Christopher Williams
Christopher Williams produced numerous R&B hits during the new jack swing era of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
He released his debut album, entitled Adventures in Paradise, in 1989. The singles "Talk To Myself" and "Promises, Promises" reached the R&B Top 10, and Christopher's powerful voice helped him stand out among his peers. In 1991 he appeared alongside Wesley Snipes and Ice-T in the movie New Jack City. He contributed to the movie's soundtrack with "I'm Dreamin'". It would become Christopher's biggest hit, reaching number one on the R&B chart. His next album, 1992's Changes, produced more hits with "All I See", "Every Little Thing U Do", and a cover of the Teddy Pendergrass classic "Come Go With Me".
Williams has been involved in various music projects and collaborations, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
ShyFox
WRITER/PRODUCER/DIRECTOR
Shyfox is an American poet, author, playwright, producer, and ghostwriter. She wrote and produced four powerful stage plays, beginning with Apology From One Sista’ To Another, which originated as a poem in 2003. After writing the poem, she quickly realized how deeply it resonated with women across the country who shared that they had experienced the same struggles depicted in her writing, particularly domestic violence.
As a result, ShyFox transformed the poem into her first novel of the same title. The book became highly popular and was sold primarily through word of mouth and her website. Her second novel, Forgive Me Not, was released in June 2013.
With encouragement from family and friends and growing awareness that the subject matter of her book was relatable to women nationwide, ShyFox adapted Apology From One Sista’ To Another into a stage play. In 2005, the production debuted at The Duncan Theatre in Chicago, Illinois, selling out six of eight shows. In 2007, ShyFox was selected for Chicago’s Principal for a Day program, arranged by then-Mayor Richard J. Daley, and was invited to bring her play to Chicago Public High Schools. That same year, she and her cast performed a free show at North Grand High School on the city’s west side.
ShyFox later presented the production at The Herman Hall Theatre in Chicago and again in 2010 at the Harold Washington Cultural Center, starring Ryan Gentles of Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail. The play sold out to capacity and once again received rave reviews. It later toured the State of Michigan, headlined by Terrell Carter of Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion. Apology From One Sista’ To Another was also nominated for a Chicago Truth Award in the category of Best Stage Play.
In 2011, ShyFox debuted her second stage play, My Sista’ I’m Sorry, which brought much-needed HIV/AIDS awareness to communities throughout Chicago, Illinois. The production was a major success and sold out to capacity. Following the show, HIV/AIDS theatrical outreach partners, including award-winning epidemiologist, teacher, and author Joseph F. West, led a community roundtable discussion alongside Christian Community Health Clinic, which provided free and confidential HIV testing and education.
A portion of the show’s proceeds was donated to HIV/AIDS research, education, and resource organizations. Due to the impact of the production, ShyFox was honored with the Georgia Doty Hepatitis and HIV Organization’s Entertainer of the Year Award.
ShyFox debuted her third stage play, the comedy My Brotha’, I Apologize, on August 25, 2012, at her alma mater, Thornton High School Theatre. The production starred comedian Damon Williams, Terron Brooks (The Temptations movie), and Edgar Gemini Porter (Men at Large).
The show received a standing ovation, and encore performances continue to be requested.
On January 25, 2014, ShyFox premiered her fourth stage play, When You Cry, I Cry, starring Gary “Lil G” Jenkins (Silk), Gemini Porter (Men at Large), and comedian Brian “Da Wildcat” Smith. Originally created to shed light on the emotional effects of miscarriage in marriage, the production later evolved to address an even more urgent issue impacting the City of Chicago—senseless crimes against our youth. The emotionally powerful and thought-provoking production debuted in Chicago on August 23, 2014, blending heartfelt drama with moments of comedy to balance the intensity of the subject matter.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND, When You Cry, I Cry will return to the stage on April 25, 2026.
J Grant Experience
Founded in 2017, The J. Grant Experience has emerged as one of Chicago’s most dynamic and in-demand live bands. Renowned for their exceptional musicianship, soulful energy, and fearless performance style, the group delivers more than concerts—they create immersive musical experiences that foster connection and community.
