Northglenn Arts
PRESENTS
Divas of Soul: Starring Cece Teneal
April 2nd, 2026
Bios:
Cece Teneal:
Just a country girl from Florida born in rural Osteen (just outside of Orlando), CeCe Teneal has since brought her music to over 47 countries as the opening act for Buddy Guy, Joe Cocker, Johnny Lang, Betty Wright, Cameo, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Jazmin Sullivan, Fantasia, Maze & Frankie Beverly, and the legendary B.B. King. She currently tours both her soulful and funky originals, as well as a celebration of the music of Aretha Franklin to tens of thousands annually at performing arts centers around the United States and onboard multiple luxury cruise lines. CeCe never envisioned herself as a performer, but having inherited her voice from her mother, the universe had a different plan. She has been nominated for fourIndependent Music Awards and claimed the title for 2011 Best Gospel Song (“I Heard You Prayin’“) and 2011 Best R&B Album (Train from Osteen), as well as 2018 Best Soul/Funk/Fusion Song (“Danger”). Other accolades include the 2008-2010 Orlando Best Live Band, the 2017 Orlando Music Trailblazer Award, and the honor of being chosen as the halftime headliner for the 2019 Citrus Bowl. In 2022, Mayor Buddy Dyer and Mayor Jerry Demmings proclaimed September 17th as Annual Cece Teneal Day in Orlando and Orange County respectively to celebrate her 20 years of arts and entertainment contributions. In 2023, Cece was honored by the Orlando Magic as a Diversity Game Changer for her philanthropic work in Central Florida.
CeCe’s Team Members:
Darrius Jamar | Musical Director | Piano, Bass, Guitar, & Drums
A seasoned musical director, multi-instrumentalist, and producer with 25+ years of touring experience. Proficient in piano, bass, guitar, and drums, he has performed with artists like El DeBarge and Eric Darius. As co-producer of Portrait of Aretha and a longtime collaborator with CeCe Teneal, he brings musical precision, leadership, and a deeply soulful sound to every performance.
Samuel Butts, Jr. | Drums
Sam Butts Jr., aka “Magic Sam,” is a Daytona Beach–raised, groove-driven drummer known for his deep pocket and high-energy style. He’s performed with artists like Victor Wainwright and Bernard Allison and co-founded C-POSSE and The Two Four Collective.
Naderje St. Hilaire | Supporting Vocalist
Naderje “Nana” St. Hilaire is a Miami-born, Orlando-raised vocalist of Bahamian and Haitian descent with 10+ years of touring experience. A former background singer for a Grammy Award–winning Gospel artist, she uses her voice to uplift, connect, and celebrate her culture.
Jessica Sweet | Supporting Vocalist
A St. Petersburg, Florida native, Jessica is a versatile vocalist with 20+ years of performing experience. A former lead singer for B.B. King’s Blues Clubs at Sea, she captivates audiences with powerful vocals across genres from Motown and soul to rock and punk.
Carlia Notyce | Tour Coordinator & Swing
Carlia Notyce is a singer, dancer, and Hampton University alum, as well as Co-Director at Inez Patricia School of Dance. With experience managing tours for CeCe Teneal, she brings artistry, leadership, and grace to every production.
Alvin Spratley III | Bass
Alvin “Sprat” Spratley III is a world-traveled bassist and multi-instrumentalist, performing since age three. A Full Sail–trained musician, he’s shared the stage with Ruben Studdard, The Clark Sisters, Stokley Williams, and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, bringing soul and excellence to every performance.
Norris Jones | Guitar
Norris Jones, a Huntsville, Alabama native, is a seasoned guitarist known for his soulful, expressive style. He’s performed with legends like Roberta Flack, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Al Jarreau, Boney James, and Lalah Hathaway.
Use of audio/video recording devices of any kind is not permitted without prior written authorization Northglenn Arts.
Northglenn Arts Staff:
Executive Producer: Michael Stricker
Artistic Producer: Patrick Berger
NYT Director: Kimberly Jongejan
Marketing: Terra Mueller
Technical Director: Daniel Mori
Asst. Tech Director: Wren Tran Ryder
Stage Manager: Veronica Legler
Patron Services Coordinator: Victoria Caraballo
Team:
Ana Guzman
Ken Lassiter
Kendra Layne
Olivia McCarthy
Linda Symank
Fatimah Totten
Click here to see other upcoming shows!
Programs like these are made possible through the Northglenn Arts & Humanities Foundation and their generous donors. Visit NorthglennARTS.org to learn more about NAHF and how you can support the arts!
