The Dancers
- Dancer
Macey
is 14 years old and lives with her family in Morganton, NC. She began her dance career at the age of 4 at Debbie Huffman Dance Academy. She is a three-time top ten finalist of Carolina Dance Masters, placing as the most-talented non-finalist. She recently placed second overall at Epic Nationals in TN and has won numerous awards, scholarships and other accolades at many various competitions. She has participated in specialized technique training, including the Dance Masters of America Student Honors Intensive Program. Macey is a freshman at Patton High School, and is also an A honor roll student. She is very strong in her Christian faith, and attends Summit Community Church. Macey loves all types of dance, and aspires to dance professionally, as well as choreographing and teaching dance in the future. She is extremely blessed to be working with Mario and Lucinda, and is greatly appreciative of the opportunity to perform in her third Carolina Onstage production.
- Dancer
Faith
is 14 years old and lives in Morganton, NC. She is a freshman at Patton High School. Faith has danced since the age of three at Debbie Huffman Dance Academy in Valdese, NC. She is a competitive dancer with extensive training in ballet, lyrical, tap, hip hop, and jazz dance. Faith is a junior member of Carolina Dance Masters and has participated in numerous CDM events, including the Miss Dance Solo Title Pageant, Student Honors Intensive Program, and Winter Workshop. In addition to dancing, Faith raises and shows lambs with the Catawba Valley Showmanship Circuit, and is a member of both SGA and Women for Christ at PHS. Faith is excited to be performing in her second Carolina Christmas Show and would like to thank Mario and Lucinda for the opportunity. She would also like to thank all of her DHDA teachers (Debbie, Melody, Katie, Sarah, Mindy, and Sara) for their support!
- Dancer
Gianna
was born in Middletown, New York and currently lives in Hickory, NC where she is a freshman at Saint Stephens High School. She began her dance training at age 4 and is a student at Ann Freeman Dance Academy in Hickory. Gianna is devoted to her dance training and loves taking classes, auditioning, competing, attending conventions, and performing in her studio's spring recitals and the annual Nutcracker ballet. She recently competed with an elite group of NC dancers in the Carolina Dance Masters Teen Miss Dance competition. Gianna is thrilled to have the opportunity to be dancing in her first Carolina Christmas Show.
- Dancer
Carson
is a 16 year old junior at Cherryville High School. Carson has danced since the age of 3. At age 5 she started competing in dance competitions around the Southeast, where she has won several titles (including Elite Miss Dance) and first overalls. She currently studies ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical/contemporary, musical theater, and hip hop at Above The Barre in Fallston, NC. In addition to dancing, Carson enjoys bringing the love of dance to younger students by teaching dance classes at her studio. She also enjoys acting and singing in local theater productions. She is so excited to be performing in her first Carolina Christmas Show! She would like to thank her dance teachers (Erin, Amy, and Kelsey) and her loving family for their support and encouragement. Carson also thanks Lucinda and Mario for this opportunity and wishes you all a Merry Christmas!
- Dancer
Maddi
was born in Middletown, New York and currently lives in Hickory, NC where she is a freshman at Saint Stephens High School. She began her dance training at age 4 and is a student at Ann Freeman Dance Academy in Hickory. Gianna is devoted to her dance training and loves taking classes, auditioning, competing, attending conventions, and performing in her studio's spring recitals and the annual Nutcracker ballet. She recently competed with an elite group of NC dancers in the Carolina Dance Masters Teen Miss Dance competition. Gianna is thrilled to have the opportunity to be dancing in her first Carolina Christmas Show.
- Dancer / Singer
Callie
is a 7th grader at Jacobs Fork Middle School. Callie has been dancing since the age of 2. She currently dances at Electric Dance Gallery and Education in Granite Falls, NC! She dances competitively in the styles of jazz, lyrical, musical theatre, tap, clogging and more. Outside of dance Callie also enjoys singing! She recently played Ursula in her schools production of The Little Mermaid! In the future Callie hopes to pursue dancing/acting as a professional career! She would like to thank Lucinda and Mario for the amazing opportunity! Callie also wants to thank all of her teachers at EDGE (Lacey, Cara, Evy, Morgan, and Sarah) thank you all for always supporting me! She wishes you all a very merry Christmas!
