Columbia Operatic Laboratory

06/19/2026

✨ Meet The Cast: Johnnie Felder ✨

Johnnie J. Felder, tenor, is a native of Vance, South Carolina and holds bachelor and graduate music degrees from Benedict College and the University of South Carolina respectively. In 2022, Mr. Felder earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Vocal Performance. He has also undergone extensive vocal training in the opera studio of the American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS) in Graz, Austria, and in the soloist program of the 20th annual Varna International Music Academy Festival. An expressive opera singer known for his impressive range, lyricism, and captivating vocal power, Felder made his 2019 European debut in Varna, Bulgaria as Rinuccio in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi.

Felder’s leading roles include Beppe in Donizetti’s Rita, Don Ottavio in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Nemorino in Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore, and Tamino in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte.

Felder was an inaugural member of the 2022 Spoleto Festival USA Choral and Vocal Fellowship (Charleston, SC). Too, Felder was a member of the brilliantly captivating chorus in the world premiere of Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels’ new opera, Omar, conducted by Maestro John Kennedy. Felder also stepped in, at moment’s notice, for renowned tenor, Paul Groves, in three performances on the Spoleto Festival Chamber Music Series in a world premiere of 5 Songs of Stevie Wonder with internationally acclaimed pianist and composer, Stephen Prutsman, at Charleston’s historic Dock Street Theatre.

COLab presents Johnnie & Friends
🗓️: Saturday, June 20th
🕓: 4:00 PM
🎟️: Free!
📍: Ascension Lutheran Church

06/18/2026

✨ Meet The Cast: Roman Savchuk ✨

Music has been a central part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up singing in church choirs and vocal ensembles, where I developed a deep love for worship and ministry through music. Over the past four years, I have continued to refine my craft through private vocal study, strengthening both my technique and artistic expression.

Today, I primarily serve through music in my church community, using my voice to encourage, inspire, and lead others in worship. I believe that God deserves our very best, and I strive to honor Him through every song I sing. For me, my voice is more than a talent—it is an instrument of praise, a gift entrusted to me to glorify God and share His love with others.

Through every performance and act of service, my goal is to worship authentically, serve faithfully, and point people toward the greatness of God.
Favorite Scripture: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” — Psalm 150:6

COLab presents Johnnie & Friends
🗓️: Saturday, June 20th
🕓: 4:00 PM
🎟️: Free!
📍: Ascension Lutheran Church

06/17/2026

✨Meet The Cast: Damarah N. Reid ✨

Damarah N. Reid, soprano is a distinguished vocalist and educator whose career has spanned world-renowned venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and international stages across South Africa. She has performed under the esteemed direction of Dr. Alicia Walker, Dr. Larry Wyatt, and Dr. Eric Conway (Morgan State University Choir).

A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Ms. Reid holds a B.S. in Hospitality Management and a performance certificate in voice. She has studied classical voice with Drs. Donald Gray and Peter Barton. She currently serves as a choral scholar at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, where she enriches the community through her vocal artistry.

Off-stage, Damarah is a multifaceted leader, serving on the faculty at Paul Mitchell The School and maintains practice as a Licensed Esthetician. With a background rooted in technical excellence and professional leadership, she is honored to mentor young performers as they discover their own voices. In her free time, she enjoys exploring local coffee shops, cooking, and—most importantly—being a “dog mom” to her rescued four-year-old pup.

COLab presents Johnnie & Friends
🗓️: Saturday, June 20th
🕓: 4:00 PM
🎟️: Free!
📍: Ascension Lutheran Church

06/16/2026

✨ Meet The Cast: Thomas Lloyd ✨

Thomas Llyod is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and USC Honors College where he received degrees in Music and Computer Science.

Thomas is a native of North Augusta, South Carolina, where he studied piano under Donald Macey from the age of seven. Thomas competed in the first annual Steinway Junior Piano Competition at Turner’s Keyboards in 2019 where he won first place. He has also received honorable mentions at the state level for the Georgia Music Teachers Association piano competition, and he has competed at the state and district levels for the Omega Psi Phi Annual Talent Hunt.

Thomas currently works full time as a software engineer. In his spare time, he performs as a collaborative pianist for various soloists, ensembles, and choirs across the state of South Carolina and beyond.

COLab presents Johnnie & Friends
🗓️: Saturday, June 20th
🕓: 4:00 PM
🎟️: Free!
📍: Ascension Lutheran Church

06/15/2026

✨Meet The Cast: Skyler Green ✨

Skyler Green is a multi-talented pianist, organist, and tenor from Charleston, South Carolina. He began playing piano by ear at the age of three and was raised in the church, where he developed his skills as a Hammond organist.

Skyler earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry (Choral/Voice) from South Carolina State University, where he studied voice and conducting with Dr. Johnnie Felder.

During his time at SC State, Mr. Green served as student conductor, section leader, and collaborative pianist for the Concert Choir. He also served as musical director for the choir’s 2025 and 2026 Broadway production, accompanying the ensemble and soloists alongside the SC State live Broadway Band.

Skyler has also participated in the 2025 Varna International Music Academy, performing in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “A Grand Night for Singing” and “From Stage to Screen” at the Kroger Center for the Arts in Columbia, South Carolina.

As a member of the Concert Choir, recent performance’s include selections from “Porgy & Bess” at Spoleto Festival USA, Opera Carolina “Lift Every Voice & Sing” Concert in Charlotte, NC; and Poulenc’s Gloria & Adolphus Hailstork’s “I will Lift up mine eyes” at the prestigious Carnegie Hall (NY), Skyler also served as pianist for the SC State Jazz Combo, performing alongside three-time Grammy-nominated jazz trumpeter Professor Willie Bradley.

As an independent artist and performer, Skyler continues to build his career through songwriting, music production, and live performance, sharing his passion and love for music.

COLab presents Johnnie & Friends
🗓️: Saturday, June 20th
🕓: 4:00 PM
🎟️: Free!
📍: Ascension Lutheran Church

04/24/2026

Join COLab at Town Theatre’s Arts in the Acres this Sunday, April 26th @ Gill’s Creek Memorial Park!

These amazing artists will be performing at 5:05 PM.
(Swipe to see the full event lineup) ♥️

📍24 Forest Lake Place
🎟️ Tickets are FREE thanks to the generosity of the City of Forest Acres!
Reserve yours at:
https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=townt

04/14/2026

We are very excited to be part of this free event! 🎶

Reserve your free tickets through Town Theatre’s website! 🥰

We've got quite the line up for our Arts in the Acres event on Sunday, April 26. And it's FREE thanks to the generosity of our friends at City of Forest Acres. Grab those tickets at towntheatre.com. It's a great day to celebrate the arts!

04/10/2026

Buoy the Brooklyn Mermaid’s show Arias of the Abyss was sea-riously amazing! 🦀🎶

Huge thank you to the fin-tastic Richland Library for hosting us and to all the human friends who attended. 🌊

03/30/2026

Learn more about the special mermaid who is making a splash with COLab at Richland Library Main on Thursday, April 9th!

🌊 Arias of The Abyss - Buoy the Brooklyn Mermaid 🪸