The Ladies of Simone

Known as the “Dramatic Desertress”, Sarah is the CEO of her own dessert company, The Candy Girls Gourmet Sweets. Ja’Nia Harden (Nina #2) Ja’Nia Harden is a gifted music artist, educator and author of the children’s book Fat Cat Caterpillar whose stunning voice encompasses genres of music such as jazz, R&B, pop, gospel and more. Ja’Nia is a proud alumnus of FAMU and was cast in the South Florida premiere of the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center’s musical, Simply Simone – The Music of Nina Simone as Nina #2 – The Singer.

Ja’Nia brilliantly portrayed Nina Simone on the verge of success, optimistic yet cautious. Her amazing performance displayed a Nina Simone burned by the music business leaving her a little gun shy but maintaining her deepest pleasure in music. As the daughter of legendary WLRN jazz radio personality Len Pace, Ja’Nia’s roots in Jazz music runs deep.

In addition, Ja’Nia has opened for music artist Lahla Hathaway and joins her husband John as a creator and member of The Harden Project, a soul-stirring, emotion-provoking and sonically pleasing band whose music features Jazz Fusion, Funk, Soul, and an array of other music genres. Deana Butler-Rahming (Nina #3) Deana Butler-Rahming is a renowned South Florida vocalist and actress whose performances have brought audiences to their feet with joy. Her performance in the South Florida premiere of the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center’s musical, Simply Simone – The Music of Nina Simone featured Deana in the role of Nina #4 showcasing Nina Simone in the later years of her career as a wise, yet jaded woman.

Deana’s incredible performance of Nina Simone displayed an iconic figure who has seen the way of the world and chose to reject it, rather than continue to live amongst hypocrisy and hatred. She speaks her mind bluntly and doesn’t care who takes offense. Deana has starred in numerous productions including Ain’t Misbehavin’, Storyville, Zooman and the Sign, My Shattered Soul, CloZet Confession, as well as a sought-after vocal artist who is asked to perform regularly.

Deana was recognized by the Miami-Dade Gospel Alliance of Music Professionals as a Legend in South Florida gospel music performance. BAND MEMBERS John Harden, II (Piano) Sergo Zavela (Guitar) Charlemagne Sands (Bass) Donald Thomas (Drums) TICKETS