Born with music in their souls, these Tampa Bay-based sisters have a tenured history in performing arts. From tap and jazz to worship leadership, musical theater to music video production, the Stokes sisters have collective performance experience spanning every corner of the stage.
The vision Cristalyn and Clarissa share is to empower artists to use their unique talents to impact the world for good. Soul Sister Presents works to achieve this through their mission of providing high-quality development coaching and performance opportunities, while building confidence in every artist. The focus here is on creating a nurturing environment for artists to hone applicable life skills through performance development. Public speaking, interviewing, multitasking, problem-solving, flexibility, improvisation, communication, self-confidence, self-advocacy, understanding and harnessing the ability to both captivate and impact an audience are all skillsets used both on and off the stage.
The name “Soul Sister Presents” serves as a marquee to highlight their network of artists, services available, and future productions. With starry eyes fixed on making an impact through music, these Soul Sisters (and biological sisters) carry on a performance legacy ingrained in them since birth.
A well-known fact about these two powerhouse performers is that their “why,” their “who,” their “how,” all have one simple answer – their grandmother, Judy Bernard.
For over 50 years, the famed Miss Judy taught dance to thousands of students in the Tampa Bay area. Miss Judy’s concept was unique in that it was available to everyone. Where studios pushed exclusivity and elitism, she sought to eliminate those silos by bringing the studio experience to schools and rec centers for families who might not have otherwise had access. She encouraged inclusion by not discriminating on physical ability or past experience. She used dance to develop self-confidence in performers of all ages. She believed music was for everyone and she instilled that belief in her granddaughters, who would one day follow in her footsteps.
Miss Judy was the first person to put their little feet in tap shoes and on stage. The girls instantly fell in love with performing and those tiny tappers would soon go on to establish diverse expansive resumes.
Clarissa will serve as the “Chief Executive Sister” of Soul Sister Presents. In addition to overseeing all administrative business, Clarissa heads our vocal performance program. As a matter of fact, she was just in the booth today recording demos for our clients!
Cristalyn will serve as the “Chief Operating Sister” of Soul Sister Presents. In addition to directing our production department, Cristalyn is our resident “ear,” producing all musical arrangements and edits. Here’s a peek of our boss babe in the editing suite working hard on client projects!
Interested in a class, booking talent, or more information on Soul Sister Presents? Fill out the form, call us at 813-395-3612 or email us at [email protected]!
Follow Us On Social!
