Stevie Wonder, Ricki Lee Jones, STING, Nancy Wilson, Jonatha Brooke, James Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Dexter Gordon, Quincy Jones, Billy Joel, Elton John, Gladys Knight, Bill Withers, Al Jarreau, Cassandra Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Prince, Coldplay, Keane; I could go on forever!
.. BIOGRAPHY.. "If it's good it doesn't need a label.” - Toni Gates
This sums up the attitude and music of Kansas City native, Toni Gates.
Toni began her singing career in the comforts of her own home. Her mom says she started singing along with popular TV jingles as a toddler. The neighbors might remember what would have been otherwise quiet summer evenings if it weren’t for Toni swinging in the backyard unabashedly wailing “Like a Rhinestone Cowboy.”
No one expected that small voice to become what it is today. Toni recalls being fortunate to have a lot of different styles of music to listen to when she was little, “What my folks didn’t have in their classic Jazz, Country, Soul & Blues collection, my teenage sister made up for in her armory of Pop.”
The list of influential artists includes Nancy Wilson, Gladys Knight, Kenny Rogers, Billy Joel, Elton John, Ricki Lee Jones and Stevie Wonder. “I was a sponge. I listened constantly and it wasn’t uncommon for me to rehearse three or four hours a day.” Early on her goal was to be a versatile singer.
Having far surpassed that initial goal, Toni has developed an all-encompassing voice that contains great power, range, agility and gracefulness. Toni;'s professional experiences include being a church soloist, recording radio commercials, touring as lead vocalist with a big band, singing in cabaret shows, fronting jazz combos and directing and uniting with others in traditional choral and vocal jazz ensembles.
Ms. Gates added songwriting to her repertoire and produced her first CD of nine originals, Outside the Lines , in 2003. “Each song reminds me of some place I’ve been or of someone I’ve known.” The listener will find nice surprises in “Over and Over,” which focuses on the battles a loved one with drug addiction tackles; “Look,” written for her husband, light-heartedly covers new love and how it keeps us slightly off kilter and “Good Things,” speaks to everyone who struggles with depression and reminds us that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
From there Toni started producing and showcasing herself and area talent in her annual One by One concert series in 2004. Previously featured artists include Teri Wilder, Monique Danielle and Fredrickson Hill.
In February 2008 Toni co-produced and released her second CD, I’m Old Fashioned . The project features fresh takes on classic jazz standards like: Billy Strayhorn’s classic, “Lush Life”; "The Boy from Ipanema" ("Garota de Ipanema") with music by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Portuguese lyrics by Vinicius de Moraes with English lyrics written later by Norman Gimbel; and the title track.
As an educator, she has worked with theory and vocal music students at Paseo Academy for the Performing Arts, the 18th & Vine History and Performing Arts Summer Academy, Missouri State University, The University of Kansas, the Music Arts Institute and Penn Valley Community College.
Toni has had the great fortune to hone her musical skills and talents in Kansas City and during visits to Florida, Chicago, the Caribbean and London. Meeting individuals such as Nancy Wilson, Clark Terry, Alaadeen, Tom Ransom, Chris Burnett, Teri Wilder, Romana Hartmetz and Clarence Smith have encouraged her to continue listening and growing to become an even more versatile musician.
“I am so grateful for having music in my life; it sustains me and constantly surprises me. I can’t wait to see what’s next.” - Toni Gates.
Hey Toni, Just wanted to stop by your page to show you some luv!!! Glad to see we are still friendz and that you are still doing your thing. We haven’t talk in a while. So what have you been up to?? Come check your boy out and hope we can talk soon. But spring in the air and it’s time to get it poppin!!! HS
Toni, Chris and the always lovely Sophia - Merry Christmas - I love you all. See you when I'm in town and maybe on New years eve...if you not busy - Bawb
Thanks for the great evening - You Chris and Sophie were wonderful. Did you find anyone interesting in my friends list? Tell Butch I'm thinking of him and hope everything works out. - Bawb
COPY AND PASTE THE URL TO VOTE!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!! LISTEN TO THE VIDEO ON MY MYSPACE BLOG TOO!!
Mindy is featured in a music video with The No Limit Band: "My Little Softail". She is needing your votes to win. This is a great opportunity for Mindy, so please COPY AND PASTE the link below to go to the Famecast.Com website and join so you can vote!!!!
It's a rockin' HARLEY DAVIDSON ROCK AND ROLL song so check it out!!
