The Ruby Room Series
THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR
The Music of Dionne Warwick & Lionel Richie
The Space
Ruby Room
More about the show
Their philanthropic efforts through songs like “That’s What Friends Are For” and “We Are The World” has impacted the entire planet. Dionne, Aunt to Pop Princess Whitney Houston and Lionel, Lead Singer from the world renown funk band, The Commodores, continue to remind us why their legacy (and music) has stood the test of time. We’ll celebrate all the hits in this original concert production!
Creative Team
HOSTED BY
Douglass Walker
VOCALISTS
Asa Barnes
Paula Saunders
Douglass Walker
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Desmond Mason
LIGHTING SUPERVISOR
Shelbi Arndt
AUDIO SUPERVISOR
Gianna Agostino
Curated by Linnaia McKenzie
Performers
Asa Barnes
Read Bio
Asa Barnes, a Kansas City native, has built a dynamic career blending entertainment, real estate, and community service. With a deep love for music, he first found his voice in church and honed his craft through choral, instrumental, and classical vocal training. His talents led him to perform at New York’s Apollo Theater, earn local radio airplay in Kansas City, and advance as a Hollywood finalist on American Idol seasons 4 and 8.
In 2018, Asa took a leap of faith, transitioning from music to real estate to help families achieve homeownership. Since then, he has guided over 90 families through the buying and selling process, earning recognition such as the Keller Williams Realty Eagle Award. He is passionate about educating his community on financial literacy and generational wealth through real estate.
Beyond real estate, Asa remains active as a vocal coach, actor, and voiceover artist, using his platform to inspire others. A proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., he embodies a commitment to service and leadership. Asa’s journey is a testament to faith, hard work, and the belief that success is within reach for those willing to pursue it.
Paula Saunders
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Paula Saunders is a multi-faceted vocalist from Kansas City whose signature is a rich, sultry tone that has been compared to such voices as Lalah Hathaway and Oleta Adams. Her first solo project, “Introducing Paula Saunders,” is a collection of jazz standards and timeless music that puts her alto/tenor voice on full display. She is also one of the three female vocals in The Freedom Affair, a 9-piece original funk/soul band in Kansas City. With a vocal range that covers so much of the spectrum, Paula has been called one of the most versatile singers in Kansas City. Keep up with Paula by visiting her website, www.paulasaundersmusic.com.
Douglass Walker
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Douglass Walker (Host) Performance credits include: Musical Theater Heritage: The Christmas Spectacular, Ruby Room Series-For The Culture, STEVIE, In The Heights, Porgy and Bess; Ruby Room Series- Songs Sung Blue, Ruby Room Series- Let’s Get It On, R & H Unplugged, In the Heights; KC Melting Pot Theatre: The Amen Corner; The Coterie Theatre: Alice’s Wonderland; Spinning Tree Theatre: Caroline or Change, Billy Elliot, Once On This Island; The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City: 5 Guys Named Moe, A Soldier’s Play, Memphis (2018), OTHELLO: A Hip-Hop Remix, Mahalia Jackson the Gospel Musical; The Black Repertory Theatre & The White Theatre at the J; Memphis (2022); T-Mobile Center: Read for 15 reading rally: host/emcee (2023 & 2024); Santa Clause.
Musicians
Desmond Mason
Piano
Amil McDaniel
Bass
Arick Ridgell
Drums
Meet the Makers
Join us as we take our creative team out into the community for these free neighborhood events.