Southern Maryland Dance Group Lands Surprise Performance With Tonio Armani

SOUTHERN MARYLAND — Just weeks after introducing Southern Maryland to their rapidly growing line dance community, members of the Southern Maryland Smooth Steppaz have found themselves sharing the spotlight with a nationally recognized Southern soul artist.

The group, which recently grew to more than 60 members and quickly became a local success story, traveled during Memorial Day weekend for what members believed would be a simple audition with Southern soul artist Tonio Armani.

Instead, they discovered they had been invited to participate in a live video performance at the famous Noochies Front Porch, a performance venue known for hosting nationally recognized musicians and artists.

“We thought we were going for an audition,” co-founder JoRita Meredith said in an interview with The BayNet. “Did not know that we were going to Noochies Front Porch because, of course, the location is a disclosed location. They don’t release where it is or who’s going to be there or when.”

Meredith said the surprise became even bigger upon arrival.

“When we arrived, we found out that we were actually shooting the video with him at Noochies Front Porch,” she said. “Oh my God, it was simply amazing.”

A Surprise Opportunity

Tonio Armani, a Southern soul artist signed to Death Row Records, performs several songs popular within the line dancing community. Meredith said members initially believed they would simply audition alongside the artist.

Instead, they became part of a professionally produced live performance.

Representing the Southern Maryland Smooth Steppaz were Meredith, instructor Patrice Lucas, apparel coordinator Latoya Louis and group member Jamieka Keyes.

“It was myself, Patrice Lucas, Latoya Louis and another one of our really, really strong members, Jamieka Keyes,” Meredith said.

The video, which was recorded during Memorial Day weekend, was released publicly this week.

One Take, No Second Chances

For Meredith, seeing the production process unfold was unlike anything she had experienced.

“You got to see them set up the whole production,” she said. “They did a sound check and then after sound check they’re like, ‘OK, let’s go. We’re shooting.’ And it’s one shot. It’s one take, and it’s like do or die at this point.”

The experience, she said, brought both excitement and nerves.

“It was very, very, very nerve-racking, but at the same time it was just very exciting,” Meredith said. “It’s a day that we’ll never forget.”

Complicating matters, rain threatened to cancel the performance shortly after the group arrived.

“We don’t know if we’re going to shoot today because it’s raining,” Meredith recalled producers telling the group.

But Armani, who needed to return to Georgia, was determined to continue.

“He gets out of his truck and he starts singing gospel music and, believe it or not, the rain stopped,” Meredith said. “Within a matter of maybe 30 or 45 minutes, they said, ‘OK, we’re getting everything set up and we are ready to do this.'”

A Front Porch With Big Names

Noochies Front Porch has become known for intimate live performances featuring nationally recognized artists.

Meredith said she was stunned to learn the caliber of artists who have appeared there.

“He just had Lizzo there recently,” Meredith said. “He’s had Patti LaBelle there. He’s had Snoop Dogg there. Literally the list goes on and on.”

She described the experience as surreal.

“It’s all live. It’s no background music, and the singer is singing live,” Meredith said. “I can’t even describe it.”

The video’s release this week brought another emotional moment.

“I got the notification on my phone as I’m driving, so I’m screaming while I’m driving,” she said. “I had to pull it up on my big-screen TV because I needed to watch it there.”

From Community Group To National Audience

The Southern Maryland Smooth Steppaz were founded earlier this year by Meredith, Latoya Louis and Patrice Lucas and have quickly become one of the region’s fastest-growing dance groups.

The opportunity comes just weeks after The BayNet first highlighted the group’s rapid growth and community impact, introducing readers to the Southern Maryland Smooth Steppaz and their mission of bringing people together through dance.

The organization has attracted members from across Southern Maryland while building a reputation for community, friendship and inclusion.

For Meredith, the latest opportunity feels like another milestone in the group’s unexpected journey.

“I think it’s just more surreal because of our group,” she said. “It’s just a blessing.”

The Southern Maryland Smooth Steppaz continue to welcome new members and regularly participate in community events throughout the region.

Watch the Performance

Readers can watch the Southern Maryland Smooth Steppaz perform alongside Tonio Armani in the video above.

As the group continues to grow, members say experiences like this demonstrate how far a shared love of music, dance and community can take them — from local practice floors to a nationally recognized stage.

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