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Karen Alexander,
Vocals
Karen's entertainment career
has its roots in the church-where she sang often with her family. A native
of Charleston, SC, Karen is a graduate of the University of SC where she was
an active member of the school's pop singing group, Carolina Alive. As a
member of Carolina Alive she toured the United States and Europe. Her
audiences have greeted her enthusiastically in places as diverse as Greece
and Romania to the World's Fair (1982 in Knoxville, TN) and the Southeast's
famous Heritage Golf Classic. Former Presidents Richard M. Nixon and
Ronald Reagan are among the notables who have been entertained by her.
During the summer of '95, she organized "Straight Ahead". A resident of
Columbia, Karen travels frequently to her engagements while fulfilling her
duties as the founder and owner of Auntie Karen Inc., an educational
entertainment company and The Auntie Karen Foundation, a nonprofit community
organization.
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Byron Counts,
Keyboards
This
song writer. singer and producer displays the epitome of professionalism in his writing
and production of songs. As a Columbia, SC native, he is well known for his entertaining
gospel piano renderings. And yet, he is also accomplished in classical, jazz. and choral
music. His music ranges from hip-hop to orchestral ballads. Byron has also won numerous
talent shows. Two years in a row, he claimed the winning songwriting title in the
Budweiser/Star Stream song writing contest. One can see his named listed as the writer of
the song "I See Love" recorded by A&M Diva CeCe Peniston. He co produced
this project with Devante Swing, member of the hit group Jodeci. Byron also shared his
production and writing talents with David Bright and Angie B. of the A&M hit group
Vertical Hold (Hit Song; "Seems You're Much Too Busy'). Byron is a
partner with Auntie Karen Inc.
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Herschel
Clark,
Saxophone
Herschel was born in Kansas City, Mo. By the time he was 12, he could be seen playing with local bands in Kansas City. His hometown band, the "'Friends of Darkness" performed constantly throughout the Midwest during the 70's, and had the pleasure of "gigging" on a luxury Caribbean cruise ship during his Senior year in high school. As a student at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL, Herschel toured with the Jazz lab band for two years; playing with renowned trumpeter Nat Adderly. He performed in programs that included appearances by Ramsey Lewis and Pat Metheny. After graduating with honors in 1981, He took up residence in Charlotte, NC, where he has remained. Working full time in the computer sales field keeps him on the road; but he still finds time to enjoy his favorite pastime, playing music. Whether he's playing traditional jazz in a smoke-filled room, or R&B dance tunes to a jamming floor crowd, one can see by his energy that music is his passion.
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Tre' Tailor,
Vocals
Tre’ Tailor has taken Columbia by Storm; in a little over 2 years in the market, you can hear her on radio; see her on TV and most recently she says she is living her life long dream of singing on stage! You can catch this down to earth sista with the magnetic smile and jovial personality weekdays from 10-2 on 98.5 Kiss FM-WLXC. Tre' most recently hosted “Awareness”, one of the nations longest running Community Affairs Programs, on WIS-TV 10. In addition, she was the exclusive Pick 3 and Pick 4 Announcer for statewide NBC affiliate WIS and is also frequently seen and heard on various TV commercials. All this and she sings too! In addition to her Straight Ahead performances, she's been featured with SC legend Skip Pearson and Jazzology and was chosen to be the guest vocalist for the SC Jazz All-Stars during the Columbia’s Three Rivers Music Festival. Tre is very active in the community, regularly volunteering for Big Brothers-Big Sisters, YWCA, James R. Clark Sickle Cell Foundation, City Year and is the Renaissance Reading Queen at South Kilborne Elementary School, where she provides a positive example for reading, by visiting each month to share a book with the students. She has also hosted several Sister Circles, where women of the community come together to bond, heal and communicate in an open and relaxed atmosphere.
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Terence Young, Lead Guitar Terence Young was born in Elko, SC. This multi-talented songwriter, composer ,keyboardist and guitarist got his start in Gospel in churches throughout his native state and beyond. Terence has played with the likes of Tommy Ellison and The Five Singing Stars, Brookland Baptist Church Choirs and The Benedict College Gospel Choir. Terence made his debut with Straight Ahead in 1999 and can be heard on the "Into the Light" cd. In addition, he has released two solo gospel recordings.
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Coleman Sistrunk, Bass former member As a native of Orangeburg. SC, Coleman began playing bass at the age of 13. He started his career playing with the "Exotics", a Rhythm and Blues group. While with the "Exotics", he performed behind such acts as Peaches and Herb, Rufus and Carla Thomas, Solomon Burke, Bobby Burke, Jerry Butler, Peggy Scott, Jo Jo Benson, The Manhattans and others. He has an extensive Music Education background. His honors include a BA in Music Education from SC State College and graduate work at the University of SC. Coleman enjoys sharing his love of music with students. He has taught at Booker T. Washington, Eau Claire High School in Columbia; Maywood High School in Sumter, SC and Clark Middle School in Orangeburg, SC. In 1975. He began playing with the group, "Lotusfete". While with 'Lotusfete", he opened for acts such as Patti Labelle, Bobby Womack, Pieces of A Dream, Stanley Turrentine, Spyro Gyra, Noel Pointer, Teddy Pendergrass, The O'Jays and Ramsey Lewis. His motto is "Music is his life and the bass is his true love". | ||
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Charles Williams,
Percussion
former member
Charles began studying
percussion in St. Louis, Missouri in 1974. Under the watchful eye of Glen
"Papa" Wright, at the Community Association of Schools for the Arts. During
his four year tenure, Charles completed Classical training and Music theory.
At the same time, he began to develop his talent as a member and featured
soloist of both his high school orchestra and jazz ensemble. In 1979,
Charles entered Morehouse College, and became a member of the jazz ensemble.
While at Morehouse, he was influenced by a number of Atlanta's "Old School"
Jazz Circuit Players. Charles returned to St. Louis in I 983 and began
playing with "Nightwind", a popular local variety band. After college,
Charles played with numerous bands; most recently "Straight Ahead' of
South Carolina. Charles plays a range of styles and loves his craft.
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