A Night of Music, Joy, and Mental Health Advocacy

September 5, 2025 | 7:00 p.m.

Thank you for joining us for our 2nd Annual Utah Broadway cabaret, “Love as Liberation”, supporting BIPOC mental health initiatives and Suicide Prevention Month.

This event is organized by the Utah Center for Evidence Based Treatment and hosted by West Valley Performing Arts.

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Thank you to our event sponsors!

Thank you to Gathering for Impact and Eliza Chat for being sponsors of this event and for supporting BIPOC mental health in Utah 💜

 

GFI is an organization giving focus to the nonprofit and community work and passions that bring people together in unique gatherings to make collective impact. Their vibrant gatherings lift and assist with growth, learning, action, and progress with a feeling of collective effervescence.

Eliza Chat is a personal mental fitness coach powered by AI and backed by licensed therapists. Their goal is to help you strengthen your foundation, steady your mood, and show up stronger.

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Event organizer, Dr. Kimberly Applewhite, Licensed Clinical Psychologist at UCEBT

Our Beneficiaries

Funds raised from this event go toward our goal of $5000 for each of these Utah BIPOC mental health initiatives. Extra funds raised will go toward pro bono services at the Utah Center for Evidence Based Treatment (UCEBT).

GK Folks Foundation

GK Folks works with African immigrants and refugees in Utah. Funds raised will help them to host workshops focused on emotional wellness, trauma healing, stress management, and navigating cultural identity and mental health.

Funds raised will also support emergency mental health needs including urgent therapy sessions, transportation to appointments, or offering care packages to those in mental health crisis.

Learn more about GK Folks Foundation

The Nuanua Collective is a grassroots support group by and for LGBTQ+ Pacific Islanders in Salt Lake City.

Funds raised from this event go toward their offerings of mental health education, advocacy, and culturally grounded care where other resources have quietly disappeared.

Learn more about The Nuanua Collective 

In an effort to address and reduce the disparities within Utah’s mental health profession, the BIPOC Scholarship Fund financially supports BIPOC students aspiring to careers in psychology, aiming to cultivate a therapy workforce as diverse as the communities they aim to serve.

This initiative champions cultural competence and significantly enhances the effectiveness of mental health services across Utah by ensuring therapists can truly understand and connect with the individuals they help.

Learn more about Be Better Utah – BIPOC Scholarship Fund

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Program

ACT I

 

BIPOC Cabaret Ensemble…..Brand New Day

 

The Friends (Rosemay Webster, Nicholas Warren, Asher Head, Matt Hyde, and Rachel Mardis)…..Corner of the Sky

 

Issa McKnight..…The River 

 

Laura and Lizzie Robbins.….Rainbow Connection

 

Bango Gancinia..…Make You Feel My Love

 

Haus of Candy.….Hopelessly Devoted To You

 

Justin Ravago and Percy Cordero..…Apples and Oranges

 

Justin Ravago and Cassandra Pena…..Without You

 

Quesley Ann Soto..…Love You Too Much

 

Krispin Banks…..If I Could Feel

 

AnnaKaitlin Burningham…..Don’t Forget Me

 

Debra Bonner Unity Gospel Choir with Laura Robbins…..This is Me

 

Teresa Jack.….A Whole New Story (Between the Lines) 

 
 

Intermission

 

ACT II

 

Adam Taula..…Circle of Life

 

Annakaitlyn Burningham and Issa McKnight…..When You Believe

 

Rosemay Webster & Meilani Roan…..When You Believe

 

The Friends (Rosemay Webster, Nicholas Warren, Asher Head, Matt Hyde, and Rachel Mardis)…..Dear Evan Hansen Medley

 

Rachel Carr…..Maybe This Time

 

Sonia Maritza Inoa-Rosado Maughan…..Five and a Half Minutes

 

Kimberly Teitter…..Secret of Happiness

 

Phil Childs…..Love Wildly

 

Percy Cordero…..My Days

 

Brittany Williams Andam…..Burn

 

BIPOC Cabaret Ensemble…..Seasons of Love

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Performers

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Adam Taula

“Love is equality.”

Adam has spent more than 30 years singing his way across the globe — everywhere from Taylorsville Dayzz to Tiananmen Square. More recently, Utah audiences may remember him from the SCERA in Orem or as a soloist with the Debra Bonner Unity Gospel Choir. When the curtain falls, Adam hits the road, chasing down the nation’s tastiest food and most haunted locations for his YouTube channel, The Paranormal Polynesian Travel. Adam would especially like to thank his husband and aunt for putting up with his nonsense, as well as his friends for pushing him to get out and perform.

