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Destined to be an entertaining couple from the start, Melissa & Scott even met while they were pursuing their musical endeavors.Having met in Redondo Beach, Calif., in 2001 at an audition for The Secret Garden, Boston native and New York cabaret veteran Melissa (nee Terban), who had previously sung atop the pianos of Don't Tell Mama and Danny's Skylight Room, introduced L.A. native Scott Strauss, erstwhile drummer and long-haired rocker at local LA clubs, to the finer art of cabaret performance.  After performing together in a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in early 2003, they were married in Boston on July 6 later that year, walking down the aisle to music penned by Scott, and emotionally sealing their vows with the "One Hand, One Heart" duet from West Side Story.  And now, both as a married couple, and as performers on the stage, Melissa & Scott continue to make beautiful music together. They debuted their first show together, entitled Will You Marry Me?, at The Gardenia in Hollywood in 2004.  They have since brought their ever-changing jazz/cabaret duo act to theaters and nightclubs across the country, including a show in NYC at Don’t Tell Mama.  Often called the new “Steve & Eydie,” they proudly sang that duo’s famous, “This Could Be The Start of Something Big,” on stage at the famous McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs in the Open Call Talent Competition. They also continue to perform together in stage musicals in Los Angeles including the world premiere of The Lincolns of Springfield, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Assassins, and Follies

    (310) 200-3222                (310)819-7091

Monet Julia Sabel

 

Monet is honored to be given a chance to sing at the Sandpipers' 2009 Holiday Homes Tour. Monet has been studying musical theatre and performing in shows all around the South Bay for over ten years. Some of her favorite credits include: Annie (ANNIE), Taylor McKessie (HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL), Dorothy Gale (WIZARD OF OZ), and Marian Paroo (THE MUSIC MAN), all performed at the Norris Theatre. At Palos Verdes High School, you may have seen her as Mary Warren (THE CRUCIBLE),

Ella (MACK AND MABEL), or Lucy in the world premiere of Dreamchild.

She also played an orphan in La Mirada's production of Annie with Cathy Rigby.

Monet Julia Sabel
Accompanist: John Rusnak
310-847-9566
monetsabel@me.com

Pacific Coast Flute Choir

Shannon Christensen

Shannon began her musical training on piano at the age of seven.  In her early years of music exploration, she played cello, trombone, and marching baritone before deciding to pursue a career as a flutist.  She has since been a featured soloist and performed in many master classes and groups including the Scottsdale Symphony Orchestra, Tempe Wind Ensemble, Brevard Festival Orchestra, Pasadena Lyric Opera, Torrance Symphony, American Youth Symphony, Los Angeles Flute Orchestra, and Resonance.  Shannon has maintained a private teaching studio since 1986 and has been an instructor at several summer music festivals.  She has served on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Flute Society as historian and director of the high school flute choir and is currently the director/founder of the Pacific Coast Flute Choir in Manhattan Beach, CA.  Shannon received a Bachelor of Music, summa cum laude, from Arizona State University and a Master of Music from the University of Southern California where she was a student of Jim Walker.  Shannon is currently recording with the flute ensemble Resonance and performing with guitarist Tom Farrell.  For information on private lessons and flute choir Shannon can be reached at shanmarie03@yahoo.com

  

 

Since 1995, Lisa Diaz owner of Legacy Dance Academy (formerly Westchester Dance Academy) has trained dancers for over 20 years. Her students have gone on to professional careers on Broadway, Alvin Ally, ABT and winning scholarships to major Universities. Currently former student, Tony Mansker from Manhattan Beach, is in the musical Mary Poppins on Broadway.  Lisa is proud to bring the Legacy of dancers and her instructors to the South Bay.  Located in the beautiful Plaza El Segundo, Legacy Dance Academy offers 3 rooms with sprung floors, a mini stage for our 3 year olds, over 80 classes per week and a staff of committed professionals who are willing to give their dance experience and training to their students.  Legacy Dance Academy offers ballet, tap Jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and a kid’s performance team.  We are excited to perform at the Sandpipers event for the first time this year. For more information please call or drop by for a tour.

