- Musical Director, Arranger, Piano

Aaron Price

Aaron has been making music in Asheville since 1997. Aaron started ear training in the crib, listening to his mother teach piano in Quincy, Illinois.He started playing piano shortly thereafter and he hasn't looked back! His musical journey brought him through Boone, NC where he played in the Appalachian State University jazz band and began writing songs. After college Aaron moved to Asheville where he formed Vendetta and The Nines and opened Collapseable Recording Studio. He directed music for productions of Hedwig And The Angry Inch, Hair, The Who's Tommy, and other shows. He has taught at Asheville Community Theater's Tanglewood summer camp and today works with children in the Asheville Symphony's MusicWorks program at Hall Fletcher Elementary. He serves as Music Director at West Asheville Presbyterian Church and has two children. Aaron plays music with numerous musical groups around Asheville and is excited to bring you the music for the Carolina Christmas Show!

 - Singer

Greg Varney

Greg – unsure himself if he sang first or talked first – doesn't remember a time when his life didn't include music.  Drawn toward the arts and inspiration, he found himself in community theater musicals, church performances, piano and painting lessons, state choruses, writing competitions, songwriting, playing and singing on worship albums, and majoring in music at UNC-Asheville.  For most of the 20+ years he's lived here, he could be found serving and leading in a variety of ways on the worship teams at The Rock Church.  All along the adult part of the journey – and honestly the best part of it – his college sweetheart, Jessica, agreed to become his bride. While preparing for his second year in the Carolina Christmas Show, they can also be found making seasonal memories with their two delightful daughters, Margot and Nora.

- Singer

Jeanie Grindstaff

Jeanie is an accomplished vocalist, pianist, actor, and songwriter who has spent the last 17 years building a successful career in Music City. After releasing her independent EP, Azalea Lane Jeanie began working as a session musician in Nashville. From there, she spent several years working on the ABC hit tv drama, Nashville. Jeanie has worked with Dolly Parton, Lady Gaga, esteemed director, Joseph Kahn, and has recorded with many artists including Brothers Osborne and Tyrone Wells. Among other projects, Jeanie appeared and sang in Burt Reynolds’ final film, The Last Movie Star and recently became the lead vocalist for Music City Scoring- a Nashville based film scoring orchestra owned and operated by multiple grammy award winning producer Neal Merrick Blackwood and his wife, Taryn Merrick Blackwood. Jeanie has performed on the 50th Annual CMA Awards with Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Kacey Musgraves, and Carrie Underwood (among others). In 2017 and 2018, she performed on Country Music Association’s Country Christmas with artists including Trisha Yearwood, Dan + Shay, Kelsea Ballerini, Dustin Lynch, and Amy Grant. Jeanie divides her time between Nashville and Black Mountain where she and her husband, Daniel (along with their dog, Bella) have a home. It is a joy for her to celebrate the birth of Jesus with y'all! Be sure to catch Jeanie again on ABC for this year's CMA Country Christmas!! 

Miguel Cancino

- Guitar

Miguel left Santiago, Chile to study guitar at the Los Angeles Music Academy in 2002.  Upon completion at this institution, Miguel headed to Music City…Nashville, Tennessee.  Miguel has been a full time musician since he stepped foot in Nashville.  With a love for music and travel, he was destined to be a touring musician.  He toured for 10 years with Natalie Stovall and The Drive, performing in Nashville, across the the US, and internationally on many stages, ranging from the legendary Grand Ole Opry, to helicopter landing pads on Navy Air Craft Carriers in the Red Sea.  In addition to performing, Miguel has also spent much time writing and recording in multiple Nashville studios.  On Sundays he plays in worship service at church. As his wife would tell you, he’s the busiest musician in Nashville - but Miguel finds time for his family. They have two daughters, Ella & Sol, and a son, Santiago. 

- Violin

Paola Manrique-Land

Paola is from Guayaquil, Ecuador and began studying the violin at age 6. By age 8, she was playing as a soloist with the Orchestra Sinfonica de Guayaquil and won the Ecuadorian National Competition at age 14. Later, she was offered a scholarship to study in the United States at the University of Louisville and received bachelors and masters degrees in music performance. While a student and after, Mrs. Manrique-Land has had the opportunity to perform with many great artists such as Smokey Robinson, Jerry Lewis, Josh Groban, Leann Womack, Amy Grant, Neil Sedaka, Kenny Rogers and Stevie Wonder. Paola’s other passion is teaching and serves as Director of Orchestral Activities for Bardstown City Schools in Bardstown, KY. She currently resides in Louisville, KY with her husband Reese Land and her two sons, Alex and Henry.