@TheParanormalPolynesian

Annakaitlyn Burningham

“Love can liberate those affected by hate.”

Choose to love. Choose to discover. Choose to grow. Choose to forgive. Choose to learn. Choose to be you.

@annakaitlynb

Asher Head

“Love is revolutionary.”

Asher Head is thrilled to return to the cabaret! Credits: “Dreamgirls” & “In the Heights” (The Grande Theater). He sings as a soloist with the Debra Bonner Unity Gospel Choir. Offstage, he enjoys creative pursuits like drawing, sewing, and building. Follow his journey on Instagram:

@coolkid_23

Bango Gancinia

“Love can liberate all.”

A first-gen student from the Big Island of Hawai’i, I was raised by my community and trained in indigenous Hawaiian healing. I bring this cultural foundation to my practice, Ola Pono Counseling in Provo.

@olaponocounseling

Brittany Andam

Brittany Andam is a professional singer and actress here in Utah Valley. With a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from Brigham Young University, she has been able to use her skill, training and natural talent to excel on many different projects. She is currently working on an exciting new project called The Alamo with Sam Goldstein from Air Supply. Other performances include The Stadium of Fire, the annual Governor’s Gala, The New Hymnbook project for the LDS Church and so many more. For the past 5 years, Brittany has been busy doing musical theater. This past year, she had the privilege to play Sarah in the musical Ragtime )originally portrayed by Audra McDonald) for the very special, inaugural show at the brand new Ruth & Nathan Hale Theatre. Her other show credits include Lucie Manette in A Tale of Two Cities (HCT & WVCA), Armelia McQueen in Ain’t Misbehavin (WVCA), Lily Craven in The Secret Garden (HCT), Sarah in Ragtime (Music Theater West), and Sister Marie in The Magician’s Elephant (HCT).

@brittanyandam

Cállanish

“Love is a tonic, a sweet elixir that mends even the tiniest cracks in the heart. It heals what we once believed incurable, soothes what pains we once thought would torment us forever.”

Callanish is the name of a group of standing stones in Scotland, ancient and weathered, but still evocative of the culture that created them. Callanish is also a local Salt Lake City Utah band that has weathered more than 25 years with a changing cast of musicians and focus, but still turning out Celtic and Irish Traditional music. The band currently consists of five friends using their diverse musical backgrounds to create music primarily in a traditional Celtic style. We feature John Adams on violin, Soren Green on classical and acoustic guitars, Taylor Nyx on vocals, Ben Spigle on flutes and whistles and Cindy Spigle on bodhrán. We play mostly traditional Irish and Scottish tunes augmented with a growing body of original compositions as well as non-traditional tunes played on traditional instruments. We are all constantly honing our connection to the tradition, including traveling together to Ireland to soak up the culture (and the beers and whiskeys). We are thrilled to report that we travelled to the Callanish Standing Stones in Scotland, absorbing local, authentic tunes along the way. Our music ranges from soulful to rowdy, but it’s all great fun.

Facebook @SLCCelticband

Cassandra Pena

“Love is forgiveness.”

Cass has performed at numerous theaters across Northern Utah, including Centerpoint, Ziegfeld, Hopebox, and Ogden Musical Theatre, as well as in staged & virtual readings with Plan B Theatre and An Other Theatre Company. Other past credits include Mimi in Rent, Alice in The Secret Garden, and Florika in Hunchback of Notre Dame.

@casspena7

Debra Bonner Unity Gospel Choir

The Debra Bonner Unity Gospel Choir, the flagship choir of Unity Gospel Choir International, was established in 2014. This choir has set the standard for bringing hope, healing, and love to our brothers and sisters throughout the world. The Choir’s mission is to transform lives and unify all of God’s children through Gospel Music, giving hope, healing, love, and joy.

Haus of Candy

Fale Ō Le Lole is the Haus of Candy, an LGBTQIA+ Polynesian Cultural Dance Ensemble based in Salt Lake City. Formed in 2017 under the direction and tutelage of Haviar Tuitama Hafoka, it serves as a supportive platform for the community’s creativity, identity, and cultural expression, with a focus on promoting visibility and joy through traditional dance and performances.

Issa McKnight

“Love is community.”