(310) 322-1500

730-Allied Way Suite G

El Segundo, CA, 90245

Next to Active Ride

In The Plaza El Segundo

Jonathan Coleman, Guitarist

Denise Peykanu, Pianist

 

Jonathan is a local South Bay jazz musician who has been performing in the area for over thirty years. Jon has won numerous awards including the Los Angeles Music Awards, DIY Producer of the Year, Runner-up in the USA National Songwriting Competition and The John Lennon Nation Songwriting Competition. He has received worldwide airplay on over 500 stations for his release “Latitudes” and has had top reviews in numerous jazz and music publications. He performs regularly with his exciting Latin smooth jazz group Abrakadabra at Southern California clubs, street fairs, festivals, benefits, wineries and private functions. Jon is pleased to be performing once more this year with the wonderful pianist Denise Peykanu. They will again be offering up their interesting blend of Classical & Jazz to Christmas songs, standards and original material. Enjoy!!

 

Jon’s websites are www.abrakadabramusic.com or  www.goldcoastmusic.net

For performance information, Jon can be contacted at  jonathancoleman1@aol.com

 

Denise Peykanu is a professional pianist, organist and music educator with over 25 years experience.  With degrees in piano performance and music education (Pan America University and University of Texas, Austin, Tx.) advanced studies in organ performance, accompanying, choral conducting, vocal studies (UCLA) and Orff Certifications (Levels I&II –Cal St. LA), Denise brings a varied approach to her piano teaching.  She incorporates ideas from her classroom experiences with children, including movement and singing, and offers theory and sight reading in addition to a curriculum of study known as the Certificate of Merit administered through the Music Teacher’s Association of California

Times Square Kids

 

The Norris Center for the Performing Arts is proud to present the Times Square Kids!  These children are the ambassadors for their education program and they perform throughout southern California at community events, charitable events and private parties.  The performers represent many cities from the South Bay community and range in age from 8-13 years old.  They have a wide genre of show themes that range from Rock-n-Roll, Patriotic and their delightfully entertaining annual Holiday Show.  They are extremely excited and thankful for the opportunity to perform for the Sandpipers Holiday Homes Tour!  Enjoy the show!

Monica Claxton, Booking Manager

Norris Center for the Performing Arts

(310) 544-0403

Jessica Taylor

An evening with Jessica Taylor is not to be missed.  The richness of her voice will pull at your emotions as she takes you on a journey of love lost and found but packaged with a hope for better days.  If you’ve ever wanted to hear a singer who relates to you because she’s “been there”, Ms. Taylor is the vocalist who has just what you need. 

Having spent the past 19 years working and touring the world as the”First Lady” (or better known as,”The Dish”) of “The Platters”, Jessica is now back on her own continuing to her career.

Warm and inviting.  Cool and sophisticated.  Lush and sweet.   Not enough words to describe a night with Jessica Taylor.  She’s taken time from touring to perform for us locally here in Southern California and we are glad.  Over 30 years of performing has given her an insight into the human condition that when shared, is life-changing.  Come soar to new heights with Ms. Taylor.  She’ll take you there.

Lyrics are just words on paper until they are put into the mouth of Jessica Taylor.  Then life happens.  Renewal and a sense that someone knows just what you’ve been through is what she offers when she opens her mouth to sing.  Ms. Taylor handles each tune as though it were written just for her.  You don’t want to miss an opportunity to hear and see Jessica Taylor.

Accompanist:  Nina Beck

Vocalist

(310) 437-4377

www.jessicataylor.com

Nicole Stier

Nicole is thrilled to be performing for the Sandpipers Annual Holiday Homes Tour.  She is currently a senior at El Segundo High School and has been performing since the age of 2 when she did her first video with Lynn Kleiner and Music Rhapsody. Some of Nicole’s  professional theatre experiences include Sound of Music (Marta Von Trapp), Annie Get your Gun (Nellie), Music Man (Amaryllis) all for Downey Civic Light Opera, Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities Oliver (Orphan), Saddle Back’s Wizard of Oz (Lullaby League) and Glendale Centre Theatre’s Annie Get Your Gun (Nellie) and Many More! She enjoys singing, dancing and acting. Some of her more recent roles include: Adelaide in Guys and Dolls and Frenchie in Grease. She is currently playing the role of Alice Nutting/ Edwin Drood in The Mystery of Edwin Drood and has a commercial running for Kaiser Permanente.

Rebecca Ramsouer

 

Rebecca Elyse Ramsouer has always had a passion for performing, whether it is on or off stage. She has been in countless musicals and plays ever since she was six. Rebecca has played many roles in Musical Productions at El Segundo Rec. Park such as Annie (Annie Get your Gun), Rizzo (Grease), Ariel (Footloose) and Mayzie (Seussical). She has enjoyed singing in various community events and has been involved in El Segundo school choir since third grade. She also loves to play piano, guitar and occasionally write her own music. Rebecca is thrilled to be a part of Sandpiper Holiday Homes Tour.

