Kenneth Haney, General Superintendent, UPCI
Guest Speaker

Laird Sillimon
TTCM Host

Laird was born and raised in Louisiana. For over 13 years he worked full time in the music ministry in Maryland under Pastor Libby. In 2001 Laird and his family relocated to California were he is the minister of music at Christian Life Center's Mega church, under Pastor Nathaniel Haney.

Laird has over 28 years of extensive Music Ministry experience. In addition to his full time music ministry, he currently is Stockton Christian School High School's Mathematician and an instructor at Christian Life College. Recently he served on the Music Commission Board of Directors for the United Pentecostal Church International. His education includes; B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Howard University, Washington, D.C.

As an accomplished songwriter he has seen his music recorded by NorCal, JCM, Pentecostals of Alexandria, Edwin Hawkins and more.

Eli Lopez
Daytime Speaker

Being raised in a Pastor's home and being a part of a musically gifted family, Cortt found his talent early in life. At the age of 14, due to the current music leader relocating, Cortt was made Worship leader. Being such a young age and in such an important position, Cortt learned by the school of hard knocks. In the process of learning how to bring the presence of God into a service, Cortt realized that his gift was leading in Worship. Now 28 Cortt is married and has two daughters, he spent six years in the National Guard, a year and a half of that mobilized and in Iraq. While in Iraq Cortt continued to lead in Worship. No sound system, no great congregation to get behind him in Worship. Just him, his guitar and his God. Cortt is now a full-time evangelist with the United Pentecostal Church.

Tammy Trout

Born in the foothills of Burkesville, KY, Tammy Trout has been featured on many collaborations as well as solo projects. She has appeared on the “United Praise” DVD put out by Woodlawn, Inc. as well as had her music featured in the motion picture, “The Calling” released through Faith Films and Testimony Pictures.

Tammy and her choir were the featured choir at the Kennedy Center “Home Coming” series and featured in CCM Magazine with her release of “Watch Over”. Tammy has produced five solo projects during her career and has also been a “Dove Award” nominee. Tammy is the Music Director and Pastor’s wife for “The Pentecostals,” a growing church in Dover, Delaware. With her husband Anthony, Tammy is also a housewife and has been blessed with two sons, Ryan and Devin. In addition to her musical career, she is also an avid equestrian fan with her horse named Floyd. She jokingly refers to Floyd as the “other man” in her life.

Karen has been involved in Gospel Music as long as she can remember. At age 2 her parents gave her a quarter to stand on a chair and sing at her local church. At age 4 she started singing tenor with her 8 year old brother, Gary. She no longer needs the chair and is still singing.

Karen won the 2003 Exalting Him Talent Search, which landed her a record deal with the highly acclaimed Daywind Music Group with distribution by Word Entertainment.

Karen has been blessed to share the stage or sing on projects with some of the best in Gospel Music, The Gaither's, Mark Lowry, Michael English, The Isaacs, LordSong, Mike Bowling, Reba Rambo-McGuire, The Crabb Family, The McRaes, Nancy Grandquist, The McGruder's, Kurt Carr and many more.

Karen has toured England, Wales, France, Hawaii, The Caribbean, Jamaica, Mexico and Thailand. She has been to every state in the U.S. except Alaska.

She takes an active part in many Christian Single's, Music, and Women's Conferences around the globe every year.

Karen has been a part of numerous Gaither Homecoming Concerts across America. She was featured on the DVD Crabb Fest '04 and is an active part of Crabb Fest in Owensboro, KY. Karen also sings on Crabb Reunion and Remembering the Greats (a tribute to the great singers of Southern Gospel Music). Karen is one of the original artists of the popular A.Q.U.A Quartet Convention and DVD Series.

Karen is also a songwriter and Daywind Publishing is actively "pitching" her songs to various groups to record.

Murrell Ewing

Dedie Cooley

Dedie is the First Lady of Texas Bible College. She graduated from Jackson College of Ministries in 1986 where she later accepted the position of Dean of Music, and fulfilled that role until the spring of 1998. She is currently involved in conducting choir clinics across our movement. She and her husband, Rev. Bret Cooley, have a 5 year old daughter named Cherish and a 3 year old son named Hunter. Sis. Cooley teaches Organ, Piano, and Advanced Keyboarding. Sis Cooley also is the director of the TBC Ladies Sextet.

