About Us

Founder

Marlene Dove,
Coloratura Soprano

Marlene Dove, Blessed with an angelic voice; made her singing debut at Carnegie Hall, New York at the age of fifteen (15) as a Coloratura Soprano. Her mother, world-renowned Lyric Soprano Opera Singer Bertha Savage, started Marlene in the Arts at an early age. At age five (5) she began taking piano lessons and is a Concert Pianist; adding voice lessons to her musical repertoire at thirteen (13). The caption in Marlene's high school yearbook read: “Her very foot has music in it”. Her classmates watched proudly as Marlene strutted down Broad Street in Newark, New Jersey parades, making the cover of the New Jersey Star-Ledger newspaper as the first African-American captain of South Side High School's majorette twirlers. Ms. Dove continued playing piano for her church, occasionally doing recordings, plays, studio work, and performing at various venues; all while raising her four (4) sons.

In 1975, Marlene met Legendary Record Producer and Manager Robert “Bumps” Blackwell, a recipient of seventeen (17) gold records. After hearing her sing, Mr. Blackwell offered Ms. Dove the lead role in the play “Showboat”. From then on she became Mr. Blackwell's musical right hand; arranging plays, shows, and managing up and coming recording artists as he began to loose his eyesight. After Mr. Blackwell's passing in 1985, Ms. Dove founded “The Blackwell International Academy of Performing Arts”, and dedicated this non-profit benefit corporation to his principles and ideals. From then on; throughout Southern California, Ms. Dove has conducted over twenty (20) after-school enrichment programs, Produced and Directed more than fourteen (14) successful plays, and coordinated various outreach programs instructing our Youth and Senior Citizens in the Arts. She has been awarded Resolutions from Congress, City and State Proclamations, Los Angeles Business Journal Award Nominee, a recipient of the “2005 Ambassadors For Peace” Award; endorsements from City and Council Officials, Golden Globes (Hollywood Foreign Press Association) and many, many more accolades and acknowledgements. Ms. Dove is also a twenty (20) year member of N.A.R.A.S. (Grammy and Latin Awards), a member of “For You Network” and other affiliates. Currently, Ms. Dove is a Music Instructor for Los Angeles Unified School District's “School Volunteer Program, Beyond The Bell Branch”.

A lifetime believer in the Universal language of Music, Ms. Dove is grateful to all those giving of their time and enduring efforts has made B.I.A.P.A., Inc. after-school enrichment Performing and Visual Arts programs currently being held at Tarzana Elementary School; and the Annual Omni Youth Music Awards a tremendous success. These activities are a way of giving back; as our Youth are our most assured asset for the World's future well being. Involvement and enjoyment of the Performing Arts has been shown to preclude gang and criminal involvement, promote discipline, self-esteem and motivation; also development in critical thinking skills resulting in higher test scores and academic achievement in our Youth. The Arts continue to be one of the most inspiring and compassionate avenues of expression and creativity for our Children. Through the 3 D's; Definition, Direction and Discipline that the culture of Music offers, young adults are able to Learn, Grow, Express, Explore, and become the next generation of caring and accomplished Adults. B.I.A.P.A., Inc. truly needs your financial support to continue reaching these lofty goals on behalf of our young people. Thank You for supporting this important labor of LOVE!