Satori Shakoor is a dynamic storyteller, multi-disciplinary artist, and accomplished social entrepreneur, recognized as a 2017 Kresge Literary Arts Fellow. Her career began with acclaim as a background singer and recording artist, touring with George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic as one of the iconic Brides of Funkenstein. She later broadened her artistic pursuits, becoming an actor, comedienne, and television comedy writer.

As a founding member and catalyst for the award-winning Obsidian Theatre Company in Toronto, Satori helped establish Canada’s leading culturally diverse theatre company in 1999. Her journey into storytelling began in 2011, where she quickly rose as a Moth Mainstage storyteller and host, captivating audiences on global stages, as well as on PBS, NPR, and acclaimed podcasts. Satori is the host for Detroit Performs Live for Detroit PBS. In 2024, she had the honor to emcee the Kresge Centennial Event where President Barack Obama gave the keynote address.

In addition to her storytelling achievements, Satori is the Executive Producer of the award-winning The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers, a platform she founded in 2012 in Detroit. This internationally recognized initiative has a mission to connect humanity, heal and transform communities, and deliver uplifting, thought-provoking, and soul-enriching entertainment through the art and craft of storytelling.

A lifelong learner, Satori holds a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Wayne State University, complemented by studies in Music Performance at Michigan State University and Dramatic Arts at the University of Hawaii (Manoa). She honed her comedic and improvisation skills at The Groundlings in Los Angeles and Second City Toronto.

Cheryl A. James has provided personal assistance and management to artists and performers for over 40 years, including Janet Leigh, Tony Curtis, Sammy Davis, Jr., Lucille Ball and George C. Scott on various projects in her early career. She worked for Thang, Inc., providing road and entertainment management to recording and touring artists George Clinton, Parliament-Funkadelic, Parlet and The Brides of Funkenstein.

Cheryl has worked for SEMTA, where she was a Company Officer for the Board of Directors. Cheryl was the Director of Public Relations for Rubison Odyssey House, where she communicated with various media around issues of substance abuse and incarceration. She has worked for over 20 years with the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Michigan Department of Corrections. Currently, Cheryl is the Production Manager for The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers where she manages all aspects of its live productions.

In his 55-year career, David Lee worked as a professional musician, composer, arranger, producer and engineer for an interesting mix of internationally known artists including George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic and Bootsy Collins (as David Lee Chong), Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Jeffrey Osborne and Peabo Bryson, among many others.

David has also composed many songs, the most famous being “Atomic Dog” with George Clinton & Garry Shider, which has the distinction of being one of the most sampled songs in the industry, most notably, by Snoop Dogg in, “What’s My Name,” a multimillion seller.

From 19993 through 2008, David also had his own band based in Detroit called, “D. Lee and The Edge.” David’s latest musical endeavor was working with guitarist, Earl Klugh, from 1993-2023, releasing an album, “The Spice Of Life,” that was nominated for a 2008 Grammy Award.

Raised in Detroit, David majored in music at Oakland University.

Kevin Saunderson, a platinum-selling artist and one of the “Belleville Three,” helped shape the sound of electronic music with his work in Detroit, particularly through his group, Inner City. Known for hits like “Big Fun” and “Good Life,” Inner City sold over six million records worldwide, and Saunderson’s influence on dance music is undeniable. His nickname “The Elevator” reflects his role in bringing Detroit’s sound to the world. Over the past 35 years, Saunderson has continued to innovate, both as a DJ and through his live performances, solidifying his legacy in music culture.