- Trumpet

Reese Land

Reese hails from Taylorsville, NC and serves as assistant professor of trumpet at the University of Louisville. An avid performer, he performs regularly in a large variety of venues as a soloist and with ensembles such as Orchestra Kentucky Bowling Green, the Brass Band of Louisville, the Louisville Brass, the Don Krekel Jazz Orchestra, and a host of others. He has performed with such artists as Doc Severinsen, Mannheim Steamroller, Neil Sedaka, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Kenny Rogers, The Temptations, Mary Wilson (of the Supremes), and Joshua Bell. A devoted clinician, Dr. Land has given frequent master classes to high school and university students around the United States, Brazil and Ecuador. He holds a B.A. music degree from Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, NC, a M. M. degree from the University of Louisville, KY, and a D.M.A. degree from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. He is married to Paola Manrique-Land and they have two sons, Alex and Henry.

Lilly is 13 years old and resides in Granite Falls, NC with her parents, brother, and 2 dogs. She is a returning cast member of The Carolina Christmas Show. Lilly is a competitive dancer at Debbie Huffman Dance Academy in Valdese, NC. She has 10 years of dance training in ballet, jazz, tap, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, and acrobatics. She has won numerous overall placements, special awards, scholarships, and titles in competitive dance. She has been a top 10 finalist in Carolina Dance Master's Miss Dance of NC title pageant for 5 years, placing in overalls and winning congeniality, tap, and interview awards. Lilly loves any opportunity to train outside her studio and attends master classes, conventions, and recently the North Carolina School of the Arts summer preparatory dance program. Lilly recently performed in the opera; Le Coeur De La Pucelle, “The Heart of the Maiden.” Lilly also loves to sing and is a member of her school's chorus program, advanced choir, and All County Honors Chorus. Lilly excels in academics as well and is in the Academically Gifted program and a member of Junior Beta Club. She is a Special Olympics volunteer and volunteers for various church outreach programs. Lilly has a passion for choreography and would love to become a professional performer and choreographer. Lilly is grateful for the opportunities Mario and Lucinda have given her to do what she loves.

Ryan Crabtree

- Bass

Ryan was born in Chattanooga, TN and moved to Asheville with his wife at the end of 2016. Raised by musicians, Ryan began as a clarinetist in his middle school band but later on switched to bass. He continued to play bass through college, attending the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where he graduated with his Bachelor of Music Education. In addition to his experience as a teacher, Ryan regularly tours around the region having performed over six hundred shows with more than fifty different artists in the southeast. 

- Singer

Ness Nowik

Ness is extremely excited to be performing in her very first MARLUMOR production! Since childhood, Ness has always had a love and deep appreciation for the performing arts. Growing up in Jersey City, New Jersey with NYC just across the river, Ness frequented Broadway shows and dreamed of one day becoming a performer just like her Broadway favorites! Her love of musical theatre continued when she moved with her family to Durham, North Carolina, and appeared in her local high school productions of Seussical the Musical as Gertrude McFuzz and in Grease as Marty Maraschino. In 2013 Ness moved to Asheville to attend UNCA and joined the University’s choral ensemble as an elective. By 2015, Ness had performed with the Asheville Singers in several concerts, including two performances at the White House in Washington, DC. Ness made her debut in local theatre at the Asheville Community Theatre in 2018 as Christmas Eve in their production of Avenue Q. Ness also enjoys bringing smiles and magic to children’s parties as Song Sealed Delivered’s Island Warrior Princess. Ness is beyond thrilled to share the joys of this season with you all! Thanks Mom, Dad, Cody, and my dearest friends for your unwavering love and support.  

- Drums

Kent Spillman

Kent has been playing drums for 20 years and performing for 18 of those years. In high school he was Drum Captain in the marching band and principal percussionist in wind ensemble.  While in high school Kent studied under Hank Dempsey (former touring drummer with Dizzy Gillespie).  He went on to study percussion for a number of years at Appalachian State University, studying with Dr. Robert Falvo and performing in many of the ensembles where he picked up the Tabla, a classical set of drums from India. Kent furthered his study of Tabla and North Indian Hindustani under Wiley Sykes, the principal percussionist of the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra.  Kent currently lives in Asheville and works as a musician in multiple bands in the Asheville area as well as teaching lessons at Musician’s Workshop. Kent is a passionate and skilled drummer, having shared the stage with many talented musicians, most notably Reese Wynans (organist for Stevie Ray Vaughn) and Joey Williams (guitar player for Ben Harper, Blind Boys of Alabama). With his 18 years of experience at his side, Kent is versatile and knowledgeable at a variety of techniques and styles necessary for a long professional career in music.

