SOAR Benefit Concert 2018

Crystal King

Singer/Songwriter

Crystal's love for performing started at just 3 years old. Since then, she has learned to play the piano, guitar, pipa (a Chinese traditional instrument), as well as explore the depths of songwriting. By age 13, she created her stage name, Crystal King, and released her first single on iTunes. Though such a young musician, Crystal is often praised for writing lyrics well beyond her years. In 2016, Crystal released her debut album, "Sincerely". Many songs on that record received recognition as finalists in international songwriting competitions. Last year, Crystal won the title of 1st place US  winner for the Voice of China. She represented the US at the TV recording of the reality singing competition show last summer. Crystal is very excited to put together this year's concert by integrating different types of talents to make a difference.
http://www.crystalkingmusic.com

Mariam & Lola

Singing Duo

Mariam and Lola are two senior choir nerds at Memorial High School. As juniors, they accomplished the honor of making the TMEA All-State choir, and have made region choir 3 times. They hold superior ratings from the state of Texas, and national recognitions as part of ACDA conventions. Their love for music exceeds beyond any limit, and they adore sharing it with everyone.

JVOTI

Singer/Rapper

JVOTI stands for Just Vibe Out To It. He started playing piano at age 4 and studying classical music throughout high school. Eventually he started producing and singing/rapping his own music. After building his sound cloud presence with over 200 thousand streams, he ended up on a show "Signed" where he came into contact with three music moguls Lenny Santiago of Roc Nation, Rick Ross of MMG and The Dream of Radio Killa Records. He's currently working on his solo EP "Game Changer" and can't wait to perform for this upcoming concert!
https://jvoti.com/

Robby Bennett

Comedy Magician

Comedy Magician Robby Bennett has been performing professionally since the age of 12. After re-discovering a magic kit he received for a birthday gift while he was chronically sick at the age of ten, Robby discovered his passion that has lead him to perform at Las Vegas Venues, New York, and three continents. He performed his first predominant show at the age of thirteen, when he was hired as part of the evening's entertainment for a company Christmas Party at Houston's illustrious George R. Brown Convention Center. Currently Robby performs regularly at different events and theatres all over the country and is considered by many to be one the top performers in his field.
​​http://www.robbybennett.com/

Decory

Singer/Entertainer

 DeCory is an electrifying, high-energy POP/R&B artist with an old soul. He has been performing for years, and his stage presence is heavily inspired by Michael Jackson. He has won a number of prestigious awards, and even caught the attention of the judges on  ‘It’s Showtime at the Apollo’, a competitive show directed by Steve Harvey.  He’s amassed over 2 million views on his “Billie Jean” performance alone on Youtube, and captivates audiences at local charity events to support his community.
www.idecory.com

Natalie Ling

Pipa

Natalie Ling is currently a senior at MHS. She started playing the pipa, a traditional Chinese instrument, in sixth grade, and performs around Houston at museums, libraries, concerts, and nursing homes under the WuChanglu School of Music. She has performed in the Houston Young Artists Concert for five years, and placed third in the solo and first in group at the International Music Competition at Stanford. She plays this 4 stringed instrument with five nails taped to her right hand, and will perform an abridged version of Dance of the Yi, a song that depicts the Yi tribe of China.

Lauren Dodds

Musical Theatre

Lauren Dodds is a singer and actress based in Houston, TX. She has been performing in regional productions at Theatre Under the Stars since the 5th grade, but has now been committed to participating in the productions at the Stratford Playhouse. She has been nominated for theatrical awards such as Best Leading Actress at the Tommy Tune Awards, has won multiple scholarships for classical musicianship, and has sung with the River Performing Arts Troupe, her favorite place to volunteer, at a Texan's Game this past season. She hopes to major with a BFA in musical theatre and move to New York to continue her love for performing. 
http://www.laurendodds.net

Cherry Bomb

Kpop Dance Group

Cherry Bomb is a four membered K-pop dance cover group. They were formed as a Kpop dance branch of the Korean Culture Club that meets every week at Memorial High School. Sharon, Annette, Lauren, and Julia are currently Sophomores. Although all members have different tastes in music, this group of friends, sharing the same passion for dance, came together to form this dance group. Each member, with their own unique personalities and character, brings variety into this group. Sharon is charismatic, Annette is cute, Lauren is chic, and Julia is bright! 

Karen Xie

Contemporary Dance

Karen Xie is currently a senior at Memorial High School. She started dancing 10 years ago at the Golden Peacock School of Dance, competing  in ballet, contemporary, and Chinese traditional dance. She has entered various dance competitions and has won awards such as 1st overall in the thunderstruck dance competition, stage one dance competition, and dance platinum competition. Outside of dance, Karen is also a member of Memorial High School Varsity Volleyball.

Lauren & Laura

Kpop Dancing Duo

Lauren and Laura both started dancing and performing starting from a very young age. Laura is currently a senior in high school and also a Memorial markette. Laura’s favorite Kpop group to cover is Blackpink and her favorite Kpop group is BTS! She has placed in various competitions including 2nd place in Starquest Nationals. Lauren is currently a junior at Memorial High school and also the Vice President of SOAR. Lauren’s favorite Kpop group to cover is Twice or BTS. She has also placed in various dance competitions including 1st at Stage One Regionals and Nationals. They both studied at the Golden Peacock School of Dance where they specialize in ballet, hip hop, and Chinese traditional dances.