The Funky Divas Of Gospel: News

After 5 years of anchoring the band, drummer Charlie Daniels has left the Divas to take a break from music. He has been replaced by Jill Robinson.

Jill Robinson began her musical studies with the guitar at age seven. Jill played the guitar, bass guitar, trumpet, and euphonium in jazz ensembles, orchestra, and musical theater in high school and college. She began playing the drums seven years ago and has played with The Island Tones Steel Drum Band, The Crab Shack Band, and the Celtic alternative band Molassez. Jill studied drums with Jose’ Duque and is influenced by Mitch Mitchell, Antonio Sanchez, Cindy Blackman, Tony Williams, Stanton Moore and Jojo Mayer. When she is not playing drums, her interests include skiing, writing, yoga, hockey, and cooking.

Jill lives with her husband and two daughters in Durham, NH.

After more than a dozen annual fall concerts at South Church Portsmouth, the Divas are moving to The Pearl, 72 Pearl Street, Portsmouth. Special guest The Pitches - six extraordinary women singing accapella (and led by the Divas Vicky Avery).

We're looking forward to it - it's more intimate. Watch for more information on this as well as our New Years Eve concert with The Jeannie Daniels Band.

Dave Brown has joined the Funky Divas Of Gospel as Vocal Director. He will also be playing piano and organ along with Band Leader, Barbara Whitney.

Dave grew up in the Bay Area of California. His musical career began with piano lessons at the age of 7, playing drums in the local church at the age of 9. By the age of 17 he played piano and organ at his father’s church In Union City, Ca. In 1979 he was band director for 8 years in a band called “The Coalition".

He attended Holy Names University in Oakland, California where he studied liturgical music for 2 years; he was also captain of the basketball team.

Other experiences include being Director of Music for several churches throughout California. In 1994 he moved to New Jersey and became organist at the Sharon Baptist church and staff musician at the Queenship of Mary Catholic Church. In 1997 he moved to New Hampshire and played in several local churches. In 2000 he recorded with the Concord Chorale Community Choir of Concord New Hampshire, this led to a position as staff musician with the St. Paul’s Prep Gospel Choir.

Dave enjoys sharing his gift whether it be at church, a club, wedding or a party. He just loves to play.

He lives in Tilton, NH with his wife Michelle and children.

"We are thrilled to have Dave in the group" says, Executive Producer, Jim White. "Look at his resume - who wouldn't be excited. His energy, sense of humor, passion for gospel music and enthusiasm are infectious. Audiences will love him."