2003
Don't miss your opportunity to meet the MCs, performers, award recipients, Inspiration Award recipients and Special Guests (including Howie D. from the Backstreet Boys). Come join us at the Post-Show reception!
Alexis
Angelina
Ken Canedo
Bernie Choiniere
Dana
Rick Elias
Mark Forrest
Jesse Manibusan
Polish National Alliance Dancers
Pollyanna Dorough
Seraphim
Howie D. (from the Backstreet Boys)
Joan Roberts
Alexis
- Alexis Nicole Smibert has been writing songs with passion since she was six
years old. She is a singer songwriter who is proficient with guitar, drums &
saxophone. Her style is a fusion of folk, funk, jazz and general pop styles
giving her songs a very eclectic and palatable feel. She has written and recorded
over 50 songs. A few of Alexis’ influences are Jewel, Tracy Chapman, Ben Harper
and Jennifer Knapp.
Alexis is an experienced performer and has been singing in regular gigs and musicals for 7 years. She has studied both dance and drama.
Faith is a distinct element of Alexis' persona. She writes and performs Christian songs and is well known in church communities throughout Sydney, Australia. In November 2001 she went to Europe to produce a video of Christian songs for Christian television. Alexis dedicated 2002 to NET Ministries Australia and touring Australia ministering through drama and music to over 30,000 youth.
Alexis' interests also include sport. One of her main achievements was as a
goalie in soccer. In December 1999 she represented Australia overseas in indoor
soccer.
Angelina
- Angelina has been singing since she could talk. Over the last few years, she
has developed her talents and is now recognized as one of the leading Christian
contemporary singers in the South.
Angelina began taking voice lessons at the age of 9, and a year later recorded her first CD. Since then she has recorded four other CDs, including "My Gift to You," released in time for the 2002 holiday season.
Angelina lives with her family in Gulfport, Miss. In her spare time she enjoys listening to a wide variety of music, talking with her friends, playing and practicing guitar, and spending time working on her hobby of pottery.
She is a member of the Catholic Association of Musicians and Gospel Music
Association. She attends Mass at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in
Gulfport and serves as cantor for the Saturday evening service.
Ken
Canedo (performing with Jesse Manibusan)
- Ken Canedo is a composer, musician, youth minister and catechist who
is proficient in piano, guitar and electric bass. Ken believes that today's
teenagers need to recognize their baptismal call to ministry, and his workshops
bring youth and adults together in discovery and empowerment. He presents confirmation
retreats, youth ministry workshops and pastoral musician workshops, often with
fellow OCP composer Jesse Manibusan and longtime songwriting partner Bob Hurd.
Born in Los Angeles, Ken received his Master of Divinity degree from St. John’s
Seminary in Camarillo, California. Over the years he has played in numerous
rock bands, jazz combos and liturgical ensembles. Ken is a Marketing Assistant
at Oregon Catholic Press, a consultant for the youth ministries of St. Philip
Neri Church and Ascension Church in Portland, Oregon, and a clinician for the
One Bread, One Cup Youth Liturgy Conferences at St. Meinrad, Indiana.
Bernie
Choiniere - Bernie
is a fresh, new and exciting voice in contemporary Catholic music. He has focused
his gifts to uplifting the young while spreading the Gospel message with confidence
and hope. By helping to convey the love of God, and stressing a need for a personal
relationship with Christ, his heartfelt songs present a call to action and a
challenge to service. Bernie began teaching himself the piano and drums at the
age of 9. In the past 8 years he has told his miraculous story and performed
his songs for thousands of youth throughout the country. Bernie enjoys the support
of his wife Loretta and his four girls Chantal, Rachelle, Marielle and Joelle.
Bernie is the music director for St. Mary's Life Teen in Foxboro, MA and director
of music for all liturgies at Resurrection Parish in Hingham, MA. Some of Bernie's
credits include opening for Jars of Clay at Foxboro Stadium and performing at
Fenway Park at Jubilee 2000 for 15,000 young people where his song "I'll
Be Your Child" was chosen as the theme song for the event. Bernie also
enjoyed performing in Rome, where he went on pilgrimage with 800 of Boston's
young people for World Youth Day. His performances in Rome included a Catechetical
session at St. Paul Outside The Walls Basilica and a concert segment for the
Word Records stage. Two years ago Bernie was asked to sing at the National Catholic
Youth Convention on the main stage at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis and will
also be performing at the NCYC main stage with his "East Coast Band"
at the Houston Astro Dome in November. This past year Bernie had the opportunity
to perform at World Youth Day in Toronto sharing the stage with Tony Melendez,
Dana, and Rene Bondi. Some of his other credits include an appearance on EWTN's
"Back Stage" and a TV series geared for teens called "Be A Light"
that Bernie co-produced for Boston Catholic Television. Recently Bernie has
been signed as a new artist for World Library Publications where his music is
being published and distributed. He is very proud of his new release entitled
With You from which the song Emmanuel has been nominated for 2003 Unity Awards
Best Modern Rock /Alternative Song of the Year.
