Featured Soloists

 JNANA COOPER has been performing since the age of five. She has competed nationally in “American Idol” and “America’s Got Talent.” Jnana is an accomplished actress and has performed in the Phoenix Black Theatre Troupe’s production of Caroline or Change and with the Cumberland County Playhouse’s productions of South Pacific, Crowns,and Hairspray. As one of the founding members of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Jnana has appeared in numerous shows: Ain’tMisbehavin, Dreamgirls, Songirds of the ‘70s, Spunk, Black Nativity,and From Doo-Wop to Hip Hop, to name a few. She currently resides in Michigan, with her husband, Omar and their two daughters. 

  Hailing from Western Pennsylvania, Katt’s vocal roots can be traced back to the church where, as a choir soloist, she unknowingly discovered a talent that would soon blossom and create her wide, effortless vibrato and vocal range that exceeds four octaves. Her lyrics flow in a rare combination of beauty, voice, and poise. With a list of credits that include off-Broadway musicals, television shows, movies, records, and concerts, she has shared the stage with such musical greats as Patti LaBelle, Al Hibler, The Temptations, Sandra Reaves, Luther Vandross, The Ink Spots, The Four Freshman, Warren Covington Orchestra, Connie Haines, John Lamb, Buster Cooper, and the Bay Area’s Fred Johnson, Kenny Drew Jr., Richard Drexler, The Jazz Cellar’s Underground Orchestra, and The 42nd Street Big Band.

Katt Hefner is a captivating performer of both jazz and pop music. Her musical moods ease naturally from high voltage delivery with a provocative kiss to exotic sensuality with a sultry swing. On stage Katt is truly an engaging performer with a voice rich in strength and clarity, Katt’s melodic tones capture and mesmerize her audience.

 Singer, artist, dancer, educator. Born Dana Rochelle Merriwether on November 6, 1971 in Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania, and daughter of renowned local jazz celebrity, Katt Hefner, Dana began singing gospel at the young age of 6. While participating in her school chorus, her chorus teacher discovered that she had a talent and entered Dana in the school talent show where she won first place, receiving a standing ovation and hasn’t stopped since. Growing up in Ford City, Pennsylvania during her adolescent and teenage years, she was a member of the junior/senior high school chorus, a soloist and competitor in the district and regional chorus competitions. A soprano vocalist with a four-octave range and harmonious melodic strengths, Dana has been a member of the Soul Sensations for the past 3 years; she also has been a member of The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. Prior to moving to Tampa, Dana was the Choir Director for her hometown church, Second Baptist Church of Ford City, Pennsylvania and was part of a duo singing act with friend, Eric Hawthorne in the greater Pittsburgh area performing for charities, foundations, and private events. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Penn State University and is currently pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in Interior Design at The Art Institute of Tampa where she is employed as The Academic Advisor for the private design college.
“I couldn’t imagine my life without music in it. It’s a part of my soul and singing fulfills that part of me that seeks to express what I can’t say in words”. With music, I am free.”- Dana Merriwether  

 Latonya Oliver is a singer and entertainer who is a permanent fixture in the world of music entertainment. Latonya has performed at some of Florida's most prestigious venues.