Join us for Suite Life!

Featuring Speakers:

Dr. Harry D. Clark, a retired administrator from the Pittsburgh Public Schools after 30 years of service, was the founding principal of the Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, the first public arts high school in western Pennsylvania, 1979. He served as President of the International Network of Performing and Visual Arts Schools, 1992/93. He served as National Director of Academic Relations for Full Sail Center for the Recording Arts in Orlando, and as Educational Consultant and Senior Advisor for Production Masters, Inc., titled, “Uncommon Beauty in Common Objects”: African Art and its Influence in our Society, touring nationally and culminating at the Renwick Galleries, Washington, D.C. He consulted for schools in cities countrywide; has presented at the Kennedy Center; the U.S. Dept. of Education’s Special Projects Committee and the American Council for the Arts. He consulted for film/TV stars, Ben Vereen, the late Carol Channing and the late Raymond Burr. Other Awards and recognitions include:“Jazz Advocate Award,” University of Pittsburgh Jazz Seminar;  “Pittsburgh Jazz Legend Award,” Manchester Craftsman Guild; “History Maker – Medal of Innovation in Education,” Heinz History Center; “Jazz Hero, Pittsburgh,”Jazz Journalists Association; “JazzLive Legacy Award,” Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

John Shannon is a guitarist and songwriter born in Pittsburgh PA who grew up studying with local luminaries Dwayne Dolphin, Eric Kloss and Mike Ross before attending the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. After college Johnmoved to New York City for over a decade  where he played locally as well as toured the globe as a freelance guitarist for many prominent artists across many genres. During this period of time John performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to the MIDEM Festival in Cannes, France as well as internationally releasing 3 albums of his own music under his name with French/NYC record label ObliqSound to critical acclaim. After accepting an offer to run the music for a modern circus show in Australia for two years, John returned to Pittsburgh to tour relentlessly with his rock’n’roll band theSHIFT who’s song “Dreams” became a Number 1 hit in South America. While back living in Pittsburgh and re-connecting to the jazz scene where he spent many developmental years John was part of the creation of Con Alma Restaurant and Jazz Bar, born of the concept to give the Pittsburgh jazz scene a new home while celebrating it’s legacy in a space of great atmosphere, cuisine and cocktails. In the summer of 2021 Con Alma was named in Esquire Magazine’s “Best Bars in America of 2021” and are the only jazz bar to ever have been named on the prestigious list. John is honored to celebrate Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn in curating this year’s 14th annual Suite Life.

Dr. Kendra Janelle Ross is the Head of Social Impact at Duolingo. Before joining Duolingo, she served as an Assistant Professor of Sports, Arts, and Entertainment Management at Point Park University, where she also completed a PhD in Community Engagement. A proud graduate of Pittsburgh Public Schools, Dr. Ross spent two decades in New York City working both on stage and behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. She managed label operations for Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company, for over a decade. Dr. Ross is a veteran songwriter, vocalist, and producer who has recorded with renowned artists such as Quincy Jones, Lauryn Hill, and Kanye West, to name a few. She has headlined New York’s legendary Blue Note Jazz Club more than ten times as a bandleader. In addition, Dr. Ross has opened for acclaimed artists such as Babyface, Lalah Hathaway, and Isaac Hayes. Since returning to Pittsburgh in 2014, Dr. Ross has been an active member of Pittsburgh’s arts scene. She serves as the co-chair of #ArtsInHD, a collective of creatives in the historic Hill District community. Additionally, Dr. Ross has consulted arts organizations such as Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and UniSound through ACT3 Consulting Partners.