Dana - Dana
Rosemary Scallon was raised in a family of six children in Derry, Northern Ireland
in the 1960's. Despite growing up in "the troubles", her predominant
memories are of peaceful, happy days, interwoven with a great musical tradition.
In 1970, while still a student, Dana became Ireland's first winner of the famed Eurovision Song Contest with her song All Kinds of Everything.
Dana was catapulted by the win into international stardom and her song became a massive international hit topping the chart in Britain and across Europe. She established herself as one of Ireland's most successful entertainers and enjoyed outstanding acclaim through best selling records and albums, top rating television appearances, and major headlining engagements in concert at home and abroad.
Major highlights of Dana's career were to sing Totus Tuus, a song she wrote, for Pope John Paul II when he visited New Orleans in 1987; Denver (WYD) 1993 when she wrote and sang the World Youth Day theme song We are One Body. She was invited to sing once again, together with Placido Domingo, in New York in 1997 during the Holy Father's visit. She also sang for the Holy Father at WYD Paris 1998, St. Louis 1999, and WYD 2000 Rome.
On June 13, 1999, Dana was elected to the European Parliament to represent the Connacht/Ulster constituency(Ireland). She currently resides in Ireland with her husband, Damien, and their four children.
Rick
Elias - Rick Elias has written music, performed music and
produced music with some of the biggest names in Contemporary Christian Music
from Michael W. Smith to Amy Grant.
Currently Rick resides and works in Nashville, Tennessee mainly as a writer and record producer. Rick grew up in San Diego, California and has played and toured with bands his whole life. It was in the late 1980's that Rick gave his life to Christ and dedicated his musical gifts to becoming a Christian Artist. Rick's first project, Rick Elias and the Confessions was a raw staright ahead roots rock with lyrics that were as passionate as the music. Rick Elias and the Confessions played concerts throughout the late 80's, playing such grand venues as Cornerstone Festival among others. In March of 2001, CCM Magazine released an issue that marked the 100 greatest albums in Christian music. Rick Elias and the Confessions placed at number 58.
Rick Elias has written several songs as a Christian solo artist. Rick is probably most well known for his work with Rich Mullins and A Ragmuffin Band. Rick wrote and performed with the late Rich Mullins from the mid 90's until Rich's tragic death in September 1997. Rick continued to lead the Ragamuffin Band, producing The Jesus Record, which won Dove Awards (1999 "Song of the Year" for "My Deliverer" and "Record Music Packaging of the Year") and had #1 radio singles ("My Deliverer" and "Nothing Is Beyond You"). In addition the Ragamuffins continued touring the world playing in countries such as the United States, England, Ireland, Italy, and Amsterdam.
The mid to late 90's also found Rick contributing songs to Bob Carlisle's record breaking #1 selling album, Butterfly Kisses (Shades of Grace). Some of Rick's most popular work is found on the sound track for the Tom Hanks film, "That Thing You Do". Rick wrote several of the songs and co-produced the sound track as well as having a cameo appearance in the movie.
On the heels of these impressive efforts, Rick released BLINK, his third solo CD. BLINK is an album that is musically sophisticated, yet showcases the pop sensibilities that left the Elias thumbprint on "That Thing You Do" and "Butterfly Kisses". "Blink came about more naturally than my previous two efforts," confides Rick. "I didn't write these songs with the initial intent of using them on one album, and as a result, I wasn't at all concerned about marketability. As well as being more pure, it's more diverse-a musician's record. These songs were some favorites I'd collected".
After much touring and producing other bands, The Ragamuffins began to disband in mid 2001. Various band members found themselves with other music recording and producing projects taking up their individual time, making it near impossible for the band to continue a vigorous touring schedule.