Nicole Stier

Rebecca Ramsouer

Vocalists

Contact: Lynn Stier

(310) 251-6373

Miriam and Kristina Varvais

 

Miriam graduated from St. Olaf College with a Bachelor's degree in music.   She has had the privilege of studying violin with Mr. Suzuki himself in Japan, and has since traveled throughout the U.S., Japan and Norway with several different music groups. She is now living in the South Bay, where she has taught violin for over 20 years in her  private music studio. She continues to perform for Weddings, Funerals and private parties.

Kristina, her daughter, began studying violin from her mother at age 4. She made her first debut at age 4 1/2 on board a cruise line and has been performing ever since. They have  performed together throughout Japan and Norway and are thrilled to be a part of the Sandpipers Holiday Tour.

David Boyer

 

Dave began his classical training on the piano at age 6 and has played practically every day since.  He has led church choirs on guitar and pipe organ over the years, but his forte has been the piano.  He has performed here and in Europe with touring bands, orchestras and choirs.  He has accompanied well-known artists and groups such as “Up With People”, “Steppin’ Out”, “The Notables” and at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Manhattan Beach.  Currently, he is the rehearsal pianist for “The Aerospace Players”, Ascension Lutheran Church, Manhattan Beach Community Church and “The Kentwood Players – Kids”.  Mr. Boyer teaches group and private piano lessons.  His passion is playing piano/keyboards in the orchestra pit for musicals, such as those staged by “The Aerospace Players”. boyerproductions@earthlink.net

Marilyn Morgan

Marilyn Morgan has been singing, dancing, and acting since she was 13 years old.  She currently attends both Orange Coast College and Golden West College where she is studying theatre. Her favorite roles include Nine The Musical (Luisa) with Golden West College,  Fiorello (Thea) with Irvine Valley Center of Performing Arts, West Side Story (Maria), Into the Woods (Rapunzel) with Tustin Performing Arts, Grease (Rizzo) and the title role in Cinderella for the Orange County Performing Arts.  Marilyn has also spent the last two years as a volunteer singer for the wonderful retirement homes of Orange County!  She especially loves performing at Freedom Village, where they always welcome her and her talent with open arms.  Marilyn will take any opportunity she can to get to perform; she loves to know that she made someone’s day with her wonderful voice.

 

Jeannie Lambert

 

Jeannie Lambert is a classically trained Soprano who holds a Bachelor of Theatre Degree from Cal State Fullerton.  She began singing at the age of six at her church and as she has grown to perform as a featured soloist with Immanuel Lutheran Church in Redondo Beach, as well as St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Fullerton.  Jeannie is a songwriter and singer who was last seen in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at El Camino College as Queen Victoria.  Jeannie is delighted to be returning to the Sandpiper Home Tour, and is currently preparing to audition for a singing position with Cirque du Soliel.  She is available for Holiday Gatherings, Weddings, Special Events, and vocal audition coaching.  She can be contacted through her website jeannielambertmusic.com

Pat Maki Players

  

Located in the South Bay for over 25 years, the Pat Maki Players represent some of the finest of Los Angeles' classical, jazz and pop musicians. 
Our members' credits include performances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and other well known symphonies, active participation in the studio and recording industry, as well as solo and chamber music recitals throughout Southern California. The Pat Maki Players have performed in such prestigious locations as the Ambassador Auditorium, El Camino College Marsee Auditorium, the Rodeo Collection in Beverly Hills, the Wayfarer's Chapel, Hotel Bel Air, The Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton and many more. We are on the preferred list at La Venta Inn, Palos Verdes Country Club, Catalina Room, Verandas, Portofino's Inn, the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's Royal Pacific's Occasions and many of the largest churches in the greater Los Angeles area.  The Pat Maki Players also run "Campus Concerts" which presents interactive chamber music performances that introduce students to the joy of collaborative music making.