From Billings, Montana, Issa McKnight has a BFA in Musical Theater from BYU. Her favorite credits include Little Shop of Horrors at BYU, Ragtime and Cats at Music Theater Wichita, and Hello, Dolly! At HCT. While at BYU she performed on both Syncopation and Young Ambassadors. She also enjoys rewriting and releasing music! She is grateful to her teachers, family, and friends for their support!

IG: @issa_mcknight
TT: @issamcknight

Justin Ravago

“I find liberation in queer and trans love.”

Justin is proud to perform with this talented bunch. He was recently seen as Mrs. Taylor in Bat Boy with Salt Lake Acting Company. Notable roles are Chip Tolentino in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Frog/Toad swing in A Year With Frog and Toad. He likes oranges 😉

@rava.go.away

Kimberly Teitter

Kimberly is excited to be back at the cabaret! She is a licensed clinical psychologist and a performer in the local arts community. Last seen in the Grand’s production of Dreamgirls (Michelle), she is currently music directing Little Shop of Horrors at Centerpoint Theatre. She can also be seen directing the Debra Bonner Unity Gospel Choir.

Krispin Banks

Krispin is a Christian Gospel/Inspirational Recording Artist living in South Jordan. He is one of 5 brothers, & was raised by his mother, Christine Quinn, who is a member of the Gospel Recording group Quinn, in Dallas, Texas. Krispin found his voice both by singing in church and by performing R&B music through college. As an actor, he has appeared as a lead in The West Valley Performing Arts Center’s “Ain’t Misbehavin” and in “Ragtime” for Music Theater West in Logan, Ut at the esteemed Eccles Theatre. He is one member of the gospel/Inspirational music group Kris&Kiirt, & recently his first Single “Witness” on all platforms.

Laura Robbins

@Laura_singssongs (TikTok and Instagram)

Matt Hyde

“Love is the coolest thing evolution has brought us.”

Matt Hyde has gone from being a kid who was made fun of for not being able to sing to being a soloist for the last five years with the Debra Bonner Unity Gospel Choir. Someday he hopes to relive his high school glory days where he played Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls, the Tin Man in The Wiz, and Romeo in… yes, that show. For now, he settles for playing Javert or Hamilton or Evan Hansen in the car during his own version of carpool karaoke. Matt is an academic advisor at UVU and lives in Provo with his three adorable red-headed children.

@saddy_matty

Percy Cordero

“I find liberation singing about my problems through musical theatre.”

Percy Cordero (They/He) is an alumni of Westminster University with their BFA in in theater acting. They’ve been in a few productions such as Mark Cohen from Rent with Sanctuary theater, Harold Dobbs from Proof with Mad King Productions and recently Star from a new play with Three Penny Theatre. As well as a few productions at Westminster like Theo from Doomsday Device and Ernst in Frankenstein. He is very excited to be given the opportunity to do this wonderful showcase!

@pcdeku_

Philip Childs

“Love is a gift that should be freely given.”

Philip is excited to share the stage with such incredibly talented performers this evening at the iconic West Valley Performing Arts Center! Philip is in his final year at UVU, pursuing a Masters of Social Work. He looks forward to becoming an LCSW and representing and supporting the BIPOC community in this field.

@philipchildssings

Quesley Ann Soto

“Love can liberate the soul from fear and open the heart to more possibilities than you can ever imagine.”

Quesley Soto brings decades of vocal performance and over 10 years of teaching experience to the stage. Recently seen as Effie in The Grand Theatre’s Dreamgirls, she cherishes the spiritual, mental, and physical therapy music and performing provide, fueling her passion for sharing it with others.

Facebook: Quesley Ann Soto
Instagram: @quesleyannsoto

Rachel Carr

“Love is freeing.”

Rachel Carr is so so grateful to be a part of this important work. She loves new art and works to support it with her whole heart. Her past credits most affectionately include Living Bethlehem (Harrington Center for the Arts), Hope for the Flowers (Hart Theater Company), Mary Poppins (Scera Outdoor Shell), and the utterly fabulous Rapunzel! Rapunzel! A Very Hairy Fairytale (Scera Center for the Arts). She studied audio technology and playwriting at Brigham Young University. She now works for BYU’s School of Music during the day, and spends her evenings mixing shows for The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater. She is thankful for any chance to learn about the arts, and is especially grateful to her husband and family who always support her in her goals.

@rachelcarrsings

Rosie and Lani

“Love can liberate our souls from the shackles of despair.”

@rozzeypozzey

@_meilani_9342

Sonia Maritza Inoa-Rosado Maughan

“I find liberation in the love of the arts because in that creative space, I feel more connected—not just to others, but to the parts of myself that often go unnoticed.”

