Performing at Chicago Singer Spotlight on Wednesday, July 10 at FitzGerald's

Phylis Renee Marconi
Since the last time Phylis Renee Marconi performed on the Singer Spotlight stage, she has had some incredible opportunities come her way. Along with airplay on several cyber radio stations, she was also featured on 3 Chicagoland radio programs this past year. Last summer, she had the honor of co-writing 2 songs for the Illinois State Board of Education. "It was a real kick because I had a chance to cross my 2 life paths... writing/ performing/singing and teaching!" Her song "Meet Me At The Café" was included on the Midwest Music Summit Comp Disc 2001. February of this year, her CD "I'll Find My Way" was reviewed by ChicagoGigs.com. In April of this year, Phylis was a front page feature article in The Star Newspaper. Last month she served as hostess to the Wednesday Night CHaT Uncommon Ground Showcases. Along with working on some new material in the studio....she is also working on putting a website together (www.phylisreneemarconi.com). "I thank the heavens above and all my lucky stars (and supportive family and friends too!) every single day that I get to do this!" "Thank you Becca & Amy for yet another incredible opportunity!"

Audio file

Derek Fawcett
Derek Fawcett is a professor of jazz voice at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and teaches jazz singing and improvisation at New Trier High School in WInnetka. He's a prolific performer, songwriter, arranger, and has been a festival judge throughout the Midwest. His acoustic rock band, Down the Line (www.downthelineband.com), performs regularly in Chicago and will be releasing an album in September.

Youlanda
Youlanda wrote her first song at the age of fifteen. She continued singing over the years in church and community choirs as well as the national anthem around her area. In spring 2001 she decided to quit her job and pursue a singing career. Her first CD "Starting Over" was completed in October 2001. The title track has been the most powerful. It was written for three recently widowed women who found themselves having to start life over without their soul mates. The best thing that has happened since she started this journey was to sing the song live for one of them. She continues to sing at suburban establishments and is currently collaborating with other artists. Her most recent show was featured on the local cable television station and received great reviews. Things continue to flourish for this up & coming songwriter/singer. Thanks Becca & Amy for this wonderful opportunity. To find out more about Youlanda, go to www.youlanda.org


Julie Aymes
Julie Aymes is one of Chicago's most versatile vocalists. Over the many years of her career she has performed pop, swing, jazz, country, R&B, rock, etc. Julie has opened for several national acts such as Molly Hatchet, Greg Allman, and Mickey Gilley to name a few. Her recording career started several years ago when she recorded a couple of tunes for a local songwriter, which progressed into recording for other local writers which you will find on her CD recorded in Nashville, TN. To put it mildly, this girl has a lot of demos. Julie presently works with the Al Sofia Orchestra here in town.