The band is founded and led by drummer and musical director J. Grant, whose vision and leadership have guided the group to headline prominent venues and maintain successful residencies throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Their work has earned consistent respect from audiences, artists, and fellow musicians alike.
What distinguishes The J. Grant Experience is its commitment to original, themed concert productions—bold concepts that consistently sell out and elevate live music beyond traditional performance formats. These productions blend storytelling, cultural homage, and innovative arrangements to create unforgettable moments.
Signature Concert Experiences
A Tribe Called Quest Tribute
A live celebration of golden-era hip hop, blending full-band instrumentation with iconic lyricism and beats. This production has sold out four times and remains a cornerstone of the band’s repertoire.
Bandimonium
A high-energy collaboration featuring two powerhouse bands on one stage, honoring funk and soul legends such as The Isley Brothers, The GAP Band, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Frankie Beverly & Maze. Part jam session, part cultural celebration.
From the Mind of a Musician
A genre-defying concert experience that invites audiences into the creative process through original arrangements, storytelling, and improvisation.
The Jay-Z Experience
A live-band reinterpretation of one of hip hop’s most influential catalogs—from Reasonable Doubt through The Blueprint and beyond—reimagined with raw instrumentation, musical nuance, and commanding presence.
Notable Collaborations
The J. Grant Experience has shared the stage with an impressive range of artists across R&B, soul, jazz, gospel, and entertainment, including Shirley Murdock, Case, Surface, CeCe Peniston, KeKe Wyatt, Chante Moore, Michole Briana White, Lucille (BMF), Adam Hawley, Lin Rountree, Jeanette Harris, T.C. Carson, Tony Terry, Nathan Mitchell, and many others.
With every performance, the mission remains constant: to bring people together through music, authenticity, and excellence—delivered with heart, intention, and groove. At the core of the band’s philosophy is the principle that guides both its sound and spirit:
“Without God, I am nothing.”
Dr. Mia Jorie “MJ” Washington
Assistant Stage Manager
Dr. Mia Jorie “MJ” Washington is the Founder and Executive Director of God’s Gift 2 U, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering communities through service, creativity, and transformative outreach. What began as a mission focused on community support and resource distribution has expanded to include theater arts as a vehicle for healing, storytelling, and social impact.
Dr. Washington is a co-writer of The Gate, a stage production rooted in real-life experiences, emotional growth, and spiritual reflection. Her work as a writer is driven by a deep commitment to amplifying unheard voices and creating spaces where authenticity, vulnerability, and hope can be meaningfully explored.
She currently serves as Assistant Director of When You Cry, I Cry, where she contributes creative leadership and vision to a production centered on emotional depth, resilience, and human connection. In this role, Dr. Washington bridges artistic expression with community-centered purpose, aligning theatrical storytelling with nonprofit advocacy and outreach.
Through her leadership at God’s Gift 2 U and her work in the performing arts, Dr. Washington continues to demonstrate how service, creativity, and purpose can intersect to inspire change, foster dialogue, and strengthen communities.
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George Willborn
George V. Willborn II Bio (Comedian, Radio Host, Actor)
George Vernon Willborn II (January 8) is a Chicago native who got his big break as the house MC at All Jokes Aside in 1992; which was Chicago’s first primarily African American comedy club. George’s overwhelming success at All Jokes Aside propelled him into many television opportunities, such as: Def Comedy Jam, BET’s Comic View, Showtime at the Apollo, Comedy Central and TV One. After many years of ripping the stage and providing comedic relief, fans across the country dubbed George as “The Stress Reliever”! George has gone on to perform on many comedy tours, national stage plays and currently, headlining a plethora of Funny Bones and Improvs nationwide. In 2015, George landed a supporting role in Spike Lee’s “Chi-raq”. George currently resides in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, GA with his fiance and 10 yr old son.
George’s radio career was birthed in 1996 on Clear Channel’s WVAZ V103 – “The Mond Squad” as well as, “John, Bonnie and George” (1996-2006) where they spent some time at the number 1 spot.