We all hear about being a victim of racial, or sexual discrimination, but what do you do when the actual city you live in could care less about the crime that occured.And just because you are merely an African American Lesbian female.
Who ever knew that dressing and being comfortable in your own shoes would come back to haunt you like this? It happened on August 20,2004 and is been a fight for justice ever since. This is a case against our oh so dear Slurpee Haven, 7Eleven. Star Harris walked into this store just as many of us do every so often yet the unthinkable happened which has changed her life. As shes shopping she slipped and fell on melted ice, fracturing her ribs. She then goes to the counter to ask the clerk for help, yet, rather than them assisting her he handed her th phone to call on her own. While shes on the phone 911 instructed her to have the clerk take her out of harms way until they arrived. Being that the clerk neglected to do so, she was assulted and harrassed by a drunk customer. He began questioning her about her ear plugs, calling her racial slurs, and asking her if she was a man or a woman, and because she chose to ignore him he did exactly what you see in this video. THE POLICE WERE NEVER CALLED!!! NO ONE EVER HELPED HER OFF THE FLOOR!!!The clerk then sold the man a 12 case of beer, and he spits on her and walks out.
It is now 4 years later and we are holding a peacefull rally at the exact location where this event occured four years ago. Hopefully this will end this case and provide Star Harris with the Justice she deserves.please come support.
And if you cant make it atleaset repost this! These hate crimes have got to stop!!! DATE: AUGUST 20TH 2008 TIME: 7PM – 11PM LOCATION: 1004 LONG BEACH BLVD/OFF 10TH in Long Beach,CA To watch the video please visit www.youtube.com search: 711star
Hello Toni, Thank you so very much for your friendship. It is an honor and privilege to welcome you to my world and I thank you for allowing me into yours. Please know I wish for you every possible success and happiness. Peace & Love, Russ
Thought of you and Chris today like a bolt out of the blue. I miss you guys. I'll be in town the weekend of the 26th as well as the September 19th weekend. maybe we should all meet up somewhere and have a tasty beverage or two - Bawb
Toni, Thanks for the add. I love your music. You might be interested to know I am currently recording a CD for Jack Pastorius's bass player. Keep in touch about the release. You'll love the material. Take care, Mark
Hey Toni Gates, I just bought as my PET! <br/><a href='http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=361263053'>Click here to find out how much I think you're worth!</a><br/><br/><a href='http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=361263053'><img src='http://cdn1.slicezero.com/oyf_prod/images/ffs_money1_myspace.gif' border='0' /></a><br/>
i bought you<br /><br />
-------------------------------<br />
<i>This comment was sent by your friend via the <a href="http://www.myspace.com/361263053">Own Your Friends!</a> application. To block comments sent via Apps. click <a href="http://profileedit.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=accountSettings.applicationSettings">here</a>.</i> <br />
Spread the word to ALL the artist you know..........
The "Show Me" Showcase Hosted By: I AM YOU ENTERTAINMENT LLC.
Information Packet $40 Registration includes: • 15 minute Performance Slot • 100 Flyers • Free Promotion • Booth to Sell Your Merchandise • 8 tickets minimum (for additional tickets see staff) This show is designed for you, The Artist, to make a profit. All artist participants are given the chance to make a profit by selling the provided tickets and your merchandise.
Keep what you make!!! Detailed Description
• What/When is this event? This event is a showcase, highlighting Kansas City's local talent. It will be held on May 10, 2008.
• What is this event about? This event is geared towards the artist(s), who are ready to take their career to the next level.
• How will this event help you as an artist? ? Exposure ? Self-promotion ? Networking opportunities ? Understanding your market ? Building your portfolio ? Income
• What do I do to be involved? Register and show up! We've done the hard work for you.
Now it's up to you to seize the opportunity!!!
April 25th Deadline for artists who are interested in participating. Contact us through e-mail or by calling to confirm your space. www.iamyouentertainment@gmail.com or 816-337-9516 (Mr.
Patterson)
April 26th at 3:00pm Formal Meeting with all of the confirmed artist. Tickets and flyers will be given out. Registration fee is due. During the meeting artists will fill out an Artist Information and Artist Release Form, also the details of the show will be discussed.
The sooner you confirm a space the better, due to the spaces filling up quickly!!! General
.. BIOGRAPHY.. "If it's good it doesn't need a label.” - Toni Gates
Online Now!