Sonia was born in Puerto Rico, & raised in Miami, FL. Life eventually had her travel out West, and she has been enjoying the active theatre scene here in Utah. Her love for the arts & music has always brought joy and peace to her life. “All my love to Shelby & our baby girl princess pup Leah!”

@soniawins

Teresa Jack

“Love is acceptance. I find liberation in expression. Love can liberate us all.”

Teresa Jack is a New York City based performer, entrepreneur, and author. Her recent credits include Esmeralda in the “Hunchback of Notre Dame”, The Countess Olivia in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”, and Carla in “In The Heights”. Teresa believes in endless possibilities and is so thankful for her loving, supportive community.

Instagram: @TeresaChelseaJack
TikTok: @Teresa_Jack

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Statistics on BIPOC Mental Health

Each of the organizations we’re supporting plays a vital role in improving mental health in BIPOC communities that face unique challenges. These statistics show why their work matters.

Immigrants and Refugees
  • Family separation significantly contributes to depression, anxiety, PTSD, and poorer psychological quality of life in refugees (Miller et al., 2018)
  • Children separated from their parents are 3x more likely to experience serious emotional and behavioral issues, many of which persist even two years after reunification. (Edyburn & Meeks, 2021; Lu et al., 2020; Miller et al., 2018; Ornelas et al., 2020)
  • The Physicians for Human Rights and Bellevue/NYU Program for Survivors of Torture (2003) found that among detained asylum seekers, 86% reported symptoms of depression, 77% anxiety, and 50% PTSD.
  • Detention is linked to high rates of mental health problems—including self-harm and suicidal ideation—across adults, adolescents, and children, during and after release (Filges et al., 2024; von Werthern et al., 2018).
  • 40% of AAPI LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide in 2021, including 50% of AAPI transgender and nonbinary youth and 49% of Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian LGBTQ youth
  • 16% of AAPI LGBTQ youth reported a suicide attempt in 2021, including 21% of AAPI transgender and nonbinary youth and 20% of Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian LGBTQ youth
  • 54% of AAPI LGBTQ youth reported discrimination based on their race/ethnicity in the past year
  • 63% of AAPI transgender and nonbinary youth reported discrimination based on their gender identity
  • 17% of AAPI LGBTQ youth reported that they had been physically threatened or harmed due to their LGBTQ identity in the past year

This data is from The Trevor Project’s 2021 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health

Workforce Diversity & Representation

  • Most behavioral health providers are non-Hispanic White women (HRSA, 2024).
  • In 2015, 86% of psychologists were White; only 5% were Hispanic, 4% Black, 5% Asian (APA).
  • Just 5.5% of psychologists speak Spanish (APA, 2015).
  • 96% of therapists regularly serve White clients, vs. 38% Black and 34% Hispanic (APA).

 

Education & Pipeline Disparities

  • Black and Hispanic students are underrepresented in psychology doctoral programs compared to their population share (Callahan, 2018).
  • In 2018, 12% of psych majors were Black, but only 7.1% enrolled in doctoral programs (Luebbe, 2018).
  • High debt is a barrier: grad students anticipate over $140k in student loans (APA, 2021).

 

Access & Cultural Mismatch

  • Over 122 million Americans live in Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HRSA, 2024).
  • Asian (55%) and Black (46%) adults report difficulty finding culturally responsive providers, vs. 38% of White adults (Panchal, 2024).
  • Hispanic adults are 60% less likely to receive treatment than White adults (SAMHSA, 2023).
  • Black youth often avoid care due to stigma and systemic distrust (Rose et al., 2011; House Task Force, 2019).
Local artists from the 2024 event

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West Valley Performing Arts Center

Thank you, West Valley Performing Arts!

West Valley Performing Arts Center and their fabulous staff have been invaluable for the success of this fundraiser event.

If this is your first time attending an event at this beautiful local theater, check out their other upcoming events and consider donating to this Utah treasure.

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Want to be a sponsor next year?

If you have questions about this event or are interested in being a sponsor, please email events@ucebt.com

West Valley Performing Arts Center

Thank you for being part of Love as Liberation!

This event was organized by the Utah Center for Evidence Based Treatment (UCEBT), a research-backed mental health center in Salt Lake City offering therapy and testing for individuals, couples, and families.

Want to attend this event next year? Follow us on Facebook or Instagram to be notified of the 3rd Annual Utah Cabaret BIPOC Mental Health Fundraiser in 2026!