- Singer

Tiffanie Boone

Tiffanie is thrilled to be a part of this year's Carolina Christmas Show. She has been performing in WNC and Virginia over the past several years. Locally, she has been in productions at Asheville Community Theatre, Haywood Arts Regional Theatre, Magnetic Theatre, and at the Masonic Temple. She can’t wait for you to sing along with her to some holiday classics. Tiffanie would like to thank her family for their love and support of her passion for the arts. Merry Christmas to all!  

- Dancer

Melvin AC Howell

Melvin grew up in Morganton, NC and began dancing at the age of four. He has been transforming and molding lives while evolving the art of dance for over 13 years. An internationally cultured choreographer and creative director, his approach is his purpose, “Spread positivity, encouragement, and guidance through dance. The positivity movement.” With a background in fitness, art, and many different cultural styles of dance, Melvin brings a unique vision to the world that is dance. His visionary style and technique promotes growth physically and mentally, encouraging a strengthened body, foundation, and creative capacity. As a movement expert and master instructor in Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz Funk, and Freestyle; Melvin emits a genuine uplifting abundance of positive energy and inspiration. His performance and choreography credits include the Harlem Globetrotters Halftime Show and the Ingles Christmas Flashmob, and he is an instructor at multiple dance studios across western North Carolina. He is also the director of Hazard Dance Academy, a non-profit dance company in Asheville. With dance serving as the primary purpose in his life, Melvin not only touches at the center of what inspires people to move; the desire to create, to feel, to connect, to speak without words. Moreover, Melvin focuses on the core of the human desire for motivation, support, inspiration, and love. It is his mission, his passion, his life goal, to change people’s lives for the better. thepositivitymovementofmhowell.com

- Singer Dancer

Bella Redd

Bella is 8 years old and a 3rd grader at North Canton Elementary School.  She is the daughter of Jessica Igwe and Mark Redd.  She has been singing and dancing since she was 2 years old.  She has been involved with MusicWorks under the instruction of Sarah Jane Blackburn and Lynne Meyer.  She has performed in many recitals and musical theater shows at MusicWorks, including Aladdin Jr. and Beauty and the Beast Jr. , where she was cast in the role of Chip.  She began participating in Voices in the Laurel Children's Choir under the direction of Martha Brown in August 2019.  She is a member of Central United Methodist Church where she participates in the children's choir under the instruction of Rebecca Caldwell. Bella has been listening to Christmas music this year since September.  She is very excited to participate in this show and share her talent with everyone.  

- Dancer

Lesley-Ann Land

Lesley-Ann grew up in Taylorsville, NC and started dancing at the age of five. A former student at Ann Freeman Dance Academy in Hickory, NC, her training included 10 years of ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, and hip hop dance. During high school, she performed as a singer/dancer in multiple musicals including South Pacific, High School Musical, and Cinderella. In addition to her love of the performing arts, she enjoys traveling the world with her fiance’, spending time with her family, and jumping into any Zumba or Barre class she can! She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies from the University of NC at Wilmington and is now a Business Development Representative for the Security and Networking team at SYNNEX Corporation in Greenville, South Carolina. Christmas is Lesley-Ann’s favorite holiday, and performing in the Carolina Christmas Show is her favorite way to kick off the holiday season!  

- Dancer

Jazmin Muniz

Jazmin is 12 years old. Jazzy is a 7th grader at Flat Rock Middle School. She has 4 siblings; Shaienne, Erik, Mia and her twin brother, Jonny. She has been dancing at Pat's School of Dance in Hendersonville, NC since she was 3 years old. She has trained in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical and hip-hop. Her favorite style of dance is hip-hop. She has been in the performing arts troupe for 5 years. She has competed regionally and nationally, winning numerous special awards. She was Miss Junior DEA Atlanta 2019. She has also performed in the 2018 Holiday Bowl Half Time Show in San Diego. Her other credits include dancing at Walt Disney World Florida in 2017 and on Carnival Cruise Lines in 2016 and 2018. Jazmin is excited to be performing in the Carolina Christmas Show and looks forward to continuing the tradition in the years to come.