Randy Davenport

Music has always been an integral part of Randy's life.  Starting out playing the drums for his parent's church at the age of seven, then growing up playing drums and keyboard, Randy eventually became director over the musicians for "The Apostolic Church" in Pontiac, Michigan.  It was there that Randy met his lovely wife, Sherry and was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Amanda and Alyssa. As a producer/musician, Randy has produced and recorded a number of projects for many different artists covering a wide range of musical genres. As a singer/songwriter, Randy has personally recorded two solo projects and has been afforded the opportunity to minister across the U.S. and in other countries around the globe, touching many lives through music and song. Currently, Randy is serving as the Music Director of Christian Life Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

Dwayne is a graduate of Jackson College of Ministries with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Music.  Dwayne has over 20 years experience in the gospel field as well as directing and producing seasonal musicals, dinner theatres, music clinics and seminars. He has toured with many groups, including the Lanny Wolfe Trio, as well as directing many camp and conference choirs. For a number of years, Dwayne was a part-time instructor at Indiana Bible College. Dwayne is currently full time Minister of Music at the Pentecostals of Saraland. He and his wife, Diane, have one son, Ian.

Diane Horsley

Diane is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music-Jazz Performance degree. She has over 25 years experience in the gospel music field. She played not only for her home church, but traveled with the Mattoon Youth Choir for 19 years as they toured the United States and Europe ministering in song. For a number of years, Diane was a part-time instructor at Indiana Bible College. Diane is currently the Director of Instrumental Music at the Pentecostals of Saraland, a licensed Kindermusik Instructor and has her certificate in Grant Writing for Non-Profit organizations.  She and her husband, Dwayne, have one son, Ian.

Larry hardly remembers learning the guitar. He was shown his first chords when he was about 5 or 6 and it has been an evolving process since then. The years of playing guitar in church as a young boy and a teenager developed Larry's ability to play into more than a casual guitarist. Unfortunately at age 18 he took his ability to the night clubs and played there for ten years during which his life became almost destroyed by drugs, alcohol and a sinful lifestyle. In 1988 after 10 years away from God, Larry gave his heart and his ability back to God.

In 1989 he was invited to join the McGruders and spent the next 4 years with them touring around the country playing guitar. While with the McGruders Larry played guitar on "Come Fly With The McGruders" which produced a number 1 song in the Southern Gospel charts, "Going Home with Jesus.” Leaving the McGruders in 1992 was not an easy decision, but Larry felt the call of God in a different direction. During the last several years Larry's songwriting skills have developed and he writes all of his own material along with several songs that have been recorded by other artists as well. Larry travels full time to an average of 100 churches a year and when he is home he enjoys the company of his wife Debra of 19 years and his daughters Dominique and Courtney.

Nanci Holston

Nanci has served as the director of music for the First Church San Jose (The Pentecostals of San Jose) under both elder and younger Bro. Shoemake for the past 16 years. Nanci is the founder of an annual piano camp and Power2Power Musicians Workshop. She has a sincere burden for the music ministry and is a dynamic spiritual motivator. Those who know her well regard her as one of Christian music's best-kept secrets.

Nancy Grandquist’s testimony is a story that has taken her through the valley. A tribute to God’s great care and amazing love with an incredible ending. Nancy is a musical dynamo with a passionate message of God’s power, love and grace. She is a well respected and prolific songwriter whose songs honestly and powerfully shine the spotlight of God’s love and truth into the heart of the listener. Nancy’s songs have been sung in churches all over the world and and have been recorded by many well known artists such as Larnelle Harris, TRUTH, Stormie Omartian, Helen Baylor, Babbie Mason, and The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Performing worldwide, Nancy Grandquist has been called “one of the most prolific and gifted songwriters of our day.” Nancy travels the globe speaking at crusades both abroad and in the U.S. Her greatest inspiration is her family. Married to Pastor Richard M. for 33 years, Nancy has four children, two son-in-laws (Heidi & Chad got married 8/10/2002), 2 gorgeous grandchildren and one darling pug dog, “Tootsie.” Her husband Richard has pastored The Rock Church in the San Francisco Bay area for over 20 years.