A graduate of the Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Thomas Wendt has been a professional musician since the age of 14. Based in Pittsburgh, Thomas is an active member of the current Jazz scene playing with groups led by Joe Negri, Dwayne Dolphin, Mark Strickland, Kenia and the latin Jazz group Salsamba in addition to leading his own groups including the sextet, Firm Roots. He is also a member of the newly reformed Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra. Thomas has played with many visiting international Jazz greats including Clark Terry, Donald Byrd, David “Fathead” Newman, Benny Golson, Monty Alexander, James Moody, Jimmy Heath, Christian McBride, Curtis Lundy and Geri Allen. During the last five years, Thomas has toured with NEA Jazz Master Hubert Laws and also played with pianist Alan Broadbent for the Nyack, NY library Jazz series. He has recorded with Gene Ludwig, Sandy Staley, Maureen Budway, Steve Davis and Jay Ashby, Joe Negri, David Budway, Ron Affif, Freddy Cole and Sean Jones (w/ the Pgh Jazz Orch.), Gloria Reuben and Brazilian vocalist Kenia. Thomas has been on the faculty of The Afro-American Music Institute since 1998 and Duquesne University since 2015 where he teaches drums, chamber Jazz ensemble and Jazz history.

Featuring Artists:

 Anita Brown Levels is a vocal artist, voice influencer, songwriter and producer who began singing at the age of 3 years old in Frankfurt, West Germany. Being a preacher’s kid, and a member of a musical family from New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A, singing and performance are in her blood. Anita’s powerhouse, soulful, but lark-like vocals have graced national and international audiences. She has performed in London, England, has toured the country of Holland withworld renowned ethnomusicologist, Dr. Portia Maultsby, was featured in the NFL’s Super Bowl 50 commemorative commercial, has appeared in the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, and has performed in many, many other private, public and virtual events. Ms. Brown Levels has a plethora of original music on all streaming music platforms and enjoys sharing the history and influence of Black American music on world and American culture. Anita Brown Levels, MS, has a Masters Degree in Training and Development from Carlow University (Pittsburgh, PA, USA) and believes that instrumentation and the voice have the innate ability to vibrate truth, healing and thought. She will always be the Mother of two magical daughters, put clorox in her water, season her vittles, sing, laugh and cultivate spaces for communication and thought.

Sierra Sellers is a powerful vocalist and a lifelong songwriter inspired by jazzy, playful melodies and soulful rhythms. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sierra has grown in her artistry from writing songs as a little girl, to releasing original music at the age of 19. Sierra has garnered national attention when she was named on NPR’s “2020 Slingshot Artist to Watch”. During the same year she released a five song EP titled Ophelia, which was widely discussed and praised in local publications. Sierra uses her music to inspire and uplift others. With her contagious smile and magnetic personality, Sierra’s spirit comes through her music. She is expressive, genuine, timeless. (Photo Credit Pat Bruener)

Caroline McMahon Shannon was born and raised on Long Island, NY and is a member of Actors Equity and SAG AFTRA. She has been professionally performing since the age of 8. Some of her credits include Broadway and National tours of Annie (Duffy), The Wizard of Oz, (Dorthy understudy/ ensemble) and Off Broadway productions such as My Life with Albertine,  (Andree, Playwrights Horizons), A Man of No Importance (Adele, workshop, Lincoln Center Theater) as well as New York Theatre productions of Urban Cowboy (Sissy, pre Broadway workshop) and Talk of the Town (Dorothy Parker,West Bank Theater). Regional Theater work includes Madison Rep, The Majestic Theater Dallas, Barrington Stage, The Long Wharf Theater, The Self Family Arts Center and The Papermill Playhouse. TV Credits include Manhunt: Deadly Games (CBS NetFlix) and Law and Order: SVU.  Music Tours and Recordings include the Wizard of Oz cast recording (Grammy nominated), My Life with Albertine cast recording, the Manhunt: Deadly Games Soundtrack and three albums with recording artist John Shannon plus national tours with Sonya Kitchell and Kenny Rogers. Caroline is Graduate of Ithaca college with a BFA in Musical Theater.

