- Singer, Vocal Captain

a native of Barnardsville, NC is thrilled to be a part of the first ever Carolina Summer Show. She has been working professionally in WNC and Virginia over the past several years. You may have seen her in Working: The Musical at Parkway Playhouse, the Carolina Christmas Show 2019 & 2021, at A.C.T. playing Ms. Scarlett in Clue, Cindy Barnes in Hands on a Hardbody, Missy Hart in 9 to 5, singing the National Anthem for the Asheville Tourists baseball team, or even performing at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. She is honored to be able perform alongside some of WNC’s best talent.

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.

- Singer

Morgan

is a 14-year-old from Marion, North Carolina. She is very excited and proud to be given the opportunity to be a part of the Carolina Summer Show. She enjoys singing and playing the piano. Morgan has been singing for as long as she could talk, often using music as a form of creativity and self-expression. Morgan has taken part in her school’s chorus and performed the Star Spangled Banner at meets for her swim team and special school programs. Music has drawn her closer to her peers, and she is positive her love for it will carry on.

Faith 

is 14 years old and lives in Morganton, NC with her parents and 2 older brothers. She is a rising 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. She currently has a flock of 5 lambs, including babies Randy and June. Faith is excited to be performing in the first Carolina Summer 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!

is a native of Bethune, SC and has been living in Asheville for 15 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. After performing in the Carolina Christmas Show in 2019 and 2021, he is excited to expand his style of singing (just a little!) in the Carolina Summer Show.

 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 she 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 where she received bachelor's and master's degrees in music performance. While a student and after, Mrs. Manrique-Land has performed with many great artists including Smokey Robinson, Jerry Lewis, Josh Groban, Leann Womack, Amy Grant, Neil Sedaka, Kenny Rogers, Stevie Wonder, and most recently, the Eagles. Paola’s other passion is teaching, and she serves as Director of Orchestral Activities for Bardstown City Schools in Bardstown, KY. She currently resides in Kentucky with her husband, Reese, and her two sons, Alex and Henry.

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.

- Dancer

Greenleigh

from Marion, NC, is ten years old and has trained at Le Petit Dance Studio for eight years, studying musical theater, jazz, lyrical and pointe. She has been dancing competitively for the past 4 years. Greenleigh’s musical theater solo placed first overall at three regional dance competitions this year. She is the 2022 National Top Scoring Soloist (age 10-12) for Epic Dance Showcase. She has received the Powerhouse award, the Broadway Bound award, and countless other Special Judge’s awards. Greenleigh also enjoys pageantry, and was recently crowned 2022 North Carolina USA National Miss Preteen. In the future, she hopes to further her dance career as a Radio City Rockette. In her spare time, Greenleigh enjoys gymnastics and serving her community through the Golden Girls Club she founded at her school. Greenleigh was cast in the 2021 Carolina Christmas Show and is so excited and grateful for the opportunity to perform in this year's Carolina Summer Show.

 - Guitar

Kelly Jones

is a West Virginia native who moved to the Asheville area 7 years ago. After his studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston he pursued the ‘original band’ scene in NYC gigging at venues like CBGB’s, The Bitter End, and the Beacon Theater until starting his family and moving back to Wheeling WV in ’89. There he continued to gig full-time, produce projects in his home studio and offer private guitar instruction. In the Wheeling/Tri State area he played extensively with the rock band Airborne and alterna/country Joe Zelek Band and enjoyed opening shows for Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, Toby Keith and many others. He also was the go to 'pit' guitarist for many stage musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar, Godspell, Pippin, Footloose, Man of La Mancha, Little Shop of Horrors etc. Currently he plays shows with Jesse Barry and the Jam, Love Is A Rose Linda Ronstadt Tribute, Blake Ellege and the Country Resonators, Rewind House Band, Emerald Empire and other local artists, as well as writing/recording at home and continuing to offer private lessons and enjoying the mountains here. Kelly has 2 wonderful grown kids and currently lives in Black Mountain with his wife Debi.