Rick Elias has continued on his profession of writing and producing. In recent times, Rick has been working with several up and coming Christian Artists including La Ru and Chris Taylor.
Rick now enjoys the stability of work and family life in Nashville. He occasionally tours both solo and sometimes with a small band playing to anxious fans around the country. There is always talk of another album in the works, but for now…catch him in concert…if you can!
Mark
Forrest - His melodic
voice has filled concert halls and cathedrals world wide. He has sung inspirational
hymns for luminaries such as Pope John Paul II and Mother Theresa. His soothing
Broadway melodies have entertained award-winning performers including Charlton
Heston and Maureen O'Hara.
Although this international Irish tenor has performed for some of the leading orators of our time, Mark Forrest is not beckoning audiences to himself, rather he hopes his listeners will hear a deeper call and attune their ears to his heartfelt message - a message that has been shaped by what many would call the tragedies in his life.
Mark Forrest's "song" is The Faith and Family Foundation, an organization he and his wife Muriel, founded in 1999 to support and encourage individuals and families with special needs. His "lyrics" are the sanctity of human life, at every stage and age.
Mark and Muriel's efforts to establish The Faith and Family Foundation were born out of the sorrowful death of their third baby boy - Francesco - who was diagnosed in utero with a severely compromised heart. He lived only five days, "touching more people than I ever will in a lifetime," Mark says. Their second son, John Patrick, was also born with special needs and is battling a rare nerve condition that has left him blind and confined to a wheelchair.
Yet Mark and his wife turned their tragedies into triumphs and resurrected joy from the ashes of their sorrows. They embraced their pas personal despair and are now conveying hope to thousands around the globe through the Foundation.
The Foundation offers annual awards recognizing outstanding persons with disabilities, or individuals who work with or care for persons with disabilities, as well as awards to those who best exemplify the ethos of Faith and Family in a public setting.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, awarded full scholarships to study music, and educated at the Royal College of Music, Mark could allow his exceptional talent to take him world wide with Broadway touring companies. But he is committed to his own family and to his life's work sharing his music through The Faith and Family Foundation.
Mark uses his music, whether Broadway's best inspirational tunes, traditional Irish songs, or classic hymns to inspire people everywhere to appreciate the importance of their faith and their family life in today's changing society. All proceeds from Mark's concerts and the sale of his CDs and tapes go to benefit the Foundation. The Foundation is also publishing a book on the life of Francesco Forrest, to bring support and encouragement to parents and siblings of babies born with chronic or fatal illnesses. An inspirational children's book series is also planned.
The Faith and Family Foundation is a 501C3 not for profit, nondenominational,
organization based in Virginia, where Mark, Muriel and their four sons reside.
Jesse
Manibusan (performing with Ken
Canedo) - Jesse Manibusan, a singer, songwriter, guitarist and teller
of humorous tales, is a charismatic performer with an extensive repertoire.
Jesse shares from his heart the love of Christ and the call to live out our
baptism in every aspect of life. He puts the challenge of "You’re Catholic,
so what?!" to every age group and generation.
Jesse is a familiar presence at diocesan conferences throughout the United States and Canada, including the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), World Youth Day events, LIFE TEEN and numerous events for the Nevada Desert Experience, the faith-based campaign to end nuclear weapons testing.
Jesse also co-presents parish missions and various retreats with longtime friend and mentor, Fr. Gregory David Comella, C.P.P.S., as well as confirmation retreats and youth liturgy workshops with friend and fellow composer, Ken Canedo. He holds a master’s degree in multicultural ministries from the Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley.
Jesse resides in Grapevine, Texas with his wife and their two children.
Polish
National Alliance Dancers - The Polish National Alliance (PNA) dancers
hail from the Warsaw, North Dakota area, representing PNA members from lodges
in both eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. These performing ambassadors
range in age from 11-50+ and come from a variety of cities and rural communities.
The dancers are sponsored by the Polish National Alliance, based in Chicago, The largest ethnic fraternal in the United States. Entertaining audiences all around the upper Midwest for over 50 years, the Warsaw, ND PNA Lodge keeps 40 dancers busy with numerous performances throughout the year.
They had the honor of performing with national polka celebrity and recording
star Jimmy Sturr, of New York, at the Fargodome and have filled areas to capacity
at the Grand Opening of the Alerus Convention Center, Grand Forks, ND and annually
at the Grand Forks "First Night" New Years' Eve celebration. In July,
2002 the dancers also performed as an opening act for "Dana" - Christian
recording artist from Ireland at a benefit performance at the Chester Fritz
Auditorium, University of North Dakota campus.
