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Serenity consists of four young ladies. They are Tameka Thomas, Kira Allison, Briana Crowder and Jarina McLain. We are a contemporary young and energetic group that has a combination of traditional as well as a contemporary sound. This dynamic group not only has a passion to sing the praises of the most high but know the importance of having a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. We feel that in order to spread the gospel it is important to live the life that we sing about.
It all started in 1993, when we (Tameka Thomas, Kira Allison, Briana Crowder and Angie Lewis) were on the way to Kate’s skating rink with our church youth group. We were having a good time and began harmonizing to various songs. Right away we heard a distinct sound that caught all of our attention. We were so excited and knew instantly that something was to form out of this melodious sound. Some of our earlier inspirations were Anointed, Witness, and Adoration and Praise. We would learn their entire album and would practice at least two times out of the week. Our first event was our pastor’s 17th anniversary. From there we begin singing at concerts, anniversaries, and many other special events within our church.
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TRACK
LIST
1 - Get Up
2 - Kept
3 - Everything
4 - Open Up My Eyes
5 - Sunshine
6 - My King
Lawrence Surles II
Publicist/ Artist Representative
704-779-2509
llsurles@yahoo.com
Shantre Mayfield
Booking Manager
704-806-5615
shantremayfield@hotmail.com
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Serenity has been blessed to be apart of a musically inclined church. All four members were raised in the same church under the leadership of Rev. Don DeGrate. Not only is he the tool that God chose to feed our spiritual soul but also is a renowned gospel artist who plays a very important role in our singing ministry. Rev. DeGrate is well known in the gospel industry and has invited several gospel icons to our church. In addition, two of the group members had the privilege of backing up the legendary Rev. Rance Allen and the wonderful Ms. LaShun Pace.
The quartet began branching out by singing in the community. We sang at weddings, family reunions, funerals, and various churches throughout the greater Charlotte area.
We also had an opportunity of singing at an outside community event in Charlotte, NC with Donald Lawrence and the Tri City Singers. That same year we competed in the West Charlotte High school talent show and won 1st place and a $500 cash prize. Serenity also had an opportunity to participate in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Talent search and won 1st place along with a monetary reward.
In the summer of 1997, one of our founding members (Angie) relocated to Tampa, Fl. and in February 1998, Nadine Carter joined the group. The following month, we had the privilege to audition for the annual YMCA prayer breakfast. In addition, we were honored to perform at the event, which consisted of an audience of 3,000 business leaders and city council throughout the community. The outcome was so overwhelming that we were fortunate to perform the following year as well. Also, in June 1998, we had the delight of opening up for the great Hezekiah Walker at a summerfest.
In October 2000, the group went through a minor transition and Jarina McLain replaced Nadine. The following year, the group appeared on a weekly telecast “Celebrate Jesus” as the featured artist. As a result, we were invited to minister at numerous events throughout the community. In March 2004, one of the founding members Kira Allison entered a state singing competition “Gimme the Mike Charlotte” as a soloist. In addition, Kira was the 1st runner up out of 600 contestants.
Our biggest and most memorable event is when the group had the opportunity to be apart of the annual Paramount’s Carowinds Gospel event, “Joyfest 2005.” We had the honor of opening up for Fred Hammond, Israel and New Breed, and Deitrick Haddon. The Lord really blessed and this is when we realized that it is time to take the group to the next level.
In addition, we were invited back to Paramounts Carowinds and had the privilege to perform at Joyfest 2006. This year we shared the stage with artists such as: Tye Tribbett and GA, Deitrick Haddon and Cross Movement. In adding, Serenity participated in a Bobby Jones Showcase in Cincinnati Ohio. This program appeared on the Word Network channel, which airs in millions of homes.
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