Her talent is undeniable. The vision of her is incomparable. Her spirit is unforgettable, and her sound is ever intoxicating. Combined with a powerful and masterful way of presenting a tale, a star is born. It is my ultimate pleasure to present to you artist Sister Phyliss Withe-Litaday, aka Joey McGuire.
Joey has performed as an opera singer, appearing with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Civic Opera Theatre of KC, and the Inspiration Point Fine Arts Colony. He spent much of that time perfecting his craft as a professional makeup artist, and at one time left performing life behind to work behind the scenes.
He has designed makeup and wigs for the Kansas City Lyric Opera, Coterie Children’s Theatre, Civic Opera Theatre of KC, Atlanta Ballet and the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance. He has also spent time as a trainer for MAC Cosmetics, and now holds the position of Program Development Manager for Sephora.
Joey likes to take performing opportunities as they come. He loves an open mic night at Martuni’s, or performing at various benefits and events around the city, sometimes as Joey and sometimes as Sister Phyliss Withe-Litaday. He told me, “I am very content with no longer being a professional musician, so that I can take whatever shows appeal to me.”
Born in Ashland, Kentucky, to parents Phyliss and Charles McGuire, Joey was meant to be a performer. His first experience with music came as a young boy riding in the car with his mother, singing together. Joey says, “I was a huge fan of Star Search, where singers got major applause if they hit any sort of high notes. I also was obsessed with The New Mickey Mouse Club in junior high school, and wanted desperately to audition, but was not allowed.”
In school in Waynesville, Missouri (“Go Tigers!”) Joey delved into music and was an active member in the concert choir, chamber choir and men’s choir. He even helped to teach music appreciation during summer school. As Joey puts it, “I was a true music nerd.”
He attended the University of Missouri Conservatory of Music. When asked what his most memorable memory in school was, Joey shares, “There are lots, from high school choir trips on very uncomfortable buses, to hours of rehearsals. But I think the moment that sticks out most was finishing my first major role in an opera, standing on stage and thinking, “Holy sh*t! I can actually do this.”
Joey currently is working on several projects. He is formulating a brilliant performance set for Easter in the Park with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and hopes to be a headliner on the main stage for this year’s SF Pride. Joey will also be a featured artist at the Gems of the Bay Concert Series taking place at Martuni’s, date TBA. You can learn more about Joey McGuire/Sister Phyliss Withe-Litaday at www.facebook.com/sisterphyliss.
Violinist Kippy Marks entertains audiences worldwide with his inspirational compositions and lively performances that draw from classical, jazz, blues and dance. http://www.kippy marks.us
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