Meet The Jewel Tones
Meet
Cheryse McLeod Lewis
Bringing Carolina sass to the Pacific Northwest, Cheryse McLeod Lewis is a Greensboro, NC native who was raised on fabulous Motown music and hot Krispy Kreme doughnuts!
As the founder and executive producer of The Jewel Tones, Cheryse loves performing for Motown fans of all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. She primarily sings Alto/Jewel 3 but sometimes also swings the Soprano 1/Jewel 1 part.
Random Fun Fact: Cheryse is also a professional opera singer who once performed on the 1st National Broadway Tour of The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess.
Meet
Nalica
Hennings
Born and raised in Seattle, Nalica Hennings has been in college in Bellingham for the past 5 years and is so excited to bring her voice back to her home town. When she is not singing musical theatre or opera, Nalica loves to show off her soulful side singing Motown. She also works at a winery in Woodinville so if you need any wine recommendations, she's your gal. Nalica sings Soprano 2/Jewel 2 in the trio.
Random Fun Fact: When Nalica is not singing Motown with THE JEWEL TONES, you can find her performing as your favorite Disney Princess Tiana or singing musical theatre with her Broadway band.
Meet
Rachel Nofziger
Rachel Nofziger is thrilled and honored to be living her childhood dream of singing soulful, bold jams with other strong women.
Seattle is her home and she revels in bringing history, joy, and community to life through Motown-inspired shows. Rachel sings Soprano 1/Jewel 1 in the trio.
Random Fun Fact: When not singing opera or Motown, Rachel is a mother of three, a nurse, and an urban farmer.
Meet
Sarah Tweet
Born and raised in a small town in the foothills of Mt. Rainier, Sarah Tweet is a Pacific Northwest gal through and through. She loves the natural beauty of the Puget Sound and now calls Gig Harbor home. In her youth, Sarah spent time honing her soulful voice singing in church, vocal jazz ensembles and, of course, belting into a hairbrush in her bedroom. Sarah sings Alto/Jewel 3 in the trio.
Random Fun Fact: When Sarah is not teaching at her voice studio, performing or hanging with her 3 kids, she will either be found at the gym getting sweaty and throwing around heavy weights, on her sofa crocheting or chasing her Dalmatian down the beach.
Meet
Maria Mannisto
Born and raised in the Seattle area by Finnish parents, Maria Mannisto is now delighted to call Port Orchard her home. When she's not tending to her 10-acre property (and budding gardening addiction), you can find her on stage with many of Seattle's leading orchestras and ensembles. Maria is absolutely thrilled to sing Soprano 1/Jewel 1 with THE JEWEL TONES.
Random Fun Fact: Maria is a dog-lover, yoga teacher and avid backpacker. She is fluent is Finnish and Swedish and loves to visit her family's cottage in Finland.
Meet
Darelle
Holden
Darelle Holden is a Seattle native, comes from a family of musicians and grew up listening to Motown! Darelle has toured the world as a professional background singer working with Tom Jones, Stevie Wonder (in Seattle) and many others. She is thrilled to be singing with likeminded, Motown-loving Jewels. Darelle sings Soprano 2/Jewel 2 in the trio.
Random Fun Fact: Darelle has two kitties Nibbles and Mugs. When she is not teaching voice or singing with THE JEWEL TONES, you can see her singing around town with her other bands performing original, jazz-infused Neo Soul. Oh, and if you look closely, you can see her in the movie, "Mars Attacks."
Meet
Caitlin Sarwono
Born and raised in Redmond, WA, Caitlin is currently a senior at the University of Washington studying music education. She loves to sing and frequently performs in musicals with UW Stage Notes and Ballyhoo Theatre. Caitlin sings Soprano 2/Jewel 2 in the trio.
Random Fun Fact: Caitlin works as a music teacher and music director at the Redmond Academy of Theatre Arts in her spare time.
THE JEWEL TONES are a sparkling homage to the music of Motown, the definitive era of American artistry and soul. This all-female, Motown-inspired vocal trio performs all of the most popular Motown hits and always leaves audiences "dancin' in the street!" With lively choreography, dazzling costumes, amazing wigs and a glamorous style reminiscent of the great 1960s girl groups, the trio engages audiences with warmth and nostalgia and welcomes them back to a time when Diana Ross was queen and brilliant women
about
the jewel tones
ruled the stage. It doesn't get any better than this All-American, Motown playlist that includes hits by The Supremes, The Temptations, The Shirelles, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Martha & The Vandellas, The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, The Ronettes and many more. Audiences love singing along with all of these fantastic songs that have stood the test of time.
Please follow THE JEWEL TONES on Instagram and Facebook @MotownJewelTones and subscribe to our email list at the "Join Our List" link at the bottom of this page to stay informed about all of our upcoming public events!
DID
YOU
KNOW?
The word Motown is short for its Detroit birthplace, AKA "Motor Town".