Troy Vuyovich

Troy, born in Biloxi, MS, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Southern Mississippi. He is currently employed as a manager responsible for regulatory compliance and audits within the Information Technology environment for a large national defense contractor. Troy has served as Music Pastor for First Pentecostal Church of Biloxi for 23 years. In addition to his musical talents, he is recognized as an accomplished music transcriptionist with many scores published via the Ministers of Music Association, several music conferences and choir projects. His wife, Sharlyne, and two daughters, Shaina and Chloe, are active participants in the music department for their church.

Bassist extraordinaire Tommy has made major contributions to the gospel music industry for many years in the studio, on stage, and most importantly, in the church house. Tommy can be seen weekly at Christian Life Center Stockton, CA.

Tommy has worked with the following artists: Patty Austin, Narada Michael Walden, Oleta Adams, Carl Wheeler, Kevin Bond, Greg Philliganes, Stanley Jordan, Steven Roberts, Tone Hibbert, and more.

Timothy Freeman

Tim Freeman has been called the “Vince Gill” of gospel music (And his wife’s name is Amy!), but not to be locked into a country style, you’ll find his versatility compelling. From his own heart and pen came “The Other Side of Broken.” The voice reflects the sincerity of the man as the ballads on this project deliver their messages.

After growing up in Natchez, MS Tim moved to Alexandria, LA where he has been a vital member of the choir and music program at The Pentecostals of Alexandria. Tim and his wife Amy are both active worship leaders in the Pentecostals organization and Amy’s vocal talents can be heard as a featured soloist on the “Mighty God” project. Tim’s previous solo project, He Didn’t Leave Me, also reflects his timeless and matchless sense of style and delivery that reaches the heart of the listener. Tim’s alter ego, Harry Bunch, is one half of the unmistakable dynamic duo - Bunch & Breeze Ministries. If you ever hear Tim, you won’t believe he’s Harry Bunch. If you ever hear Harry Bunch, you won’t believe he’s Tim Freeman.

Gayleen Cantrell

Kevin was a Music Major at Montgomery College in Maryland from 2002-2004 before transferring to Christian Life College in Stockton, California. As a music major, he graduated with his Bachelors in May 2007. From 2001 - 2004 Kevin was the Youth Choir Director at Christian life Center in Gaithersburg, MD, under pastor Libby. Currently, Kevin is interning as an Associate Pastor, the Associate Minister of Music under Laird Sillimon, and the Outreach Street Evangelism Assistant at Christian Life Center in Stockton, CA under pastor Nathaniel Haney.

Tim Ramirez

Tim has been playing drums on an advanced level now for 12 years. He has recorded with numerous Gospel recording Artist such as CLC youth choir and Chorale, CLC College Choir, Myles Young, and has toured extensively with recording artist. Currently he assists with the Music program at Christian Life Center and its affiliates. Tim has received training in the field of percussion with highly profiled drummers today.

Valentin (Val) was born in Tucson, AZ. In November of 1990, Val and his wife, Laura moved to Stockton with their two children, Daniel and Angela. Val became involved in the CLC music department, learning and running live sound in 1991. Val then pursued an education at Christian Life College where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Music. Since that time, he has run sound for artisits such as Louisiana All State Choir, Vicky Yohe, Tremaine Hawkins and more. Val has 15 years experience in running live sound. He currently is a full time sound engineer for Christian Life Center and a sound technician for CLC's Studio One, using Pro-Tools.

Randy Coss

Randy is a percussionist/drummer for Christian Life Center in Stockton, California. Randy is a seasoned  musician and loves playing for the Lord. With so many talented drummers in our organization Randy saw a special need for percussion in the church music dept. so he  thought he'd give percussion a try. Percussion came very natural for Randy with his intensive background in music and his deep love for all styles of music. "Percussion comes from the heart and soul, its not read, it's felt."