- Dancer
Charlee Kate
Charlee Kate Watters (Dancer) is 11 years old and lives with her family in Hudson. She is a fifth grade student at Heritage Christian School where she is an A honor roll student. Charlee Kate has been dancing at Debbie Huffman Dance Academy in Valdese since she was 3, she has danced competitively since the age of 5. Her favorite type of dance is ballet, lyrical, and musical theatre. She competed in the Carolina Dance Masters Miss Dance Solo Title pageant last year! This will be Charlee Kate’s first year performing in the Carolina Christmas Show. Charlee Kate would like to thank Mario and Lucinda for this amazing opportunity. Charlee Kate would also like to thank her dance teachers: Melody Poarch, Debbie Huffman, Mindy Coffey, Sarah Dice and Sara Moses.
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- Dancer
Zoey
is a 7th grader at Jacobs Fork Middle School. Callie has been dancing since the age of 2. She currently dances at Electric Dance Gallery and Education in Granite Falls, NC! She dances competitively in the styles of jazz, lyrical, musical theatre, tap, clogging and more. Outside of dance Callie also enjoys singing! She recently played Ursula in her schools production of The Little Mermaid! In the future Callie hopes to pursue dancing/acting as a professional career! She would like to thank Lucinda and Mario for the amazing opportunity! Callie also wants to thank all of her teachers at EDGE (Lacey, Cara, Evy, Morgan, and Sarah) thank you all for always supporting me! She wishes you all a very merry Christmas!
Clogger
Lani
is a 21 year old who resides in Morganton, North Carolina. She studies nursing at Western Piedmont Community College. She has clogged for 18 years and she is passionate about dancing and currently teaches at The Dance Factory of Morganton. She learned to clog when she was just 3 years old by Andy Engle and the NC Stompers, and also learned from Cullen Finley with Hotfoot Cloggers. Lani has also had intense clogging training with Chip and Misty Harrison out of Gaffney, SC. She was invited and clogged at Walt Disney World at Disney Springs and at Silver Dollar City in Branson Missouri. She has won numerous 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards as well as Grand Champion and a clogging National Champion. Lani served for 2 years on the Clogging Champions of America Youth Leadership Council, and she was nominated and placed on the Clogging Champions of America All-Pro Team for 2 years. She has been involved in pageants most of her life and has held several titles. In 2018 she was crowned Miss Patton High as a freshman. In 2019 she was crowned Teen Miss North Carolina, using clogging as her talent. Lani was also crowned Miss Americas Clogging Hall of Fame Contemporary Ambassador. She was crowned Miss Morganton 2023, where she competed at Miss North Carolina with clogging as her talent. She would like to thank Lucinda and Mario for this opportunity to showcase her love of clogging and is looking forward to the show.
The Singers
- Singer
Julia Nolan
has an extensive background in every aspect of the performing arts industry. From touring and recording in her early career to directing and leading a nonprofit for the arts, Julia’s love of her craft is evident. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge of the industry with young people. Growing up in South Florida brought opportunity in national commercials with the N.Y. Yankees, Kool- Aid, and Frito Lay. She attended a performing arts high school in Memphis, Tennessee, and went on a full scholarship to aconservatory for musical theatre at Wagner College in New York City.
Julia has appeared on stages all over the world as she toured with artists from Sony records, Lee Greenwood, Earth, Wind, & Fire, and Rhona Bennett of En Vogue. Julia’s talents can be heard on numerous recordings and soundtracks and she has performed in shows in Las Vegas, Tokyo Disneyland, Royal Caribbean Cruises, and has been a
guest artist for numerous concerts & conventions. Julia lived in Japan for five years recording and touring with some of the country’s top acts. While there, she had several number one hits. After coming back to the states, she
was the voice of the Maybelline commercials- “Maybe she’s born with it, maybe it’s Maybelline,” plus, other nationally recognized products like Yoplait and Shower to Shower. While living in the American West, Julia created a non-profit 501(c)(3) youth theatre- The Foundation for Performing Arts in Idaho with an enrollment of more than 250 talented
students from 2003-2007. The organization produced five productions a year. While acting as the artistic director, Julia organized several different successful fundraisers for the performing arts center, plus wrote and received grants for different arts projects locally. The foundation also received a large land grant from a local investor to build an entertainment complex, all while under Julia’s direction. Her love of directing and writing of revue shows has been seen in many different schools and theatre groups from Idaho, the coast of Georgia, to middle and East Tennessee. When Julia is not performing, she’s still working within the industry directing local youth in productions all over Williamson County, writing revue shows, and coaching and directing other talented, young people to help them achieve their dreams.