2003 performances included a trip to North Dakota's State Capitol at Bismarck
to perform during the legislative session for legislators and Governor John
Hoeven. Performing at "Marketplace of Ideas 2003", organized by U.S.
Senator Kent Conrad, was another fun day, as was performing at Grand Forks'
first ever "Arts Fest" in June 2003.
Selections include regional dances of Poland, the lively "Krakowiak"
and the stately "Polonez" - these are national dances of Poland. Polkas,
schottische, and other dances from the mountain regions of Poland complete the
program. The dancers wear colorful costumes of the Krakow, Poland region.
Pollyanna
Dorough (also co-Master of Ceremonies)
- Get ready to move to the Latin rhythms of this bilingual Floridian who just
happens to be the sister of Howie D. from the famous group, Backstreet
Boys.
Pollyanna Dorough; a native to Orlando, Florida is a multitalented entertainer who writes, sings, and dances to her own original songs. Pollyanna’s latin/pop flavor is demonstrated in her high-energy dance groove numbers to her sentimental personal ballads.
Recently Pollyanna toured as an opening act for the Backstreet Boys' Black and Blue Tour, filling stadiums with 50,000 to 60,000 people each night throughout South America, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Panama City.
When
not touring with the "Backstreet Boys," Pollyanna and her brother
Howie can be found traveling and singing together in concerts throughout the
US, Puerto Rico, Mexico and South America representing the Dorough Lupus Foundation.
This foundation is a nonprofit organization started by their family shortly
after their sister, Caroline, had succumbed to the disease in 1998. Their mission
is to raise money for lupus research, to educate the public, and to provide
financial assistance for individuals living with lupus who cannot afford treatment.
In addition, Pollyanna wrote the foundation's theme song "Fly to Heaven" in memory of her sister, which is also used to raise money for their cause. The song was CO-produced by her brother Howie D. and David Johnson and is now available to the public through the foundation’s website www.DoroughLupusFoundation.org with a small donation.
(For the rest of Pollyanna's biography, please see the Master of Ceremonies section of our website.)
Seraphim
- The angelic voices of Seraphim are those of Christa (17), Lisa (14), and Theresa
(11), three of the nine member Hanson Family Singers. Throughout their lives
these young ladies have joined their family in church choirs, concerts, musical
productions and Christmas caroling. Much to their audiences' delight, they have
recently added a fun touch of barbershop and yodeling to their repertoire. When
asked about their singing, the girls reply, "Dad sang bedtime songs to
us every night and we learned to harmonize by the age of three." From these
special times sprang a great love for music and a desire to share their talents
with the world for the greater glory of God. "We pray that these very special
hymns of the Church will be a blessing to all who listen."
Howie
D. - Brother of our co-MC, Pollyana Dorough, and member of the Backstreet
Boys. This year he and his mother, Mrs. Dorough, will be presenting an UCMVA
Inspiration Award. In 2002, Howie and his family received an UCMVA Inspiration
Award for their work through the Dorough
Lupus Foundation.
Joan
Roberts - With a career that spans over 65 years of singing and acting,
Joan Roberts made Broadway history when she created the role of Laurey Williams
in the landmark Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, "Oklahoma!",
introducing "Many A New Day", "Out of My Dreams",
and the beautiful love ballad, "People Will Say We're In Love", with
her leading man, Alfred Drake. Composer Oscar Hammerstein II was her mentor,
having chosen Joan to debut in the 1941 production of "Sunny River",
the eleventh musical written by Mr. Hammerstein II with his partner, Sigmond
Romberg.
"Oklahoma!" was the first Broadway musical to produce an Original Cast Album, which is currently available on the 50th Anniversary CD from MCA.
Her long Broadway career has included the Emmerich Klama operetta, "Marinka" and"High Button Shoes" with Phil Silvers. Working for the Schubert Organization and traveling throughout the United States she appeared in "Irene", "Too Many Girls", "No, No, Nanette", "Naughty Marietta" and "Music In the Air". Joan has also appeared in leading roles in "Carousel", "Showboat", "Annie, Get Your Gun", "Guys and Dolls", "Bloomer Girl", "Lady In the Dark" and "Take Me Along", among many others ...