I culminated 2024 with a concert - The First Annual Castella & Friends Christmas Show!! So much has happened! I won my first Indie Soul Award - Soul Cafe Radio (Jazz song of the year with I SawYou feat. Marqueal Jordan) performed at the Newport Beach Jazz Festival with trumpeter Lin Rountree, performed at the Thornton Winery in Temecula with guitarist Lemek (met Jeffrey Osborne too!) attended The NAMM Show, FontanaBlack History Celebration Jazz Festival with Gail Jhonson & Jazz in Pink, Campus Jax for the Jack & Jill of America Inc, with Reggie Goodjoin, traveled to Atlanta to perform at The Velvet Note and St. James Live - Antoine Knight on saxophone was my featured artist, traveled to Virginia to perform for the brothers of Iota Phi Theta and with fellow artists R.L Walker (saxophone) & Christian DeMesones (bassist) at Melanin Magic, traveled to Washington DC to perform at the Women’s Songwriters Hall of Fame induction, had my own show Castella & Friends at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood and as part of the Concert Series in Chino Hills, performed at the City of Montebello Independence Day Spectacular - Corey Hogan joined me, traveled to San Diego to perform at Humphrey’s with Jarrod Armstrong, Koi Zen Cellars with Jesse Thompson, was the Special guest of Darryl Williams at his Jam Sessions and I was the featured guest at The Behind the Chalkboard in Long Beach.
I became a member of the Recording Academy and participated in Music Advocacy Day as a Captain, became a GrammyU mentor and submitted my single for Grammy consideration, I released my hit single, a cover of Nights over Egypt feat. Ragan Whiteside which hit number #1 in Canada (TeeRex Radio - Twice) Spain (SmoothJazz.club) Italy (Black Planet Radio -R&B - two consecutive weeks), Italy (Black Planet Radio - Smooth Jazz) USA (96.9 The Oasis - two consecutive weeks) and USA (STLSmoothJazz) the song also hit charts in the UK, peaking at #2 on the BCFM Soul Chart and the UK Soul chart and remained in the Top 30 for 12 weeks, the song is currently #2 on the Official Indie R&B Chart (Internet Broadcasters Alliance/Soul Cafe Radio - USA) and has held that position for nearly 5 weeks! I received my second nomination for Vocalist of the Year by Soul Tracks and I sang the National Anthem at the NCAA Semi Finals & Volleyball Championships, LA Galaxy Juneteenth Celebration as well as (Lift Every Voice & Sing), Long Beach Marathon, Grand Opening of a Bridge & Fire Station in Menifee, CA, Long Beach Turkey Trot and numerous times at CSULB for their sporting events. When I reflect upon the year, I smile - it was a great time! And I attended so many concerts supporting my fellow artists, but the true highlight was meeting Bassist Marcus Miller and having a conversation with him - hoping to meet him again!
What an amazing year we’ve had! Your support whether it’s been by liking a post, sharing a post, leaving me words of encouragement, downloading my music, coming to a show, booking me, sharing your stage, sharing my stage, buying a ticket, buying a CD, playing my music on your radio program, donating money to my campaign, interviewing me, or simply praying for me… whatever you have done, it has not gone unnoticed and I appreciate ALL of it! I will carry all of this positive energy into my future! We are looking forward to a wonderful 2025. I have such good vibes from so many! May God richly bless you and thanks again for all of your love and support!