- Singer
Tiffanie Boone
Tiffanie is thrilled to be a part of this year's Carolina Christmas Show. She has been performing in WNC and Virginia over the past several years. Locally, she has been in productions at Asheville Community Theatre, Haywood Arts Regional Theatre, Magnetic Theatre, and at the Masonic Temple. She can’t wait for you to sing along with her to some holiday classics. Tiffanie would like to thank her family for their love and support of her passion for the arts. Merry Christmas to all!
- Singer
Victor Hough
is a native of Bethune, SC and has been residing in Asheville for almost 17 years. He is husband to Shanna Hough and father of two, Victor Nehemiah and Ezra Joel. Victor has been singing all of his life in church choirs and worship teams. Even in his role as the Campus Pastor of Biltmore Church West Asheville, he still enjoys the freedom to lead worship, and is very excited to be a returning vocalist in the Carolina Christmas Show, as Christmas is his most favorite time of the year.
- Singer
Reggie Headen
Reggie Headen is a native North Carolinian and graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. He sees the stage as a medium of many possibilities to connect and engage an audience. He started his professional career as a featured performer at New York’s famous Broadway concert venue Town Hall, playing with giants and peers in the industry. In the fall of 2018, Reggie moved to Asheville, and since moving he’s had what he calls “A Return to Jazz”.Though recently around town, he can be heard singing anything from Aretha Franklin to Jefferson Airplane. The power and panache of his live performances are ones for the history books. Headen beguiles and astounds. A fearless performer and heartfelt old soul vocalist.
- Singer
Karen Matthews
grew up right here in Marion, NC and is a teacher with McDowell County Schools. She began singing at an early age and has recently been performing with a local trio, The Happy Enchiladas. She also performs with her brother across several counties as a duet, Monday Rain. She enjoys playing ukulele, but singing is her greatest passion. She is mom to three boys Carter, Cason, and Colton. She was a part of the recent Carolina Summer Show and will be joining us for the first time in the Carolina Christmas Show.
- Singer
Tiffanie Boone
is a 14 year-old singer from Marion, North Carolina. She is in 9th grade at McDowell High School. She enjoys singing and playing the piano. Morgan has been singing for as long as she could talk and started playing piano at age 7. She was a featured vocalist in the Carolina Summer Show, sang for her school‘s chorus and performed the National Anthem at several sporting events and special programs at the North Carolina State Veterans Home. Morgan is very excited to return to the stage for the Carolina Christmas Show!
The Band
Musical Director
Brad Curtioff
is one of Western NC's most versatile musical artists. With an early start studying classical music at Peabody Preparatory, he went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in piano performance from West Virginia University. He seamlessly works across many genres including classical, blues, jazz, rock, country, gospel, and musical theatre to consistently bring fiery musical interpretations. A veteran of many WNC performing organizations (Asheville Community Theatre, Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre, Asheville Choral Society, Southern Appalachian Chamber Singers, Asheville Lyric Opera), he also maintains a busy schedule performing with bands such as Rebecca & the Reckoning (classic country), Lazrluvr (80’s synth rock), Red Echo Lab (soul/pop), Citizen Mojo (blues/funk), Mojo Brothers Blues Band and the Floyd Philharmonic (Pink Floyd Tribute). He serves as Music Director at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Asheville.
Miguel Cancino
- Guitar
Miguel left Santiago, Chile to study guitar at the Los Angeles Music Academy in 2002. Upon completion at this institution, Miguel headed to Music City…Nashville, Tennessee. Miguel has been a full time musician since he stepped foot in Nashville. With a love for music and travel, he was destined to be a touring musician. He toured for 10 years with Natalie Stovall and The Drive, performing in Nashville, across the the US, and internationally on many stages, ranging from the legendary Grand Ole Opry, to helicopter landing pads on Navy Air Craft Carriers in the Red Sea. In addition to performing, Miguel has also spent much time writing and recording in multiple Nashville studios. On Sundays he plays in worship service at church. As his wife would tell you, he’s the busiest musician in Nashville - but Miguel finds time for his family. They have two daughters, Ella & Sol, and a son, Santiago.
