Tyralucia
Updated: 4/27/2021 09:44
TyraluciaTyra Dennis, better known as “Tyralucia,” was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and has always been drawn to the stage by her talents: singing, composing music, playing the piano (as well as other various instruments), acting and writing. Her career launched in 2003 when she was discovered by her high school band teacher, Fernando Pullum, and casting agent, Toni Cervantes. While still in high school, Tyra began performing with musical legends such as Chaka Kahn, Wayne Shorter, George Bohannon, Stevie Wonder, Ali Woodson of the Temptations, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Jackson Browne. During that same period, she played a key role in developing and starring in the first Apple iPod commercial. In 2012, Tyra launched Music Mayhem — a full-service entertainment company specializing in music production, artist development, talent management, and concert/event curation. She has worked with the likes of Ike Turner, YoYo, Herbie Hancock, Symbolic One, Andre Merrit, First Born, Soaky Siren, Kevin McCall and more. Tyra also recorded an upbeat, swinging version of “Let The Good Times Roll” with Ray Charles and Slash from Guns and Roses.
Given the opportunity to assist playwright and director Brandon Rainey (winner of a Spike Lee Award) in his annual summer productions as a songwriter, Tyra quickly became the musical director of his company CBG (Chosen By God) where she has composed, orchestrated and scored over 16 musicals within the last 18 years. Many of these musicals have toured the United States, changing the lives and touching the hearts of many.
Tyra performed at The Playboy Jazz Festival, as well as opened for GRAMMY winner Eric Bellinger during 2014’s Stand Against Autism Benefit Concert, which was part of her extensive philanthropic work.
As an actress, she starred in Ephraim’s Song, an original urban musical that won four out of seven NAACP Theater Award nominations (including for best female lead actress). She has appeared in two commercials, one for Apple iPod and one for Ray Charles Blues Lab. She appeared in the major motion picture Dreamgirls, starring Beyoncé Knowles, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy. After graduating from college, she debuted as a lead in her first feature filmed entitled Let Clay Be Clay, where she portrays the risky yet extremely talented "Doneisha.” She also has starred in many musical theater productions and won a number of awards for her performances.
Since 2016, Tyra has been able to show her passion for love and worship as a worship leader within the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) and also served at Another Level Ministries. She has led the music for many events, including for Western States Youth Gathering (WYLE), Theoasis (SYCA Synod), Synod Assembly (SWCA Synod), ELCA Gathering, Extravaganza and more.
Tyra’s goal is to continue to use the arts to inspire, change and save lives.
