Jennifer Batten
An author, studio musician and live performer, Jennifer Batten is one of the world’s most revered female guitarists. In the ’80s, Batten was selected from over one hundred guitarists to play in Michael Jackson’s highly skilled band which toured the world for one and a half years playing for over four and a half million people. She has also released a number of solo albums which explore world music, electronica, vocal samples, filmmaking and more. In addition to her solo ventures, Batten has recorded and toured worldwide with Jeff Beck. In 2013, she is launching a brand new multimedia show with all new films and her remixes of Michael Jackson’s music designed for dance events.
Holly Knight
Songwriter, producer, and musician Holly Knight has written hits for some of the biggest artists in music including Pat Benatar (that’s right–”Love Is A Battlefield”!), Tina Turner, Aerosmith, Heart, Rod Stewart and many, many more. Her songs have won three Grammys. She was voted Best Songwriter in Rolling Stones’ 11th annual poll, along with such luminaries as Phil Collins, Paul Simon, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen. Knight will be inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in June of 2013.
Starr Parodi
Starr Parodi is an award winning composer and solo pianist. A Steinway Concert/Recording Artist, Parodi got her start as the keyboard player on The Arsenio Hall Show. She has recorded or performed with a stellar array of artists including BB King, Seal, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Carole King, Whitney Houston, Ray Charles, Al Green, Carlos Santana, Phil Keaggy, Jimmy Cliff and Patti Labelle, and performs as a solo piano artist throughout North America and Europe. Parodi and her husband Jeff Eden Fair are an award-winning composition team, and the duo earned a RIAA Gold Record for their arrangement of the enormously successful James Bond Theme. They have gone on to win multiple BMI awards for top television shows and films, and have produced over 300 of Hollywood’s most visible film trailers including Last Samurai, James Bond, Mission Impossible 2, Harry Potter, Dream Girls, Night At The Museum, and X-Men 3.
Leanne Summers
Leanne Summers is a professional singer, renowned vocal coach and president of the Los Angeles Women in Music (LAWIM); a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering equal opportunity for women in the music industry and to promote the advancement of women through empowerment, support, education, encouragement and recognition of their achievements. As a professional singer, Summers has performed as a backup singer/opening act for Crystal Gale, Richie Havens, Jonathan Cain, Stella Parton, and Eddie Rabbit. Her voice and/or vocal productions can be heard on The Drew Carey Show, West Wing, Nikki, Cold Case and Californication. As a sought after vocal coach/vocal producer, Summers has prepared artists for major tours and appearances at The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Star Search, America’s Most Talented Kids, American Idol and more. She has also authored articles on vocal technique, recording studio topics, performance and singing careers for several music magazines and has spoken at schools, music organizations and vocal clinics around the country.
Val Sepulveda
Grand prize winner of the recent Hits Like a Girl competition, Chilean drummer Val Sepulveda’s passion for drumming started when she first picked up a pair of drum sticks in high school. After winning a televised battle of the bands, Sepulveda’s all-girl band Moskita Muerta was propelled into national attention and subsequent tours with some of Chile’s most popular artists followed. The band guest received guest spots on several of the major television shows and had their music played on popular radio as well. After graduating from the University of Valparaiso in Chile in 2011, Sepulveda moved to the US to pursue drumming full-time. She is currently playing with several different bands and working on numerous recording projects while touring with The Vibrant Sound. Sepulveda competed against hundreds of entrants to become grand prize winner of the 2013 Hits Like a Girl competition. Be amazed by her submission video here.
Check back often as new guest artist announcements are being made in the coming weeks!