- Violin
Paola Manrique-Land
Paola is from Guayaquil, Ecuador and began studying the violin at age 6. By age 8, she was playing as a soloist with the Orchestra Sinfonica de Guayaquil and won the Ecuadorian National Competition at age 14. Later, she was offered a scholarship to study in the United States at the University of Louisville and received bachelors and masters degrees in music performance. While a student and after, Mrs. Manrique-Land has had the opportunity to perform with many great artists such as Smokey Robinson, Jerry Lewis, Josh Groban, Leann Womack, Amy Grant, Neil Sedaka, Kenny Rogers and Stevie Wonder. Paola’s other passion is teaching and serves as Director of Orchestral Activities for Bardstown City Schools in Bardstown, KY. She currently resides in Louisville, KY with her husband Reese Land and her two sons, Alex and Henry.
- Trumpet
Reese Land
Reese hails from Taylorsville, NC and serves as assistant professor of trumpet at the University of Louisville. An avid performer, he performs regularly in a large variety of venues as a soloist and with ensembles such as Orchestra Kentucky Bowling Green, the Brass Band of Louisville, the Louisville Brass, the Don Krekel Jazz Orchestra, and a host of others. He has performed with such artists as Doc Severinsen, Mannheim Steamroller, Neil Sedaka, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Kenny Rogers, The Temptations, Mary Wilson (of the Supremes), and Joshua Bell. A devoted clinician, Dr. Land has given frequent master classes to high school and university students around the United States, Brazil and Ecuador. He holds a B.A. music degree from Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, NC, a M. M. degree from the University of Louisville, KY, and a D.M.A. degree from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. He is married to Paola Manrique-Land and they have two sons, Alex and Henry.
Nathan McCoy
-Saxophone
love of music has motivated him to share his passion with others. He has extensive performance experience over the last 15 years. Having a background in both classical technique and jazz improvisation he has studied with internationally acclaimed saxophonist Timothy McCalister at Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan as well as graduating with a BA in Jazz performance from the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Studies program at the University of Louisville. In 2010 he received the Outstanding Soloist Award at the Elmhurst Jazz Festival in Chicago, Illinois, and has served as a teaching assistant in the Murray State University music department. Nathan has performed with long-time Yellowjackets saxophonist Bob Mintzer, former jazz legend Chris Vadala, at Joe Piscopo's Big Band tribute to Frank Sinatra, and with the Murray State University Jazz Orchestra, the Paducah Jazz Orchestra and the Todd Hill Jazz Orchestra. He has regularly played in a variety of show bands, performing both at private events and recognized venues throughout the South and Midwest.
- Bass
Walker Astin
is a gigging musician from the Hendersonville, NC area. Learning the basics from his father, Walker began at 10 years old and continued his bass training at Jim Beaver's School Of Music where he learned how to play with a band. Since then he has been performing live with a variety of acts such as LazrLuvr (80’s synth rock), Andrew Thelston Trio (Guitar-Based Power Trio), Eric Congdon and the CircutBreakers (Classic Rock), and The Ross Osteen Band (Blues). When the WNC area doesn’t require a bassist, he returns to Boone, NC where he attends Appalachian State University studying physics and astronomy.
- Percussionist
Matthew Richmond
is a percussionist, composer, recording artist, and educator based in Asheville, NC. He is a Lecturer in the Music Department at UNC Asheville and Acting Principal Percussionist with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, and has extensive experience in classical music, rock, funk, jazz, Latin music, and marching percussion. Matthew has been involved with over 70 theater and dance productions. He’s composed music for productions by The Asheville Ballet, Ann Dunn Dancers, The Road Company, Norte Marr, Black Swan Theatre, and others. His work with Theater UNCA has included Little Shop of Horrors (music director, voice of Audrey II), Into the Woods (music director), and Marat/Sade (composer/music director). In January 2023 he’s releasing the first episodes of his long-rumored podcast All I Know, which you can find at alliknowpodcast.com.