Conference Entertainment

Jay Michaelz

Closing Session Concert

Guest Performers

Jay Michaelz

 If there was ever a time that music needed a change, now is the time and Jay Michaelz is the man. Born Michael Gibson II to devout Christian parents, Jay Michaelz still relies on his spiritual upbringing to keep his mind focused on what is important in life and his music. This down to earth, shy, 25 year old says that he has to keep it real with himself as well as others when it comes to writing and performing songs. Jay knew early on that he was destined to be a star. He joined his first musical group in middle school and experimented with different groups in high school trying to find the style that was right for him. Nothing really clicked until a close friend introduced him to Detroit producer, Dayla. When the two hooked up shortly thereafter to record a hit song, they instantly knew that it was the beginning of an undeniably magical combination that will change music forever. The album is entitled UNCLE CHOCOLATE. Jay Michaelz burst onto the Detroit music scene in 2005 with a number of performances, such as John Mason 25th Anniversary Celebration on the princess Detroit Riverboat. He has also performed at the Festival of Trees in Novi, as well as various public school events. Expect good music, meaningful lyrics and excellent presentation. Jay Michaelz is an artist who believes music still has the power to change lives. Check Jay out on MySpace at www.myspace.com/chcolatebrotha


Big Sean

Big Sean

Sean Anderson, b.k.a. Big Sean, is the newest artist signed to G.O.O.D. Music/Island Def Jam at the young age of 20. Sean was born in Santa Monica, CA and relocated to the west side of Detroit, MI when he was 2 months old. His mother and grandparents worked steadfastly to instill in him the principles of hard work and determination. From Kindergarten to 8th Grade, Sean attended the Detroit Waldorf School, a school of art, where he was introduced to a spectrum of art and culture. He later attended Cass Technical High School where he furthered his music career, met life long friends, and gained the support of fans and peers as he independently sold copies of his music. Sean gained a strong relationship with 102.7FM, a local radio station in Detroit where he displayed his rhyming skills weekly. There, he met Kanye West after a radio interview in 2005 and got a chance to display his talent by freestyling for Mr. West, giving him a copy of his music and sending numerous tracks for him to critique. After months of submitting songs and numerous meetings, Sean finally got the call from Kanye West himself saying that he wanted to sign him. Big Sean officially signed to G.O.O.D. Music in 2007 and then signed to Island Def Jam in 2008. Sean has two mixtapes under his belt starting with “Finally Famous–The Mixtape” [Nov. 2007] and “U Know Big Sean–Finally Famous Vol. 2” [Nov. 2008]. His hit single “Getcha Some” took over the airwaves and created major buzz for the artist and quickly solidified him as a breakout star. The single first debuted on Kanye West’s “Can’t Tell Me Nothin’ Mixtape”. It gave Sean the exposure needed to introduce and showcase his talent to the world. Big Sean is scheduled to release his debut album entitled “Finally Famous” in Spring 2009. The album features Hip Hop stars such as ten-time Grammy Award-winning artist Kanye West, Pharell, The Dream, and many more. Big Sean has been spotted beside Kanye West all over the world including Los Angeles, New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Hawaii, etc. To stay connected to Big Sean check out his official MySpace at WWW.MYSPACE.COM/UKNOWBIGSEAN for exclusive updates that you won’t see anywhere else. Also look out for Big Sean’s official website WWW.UKNOWBIGSEAN.COM coming soon.


L'Renee

L'Renee

Lori (L'Renee) Hollins was born of a broken home to a once alcoholic musician father and once aspiring photographer turned bank teller mother from Detroit, MI. After being told for almost 10 years that she was "too small", "too fat", "sang too well", "too dark", "couldn't write" and a slew of other potentially limiting factors, L’Renee began her own music label, L'Renee Productions, in 2006 to give herself a chance to bring her music to the world. In 2007, L’Renee Productions became L'Renee Musique, Inc. The record label is affiliated with Melted Disc (CD/DVD duplication and distribution center); Detroit Housing Relocation (real estate investments/property management); and Deanna Banana (clothing and t-shirt designs).

L'Renee's fan base has grown since 2006 to over 10,000 patrons through MySpace, Facebook, Blackplanet, and her official website (www.lrenee.net). Her listeners have given their support by streaming her music over 190,000 times. Since the launch of her first project, L'Renee has distributed her music approximately 4,000 times. With each semi-monthly live performances and web traffic of over 25,000 hits per month that number continues to grow. Her style is growing among fans as she has been featured in "Vibe" Maganize (December 2007), "Urban Mainstreem" Vol 36 (November 2007), on BlackPlanet.com, Soulisms and the list continues to grow.

L'Renee has worked with Anthony Hamilton, Anthony David, Musiq Soul Child, Eric Roberson, Jaquar Wright, Dwele, Conya Doss, Alison Crockett, Tony Ozier, Monica Blaire, Necco Redd, DJ Genesis, Penny Wells, Frank McComb, Gordon Chambers, Peter Hadar, Russell Taylor, Maya Azucensa, Maysa from Incognito, Kloud 9, Phil Perry, Rahssaun Patterson, Yalonda Johnson, Slum Village and DJ Des, Nick Speed, Naughty by Nature, Impromp2, Destiny’s Child, 112, Jagged Edge, The Clipse, Stephanie Mills, Tremaine Hawkins, The Mary Jane Girls, Silk, DJ Steady Rock, Finale, Invincible, Big Tone, 87 and more.

Pure zeal is exhibited in every word L’Renee sings. Through her lyrics and soul-stirring, energetic delivery, she creates a true euphoric experience filled with the pain of losing, highs of discovering a new love and every emotion in between. Experience her for yourself…