Randy is a drum stick endorser for squarebeatdrumsticks.com and has toured and played professionally with, The Darrell Mansfieled Band, Rehma, Greg Barker & Hwy.61, and is currently working on other recording projects.

Kellye Fisher received her B.A. in Christian Music from Christian Life College. While in school she was very involved with the Music Department as the Administrative Assistant to the Music Director and traveled with the Chorale and with various small groups. After she graduated she continued working and traveling for the school as well as teaching Vocal Techniques and voice lessons. In 2005, Kellye graduated from Western Seminary with a Masters Degree in Marriage Family Therapy (MFT). She currently teaches voice, works with the International students at Christian Life College, Alpine Christian Counseling Center and school counselor for a private school in Lodi. She is also involved with the Singles Department, choir, and praise team of Christian Life Center.

Angela Sillimon

Angela Sillimon was born and raised in Louisiana. She and Rev. Laird Sillimon were married in 1985 and have two children, Laurynn and Tre. She became an integral part of the music ministry soon after their marriage while attending Christian Life Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The subsequent 13 years were spent working along side her husband as wife of the full time Music Minister. In 2001 she moved with her husband and family to Stockton, California where she continues to work along side her husband in the music department of Christian Life Center. In addition to the music department, Angie has become deeply involved in the Women's Ministry where she has been a speaker at CLC's Ladies Advance events. She is a blessing to Christian Life Center. Her enthusiasm in worship and praise is always an inspiration to everyone around her. She is a mentor to the young women and a great example of the Christian woman. She graduated from the University of Phoenix with her Bachelors Degree in Information Technology in 2004.

David Meintasis is originally from Stockton, CA and is an alumnus of WABC. He moved to Union City, CA in 1980 where he was the music/choir director from 1980-1985, and produced the Union City Gospel Chorale "Live" recording. David has provided music to the churches for many years, has directed several choirs, and was a clinician at the Nor-Cal Music Conference from 1992-1994. He enjoys teaching, mentoring and developing young musicians. Though David is known for his piano stylings and musicianship, he considers himself merely a student of music. David presently assists the CLC music department as organist.

Melissa Meeks

Melissa Meeks was born is Summerset, Pennsylvania. In 1993 she came to California to attend Christian Life College where she earned her Bachelors in Christian Music in 1997. While in school she began teaching piano lessons and voice lessons. After 13 years, she remains a piano teacher. Shortly after graduation, Melissa was married to a native Stocktonian, CLC Administrator, Rev. Harry Meeks. In 1999 Melissa became assistant Music Minister at Christian Life Center in Stockton, California where she served in that capacity until August of 2001. During that time she taught musicals at Stockton Christian School where her husband presently is principal. Melissa continues to play keyboards for Christian Life Center periodically and is very involved in the Ladies Advance events as a musician. In 2000 she became a mother for the first time to Caleb. Since then her family has been blessed with two additional boys, Gabriel and Jadon.

Sherrie and her husband Glen Woodward  have two boys, Dylan, 8, and Dawson, 1. She was born and raised in Stockton, California as daughter of Bishop and Mrs. K.F. Haney. As a talented singer and songwriter, Sherrie has produced and participated in many recording projects. Her passion is children's music and children's choirs. Presently she is children's choir director at Christian Life Center in Stockton, California. She currently serves on the staff of KYCC as the afternoon host on Stockton's gospel radio station.

Roger Coss Jr.

Born and raised at CLC, Roger Coss has been involved in music ministry since he was a young teenager. Currently finishing his Bachelor's degree in Jazz Piano Performance and Arranging at Sacramento State, he is actively involved in church music education at CLC and in the greater Stockton/Sacramento area. Because of the musical influence of primarily jazz and classical styles, he brings a fresh new approach to gospel and contemporary music. Roger has performed on stage with artists such as Mic Gillettte, Arturo Sandoval, Steve Smith, and Bobby Watson, as well as recorded with the Sacramento State Big Band and Vocal Jazz groups.