Quinn Patrick Shannon has been a fixture in the Pittsburgh theatre scene for the last decade. He has appeared in numerous Equity productions for Pittsburgh Musical Theater, St. Vincent’s Summer Theater, The Mountain Playhouse,TheatreWorks USA, PICT Classic Theatre, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Pittsburgh CLO, and most recently, Quantum Theatre as Francis Upton in their production of The Current War. He is perhaps best known for his performance as Nicely Nicely Johnson in the Pittsburgh Public’s 2016 production of Guys and Dolls. He would like to take a moment to thank his supremely talented cousin, John Shannon for giving him the opportunity to perform on this extraordinary evening, as well as his beautiful and talented wife Caroline for her never ending love and support.

Jared Jacobs started his training in dance at the age of 16 at Anna Marie’s dance studio. While training there he attended Cab Calloway school of the arts as a double major in Drama and Vocal. He started booking regional dinner theatre work during his summer and winter breaks. After graduating, he attended Point Park University as a Theatre Arts Major/ Dance Minor ’09. While in Pittsburgh he added dance company member to his resume working for “X”, a Horton based dance company of local artists. A proud member of the AEA some of his favorite theatre credits include Machaydn Theatre’s production of Sweet Charity as “Big Daddy Brubeck, Eddie Souther (Understudy) in Sister Act at the Walnut Street Theatre, “Naphtali” in Joesph and The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat at Media Theatre, National Tour of “Soul of Motown” where he sang with Platinum record producer CJ Jefferson, Sang Background for Dolly Parton, and the Temptations.  He has also worked with the likes of (Tony Award Winner) Michael Rupert, (Rockettes Dance Captain) Stacy Paydo, (Tony Winner) Anne Reinking, the incomparable Debbie Allen, Broadway Producer Bud Martin, and Elaine Strich to name a few. After finishing up his contract with Sight and Sound Theatre (Branson, MO) playing the role of Captain Antonille in Jonah; he moved back to the tri-state area to teach the arts, and to continue booking “the work”.

Kelsey Robinson is a multidisciplinary performance artist and teacher. She’s been seen on stages with Quantum Theater (Looking for Violeta, Inside Passage, Lyon’s Den) and Bricolage Production Company in immersive productions (DODO, The Forest of Everywhere, The Clearing, Festival of Firsts) and Wordplay. Kelsey’s lead in jazz operas Mirror Butterfly and Erased with AfroYaqui Music Collective as well as Stoop Is A Verb with Oliver Lake and Attack Theater. She’s grateful to have worked with other wonderful local companies including CMU Drama, Pittsburgh CLO, PICT, City Theater and New Hazlett CSA. Kelsey’s been honored to perform at world-renowned venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, MoMA, The Studio Museum of Harlem, The Shed and Pittsburgh’s own, The Mattress Factory. Her project Talking with Ghosts About Freedom, which journey’s the nation by bicycle in search of regional Black and Indigenous history, was initially produced in residence with Kelly Strayhorn Theater and has since received the support of The Opportunity Fund, Advancing Black Arts, Bikepacking.com and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. You can see Kelsey’s tap choreography on an incredible student ensemble at The Pittsburgh Playhouse in Everybody at her alma-mater Point Park University opening 12/9.

Scott Boni is a saxophonist from Washington, PA. His relationship to the city of Pittsburgh was formed through a childhood involvement with the arts. As a member of the Children’s Festival Chorus he performed at many venues around the city. “I believe my experience with CFC laid the foundation for my path into music as an adult. When we rehearsed and performed it was very focused and intense. We had fun, but we were expected to act like young professionals. It was a wonderful experience and I have no doubt that all of the singing I did helps me every time I play the saxophone.” Studying at Boston’s Berklee College of Music, he was exposed to creative ideas by classmates and teachers from around the world. “That was truly life-changing for me. It helped me grow both personally and musically.”“I’m thankful to be performing here in Pittsburgh. I’m busy working with both old and new friends. That’s one of the great gifts found through the arts – the relationships you make. Pittsburgh has such an incredible jazz history and it’s both humbling and inspiring to be working in the current scene.” Scott is employed as a realtor and enjoys exploring Pittsburgh’s history through books, films, and antiques.

