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Student & Alumni News...
Masaki Araya. Since graduating from HWC in June 2007 with an Associates Degree and a Basic Certificate in Music Technology, Masaki has been attending Columbia College Chicago from the fall of 2007 to present. He is taking courses within the Audio Arts and Acoustics Department with a concentration in Audio Production. Masaki was recently the assistant sound engineer for a segment of the Piano Forte Salon Series at the Sherwood Conservatory, which aired live on 98.7 WFMT.
Andrew Vilaythong is a music ninja. He writes, records, and performs music. He produces, records, and mixes other musicians at his West Town Studio. ThatDookieShit.com
Stacey Courchaine graduated HWC last spring and transferred to the Music Education program at North Park University this fall, with voice as her primary instrument.
Pamela Wilhoite graduated HWC last summer and transferred to the Music Therapy program at the University of Iowa this fall, with voice as her primary instrument.
Current HWC students Kevin Williams and Kunio Aoyagi collaborate musically together as “Excel and Kunio”. They have just released a new CD and have upcoming performances scheduled. Info about them is available at their webpage, myspace.com/excelkunio, and on youtube and Facebook.
Spare Parts
Funk Jazz Fusion
Spare Parts is currently in the studio recording the new CD "Trio" which will be available in the coming months.
Shows: Spare Parts will be playing every Wednesday at Alive One through March from 10pm-1am. 2683 N. Halsted St. Free Show, 21+
Albums:
Brain Candy (2006) Available on iTunes
Exit 54 (2003)
www.sparepartsmusic.com
www.myspace.com/spareparts
Excel & Kunio
Hailing from the Southside of Chicago, Aspiring soul vocalist, Excel (Born Kevin Michael Williams) embodies superstar quality and mass audience appeal designed to take him straight to the top of the game. His drive, likeable charm, humble spirit, infectious smile, attention demanding song writing abilities, and old-school meets new school innovative sound sets this soul star apart from the rest. Excel has from birth expressed a valuable interest in music. He has spent the last nine years of his life developing and evolving into a skilled songwriter, vocalist, and performer while collaborating with a host of local Chicago unsigned acts. The most significant collaboration of Excel's career has been his destined partnership with classically trained jazz guitarist, Kunio Aoyagi. After being introduced by a mutual musician friend, Excel & Kunio's creative spirits, drive, focus, and ambition has since created a growing force to be reckoned. Their talent combined truly creates the best of both of their worlds giving them an innovative soul sound that is fresh, universal, and original. Inspired by legendary greats such as Rev. Al Green, The Isley Brothers, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Bill Withers, Curtis Mayfield, Michael Jackson, and Stevie Wonder to current superstars Such as Mary J Blige, Erykah Badu, Ne-yo, Beyonce, Fantasia, John Legend, and R.Kelly Excel still manages to reflect a unique vocal style that is in fact his own. Conquering the world one day at a time, Excel’s ultimate goal is to have a valued and respected career as an international soul singer/ songwriter/entertainer and obtain a loyal fan base that genuinely appreciates and values his music, artistic capabilities, love for his craft, and journey to superstardom.
“I was born to be a voice in the 21st century, I accept the honor and privilege to be a moving force and positive artist of my time to mentor and guide generations of voices to come.” Excel
Excel & Kunio Resume…
-02/19/2009
EXCEL & KUNIO DEMO ALBUM RELEASE DATE…AVAILABLE NOW!-02/13//2009
Live appearance, radio airplay, interview, & live performance for vocalo.org 89.5FM-02/12/2009
HWC Inescapable Mutuality Open Mic Showcase-Featured guest performers-09/2008
Excel Featured model for www.caseybohrnell.com-09/2008
Buddhist Cultural Center, Chicago, Il- Featured Guest performer.
-05/2008
Looptopia- annual downtown Chicago Arts Festival- Featured Guest performer.-12/2006-2009
Recording Artist signed to independent record label- ShoTyme Records
*Excel released strong selling self-titled solo debut album- “Excel” (still available)
request copies of Excel & Kunio CD & view upcoming show dates at: