Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I live with my partner, Eric, who is a fantastic artist and thinker and works at the Cincinnati Art Museum as Associate Director of Docent Learning. I grew up as an only child, but thanks to my cousins and step-siblings, I’d like to think I’m not too spoiled rotten! My mom is a retired educator and community worker. She is responsible for so many of the values that guide me through life and in my work.

Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My “main gig” is artistic director of the Cincinnati Boychoir. In my trademark impeccable timing, I moved to Cincinnati for that job in the summer/fall of 2019. (The bit about impeccable timing was *heavy* sarcasm.) In addition, I direct Cincinnati’s MLK Chorale and work with the Classical Roots Community Chorus. Since I’ve been in town, I’ve also work on productions at The Carnegie in Covington, Cincinnati Children’s Theatre, and Cincinnati Opera. I’ve had the pleasure of singing with Cincinnati Fusion Ensemble and several of the amazing church choirs in the area. In the past, I’ve been a public school music teacher in Rochester, NY, where I also worked with theatre companies and Finger Lakes Opera. In Boston, I worked at the Boston Children’s Chorus as the Associate Director of Educational Programming. What I really love about my work is the opportunity to work together to create moments of truth and beauty.

What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
The Hi-Mark, Soul Secrets, Alcove, Arnold’s

How long have you lived or worked in our community?
3.5 years

Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
David Fowler, Geneva Woode, and Marcellene Winfrey, three of the music leaders of the Classical Roots Community Chorus are infinitely intriguing to me. Their musicianship and commitment to excellence and sense for building community is inspiring to me.

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
West Africa (specifically Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria). I want to see where my ancestors came from and feel what it’s like to be in a place where my skin color is the norm rather than the exception.

What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Black Panther. Sanford and Son. Golden Girls. Everything Is Trash. Yes, I know that’s more than one.

What advice would you give to people?
Don’t give general advice and be skeptical of advice from generalized sources.

What is something on your bucket list?
A cross-country roadtrip with the time and freedom to meander

What is your go to music when you cant decide what to listen to?
Sarah Vaughan and I have gotten through some times!

If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
I would love to have lunch with Leontyne Price. She is the picture of confidence, focus, and grace. Apart from thanking her for her artistry and strength, I would keep my mouth shut and listen to her share about her glory days at the very top of the world of opera.

What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
We have a deep and active love for the arts.

Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself continuing to learn and teach and contribute to community building. Hopefully, I’ll have a few more teaching, singing, conducting, playing, and leading tools in the proverbial toolbox.

What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am super weirded out by light hugs. Like, what is the actual point of hugging someone without an appropriate amount of squeeze???

What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
There is so much beauty on the drive home to southern Virginia

Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
It’s a toss up between May and October. New Year’s Day. December 26.

What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The exterior of Music Hall at dusk

Who inspires you to be better?
My mom

What is one or two of your favorite smells?
rain and bakeries

Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love. Long, tight hugs (no light hugs!). Home is where you matter just because you’re you.