Ampersand is a small string band, so named because our core duo of Beth Lawton and Dick Hogle “adds in” other musicians both at home and when we travel. We offer a family-friendly, interactive set of songs and instrumentals, from colonial times through Civil War music,1920s and 30s folk/blues, to modern folk tunes. We play guitars, banjo, mandolin, hammered dulcimer, and often are joined by fiddlers, and a stand-up bass player – lots of songs and rich harmonies and we’re happy to have the audience ask questions, join in on singalongs, and just have a great time with this wonderful tradition
For many years, James Kiwuwa has entertained, thousands of individuals from all over the world. Countless lovely people who brought him into their lives and made him a part of their communities.
The opportunity to perform countless compositions around the world would appear to be a worthy influence of delight; but beyond the call to entertain, he connects with every audience in a way that participants understand and value each other’s culture.
Pablo Regis de Oliveira grew up in Los Angeles and BrasÍlia, absorbed in Brazilian music and culture. His study of Brazilian music started as young child, observing and participating in Brazilian carnival events and music concerts produced by his father, Floriano Regis, former Cultural Attaché of the Brazilian Consulate in Los Angeles. Floriano co-founded LA's first samba school Embrasamba, created the first Brazilian radio program in the US (The Brazilian Hour), and produced shows by such Brazilian music legends as Gilberto Gil and João Bosco.
Dr. Laura Armstrong is a faculty member of Mount St. Mary’s University and Frederick Community College, where she teaches clarinet, saxophone, and music fundamentals. She has performed in recitals in the Mid-Atlantic region and has performed as a soloist at the International Clarinet Association’s Clarinet Fest held in Ostend, Belgium in 2018.
Von Vargas is a multi-faceted Music Creator. He is a Hip Hop artist, multi-genre music producer, songwriter, musician and DJ. He’s passionate about creating hip-hop music that highlights solutions to social ills that plague America’s inner-city communities. A champion of justice for uplifting and betterment. Von is most recently responsible for creating music cues for the Peacock TV Original Series “True Stories".
Seth Kibel is one of the Mid-Atlantic's premier woodwind specialists, working with some of the best bands in jazz, swing, and more. Wowing audiences on saxophone, clarinet, and flute, Seth has made a name for himself in the Washington/Baltimore region, and beyond. He is the featured performer with The Alexandria Kleztet, Bay Jazz Project, Music Pilgrim Trio, The Natty Beaux, and more. Winner of 28 Washington Area Music Awards (Wammies), including "Best World Music Instrumentalist" (2003-11) and "Best Jazz Instrumentalist" (2005, 2007-8, 2011-14).
Born at Womack Army Hospital, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Elizabeth Skola Davis moved frequently growing up. Under the tutelage of her mother, she studied voice before moving on to the piano, organ and cello, then earned a B.M. in cello performance from the University of Evansville. While pursuing a master's degree at Louisiana State University, she shifted majors from performance to music theory, then ultimately to music composition. As a student of Dr.
Leslie Olabisi is an engaging narrator and the relatable, conversational voice you are looking for in your commercials. Using her training as an actor, she makes adjustments quickly and her throaty yet clear vocal quality is a unique tone that stands apart from any other female voice.
She is a SOVAS Voice Arts Award winner for Outstanding Radio Promo and the documentary she narrated, Unmarked, was nominated for a Capital Emmy.
Leslie studied at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in NYC, Studio Theatre Acting Conservatory and was a student of the late great, Wynn Handman.
DEBORAH STERNBERG, described by critics as a “spine-tingling soprano” (Ben Demers, DC Theatre Scene), is praised for her flexibility, stage presence, and radiance of tone. Recent performances include art songs of Lili and Nadia Boulanger with Cantate Chamber Singers and Washington Master Chorale, respectively; duet recital Orpheus with a new chamber ensemble; featured soloist with the National Symphony Orchestra’s Play! A Video Game Symphony at Wolf Trap; and recitals for the Friday Morning Music Club and the Penn Alps music series.