Entertainment

Opening Night Celebration | Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023 | 6:00pm-9:00pm ET

Mike Phillips

Mike Phillips hails from Mount Vernon, New York. He became interested in music at a young age, moving through several different instruments before settling on the saxophone. By the age of 16, he decided to play professionally. He made an impromptu New York debut at Wilson’s nightclub in New York in 1993, and that led to a series of session and sideman jobs in jazz, R&B, and even rap.

Phillips and his soulful yet funky grooves have wowed fans across the globe and earned standing ovations from audiences at the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival and the inaugural balls for President’s Clinton and Obama. His television credits include performances on the Grammys, BET Awards, BET Honors and the Soul Train Awards. Phillips also served as musical director and host of the popular BET program Lyric Café.

Audiences around the world also know when Mike Phillips puts his saxophone to his lips, magic is about to happen. In a short time, the Mount Vernon, New York native (home of Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, and Heavy D) has exploded on the world music scene becoming the jazz man with hip-hop flavor known for blowing away audiences on stage, television and with chart-topping recordings.

“I was off stage, listening to Michael Phillips take his solo. I was thinking ‘Wow, listen to those people responding, and all he’s doing is playing a saxophone.’ They can feel that what he’s doing is real. So many shows now…they are so dead. But here’s one man breathing into an instrument, and the whole room feels alive. It made me want to rise up to that level when I came back onstage.” – Prince, Rolling Stone, 5/27/04

Learn more at https://thisismikephillips.com.

Marsha Elle

Marsha Elle is a singer/songwriter, bionic model and speaker endeavoring to deliver the message of hope through music. At the age of 17, Elle released her hit single “Hallelujah” a fusion of Caribbean Zouk and pop that received accolades from radio stations both in the Americas and across the sea. Elle’s sophomore album “Brave” was released Spring 2016 with her hit singles “Beard” and “Unlimbted”.

Marsha Elle was born with PFFD and has been an above the knee amputee most of her life. Despite her passion for music, Elle quotes, “In a world where public image is everything, I had my doubts.” Her insecurities led her to believe that the public would not accept her gift. Despite these fears, God has brought great joy and hope to her life. “God used music to save my life,” says Elle, “it kept me in my right mind; positive and hopeful.” Since that epiphany, she has been able to use her experiences and trials to encourage others with insecurities and furthermore, set an example for fellow amputees!

Marsha’s latest single “I Am Beautiful” has crossed boarders, sending a message of self-acceptance and body positivity to the world.

From Glamour Brasil to Marie Claire and Huffington Post to People magazine, Elle’s story of inspiration has been shared worldwide and she continues to spread the message of love, light and acceptance.

Learn more at http://marshaellemusic.com.

Dance Gala | Friday, Aug. 4, 2023 | 8:00pm-12midnight ET

David Jack

David Jack, also known as DJ Two4our, provides the ultimate party experience in a clean professional way. With a resume’ that precedes him with accomplishment, David is using tried and true basics in conjunction with an impeccable personal flair to provide his audience with a genuinely great time, every time.

Born in Inglewood, California, and raised in Largo, Maryland, David developed a deep appreciation for music when he was 13 years old. He purchased his first turntables and began practicing and perfecting his deejaying skills early on. He began feeling out crowds and testing his mixes at smaller events and house parties. The positive vibes from the audience were a clear indication that he was on the right path. Mixing and melding music to serve as the heartbeat to the party was his calling.

David hasn’t looked back since. He is steadily growing into one of the top DJs in the DC metropolitan area, performing at large arena venues as well as some of the area’s hottest lounges, bars and clubs. David held the position as the official DJ for the Washington Wizards and Mystics during the 2014-2015 playing season. He also made featured appearances and performances on 106 and Park, the MTV Music Awards and For Sisters Only conference as well as accompanying celebrity clients like Bryson Tiller, Kevin Hart during his What Now Tour, Teyana Taylor during her Unplugged Tour and Bryshere Grey in arenas filled with upwards of 50,000 fans.

David has an eclectic ear and often spins mixes blending Pop, Hip-Hop and R&B’s hottest hits in the coolest way. His song choices vary from edgy and provocative to classic upbeat Top 40. The young, highly skilled DJ’s music inspirations include David Guetta and AfroJack because of their unique style and ability to entertain diverse crowds. He incorporates these qualities and provides an inclusive sound that entertains crowds of all demographics.

David is not only a musician but a role model for youth as well. He enjoys mentoring children from his hometown and instilling in them the many possibilities for growth and stability through hard work and determination. As a marketing rep for New Balance, David has donated a variety of merchandise to children while deejaying at school events, fundraisers, and dances. He serves as a mentor to young aspiring entrepreneurs.

His favorite part about deejaying is the energy and participation he gets from the audience. When he looks out at the crowd and sees people singing along to his track choices, dancing, laughing, flirting, or just enjoying the company of each other, he is proud to be a facilitator of this kind of happiness.

Future opportunities are endless for David, but rest assured whatever he conquers next will be fueled by professionalism, determination and a passionate ambition to spread his true talents with the world.

Follow David online on Instagram (@DJTwo4our) and Twitter (@DJTwo4our).