Gina Marie Incandela - There Is Always Hope

When Gina Marie Incandela first took the main stage to sing the National Anthem at the Town of Celebration New Year's Eve party in 2008, I was unable to see her, all I could hear were her penetrating vocals. Once I made my way closer, I was amazed that this powerful voice was coming from a somewhat shy six year-old girl from Kissimmee.

Gina is more than an aspiring vocalist. She is talented and she is a determined example that disabilities don't have to stand in the way of your dreams. Gina was diagnosed with PDD NOS, an autistic spectrum disorder. When she was two years old, Gina was still unable to speak, so her mother, Michelle, sought medical advise.

After a series of tests, it was discovered that Gina, in addition to speech and language delays, lacked appropriate social skills, had poor eye contact, feeding issues and experienced certain sensory issues. She was often afraid in public places and could not tolerate the noise and confusion at theme parks or other large gatherings. Surprisingly, she had no imaginary skills.

However, her mother had faith in Gina and Gina had faith in herself. While some may have considered these conditions insurmountable hurdles, Gina transformed them into stepping stones. She was enrolled at the UCP Charter School in Osceola County at the age of two and currently attends first grade at a private school in Kissimmee.

Now, at age seven, Gina "works hard every day to function in a world which she perceives much differently than most," Michelle said. In an August, 2008 appearance on NBC's Today Show, Michelle explained that "through music therapy, Gina's speech improved and through speech therapy, her singing improved and it has brought her full circle."

"Gina does not really know that she has autism," Michelle said. " We have tried to explain it to her, but I don't think she is yet able to see those differences between herself and the other kids. If you ask her whether or not she is different from the other kids she will say 'Yes, I sing really good.' She sees her musical ability as the trait which makes her unique and not her autism."

Gina has performed the National Anthem more than 50 times locally and across the country. In addition to opening for the Orlando Magic, she has appeared at Shea Stadium in New York, Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas and was also a guest on the Today Show.

While performing the National Anthem has certainly helped her gain recognition, she is also expanding her repertoire. Her first single release, "Dare to Dream," demonstrates her wide vocal capabilities. The song was written by songwriter/producer Thomas Michael Dale for Gina after hearing her perform. The song is available at: http://www.ginachildperformer.com/catalog/i1.html

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Gina still struggles with certain issues, but these are not standing in her way. "The biggest obstacles Gina has had to face include overcoming her significant speech and language issues, learning to socialize with other children and adapting to new environments," Michelle said. "Social issues remain complex for Gina but, she has adapted extraordinarly well and has several friends at school."

"I want to be a rock star, a dancer, a swimmer and make balloon animals," Gina said, "and I like singing because singing makes people happy."

To learn more about Gina Marie Incandela, or to schedule a performance, visit her website or email Michelle.

Jackiem Joyner - Lil' Man Soul

Jackiem Joyner takes the stage at the next WLOQ Jazz Jams Concert on June 20 in Altamonte Springs at 8pm.

His album, "Lil' Man Soul," is "a 12-track collection of hip, up-tempo grooving tracks and seductive ballads that musically reflect the dynamic nuances of his whirlwind life over the past two years."

“My goal was to create a listening experience that people can identify as my own vibe that’s different from any other great CD out there,” Joyner said. "I really focused on being honest and putting out a sound that’s true to who I am, that conveys the vibes I like to write and perform."

Joyner, born in Norfolk, Virginia 29 years ago, grew up in a single family home. He attributes some of his musical skills to his father, a professional bass player. He sang and played drums in his church choir, but took up the saxophone in high school.

After graduating, he was appointed head of the music department for World Harvest Outreach Ministries, based in Newport News. He was able to perform for missions in Nigeria, Sudan and Kenya in 2002 and said "it was fascinating seeing how happy people could be with so few material possessions.”

“I’m learning that the most important element of building and sustaining a career in this business is developing that unique sound over time and being consistent," Joyner said. "I love working with the best artists in the genre, but there’s nothing more liberating and fun than taking center stage myself and looking out there and knowing the audience is connecting with my own music. I can’t wait to hit the road again and share more of Lil’ Man Soul with the fans.”

Joyner has been touring with Keiko Matsui and recently opened for Al Jarreau in Newport Beach, California.

To learn more about "Lil' Man Soul," visit his website where you can also hear track clips and purchase the album.

Jessy J - The Sky's The Limit

Jessy J, whose real name is Jessica Spinella, was raised in a home that was always surrounded by music and she began playing the piano at the age of four. It was in elementary school that she first took up the sax and performed with the school's jazz band.

Her mother is from Texas and her father from Mexico, however, Jessy was born in Portland, OR and raised in Hemet, Ca. "Even when we weren't having parties," Jessy said, "there was always music playing in the house because, like food and dancing, it's just a part of the Latin culture."

Her Mexican-American heritage is deeply rooted, but she admired the music of Cannonball Adderly and John Coltraine. She also enjoyed pop music and now combines elements of all these genres into her music.

Jessy graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in jazz studies. Named "Most Outstanding Jazz Student" of her class, Jessy dove straight into the music industry performing with artists like Michael Buble, The Temptations and Jessica Simpson.

In 2006, she met up with Paul Brown and her musical career catapulted. Later that year, after a series of jazz festivals and concerts, Jessica performed at Carnegie Hall with Paquito D'Rivera, who was one of her "true sax heroes." She is currently touring with Michael Bolton playing the sax and providing back-up vocals. She is also travelling the circuit with Guitars and Saxes featuring Gerald Albright, Jeff Golub and Jeff Lorber.

"So the 'sky's the limit' for 2009," Jessy said. "I hope to achieve even greater success and to continue to grow as a musician, performer and artist."

Jessy is working with Paul Brown once again for her second album, that is "still in the works." Featuring "Latin Jazz-flavored instrumentals and some pop songs," the "dream team" from Tequila Moon will gather again for this highly anticipated new project:

Gregg Karukas- keys, Sergio Gonzales- drums, Roberto Vally- bass
Richie Gajate Garcia- percussion, Paul Brown- guitar, Jessy J - sax & vox

Scheduled to be released August 4, 2009, Jessy said "it has been so much fun to be back at the creative stages - writing, performing, arranging, and being in the moment."

For others who share the same dreams, Jessy offered some advise: "I feel completely blessed to have had such an incredible experience, and would like to encourage other musicians and artists to always pursue their dreams to the fullest."

Admittedly, I was a bit confused where the "J" in Jessy J came from. When I asked her, she simply replied "It's a nickname:)." And rest assured, fame has not gone to her head. Jessy is fun, personable, bright and very appreciative of her fans.

To learn more about the incredible artist, visit her website at www.JessyJ.com