NASHVILLE STAR, attending the premeire of the BESSIE SMITH movie at the TIVOLI and doing her monthly SHOW at the THE OFFICE!! SO MANY great ARTS events going on around time, SO PLEASE come out, support and be a part!!
And last, but NEVER least HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all those GREAT MOMs out there!! Whether you are biological, foster, grand, god, step, etc., YOU ARE MOM to someone who LOVES & APPRECIATES you!!
APRIL 18, 2015 THE OFFICE
HAPPY SPRING!! Back at THE OFFICE(All Play, No Work) for my MONTHLY gig. SO EXCITED!!! Special thanks to Matt Derrick and Angela Minor for making this happen. Please JOIN me for the FUN at 901 Carter Street (DAYS INN RIVERGATE). FREE OF CHARGE, 21+, Smoking
FEBRUARY 27 & 28, 2015 JAZZANOOGA Presents:The Life and Times of BIG MAMA THORTON
In honor of Black History Month, join us on Friday, February 27th and Saturday, February 28th when THECREATIVEUNDERGROUND presents an evening of live music and discovery in “The Life and Times of Big Mama Thornton” – an original one woman musical featuring Azusa “SheShe” Dance.
TICKETS: GENERAL ADMISSION ONLY $15.00
www.big-mama-thornton.eventbrite.com
Born and raised in the outskirts of Montgomery, Alabama, she became one of the most important female architects of rock & roll. Her live performances on the Blues, Gospel, R&B and Rock circuits captivated audiences. Known for her powerful voice and provocatively explicit lyrics, she broke down racial barriers and shattered stereotypes about female artists. She was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1984. She was larger than life; raw and explosive, yet at times, plaintive and expressive.So who is this woman who sang the megahit "Hound Dog" before Elvis Presley and who wrote "Ball & Chain," the song that catapulted Janis Joplin to sudden fame? Her name was Willie Mae, but she was known to the world as “Big Mama”.
SHESHE WINS STAR AWARD for BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS 2014 at the COLANNADE, Ringgold, GA
To my surprise and delight I was awarded the STAR AWARD for BEST SUPPORTINGACTRESS in the EVER AFTER PRODUCTIONS musical HAIRSPRAY for my portayal of "Motor Mouth Maybelle". My thanks goes to the director, Jonathan Humble and "Tracy Turnblad", Sara Gard for asking me to revive the character in 2013 for the show. She is wonderful character and SO much fun!! Thank you fans, audience, cast, The Colannade and the mystery nominating committee for the Award. It's GREAT to be nominated, but even BETTER to WIN!!
NOW thru DEC 31, 2014 VOTE SHESHE BROADWAYWORLD.COM/NASHVILLE
I have been lucky to be nominated again for 2014 BEST FEATURED ACTRESS IN A PLAY for GEE's BEND as NELLA at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre with BROADWAYWORLD.COM/NASHVILLE!! My first nomination was last year,2013, for CTC Legally Blonde as Paulette, Best Featured Actres in a Musical. It is such an honor to be nominated, but would be even greater to win!! This is by a popularity VOTE, so PLEASE take the time to VOTE when you can. You can VOTE as many times with a different email address. PLEASE SHARE and tell everyone to VOTE not only for SHESHE, but ALL the nominated talent in Chattanooga as well. Let's bring home a WIN!!! Thank you in advance!!
NOT ENOUGH VOTES TO WIN THIS YEAR, BUT THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!
NOV 22 & DEC 20 THE OFFICE
So happy to be back in the swing with my one woman show at THE OFFICE(All Play, No Work). Just got the news, I'll be on the calendar as MONTHLY gig. SO EXCITED!!! Special thanks to Matt Derrick and Angela Minor for making this happen. Please JOIN me for the FUN at 901 Carter Street (DAYS INN RIVERGATE).
DEC 5, 7 & 21 HAPPY HOLIDAYS
The HOLIDAYS are filled with CHEER and I am excited to SHARE much of this HOLIDAY CHEER with others thru a few Holiday Concerts. Friday, December 5, 2014 I will be one of many featured artists in the WINTER WISHES CHRISTMAS GALA at the Ringgold Colonnade at 7:30 pm with Fr3lance Productions. Tickets $15 and tables available as well. Sunday, December 7 at 6pm I will join the EAST RIDGE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH for their program A HOLIDAY HOMCOMING under the direction of Andrew Chauncey. Then Sunday, December 21 I will join THECREATIVEUNDERGROUND with their event NOEL on the BIG NINE; a Holiday Bazzaar and Community Music Fair. Come out and bring the family and SHARE in the HOLIDAY CHEER with music and fun!!
COMING 2015 BIG MAMA THORTON
Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton (December 11, 1926 – July 25, 1984) was an American rhythm and blues singer and songwriter. She was the first to record Leiber and Stoller's "Hound Dog" in 1952,[1] which became her biggest hit. It spent seven weeks at number one on the Billboard R&B charts in 1953[2] and sold almost two million copies.[3] However, her success was overshadowed three years later, when Elvis Presley recorded his more popular rendition of "Hound Dog".[4] Similarly, Thornton's "Ball 'n' Chain" (written in 1961 but not released until 1968) had a bigger impact when performed and recorded by Janis Joplin in the late 1960s.
Who has the honor of portraying her?? SHESHE!! I am so honored and looking forward to this one woman show!! Mark your calendars NOW!! A Collaboration with THECREATIVEUNDERGROUND.
SEPT 26 & 28, 2014 IRONMAN CHATTANOOOGA
An honor to be chosen to sing the National Anthem for the IRONMAN Banquet at the Chattanooga Convention and Trade Center on Friday, September 26 and the kick off of the triatholon at the Riverpark on Sunday, September 28, 2014. Never have I had the opportunity to sing in front of 3000+ and what an eperience! To have such a great event hosted in our home town, was beyond amazing, but to be among the 3000 athletes and their families to begin such a great adventure was PRICELESS. Special Thanks to Lisa Anderson and Mary-Lou Lamb for making this possible.
SEPT 21 GEE'S BEND
What A GREAT run of such a WONDERFUL SHOW!!! If you missed this show, I hate it for you. One of the BEST shows I've ever done and some of my BEST stage work. It was a challenge for me, but become such a GREAT accomplishment! The story itself was AMAZINg, but the cast was even PHENOMENAL!! What an honor to work with castmates Ikeko Bass, Jeremy Wilkins and Shelia Wofford; and director Bruce Shaw of SHAWNUFF PRODUCTIONS! Every good thing MUST, come to an end, but I wish this show would go on forever to share the TRUE story of the women of GEE's BEND. It was more than an honor to portray one of many of the fascinating quilting women.