Leon Boykins has developed a reputation for tastefully blending musical tradition with innovation. With several studio projects and countless worldwide performances under his belt, Leon is an established figure in the next generation ofcreative musicians. During his time in New York City he has shared the stage with many musical greats including Terell Stafford, Ravi Coltrane, Questlove, Orrin Evans, Donny McCaslin, Gilad Heckselman, Pascal Le Boeuf, Allan Harris, The O’Jays and John Swana. As an in demand sideman, Leon prides himself in interpreting the artistic vision of each artist that he makes music with. Placing a large emphasis on education Leon holds a B.M (07) from Temple University, a M.M (11) from the Manhattan School of Music and a M.Ed (16) from Hunter College. Currently Leon is living in Pittsburgh PA while working as the bassist for the Dear Evan Hansen National Tour.

Joseph Sheehan is a composer, pianist, and educator immersed in three music traditions: jazz, classical, and traditional West African music. Sheehan’s music and performances embrace a diversity of music traditions and perspectives, woven together to express ideas of tolerance, unity, and wisdom. His work is informed by ten years of university studies in classical composition, culminating in a doctoral degree; three in-depth research trips to Ghana to study its traditional music and dance; and hundreds of performances on piano playing jazz, pop, R&B, and other genres. Sheehan is the founder of Kinetic, a music collective whose performance efforts blend global folk traditions and contemporary jazz. The group has released two albums merging folk songs from Ghana with original music: the critically acclaimed Songs of Lake Volta (2018, Ansonica), and a sequel, Dances of Lake Volta (2021). Sheehan’s compositions and piano performances have been heard at music festivals & conferences, concert halls, jazz venues, universities, museums, and theaters throughout the United States, Canada, Italy, and Ghana. He has also produced genre-defying, multidisciplinary concerts featuring musicians from all over the world.Sheehan is an artist faculty at the Clazz International Festival in Italy, and associate professor of Musicianship at Duquesne University.

Jason Washington Jr. (drums) began playing the drums as a small child, and has continued to hone his skills throughout his life. He is a versatile musician, but his fortes are jazz and gospel. Jason has worked to provide music education to Pittsburgh’s youth through Center of Life as well as by instructing Pittsburgh Brashear’s drumline. Jason regularly gigs at various venues throughout the Pittsburgh area and plays drums at Macedonia Church of Pittsburgh and formerly played snare for Temple’s Diamond Marching Band. He comes from a musical family, and is passing down his passion for music to his daughter, Noa. During the school year, Jason works as a paraprofessional at Pittsburgh Carmalt providing support to autistic students

Kelly (1912-1996), an East Liberty native, rose to fame after working in his family’s dance studios in Squirrel Hill and Johnstown. After choreographing “Hold Your Hats” at the Pittsburgh Playhouse in 1938, Kelly landed his first Broadway assignment, and his career skyrocketed. His most notable work to date is “Singin’ In The Rain,” (1952). Strayhorn (1915-1967), a Homewood native, pianist, and composer, began studying classical music at Pittsburgh Music Institute. By age 19, he was writing music professionally but faced opposition because of his race. He continued to work, and eventually met Duke Ellington in 1938, and the two worked together for the next 25 years. Strayhorn’s most well-known tunes include “Take The A Train” and “Lush Life.”

Beginning as the Regent Theatre in 1914, the building KST occupies was a movie house for most of its existence. However, in 2001, the theater underwent a name change and took on a powerful new identity. The neon sign that lights up Penn Avenue is designed after Kelly and Strayhorn’s actual signatures!

“As young artists, Kelly and Strayhorn likely visited the Regent Theatre, taking in films that would later impact the trajectory of their careers. Celebrating these two Pittsburgh legends inside of the oldest nickelodeon in our city is an absolute treat. We are delighted to honor the legacies of Kelly and Strayhorn, together, with Suite Life.” – Joseph Hall, Executive Director