Special Guest Stars
Nathan Granner
Tenor
Nathan Granner is a world-renowned leading tenor, headliner, solo and collaborative artist, specializing in Contemporary Opera and late Bel-Canto repertoire. The San Francisco Chronicle recently described Mr. Granner’s singing as possessing a "sinewy, ringing tone; splendidly flexible" and the San Francisco Classical Voice extolled "tons of squillo on his top notes, his honeyed tone, and his sensitive dynamic choices..." Nathan has created numerous characters in world premiere operas including the role of Korey Wise in Anthony Davis' Pulitzer Prize winning "The Central Park Five," the title character in Stewart Copeland’s "The Invention of Morel" for Chicago Opera Theater and Long Beach Opera and the role of Aubrey Wells in Laura Kaminsky's newest opera Today it Rains with Opera Paralléle. Not to be undone by Covid19, Mr. Granner has used his skills as a producing artist to create a multitude of video performances for a number of different organizations, including "Sing Out Loud" a web series for LA Opera’s Connects division (with his wife, soprano Jamie Chamberlin) has led to a passel of new fans and will be returning for another season. Stay tuned for a LOT more. Granner's work as a recording artist (with Sony Classical, as a founding member of The American Tenors), netted a top five on the Billboard Classical-Crossover charts and as a headliner has sent him touring across the nation and into the EU and Russia.
Kevin Korth
Pianist
As an in-demand recitalist and coach, pianist Kevin Korth has collaborated with such legendary artists as Frederica von Stade, Isabel Leonard, Jake Heggie, Nadine Sierra, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Sasha Cooke, John Holiday, Lise Lindstrom, Joel Krosnick, and Deborah Voigt. Praised by Gramophone for playing that is “superb”, and “full of color and character,” his debut album, Out of the Shadows, a recording of American art song with soprano Lisa Delan and cellist Matt Haimovitz on the Pentatone Classics label was warmly received. Reflecting his being in demand as an interpreter of contemporary work, the album features premieres by Jack Perla, Gordon Getty, and David Garner, in addition to previously unrecorded works by Norman Dello Joio and John Kander. His latest recordings include an album of Robinson Jeffers settings by composer Christopher Anderson-Bazzoli with mezzo-soprano Buffy Baggott for the Delos label, and an album of songs by composer David Conte for the Arsis label. Recent recital engagements include recitals with mezzo-sopranos Catherine Cook and Susanne Mentzer, baritone Matthew Worth and soprano Rhoslyn Jones. Mr. Korth currently holds a position on the vocal coaching faculty at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Craig Schulz
"Glitter Games" Guest Judge
Craig Schulz was the chief pilot for Charles Schulz’ Woodstock Aviation. He now oversees the Peanuts business, and is one of the screen writers and producers of the 2015 Peanuts movie. He is now writing and executive producing Peanuts short films for Apple TV plus that are premiering this year.
Billy Ray Chubbs
"Glitter Games" Guest Judge
For 18 years, Billy Ray has worked with Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic, wearing the motion capture suit to play characters such as the Hulk in the Avengers movies, Megatron in all of the Transformer films, Shredder in the Ninja Turtles movie. Thanos in the Final Endgame, Kong in the recent Kong movies, he fights Godzilla Storm Troopers Orcs in the Warcraft movie, and a few characters in the Fortnite franchise.
Eric Harryman
"Glitter Games" Live Host
After more than a decade of chasing TV news all over the country, it’s home sweet home! I’m a Northern California kid, born and raised in Santa Rosa; so covering what’s happening in the Sacramento area is as close to ‘home’ as possible. Working in live TV is one of those careers that requires passion to do it right. I’d like to think I’m a pretty easy going guy, but when big news happens, that sort of goes out the window and that’s what I love most about what I do. Our job is to figure out what’s important and most impactful to the most people and report it in a responsible way; it’s a challenge every day and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.
Jamie Chamberlin
Soprano
Jamie Chamberlin Granner is a critically acclaimed soprano, producing artist and master teacher. She holds both BA and Master of Music Degrees from The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, where she now serves as Lecturer in Vocal Technique. Recognized in the contemporary opera world for her 2015 portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in the US premiere of Gavin Bryars’ jazz-noir opera, Marilyn Forever, Jamie has specialized in new music and crossover throughout her nearly 20 year career. A vibrant figure in the LA fine arts scene, Jamie has had the opportunity to work closely with a diverse line up of creatives, ranging from rock legend Stewart Copeland, to opera luminary Placido Domingo. No stranger to the recording studio, Jamie’s voice is featured prominently on several albums and soundtracks, including LA Opera’s Grammy winning recording of The Ghosts of Versailles, and as soloist in the epic water ballet scene in the Coen Bros. 2016 film Hail Caesar!, which was recorded at the legendary Barbra Streisand Scoring Stage at Sony Studios. Jamie has also developed, performed and taught educational arts programs in venues throughout California, including as a Teaching Artist for LA Opera, LA Phil, Orange County Opera, and The Steinway Society. Together with husband, renowned tenor Nathan Granner, Jamie exemplifies a modern and multi-disciplinary approach to artistic fulfillment. The couple stars in and co-produced the award winning short opera film The Telephone which was conceived and created during 2020. Self-producing art helped the couple thrive creatively during the global pandemic, when so many artists were forced to wait for venues to open up again. In addition to countless live streams and recorded concerts, Jamie and Nathan also had the opportunity to produce a 15 episode children’s web series for LA Opera (Sing Out Loud!) entirely while quarantined at home.
Linden Waddell
Guest Vocalist
Linden Waddell is a renowned actress, singer, writer and producer. She has performed in over 50 musicals and operas throughout the Golden State and has played supporting roles in several feature films. Linden has originated multiple award winning roles and has played many leading roles in musicals such as CATS at the Shubert Theatre, Kate in The Pirates of Penzance.
Karen Kresge
"Glitter Games" Guest Judge
In a world of professional ice shows, Karen Kresge‘s reputation for excellence is unmatched. A skating superstar in her own right as a headliner, starting alongside Peggy Fleming with Ice Follies for a decade, she successfully translated her training and talent into the roles of choreographer, director and producer of spectacular ice shows.
Taylor Williamson
"Glitter Games" Live Host
Taylor Williamson is an American stand-up comic and actor. He is known for finishing as the runner-up on the eighth season of America's Got Talent and as a semi-finalist on Last Comic Standing.
Ginger Beavers
"Glitter Games" Guest Judge
Ginger Beavers lived and worked at the American Embassy in Moscow after earning her BA in Russian. After many years of teaching Theater Arts, she returned to the University of Tennessee and earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting. While teaching Theater Arts at El Molino High School she appeared at the Raven as Rose in GYPSY. She has been Music Director at 6 th Street Playhouse for many productions including SWEENEY TODD, OLIVER!, GUYS AND DOLLS, WEST SIDE STORY, LA CAGE, WHITE CHRISTMAS and CHARLIE BROWN. She was seen on stage at 6 th Street as Fraulein Schneider in CABARET, Dottie Otley in NOISES OFF, Madame Armfeldt in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and The Suspects in MURDER FOR TWO. She sings and plays weekly at Tonti Family Wines Tasting Room in Windsor.