Digital program: KINGS RETURN

2

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.

3

4

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

801.221.2555 mcneilprinting.com 6

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

8

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.

9

10

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.

11

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!

Utah Valley’s Source for Local News

www.heraldextra.com

Award-winning local news 365 days a year

12

13

Locally owned and operated

Licensed and insured

Weekly yard services, fertilization and sprinkler repair.

Dedicatedgroundsmen.com | 801.376.6716

801-224-2221

Veteran Owned & Operated

Gas Diesel Hybrid EV

Serving Utah County For Over 40 Years!

A/C Brakes Diagnostics Alignments Maintenance

780 N. 400 W. - Orem - www.savmorauto.com

GROWING BUSINESSES BUILDING COMMUNITY Learn more!

(385) 482-2555 info@thechamber.org www.thechamber.org

14

E D

FREE

Desyosureevrten*t with

ticket

Make Tucanos reservations now 801.224.4774 (just blocks away at University Place) *With the purchase of an Adult Churrasco Meal. ©2024 Tucanos Acquisition Company, LLC. Availibility & pricing subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.

15

NEED CUSTOM APPAREL?

Text us for a FREE QUOTE!

Proudly Supporting the Arts in Utah Valley

13 Locations ssfcu.org Insured by NCUA 16

POWERING YOUR

greatness

Sick child? Expert care advice.

FREE 24/7 Nurse Help Line 435-900-7827

17

18

19

THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE 2025 SEASON

SPECIAL THANKS: Jim & Tana Evans | Brad & Julia Camp | XMission | Compass Billboards | Specialty Linens | Mountain Event Rentals | Derick Wolsleger

WE OFFER

SIGN UP FOR THE

COSTA CLUB

• COMMERCIAL PRINTING • CUSTOM SIGNS • GRAPHIC DESIGN • PROMO & APPAREL • PRINT PORTAL • AND SO MUCH MORE

REWARDS PROGRAM

Contact Us at

801.877.3334

801.980.9762

agAmericanFork.com

agOrem.com

Earn points Get FREE FOOD RECEIVE OFFERS

- Springville, Utah -

50+ Years of Recognition and Branding Awards • Apparel • Recognition Custom Engravings • Merch

See our Selection

20

Orem • American Fork

Formally Supports SCERA

IF “ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE”...

We hope to see you soon

JUST FOR YOU... *$ OFF

15

Any Purchase of $

40

Or More DINE-IN ONLY

WE’RE KEEPING YOU HEALTHY THROUGH EVERY ACT OF LIFE.

*OFFER GOOD AT OREM WINGERS ONLY. Present this to your server at time of ordering.

Does not include purchase of alcoholic beverages. No cash value. May not be used with any other special offer or discount. Offer good during month of performance only.

THE CROWN JEWEL OF UTAH Hotel Park City—a Marriott Autograph Collection Destination

STAY & Summer Package DINE RUTH’S CHRIS PACKAGE includes: • OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS Enjoy a one-night stay in our hotel’s luxury all-suite lodging.

• DINNER AT RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE Enjoy a sumptuous three-course dinner from the special Classic Dining menu at Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

(Four entrees to choose from. 5:00–6:30 p.m. daily).

• UNLIMITED USE OF HEALTH CLUB & SPA Relax and unwind in our full service luxury spa and health club.

• YOU’LL RECEIVE POINTS TOWARDS FREE NIGHTS AND FLIGHTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

2001 Park Avenue, Park City, Utah 84060 888.999.0098 • www.hotelparkcity.com

21

Also located in St. George!

2017 N. 550 W. • Provo

801-374-5520

22

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

PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COUNCIL Brandon Fugal Bryan Farris Craig Werner Cynthia Gambill Glen Overton

Jim Evans Laurie Stokes Mary Robinson Rita Wright Sam Cardon

Greg Olsen Greg Reed James Clarke Jeanette Bennett Jennifer Durrant

Will Fowlke Yevon Romney

NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD Ashly Delgrosso-Costa Professional Dancer Ben Vereen Broadway Star

Gary Herbert Former Governor, State of Utah

Crystal Gayle Entertainer 23

Jim Brickman Composer/Entertainer Michael Martin Murphy Entertainer Michael McLean Composer/Entertainer