-Clogger / Dancer

Heidi Kulas

grew up dancing with 3 generations of her family from Greenville, Michigan. She has achieved national recognition competing, performing, touring, judging, and teaching clogging, Irish step dance (popularized by “Riverdance”), rhythm tap, traditional as well contemporary forms of percussive dance including South African Gumboot and Body Percussion. She received a Michigan Dance Heritage Fellowship moving her to Maryland to join the international touring company, FOOTWORKS Percussive Dance Ensemble as a principal dancer and co-choreographer. She was a featured dancer and a choreographer in the production “Solemates”, collaborating with Step Afrika! as well as a collaboration with Tim O’Brien in “The Crossing.” Heidi has toured the world as a guest dancer with professional and Grammy-winning recording artists including Nickel Creek, Lunasa, Balsam Range, Uncle Earl (starring in their music video “Streak O’ Lean, Streak O’ Fat”) and Eileen Ivers, just to name a few. She holds a B.A. in Theatrical Arts from Mars Hill University where she also served as dance captain and a choreographer for the now 29-time National Champions, the Bailey Mountain Cloggers. She is a proud member of the prestigious All-American clogging team. Most recently, Heidi was a featured soloist, dance captain, and entertainer in several shows with the Fee/Hedrick Family Entertainment Company and World Choice Investments (a Dolly Parton Company) in Pigeon Forge, TN including The Comedy Barn, the Smoky Mountain Opry and Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud. She continues to perform as a guest artist in Pigeon Forge and around the country. She is also a certified NASM personal trainer and certified nutrition coach. She is excited to be using her diverse dance and entertainment background to be able to share unique insights with the dancers as an adjudicator for both regional and national dance competitions around the country for America’s National Dance Championships, Rising Star Talent Productions, Turn it Up Dance Challenge, Star Talent Productions, and Starz Dance.

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.

- Percussion

Jon Lauterer

is a percussion specialist based in Western North Carolina. He was born and raised in the area and began his school career in Marion as his parents owned and operated the McDowell Express newspaper from 1980 to 1983. He went on to attend AC Reynolds in Asheville then UNC-Wilmington for Music Education, followed by a performance masters degree from Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University. He has been performing for over 35 years in a myriad of performing groups including symphony orchestras, musical theater productions, steel drum bands, rock bands, jazz big bands and combos, etc. Over the past six years has performed at over 200 wedding receptions with the party band, Royal Suits. He has been the percussionist for several area theater production companies including Asheville Community Theater, HART theater, Parkway Playhouse, and Brevard Little Theatre. He has also served as a drummer for area bands such as Plankeye Peggy (cabaret rock), Sidecar Honey (americana), Skunk Ruckus (banjo rock), and The B's (jazz, soft rock).

is excited and proud to be performing in her third Carolina Onstage show! Ness moved to Asheville in 2013 from Durham, North Carolina and made her Asheville performance debut in Asheville Community Theatre's production of Avenue Q as Christmas Eve. Other theatrical credits include her roles as Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical the Musical, Marty Maraschino in Grease, Casey Clark in First Date and most recently, Julia Sullivan in the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre's production of The Wedding Singer. Her fervent love of music also includes choral ensemble singing, providing notable performance experiences at local festival events, Disney World, and the White House, Washington DC. Off stage, she enjoys the simple joys of life like spending time with her family, friends, and best fur-end, Bug! Ness is thrilled to share the stage once again with WNC's most talented performers! As always, thanks mom and dad!

Daniel Kondas

lives in Hickory, NC with his wife and 3 kids. He grew up playing music in church and has been a worship leader for the past several years. A dedicated musician, he has played guitar, drums, bass, and keys, primarily in Christian bands. He was also part of an R&B/Soul band called N-Spire, sharing his soulful voice in multiple clubs, festivals, and venues along the East Coast. When he’s not spending time with his family or playing music, you can usually find him in his home gym doing CrossFit.

Stella

from Old Fort, NC, is 16 years old and lives with her parents, 2 brothers, and a dog named Moses. She is a rising 11th grader at McDowell High School where she is a member of student council and DECA and serves as the Student Body Treasurer. She started dancing at age four. She began competing at age eight, quickly realizing her love and passion for dance. She attends Le Petit Dance Studio in Marion where her studies include tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. She has danced at the Charlotte Hornets basketball game and at Disney World in the Christmas parade. During her dance career she has received multiple high platinum awards and top overall scores along with special judges awards. This year at Epic Dance Showcase Nationals she received the “Movement with a Message” award for her lyrical solo. She is an active member in her church, and she loves spending time with her family and friends. Stella had the pleasure of being in the Carolina Christmas Show in 2021 and is happy to be working with Mario and Lucinda again in the Carolina Summer Show! Thank you so much for this opportunity!

