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  • HOME
  • LABB MISSION
  • MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTOR'S
  • UPCOMING EVENTS - Free
  • PHOTOS
  • VIDEOS - Coming Soon
  • JOIN OUR JOURNEY
  • CONTACT US
Call and Response: Finding Your Voice in Community

Call and Response: Finding Your Voice in Community

Wednesday, August 26 @ 12:00PM — 3:30PMWed, Aug 26 @ 12:00PM — 3:30PM

Lewis Creek Park , 5808 Lakemont Blvd SE, Bellevue, WA

BELLEVUE • SEATTLE • BOTHELL KIRKLAND • REDMOND Join us for a FREE 3-part workshop series as Lady A’s Blues and Blessings Foundation, in collaboration with the City of Bellevue Community Programs Funding Grant, presents: 🎶 Call and Response: Finding Your Voice in Community 🎶

Come discover how the tradition of Call and Response helps us communicate through music, storytelling, and shared lived experiences. Together we’ll write songs, build community, and celebrate every voice in the room. Featuring Workshop Facilitators: Lady A – Award-Winning Blues, Soul & Gospel Artist | Teaching Artist John Oliver III – Award-Winning Drummer, Producer & Pastor Special Guest: Shakura S’Aida – Award-Winning Canadian Blues Artist, Storyteller & Producer

Workshop Dates August 12 & 19 – Crossroads Park, Shelter 1 August 26 – Lewis Creek Park

FREE – No music experience required! ALL AGES WELCOME! Light snacks provided Free

Come find your voice, tell your story, and connect with your community through music.

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Call and Response: Finding Your Voice in Community @ Lewis Creek Park on Aug 26, 12:00PM

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DEBRA SMILEY  - CFO and Treasurer

Debra oversees LNW client trusts and estate plans to implement legacies that will have meaningful positive impact on family and community, often over many generations. With change a given as the lives of clients and their beneficiaries evolve, Debra is ready with analysis and insights that reflect a deep level of expertise as well as an understanding of client values and priorities.  

To her work, Debra brings more than two decades of experience in trust administration and estate planning. Prior to LNW, Debra was an advisor at predecessor firm Laird Norton Wealth Management. Before that, she worked as trust administrator at the Seattle offices of major U.S. banks — US Bank, BNY Mellon, Union Bank and Harris Private Bank. 

JOSEPHINE HOWELL - Board of Directors

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Josephine "Josie" Howell is a singer, actor, dancer, director, minister, and activist whose God-given gift for the arts has inspired audiences for decades. Her journey began in her childhood church choir, where she discovered the power of music to move hearts, inspire hope, and transform lives.

A survivor of homelessness, Josephine is a passionate advocate for social equity, serves with the Emergency Food Bank, and is a member of the Board of First Place School. She has traveled to Africa eight times, helping children discover their voices through music, and continues to share hope through prison ministry across the region.

Josephine's lifelong commitment to service, faith, and the arts reflects the heart of the Lady A's Blues & Blessings Foundation. Her compassion, leadership, and dedication to uplifting others make her an invaluable member of the Foundation's Board of Directors.

DEXTER ALLEN - Board of Directors

Grammy Award-winning producer, vocalist, guitarist, and teaching artist Dexter Allen joins the Lady A's Blues & Blessings Foundation from Jackson, Mississippi. An internationally respected recording and touring artist, Dexter brings decades of experience in music performance, production, education, and mentorship. His passion for inspiring the next generation of musicians and strengthening communities through music aligns with the Foundation's mission of building connection, preserving culture, and creating opportunities through arts education. Dexter's expertise and heart for teaching make him an invaluable member of the LABB Foundation family.

POLLY O'KEARY - Board of Directors

Polly O'Keary is an acclaimed bassist, vocalist, songwriter, touring artist, and teaching artist who has long been one of the most respected voices in Seattle's blues community. Known for her exceptional musicianship and dynamic performances, Polly has earned a reputation as one of the region's premier blues artists.

In 2026, Polly completed her graduate studies in Communications at the University of Washington, further strengthening her passion for education, connection, and community engagement. Whether mentoring emerging artists, inspiring students, or bringing joy to seniors through music, Polly believes in the power of communication and the arts to build stronger communities.

Her creativity, warmth, and commitment to education make her an invaluable member of the Lady A's Blues & Blessings Foundation Board of Directors as the Foundation continues to expand its impact through music, mentorship, and meaningful community partnerships.  

 

PASTOR, REV. DR. JOHN OLIVER III  - Board of Directors

Born in Seattle, Washington, Rev. Dr. John Oliver III is a pastor, gospel singer, songwriter, producer, teaching artist, award-winning drummer, and Legal Analyst with Goodwin Procter. As Pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, he is deeply committed to faith, service, and strengthening the community.

Pastor John is a gifted workshop facilitator and mentor who has dedicated countless hours to empowering Black youth throughout Seattle. Through his volunteer work with The Rhapsody Project and his unwavering commitment to community engagement, he continues to inspire the next generation of artists and leaders. His wisdom, leadership, and heart for people make him an invaluable member of the Lady A's Blues & Blessings Foundation Board of Directors.

QUEEN CARTER -  Finance and  Executive Administrator 

Queen Carter serves as one of the Finance and Executive  Advisors for the Lady A Blues and Blessings Foundation (LABB), a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting seniors, youth, families, and neighbors experiencing homelessness and food insecurity across South King County and beyond. She focuses on building sustainable financial systems that support LABB’s programs in music, storytelling, mentorship, workshops, and hands‑on community outreach. Queen is involved with LABB because she believes healing happens when communities show up for one another, and that music has the power to bring people together. She is committed to helping LABB grow into a lasting force for connection, compassion, and hope.

JOE SEAMONS - Board of Directors 

Musician, educator, and cultural advocate Joe Seamons co-founded The Rhapsody Project with Ben Hunter in 2013. Through his exploration of Pacific Northwest roots music, folklore, and the region's complex history, Joe has dedicated his career to using music as a tool for education, cultural preservation, and social justice.

A descendant of Oregon's historic Aurora Colony, Joe continues to uncover and share the songs and stories that have shaped the Pacific Northwest, bringing forward voices that have too often been forgotten or overlooked. Whether performing with Ben Hunter or his Portland-based band, Timberbound, Joe's passion for community engagement and equity is evident in every aspect of his work.

Joe's commitment to connecting people through music, history, and dialogue makes him an invaluable member of the Lady A's Blues & Blessings Foundation Board of Directors as the organization expands its reach, strengthens community partnerships, and builds meaningful connections through the arts.

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