December 28 & 31

Purple Rain

a New Year’s Party like it’s 1999

A NYE encore presentation of our sold out PRINCE tribute show! The “Love Symbol”, aka the Artist Formerly Known as Prince, took the music industry by storm in the 1980s with songs like “Kiss” and of course, “Purple Rain”.
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The Space

Ruby Room

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An encore presentation of our SOLD OUT show PURPLE RAIN. Ticket includes one complimentary glass of Champagne to celebrate the New Year! Prince took the music industry by storm in the 1980s with songs like “Kiss” and of course, “Purple Rain”.  Join us on this unforgettable journey through a music catalog unlike any other to find out why Prince was easily named one of music’s most significant and  adored artists of all time!

Performance Times

Saturday, December 28th @ 7:30pm
Tuesday, December 31 @ 7:30pm

 

Cast & Creative Team

CURATED & DIRECTED BY 
Linnaia McKenzie

HOSTED BY
Zava

VOCALISTS
Asa Barnes
Heather Lewallen 
Zava

PIANO & MUSIC DIRECTOR
Desmond Mason

LIGHTING SUPERVISOR
Shelbi Arndt

AUDIO SUPERVISOR
Jon Robertson

Performers

Zava

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ZAVA is a Persian singer, dancer, and recording artist here in Kansas City and has been seen at KC Pride, RecordBar, Gaels, The Black Box, Nighthawk and more. After hosting and singing in “Family Ties” last summer at The Ruby Room, he’s ready to honor the icon himself, Prince. With “AVAZ” meaning “voice” or “song” in Farci, ZAVA shares his soul through his love of music and is honored to share this experience with the singers, band, and Linnaia. @thisiszava

Asa Barnes

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Asa Barnes, a native of Kansas City, MO and has been musically inclined since his childhood. Taking influences from his mother and singing in the church choir, this early musical and spiritual training prepared him for future musical and entertainment opportunities.

In high school, Asa participated in both choral and instrumental ensembles. He studied popular and classical music, developing a diverse appreciation for all musical styles. College further developed Asa’s musical skills where he studied percussion and received classical vocal training. A rigorous curriculum and countless hours of practice helped prepare Asa for the demands of today’s music industry.

Today, Asa is a vocal coach, actor, voiceover talent, model, and real estate professional. Some of his accomplishments have taken him to New York’s Apollo Theater and allowed him to receive local radio play in Kansas City. He also made appearances in season 4 and 8 of the hit television show “American Idol” where he was a Hollywood finalist. Asa hopes to convey that success can be achieved through hard work, preparation, and faith in God. 

Heather Lewallen

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Heather is thrilled to be working alongside these amazingly talented people! She was last seen onstage as Regina in Rock of Ages for Padgett Productions. Though she loves the stage her real passion is being a mother to her two beautiful girls, Maggie and Lucy. She would like to thank her family for their love and support, especially her stud of a husband, Patrick. Now, get ready to party like it’s 1999! 

Musicians

Desmond Mason

Piano/music director

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MTH: Ruby Room Series: For Lovers, Beatnik Cafe, Autumn Leaves, Family Ties, Piece of my Heart, Get Up, Let’s Get it On, Natural Woman, I Will Always Love You. MTH Main Stage Productions: Stevie: Signed, Sealed, Delivered, Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller Musical Show, The Glass Menagerie, and The Gershwin’s PORGY and BESS. .

Daniel Watson

Guitar

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At age 36, I’ve been playing guitar for 17 years now, intially so I could stop sampling music for the hip hop beats I made. In this time (and a few guitar modifications later), I have been fortunate to play sets for major Reggae artist Spawn Breezie, RnB major label recording artist Bobby Valentino, and many great players and singers in various venues throughout the city of KCMO. I enjoy playing and listening to all music, yet Gospel music is my favorite most of all. It’s been pretty cool to grow as a guitarist and see growth in opportunities as a result! Sky’s the limit

Lauren Williams

bass

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Lauren is thrilled to be back for her 2nd Ruby Room Series performance! Hailing from the Washington D.C. area, Lauren moved to Kansas City in 2015 and quickly fell in love with the local music scene. As the bassist for 2 independent artisits @flaretharebel (her husband) and @lavadreams, she also performs with local theater productions and tribute bands including Found A Job (Talking Heads) and her favorite project; the Jamiroquai Funk Tribute. When it’s time to “unplug” you can find Lauren on the upright bass with the Kansas City Social Symphony, a 70-person nonprofit orchestra.s.

Kevin Johnson

drums

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Kevin “Church Boii” Johnson is a midwestern mix plate of old school soul music with a millennial twist of spicy and sweet BBQ. Born and raised in one of the homes of Jazz music, Church, as he is often called, developed his pocket playing style in the Black church where he played drums and sang regularly since he was 10 years old. In addition to his soulful storytelling through song, he also plays keys and guitar. Just recently entering his 30s, for the last 20 years. Kevin has been the Musical Director for R&B sensation Ginuwine and had played for Roy Ayers, Raheem DeVaughn and Ro James.
Meet the Makers

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