LOUD! (Living Opera, Understanding Diversity)

LOUD! (Living Opera, Understanding Diversity) is the brain child of Teniqua Broughton (founder and CEO of VerveSimone Consulting) and Luis “Weezy” Egurrola (Founder/Co-Artistic Director of Epik Dance Company and coach of the Hip Hop Squads of both the Phoenix Mercury and Phoenix Suns).

It is designed to connect communities near and far through discussions and performances via a focus on diverse cross-sections – with a particular focus on the BIPOC community, showcasing arts and culture in the Southwest, and highlighting stories that are focused on music and grounded in their sometimes-surprising connections to the world of opera.

In Season 2, we are celebrating BIPOC women artists and administrators in the field of Opera, in traditional and contemporary ways.

Join us for a visual experience of their stories from the early begins to entering the arts world and journeying on as leaders, history makers, and creators as they desired more community connectivity, representation, and an opportunity for BIPOC voices to be recognized and understood in the arts.

Meet the Creators:

**Teniqua Broughton**
Co-Founder & Creative Director
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**Luis "Weezy" Egurrola**
Co-Founder & Host
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**Adam Benavides**
Film Maker
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Episode Information:

Season 2, Episode 4

Release Date: July 1, 2022

Includes a performance by LOUD! host Javi Star, Co-Artistic Director of EPIK Dance Company, an interview with Quo Johnson (speaker, space facilitator, collaborator, equity specialist, and creative), and the continuation of our Taste of the Episode segment in partnership with the BIPOC owned Citizen Hotel in Tucson pairing local and BIPOC wine owners and wine makers with a glass of wine.

Taste of the Episode: Sparkling Brut Rosé from McBride Sisters

Season 2, Episode 3

Release Date: June 24, 2022

Includes a performance by Angel Castro, founder and artistic director of HALO Movement Collective, an interview with LA-based soprano, sound artist, and educator Micaela Tobin, along with the continuation of our Taste of the Episode segment in partnership with the BIPOC owned Citizen Hotel in Tucson pairing local and BIPOC wine owners and wine makers with a glass of wine.

Taste of the Episode: 2020 California Chenin Blanc from Wade Cellars

Season 2, Episode 2

Release Date: June 17, 2022

Includes a performance by "Freddy Jay" Walker, an interview with Courtney Clark, Director of Community Alliances at Arizona Opera, and the continuation of our Taste of the Episode segment in partnership with the BIPOC owned Citizen Hotel in Tucson pairing local and BIPOC wine owners and wine makers with a glass of wine.

Taste of the Episode: 2018 Zinfandel from Klinker Brick Winery

Season 2, Episode 1

Release Date: June 10, 2022

Includes a performance by the Maswade Drum Group, an interview with Dr. Naomi Andre, Professor Arts and Ideas in the Humanities Program, Department of Afroamerican and African Studies, and Women's Studies; Associate Director for Faculty at University of Michigan, and the premiere of a new segment called the Taste of the Episode in partnership with the BIPOC owned Citizen Hotel in Tucson pairing local and BIPOC wine owners and wine makers with a glass of wine.

Taste of the Episode: 2020 Red Wine Blend from Chateau Tumbleweed

Season 1, Episode 4: Focus on Las Vegas - Uncovering Black History in Vegas

Release Date: February 25, 2021

Includes a performance by Kelley Boesel aka Haboobs and violinist, Jonathan Levingston, who collaborate to instantaneously celebrate a famous music icon, a performance by spoken word poet, Lady Caress, some fascinating history about the Moulin Rouge (the first integrated gaming establishment in Las Vegas) including the restoration of its historic neon sign, and interviews with three multi-talented Black performers: vocalist Michelle Johnson (“Las Vegas’ First Lady of Jazz”), songstress Amanda King, and Jassen Allen, vocalist and Entertainment Director for The Vegas Room, a Las Vegas Supper Club.

Season 1, Episode 3: Focus on New Mexico - Discoveries of New Mexico

Release Date: February 18, 2021

Includes a performance by hoop dancer Tony Duncan, accompanied by guitarist Darrin Yazzie, and drummer Jeremy Meyers, plus an interview and performance of a piece entitled “You I Am – My Town” by Hakim Bellamy, Inaugural Poet Laureate of Albuquerque from 2012-2014.

Tony Duncan
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Jeremy Meyers
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Season 1, Episode 2: Focus on Tucson - Showcasing Untapped Talent

Release Date: February 11, 2021

Includes a performance by vocalist Mattea, an interview with choreographer and Director of the Safos Dance Theatre Yvonne Montoya, and a closing performance by EPIK Dance Company, a Phoenix-based hip-hop fusion dance company, featuring Lady Caress.

Mattea Richards — **Mattea**
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Season 1, Episode 1: Focus on Phoenix

Release Date: January 28, 2021

In the premiere episode of LOUD!, host Luis “Weezy” Egurrola will dive into several unique aspects of the eclectic music scene in Phoenix, featuring a profile and performance by the all-female group, Mariachi Pasion, and a conversation and musical moment with singer/songwriter, Steven Powell, who has shared the stage with numerous nationally-recognized artists including Lee Greenwood and jazz great Dennis Rowland.