- Dancer

Marlee Kerestes

Marlee has been dancing for 11 years.  She enjoys tap, jazz, and contemporary. She currently dances competitively at Art of Dance Studio in Flat Rock. She is a freshman at TC Roberson High School. When Marlee isn’t dancing, she enjoys having fun with her friends and family and traveling to new places.

- Lighting Designer

Casey Clennon

Casey recently graduated from UNC-Asheville with a BA in Drama. She studied and worked in multiple aspects of theatre, including lighting, sound, scenic painting, and acting. Most recently, she designed the lighting for WNC Dance Academy's spring recital. She is extremely grateful for the opportunity to work on the Carolina Christmas Show and looks forward to making it the best it can be.   

- Singer/Dancer

Kassidy Webb

Kassidy is a 12 year old middle schooler at Valley Springs in Arden, NC. This is Kassidy's second year in the Carolina Christmas Show! Kassidy was born in Richmond, Virginia and moved with her family to North Carolina when she was 2 years old. She lives with her mom, dad, sister, brother, sister-in-law, and 5 pets. Kassidy started singing the moment she started talking. She began playing instruments when she was in 3rd grade, and now plays the ukulele, guitar, piano, and cello. Kassidy has performed in many musicals including The Music Man and Cinderella, both under the direction of Alesia Baker and Sarah Leary. Other credits include Aladdin, Jr. and Willy Wonka, Jr. under the direction of Lori Hillard and Christy Woppman. Kassidy has studied dance at Center Stage, Mrs. Donna's Dance Academy, and Celia's Dance Academy. Kassidy has always loved the arts in every way, and she can't wait to perform for you at the Carolina Christmas Show!

 - Saxophone

Jonathan Cole 

Jonathan lives in Asheville and has been playing saxophone for 35 years. Originally from NYC, he studied jazz performance at City College of New York. While at City College, he studied with John Pattituchi, Mike Holober and Scott Reeves, among others. He also spent time in Philadelphia playing in the nationally-acclaimed jazz fusion hip-hop musical group Fathead.Fathead shared stages with artists including Maceo Parker, The Roots, Weezer, Parliament, George Clinton, Karl Denson, and Galactic. Jonathan studied jazz theory with the late “The Maestro” Denis Sandole, who inspired the revolutionary theoretical concepts of saxophonists John Coltrane, Michael Brecker, Rob Brown, and Bobby Zankel; pianists Matthew Shipp and Sumi Tonooka; guitarists Jim Hall, and Pat Martino, and many other musicians such as Rufus Harley, Bob deVos and Frank Gerrard. Currently, Jonathan tours with the funk band Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band and Dirty Logic, a 10-piece Steely Dan Tribute. He also works or plays with many bands in the Asheville area including The Fritz, The Digs, and two Chase brother's franchises; James Brown Dance Party and A Family Affair . Jonathan is also involved with The Big Ol' Nasty Getdown, a collective of over 60 musicians from around the world featuring members of: Earth, Wind & Fire, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Sly & The Family Stone, Living Colour, Taylor Dayne, Derek Trucks Band, James Brown Band, Fishbone, John Mayer Band, Trulio Disgracias, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, The Meters, Galactic, Dumpstaphunk, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Kool and the Gang, Mudvayne, Bill Wither’s Band, & Karl Denson's Tiny Universe. When not playing saxophone, Jonathan also does 3D rendering and animation, trades cryptocurrencies, climbs rocks, and eats his greens. 

- Dancer

Heidi Kulas

Heidi grew up dancing with three generations of her family from Greenville, Michigan. She has achieved national recognition competing, performing, touring and teaching Clogging, Irish Step Dance (popularized by Riverdance), Rhythm Tap, and both traditional and contemporary forms of percussive dance including gumboot and body percussion. She received a Michigan Dance Heritage Fellowship moving her to Maryland to join the international touring company, FOOTWORKS Percussive Dance Ensemble as a Principal Dancer and Co-Choreographer. Heidi has toured around the world as a Guest Dancer with many professional and Grammy winning recording artists including Nickel Creek, Lunasa, Balsam Range, Uncle Earl (starring in their music video Streak O’ Lean, Streak O’ Fat) and Eileen Ivers just to name a few. She holds a B.A. in Theatrical Arts from Mars Hill University in North Carolina where she also served as the Dance Captain and a Choreographer for the now 27-time National Champions the Bailey Mountain Cloggers. She is a proud member of the All American Clogging Team. Most recently, Heidi was a featured clogger, dance captain and performer in several shows with the Fee/Hedrick Family Entertainment Co. in Pigeon Forge, TN. She continues to perform in Pigeon Forge.