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.

 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 the Carolina Summer Show. 

Madison Fregosi

is from Cornelius, North Carolina. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in May of 2019 from Shenandoah Conservatory as a dance major with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She has had the privilege of performing Happy (Tiffanie Carson), at the New York Jazz Choreography Dance Project at the Salvatore Capezio Theatre in New York and performed a solo titled The Way Through, IS IN (Shylo Martinez) at the Maryland Series Concert Gala in Maryland. Madison also travelled to Spain, Italy and Greece to train and perform in dance and improvisation in 2019. Madison was awarded “Excellence in Dance” by the faculty at Shenandoah University in May of 2019. While in college, Madison has taught and assisted at numerous studios in Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. After graduation, Madison took over the competition program at Lake Norman Dance Gallery for the past three seasons. An accomplished choreographer, her students have brought home numerous national titles and special awards. 

- Saxophone

Nathan McCoy

Nathan's 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 he 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.

Karen Matthews

is a native of Marion and an employee with McDowell County Schools. She has roots in gospel and country music but enjoys performing a variety of genres. She is currently part of a local trio Karen Michelle and The Happy Enchiladas (country, blues, and soft rock) and does background vocals for a local band The Outsiders (country, blues, and rock). She performs with her brother across several counties as a duet called Monday Rain (old and new country). She enjoys playing ukulele and singing anytime she gets the chance. She is very excited to be a part of the Carolina Summer Show. 

- Dancer/Singer

Lesley-Ann Sikora

grew up in Taylorsville, NC and started dancing at the age of five. A former student at Ann Freeman Dance Academy in Hickory, NC, her training included 10 years of ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, and hip hop dance. During high school, she performed as a singer/dancer in multiple musicals including South Pacific, High School Musical, and Cinderella. In addition to her love of the performing arts, she enjoys traveling the world with her husband, spending time in Greenville, SC with friends, and jumping into any Zumba or Barre class she can! She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies from the University of NC at Wilmington and now works remotely as a Channel Programs and Communication Specialist at Palo Alto Networks.

- Stage Manager

Ashley Causby-Hicks

is a theatre technician/stage manager based in the foothills of North Carolina. Ashley has been involved in theatre since her sophomore year of high school. She graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in theatre design and technology. After graduation she worked at Alabama Shakespeare Festival as a Production Assistant and at theme parks, and she was the Technical Director at J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir, NC. Ashley is currently the Production Assistant at Lenoir Rhyne University and does overhire for local theatres. She is ecstatic to be doing her 5th Carolina Onstage production. She would also like to give a shout-out to her husband, Charles, who serves as a theatre technician in his spare time and is the lighting designer for the show. Ashley would like to thank Mario and Lucinda for giving her the opportunity to be part of the show every year. She would also like to thank God for all the opportunities He has given her.

- Audio Designer/Operator & Lighting Technician

James Richards

is a stage lighting and audio designer/operator from Caldwell County. James currently serves as Production Manager of Conferences and Events at Lenoir-Rhyne University and Technical Director for Anthony Grove Baptist Church in Crouse, NC. Previously, Richards was the Technical Director at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute and High Point Theatre. James also does audio and lighting for various bands on the East Coast. James and wife Kathy have four children, Kaleb, Ashton, Mackenzie, and Aidan and currently live in Statesville , NC.

- Lighting Designer 

Charles Hicks

Charles likes it bright and he likes it loud. When not working in the financial industry, he works with various theaters, churches and bands in the greater NC foothills area providing lighting and sound. Whether it be a small one person show, Fleetwood Mac tribute band, worship service or a full scale Broadway-style production, Charles enjoys designing creative lighting to enhance the audience's experience. He has worked with artists including Jason Crabb, David Phelps (from the Gaither Vocal band), Mandy Harvey (from The Voice) and Mountain Ruckus (members of Dolly Parton’s band. Charles has also worked with theatre productions of “Fiddler On the Roof”, “The King and I” and “Guys and Dolls” to name a few. Charles is very happy and excited to be back with Mario and Lucinda for the Carolina Summer Show and thanks them for the opportunity to light up everyone’s world. Just remember, if there’s a light in your eyes during the show, that was me.