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Dynamic and soothing four-piece vocal group Kings Return take pride in crafting a diverse yet supremely cohesive a cappella sound: The blend of their unique vocal timbres is so rich and so smooth that, at times, it sounds more like a full choir than a mere four men. Discovered after posting a series of bare-bones stairwell performances that went viral, their music is a balm to the soul, laced with expansive harmonies that flex the agility and effortless range of their vocal talent. Their sound has earned comparisons to iconic acts like Take 6 and Boyz II Men. But what sets Kings Return apart is their seamless integration of a wide range of genres and styles. Drawn to the flexibility of a cappella music, they take full advantage of the genre-mixing aspects of the tradition. Their brand of R&B is entwined with free moments of jazz, soulful bursts of gospel, and bright touches of pop—all built on a solid, classical foundation. Theirs is the kind of talent that makes virtuosic performance look (and sound) like sublime, effortless playtime, defying the
This project is supported by the Utah Division of Arts & Museums, with funding from the State of Utah and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.
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constraints of any single genre to explore a myriad of sonic shades and textures.
Kings Return was first conceived in 2016, when Kunda asked some friends to perform with him for a college recital. The a cappella performance captivated the crowd and soon led to local gigs, where the group cut their teeth before finalizing the lineup in 2020. Composed of tenor Vaughn Faison, bass Gabe Kunda, tenor JE McKissic, and baritone Jamall Williams, the Dallas-based quartet has since captured the hearts of millions of fans in-person and online. They earned their first taste of fame that summer, when they arranged, performed, and posted a video of their soul-stirring, a cappella rendition of “God Bless America,” which went viral. The next year, they posted a more classical a cappella performance of “Ubi Caritas,” which also went viral, amassing over 10 million views. A pivotal moment for the budding act, Kings Return began to shift away from a strictly gospel focus to explore a more diverse musical repertoire. They dropped their debut EP in December 2021, a warm, jazz-leaning holiday album 5
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titled Merry Little Christmas, followed by the June 2022 release of their stunning Bee Gees cover “How Deep is Your Love” off debut LP ROVE, which earned a GRAMMY nomination for “best arrangement instrumental or a cappella.” Epic, expansive, and polished, ROVE was released in September 2022, showcasing a nuanced attention to detail and a remarkable fusion of four distinctive, classically-trained voices into one elegant and intricate whole. The group’s name perfectly embodies their intentions as artists: “Kings” because they possess a charismatic power, moving forward with confidence to conquer whatever challenges arise. The “Return” signifies another important part of their mission: to give back to the communities that have supported them along the way. “We don’t use any instruments, and it can feel very vulnerable to perform on stage alone, especially as Black men — with all the stigma that entails” says Kunda. “When we come together to do this vulnerable thing called a cappella, it strengthens our bonds. It makes us tighter as a unit and as human beings. We 7
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want to be examples for other men like us.” They released their first full-length holiday LP, aptly titled We 4 Kings, in November 2023. Kings Return continues to defy expectations, charming audiences with their signature smoothness and sophisticated, down-to-earth charisma.
MEET THE MEMBERS Vaughn Faison (Tenor 1)
Originally from Upstate NY, when he’s not singing with the group, Vaughn Faison is often making and teaching music, playing tennis, or searching for the world's best breakfast sandwich.
J.E. McKissic (Tenor 2) J.E.
McKissic first learned to sing by shadowing his mother in church, where he still sings today. In addition to his work as a studio background vocalist, having worked on projects with Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber, Kirk Franklin, and more, he likes watching The Office and taking road trips. J.E. is a full-time father to his six children and his rescue dog, Mose.
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Jamall Williams (Baritone)
Jamall Williams is a native of Dallas, TX. Outside of the group, he lends his vocal talents to artists such as Tamela Mann, Marvin Sapp, and Jabari Johnson, to name a few. His dog, Carlisle, has him trained well and keeps him busy running around in his free time.
Gabe Kunda (Bass) When he's
not providing low rumbling tones for the group, Gabe Kunda is in his studio voicing projects for companies such as Disney, Marvel, Hulu, Funimation, Call Of Duty, Apex Legends, Valorant, Toyota, Subway, Warner Bros, and more. He and his lovely wife Karina live in Dallas, TX with their energetic dog, Charlie.
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NOW SHOWING A partnership with the James & Andrea Clarke Family will allow us to make continued improvements to SCERA Center for the Arts – the first was a complete repainting of the outside of our unique historic venue! The Clarke Grand Theatre is clean, comfortable and elegant – and with a giant 40' x 20' screen, 733 seats and incredible digital projection and sound – our presentation of your favorite feature films is the best around! And, with the best ticket and concession prices in town, we hope you'll support your local independent theatre, where proceeds go back into the community to support SCERA's charitable non-profit artistic mission!
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SCERA Team SCERA Board of Directors Jason Craddock (Chair) Jeanette Herbert (Past Chair) Dave McCann (Chair Elect) Bryan Pope (Secretary) Abbie Scott (Treasurer) Karen Smith Nancy Hale Natalie Clyde Terri Lindorf
Administrative Assistant Kaylee Kress Scene Shop Manager Ethan Harrison
April Berlin
Production Manager Crysta Lamb
Shell House Manager Melanie Holdaway Shell Assistant Manager Braeden Holdaway
Scenic Artists Faith Sage Blakely Creamer Brynn Hartley Sofia Schofield
Operations Manager Marketing/Development Administrative Services Manager Lesa Pulham
Sound & Lighting Manager Chase Elison
Carpenters Ethan Harrison Nick Wilson Ej Lewis Max Warren Ryan McGirr
SCERA President & CEO Marketing/Development Adam J. Robertson
Shell Hill Manager Elise Thompson
Strike Crew Noah Ghent Brody Guinn Costume Shop Manager Kelsey Seaver
Project & Volunteer Coordinator Rebecca Varney Rentals & Special Events Coordinator Brodee Ripple Guest Services Manager Emma Atkins
Props Assistants Sabrina Jewell Mable Evans
Stichers Kelsey Seaver Deborah Bowman Malena Call
Shell Hill Staff Milo Riggs Seth Horting Kyler Bonney Korbin McIntire Tyler Allen Jacob Horting Kaleb Horting Kaylea Wirthlin Kache Valerio Parker Larsen Shell Box Office Jeanette Smith Taya Waite
Hair & Makeup Rachael Lundberg Prop Shop Manager Opal Tolman
Center Box Office Carrie Hill Isabel Burns Liz Cook Spencer Madsen Addie Reese Jeanette Smith Sarah Farrell Tiffany Swank Taya Waite Facilities Staff Natacia Buckner Allie Pope Benson Simmons Peter Ellingson Lilly McAllister Graphic Design Stephanie Bird April Berlin Photographers Derick Wolsleger Rachael Gibson Freelance Writer Charlene Winters Concessions/Ushers SCERA Volunteers scera.org/volunteer
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