In the upcoming years, during 2006 – 2008, George commuted from Chicago to DC as co-hosts on both “The Michael Baisden Show” (2006-2013) in the afternoon and “The Real DC Morning Show”, in the mornings on WHUR 96.3 (the first of 5 separate stints at WHUR) .
George then went back to his roots and became a co-host on the nationally syndicated "Doug Banks Show" WVAZ V103 from 2pm – 6pm CST, where he helped to secure the number 1 ranking in afternoons.
In 2015-2016 George teamed up with Tony Richards and Mo Ivory for WHUR's highly successful "TMG Afternoons", the show took the number 2 spot in the market.
In 2017-2018 George returned to the nationally syndicated "Michael Baisden Show".
From 2020-2021, George took his talents to the “Rick and Sasha Morning Show” starring Rick Party and Sasha The Diva.
Recently, 2023-2024, George brought the Stress Relief to Atlanta’s own Kiss 104.1 as a co-host of the “The Morning Show
ShyFox
ShyFox is an American poet, author, playwright, producer, and ghostwriter. She wrote and produced four powerful stage plays, beginning with Apology From One Sista’ To Another, which originated as a poem in 2003. After writing the poem, she quickly realized how deeply it resonated with women across the country who shared that they had experienced the same struggles depicted in her writing, particularly domestic violence.
As a result, ShyFox transformed the poem into her first novel of the same title. The book became highly popular and was sold primarily through word of mouth and her website. Her second novel, Forgive Me Not, was released in June 2013.
With encouragement from family and friends and growing awareness that the subject matter of her book was relatable to women nationwide, ShyFox adapted Apology From One Sista’ To Another into a stage play. In 2005, the production debuted at The Duncan Theatre in Chicago, Illinois, selling out six of eight shows. In 2007, ShyFox was selected for Chicago’s Principal for a Day program, arranged by then-Mayor Richard J. Daley, and was invited to bring her play to Chicago Public High Schools. That same year, she and her cast performed a free show at North Grand High School on the city’s west side.
ShyFox later presented the production at The Herman Hall Theatre in Chicago and again in 2010 at the Harold Washington Cultural Center, starring Ryan Gentles of Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail. The play sold out to capacity and once again received rave reviews. It later toured the State of Michigan, headlined by Terrell Carter of Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion. Apology From One Sista’ To Another was also nominated for a Chicago Truth Award in the category of Best Stage Play.
In 2011, ShyFox debuted her second stage play, My Sista’ I’m Sorry, which brought much-needed HIV/AIDS awareness to communities throughout Chicago, Illinois. The production was a major success and sold out to capacity. Following the show, HIV/AIDS theatrical outreach partners, including award-winning epidemiologist, teacher, and author Joseph F. West, led a community roundtable discussion alongside Christian Community Health Clinic, which provided free and confidential HIV testing and education. A portion of the show’s proceeds was donated to HIV/AIDS research, education, and resource organizations. Due to the impact of the production, ShyFox was honored with the Georgia Doty Hepatitis and HIV Organization’s Entertainer of the Year Award.
ShyFox debuted her third stage play, the comedy My Brotha’, I Apologize, on August 25, 2012, at her alma mater, Thornton High School Theatre. The production starred comedian Damon Williams, Terron Brooks (The Temptations movie), and Edgar Gemini Porter (Men at Large). The show received a standing ovation, and encore performances continue to be requested.
On January 25, 2014, ShyFox premiered her fourth stage play, When You Cry, I Cry, starring Gary “Lil G” Jenkins (Silk), Gemini Porter (Men at Large), and comedian Brian “Da Wildcat” Smith. Originally created to shed light on the emotional effects of miscarriage in marriage, the production later evolved to address an even more urgent issue impacting the City of Chicago—senseless crimes against our youth. The emotionally powerful and thought-provoking production debuted in Chicago on August 23, 2014, blending heartfelt drama with moments of comedy to balance the intensity of the subject matter.