Michel'le

Performing on Pride (Main) Stage

Michelíle Toussant is an R&B recording artist and songwriter who will forever hold a place in music history as one of the most important female voices in the history of the West Coast Hip Hop Movement. Signed to Ruthless Records as a teenager, her label mates included pioneers such as Eazy E, NWA and the D.O.C. Unlike the gritty, hard hitting rap music previously produced by Ruthless Records, Michelíleís melodic, yet powerful vocals offered an amazing contrast on her debut album ìMichelíleî which was produced entirely by Andre ìDr. Dreî Young and Executive Produced by Eric ìEazy Eî Wright.

A native of Compton, CA, itís clear that Michelíle had her own unique vision of combining the street influence of urban culture, r&b / hip hop music and intertwining it with sultry vocals and powerful lyrics. Her voice was unquestionably one of the most unique instruments ever heard in music, a high-pitched speaking voice and a beautifully aggressive singing voice. She brought together rap music and soulful R&B in away that no one had ever done before. Clearly ahead of her time, her dynamic voice and electrifying performances were the launch pad for several other urban influenced vocalists such as Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, or even Lauryn Hill, who all had strong ties to Rap, and Hip Hop music. 

Now the mother of two, in the midst of true career resurgence ñ currently in development for her ìMade for TV movieî based on her life from 1988 to 2002, she also has new music on the horizon, a book in the works, voiceover projects, and performances across the country; she is making her move back into the spotlight. Her first major endeavor was joining the cast of the TVOne reality show ìR&B Divas LAî, where she quickly showcased her fun loving personality, and witty humor, making her an unexpected fan favorite.

Corey Action & the New Style Motherlode

Performing on Pride (Main) Stage

Corey Action was blessed with the ability to teach and choreograph at the tender age of seven. However, Action’s technical training began at Skyline High in Oakland, CA where he studied jazz and modern dance, and stage production. Over the years he has utilized many different types of music in bringing hip-hop to well-known gyms, respected dance studios and public schools. He has always been able to transform beginning dancers into dynamic and confident dancers with his skillful choreography.

Action has choreographed and provided Artist Development for a diverse group of artist’s WORLD WIDE including SOULTRAIN & GRAMMY AWARD WINNER Melanie Fiona and worked closely with newcomer Kehlani. He has traveled the globe including Brazil, Japan, Italy, Canada, Germany, Romania, Russia, Paris and the Philippines working as a producer, costume designer, casting agent, make-up consultant, choreographer, coach, and dancer. Action, and his amazing dance company, New Style Motherlode, were recognized and awarded the International Isadora Duncan Dance Award for Best Performance by a Company in 2005/2006. Action is featured in the History Book Series of Images of America’s latest issue, “Black Artists,” in Oakland CA. Establishing his Artistry as one of Oakland, CA finest. Action opened the Bay Area’s 1st HIP HOP dance studio in an upscale district in Oakland, properly named NEW STYLE MOTHERLODE STUDIO. The studio opened in 2001 and has been growing successfully with clients and students from around the world, who come to learn from some of the best instructors in the Bay Area. NSM has trained dancers who have gone on to International success, with artists such as Britney, Madonna, Beyoncé’, ABDC, AGT, SYTYCD, and many more.

Aniah Le’Shon

Performing on Pride (Main) Stage

Aniah Le’Shon first stepped onto the scene in 2013. Performing at shows, fundraisers, and community events from San Francisco to San Jose. Now, after almost a year off; she’s excited to make her Oakland debut, and hit the stage hard with what she’s been working on. Prepare to be #Aniahlated!

Lila Rose      

Performing on Womyn's Stage

Armed with a distinctive voice and a compassionate understanding of the world around her, Canadian born, California based singer/songwriter/producer Lila Rose, writes songs whose sweeping musical vision and aesthetic beauty is matched only by the depth of her poetry. Her music has been compared to a merging of sounds including Bjork, Radiohead, and The Cranberries and has been coined as ìcinematic indie-rockî. Lila is known not only for her unique sound, but also for her cutting edge visuals which take the form of music videos, and photography. WE.ANIMALS. is her newly released, second full length album, and is a bridge between the worlds she cares most about- music, and the interconnectedness of all life. 

www.lilarosemusic.com for more.

Graciela Beltran

Performing on Latin Stage

Graciela Beltrán is a Mexican singer and actress. She relocated with her family to the Los Angeles area at the age of six, when she began performing at restaurants and fiestas. Beltrán was included on the album Las Reinas Del Pueblo, with famous Mexican-American singer Selena, which has sold over 5 million copies world-wide.

 Aside from the many awards, Graciela Beltrán is also proud of the many professional collaborations she has participated in during her career.These include duets with Ednita Nazario, Emilio Navaira, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Chalino Sánchez, Adán Sánchez, Banda Machos, Grupo Modelo, Conjunto Primavera and recently with El Chapo de Sinaloa. Her compilation album with Selena, ‘La Reina Del TexMex’, titled Las Reinas Del Pueblo has sold 5 million copies worldwide. She has also worked with well-known and respected producers such as Juan Carlos Calderon, K.C. Porter, Bebu Silvetti and Joan Sebastian. She has shared the stage with Vicente Fernández among many other successful artists. In 2006, Graciela was the special guest for the Cinco de Mayo celebrations that year after year are held at the White House, in this occasion, she shared her talent and music in front of the President of the United States George W. Bush. She has racked up five film appearances and a discography with 20 original titles, the latter half of them with the Mexican Univision label. Her career consists of appearances in Sábado Gigante, Siempre en Domingo and various shows around the world.

Raquela

Performing on Community Stage

Award winning actress and singer/song writer, Raquela, grew up in Elk Grove, California and since then, has been seen on stages all over the world. While playing major roles on Broadway for 18 years, her powerhouse vocals got her to open for popstarís like Deborah Cox, Kristine W and Lady Gaga. This raw talent topped Billboard and DJ times several times with her cover of Taylor Daynes, ìTELL IT TO MY HEARTî along with several other original hits like, ìNOTHINí MORE TO GIVEî and ìFALLINGî. While keeping Sacramentoís pride safe on the map, she constantly has her music spun in night clubs around the world and is regularly heard all over the country on stations like KTU, Sirius XMís - BPM, Rhythm 105.9 and Sacramentoís 107.9 KDND. Now sheís back home where she belongs. While running off to other cities, keeping her appearance schedule fresh on the weekends, she teaches private voice during the week. Currently, Raquela just released her newest summer dance track appropriately called, ìSummertimeî (on H.O.P. Music / HOPmusic.org) and she needs her native Sacramento for support.

Find out more about Raquela by following her on Facebook at facebook.com/TheRaquela.