Entertainment Feature: What Makes Dante Tick?

Posted July 24, 2022

A Dante Production believes in “continuous improvement” of our processes. To that end we are making major changes in preparation for 2023.

The CEO of “A Dante Production” (Chauncey Dunham) is now on the Board of Directors at the Friends of Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center (PAC).

One of the MAJOR changes in the PAC is the renovation/modernization of the lobby, this effort is Major and Costly.

The Grand Opening will be something will be in 2023 and it will be spectacular. We will keep you up to date with the actual opening. It will be a BLACK-TIE event. A Dante Production is proud to call this venue HOME. Ladero Design Works, LLC is on contract to develop a new website and marketing plan for this effort for The Friends of PAC.

As you know March is “Women’s History Month.”

Women’s History Month celebrates the often-overlooked contributions of women in history, society, and culture. Additionally, it is the 5^th anniversary of A Dante Production in FL. We have a surprise on March 25, 2023. If you live outside of FL, get your plane tickets early if you plan to come to FL. March 25^th, 2023. The company has made unexpected headway in a very short period. Let’s talk about the vision for 2023.

The Vision of A Dante Production for 2023

Music is a Social Experience. A Dante Production offers an introduction that gives equal treatment to world music, rock, popular music, R&B, and jazz, to give the public a thorough introduction to today’s rich musical world. The tools to form a personal appreciation and understanding of the power of music.

The feeling of the CEO is “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work” therefore he has developed a back-office team that consists of a marketing team, sound engineers, video personnel, promotion team, legal team & musical director(s).

Some new groups have been added and a change of strategies is also in place.

What’s NEW?: The Divas of Jazz

JEANINE MCADAMS – PIANO/FOUNDER

Jeanine was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. She started learning piano at age 5 and did her first professional gig at age 14. She is a GRAMMY Award and Gold Record recipient as pianist/keyboardist/vocalist with the internationally renowned group The Sounds of Blackness. She has performed/recorded and toured with artists such as Prince, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Brown Mark, Luther Vandross.

ALEX BODYTKO SHAW – WOODWINDS

Alex started playing music in 6th grade when she picked up the clarinet. In 8th grade, she learned to play the alto saxophone to perform in the school’s jazz band. Her love of music leads her to get her bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies (tenor saxophone performance) at the University of Central Florida

JOELA OLIVER – BASS

Joela Oliver Is a Haitian female bassist born in Newark, New Jersey, and raised in Fort Pierce, Florida. Joela has had opportunities to open for several Grammy award-winning and nominated performing artists such as “The Indigo Girls” and “K. Michelle

KISHA PUGH – DRUMS

Kisha is a renowned professional musician and teacher. She built her professional career in music playing at several high-status music venues such as Disney and Universal Studios.

Let’s talk about another new musical genius.

Bennie Yarbrough

Bennie Yarbrough is a smooth jazz saxophonist based in Orlando, FL. He has been playing the sax since he was 4 years old and got his first paid gig when he was 10. His musical influences range from Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, John Coltrane, and Grover Washington Jr. to Duke Ellington and Stevie Wonder, to name a few. Bennie’s tone is laid-back, soulful, smooth, and mellow, like honey on the tongue. Bennie enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and loved ones when he’s not playing the saxophone.

Also coming in 2023 is Dante’s Divas of R&B and Dante’s Pride.

This new all-female group can and will bring the house down. Dante Pride is flexible enough to play any type of music that you will find pleasing. I like to think of ideas as potential energy. They’re wonderful, but nothing will happen until we risk putting them into action.

The CEO of A Dante Production believes in working smarter, not harder.

Dante’s Den features the music from artists that grace A Dante Production stages around Florida. You’ll find artist conversations and song covers by the artists of A Dante Production. Click here to enter the Den.