The Pat Maki Players

Linda Muggeridge (Oboe/Piano)

Pat Maki (Flute)

(310) 326-5761

Jackie Tohn

Jackie Tohn was a finalist on the eighth season of American Idol and recently recorded her first full length album entitled Beguiling.  She has been acting professionally since age 9.  Her television and film credits include The Nanny, The Sopranos, Strangers with Candy, Angel, Veronica Mars, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Show Me The Movie (MTV Pilot), Prudy and Judy (Fox Pilot), On the Lot, Dawg (opposite Dennis Leary and Elizabeth Hurley), Deuces Wild and Return to Sleep away Camp.  Her stage credits include Tina in "Tony-n-Tina's Wedding" at the Henry Fonda Theatre, "Body Snatchers: The Musical" (Odyssey Theatre, Los Angeles) and Jewtopia (The Coast Playhouse, Los Angeles and Westside Arts Theatre, New York).  She began doing solo acoustic guitar shows in April 2004 and in November 2005 released an EP called The Golden Girl which was recorded at a studio in Tarrytown, New York.  She has played at Pianos, The Living Room, CBGB, The Cutting Room, and The Rothko in New York and at Highland Grounds, The Mint, Wizard Finger and The Hotel Cafe [in Los Angeles. 

 

Jackie Tohn

Vocals and Guitar

www.jackietohn.com

Christina Fieseler

Christina Fiesler is a 2007 World Champion of Performing Arts
 Gold ,Silver, Bronze Medalist Soprano Vocalist/ Songwriter who recently
 moved to CA from Telluride, CO to continue her music career in the
land of opportunity ~ she is so pleased to give her gifts back into
 the community for such a positive cause* Christina is a Professional
 Licensed Massage Therapist, specializing in TMJ, and working with other vocalists to relax and align the neck muscles, creating better Power,
 Control, and Range. Christina has been performing since she was four
 years old, and can imitate all the Disney Princesses + the mice…etc.;
 She also sings Opera, Jazz, Pop, R&B, Gospel, and an occasional
 Country twang will come from her roots in North Dakota. Christina will
 perform with accompanist, Pastor Michael Popham from ichurch and
 television celebrity host Josh Johnson, better known as "Sparkle Josh"
 from HGTV's reality show "Design Star".Christina has performed at Relay for Life, Boat Shows, Weddings,
 Funerals, House Parties, Churches and community choirs, as well as
 Theatrical productions including Chicago, The Sound of Music, Babes in
Toyland...etc, National Anthem for State BB Championships, Rodeos...etc. Christina's passion for her music is strong and sincere and she is honored to be a part of Sandpipers this year!

 Christina Fieseler
 Josh Johnson
 Vocalists
 (801) 735-6292
 Accompanist: Pastor Michael Popham

Mark Justin

Mark Justin currently heads his own jazz/ improvisational trio, Poetic Justice with Drew Hemwall on Drums and Nedra Wheeler on bass. He is a composer, keyboard artist, musical director, ensemble player, soloist, and eternal explorer in relentless pursuit of musical expression in the cultural gumbo of music. He has a wealth of music experience rooted in jazz, classical, blues, roots, and popular culture.
Justin has scored countless films, including the History Channel’s "The Mighty Mississippi" a historical series for television and “The Other Side”(Grand Jury Award for Best Feature Film at Shriek Fest, Best Picture, Best Screenplay and Best Actor at Independent Film Festival of North Texas). He has composed music for games for Sony and has directed and written for many ensembles, including; "100 guitars" , full orchestras, 17 piece big bands, and many small groups

Beda Margarita Spindola

 

Beda Margarita Spindola has had the opportunity to showcase her operatic soprano voice at the beautiful Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for their Annual Christmas Celebration hosted by KCET at the age of fifteen. She has also been seen as “Rusty” in Footloose and played in the Downey Civic Light Opera’s rendition of My Fair Lady.

Beda Spindola - Vocalist

(626) 256-4460

Shelley King Fisher

Born and raised in the heart of the Mississippi Delta in Memphis, Tennessee, home of rock ‘n roll and the blues, Shelley comes by her love of music and entertainment naturally. Her dynamic and diversified repertoire features blues, pop, jazz, R&B, standards, rock ‘n roll, and country.

Shelley’s live performance lineup includes BB Kings, The Rum Boogie on Beale Street, Harvelle’s Home of the Blues, The Playboy Clubs International, The Improv, The Marina City Club,  Moonshadows in Malibu, Sandals Resorts in Jamaica, Residuals, Landing Bar & Grill in Catalina, and the Grand Hyatt Kauai.  Her unique blend of music and comedy has captivated audiences worldwide.

As creator and star of the romantic comedy cooking show, ForkPlay®, Shelley has appeared on many national TV shows throughout the US including ‘Style Court’ on the Style Network, ‘The Dream Team’, and with Dick Clark on NBC’s ‘The Other Half’ as well as on Canadian ‘Breakfast TV’ in Vancouver Canada.