Meet the creators

Zandrina Dunning is a powerhouse vocalist, producer, development leader, and cultural advocate whose dynamic career spans over two decades of inspiring audiences and building community through music, media, and meaningful conversation.

Based in Charleston, SC, Zandrina is the Executive Artistic Director and creator of The ZD Experience, a multifaceted platform that merges soulful performances with thought-provoking conversations across live talk shows, podcasts, and concert productions. With over 200 live radio episodes produced, The ZD Experience has captivated audiences both on air and on stage, blending entertainment with real dialogue that uplifts and connects.

Currently serving as Development & Outreach Director for the North Charleston POPS!, Zandrina leads strategic fundraising, sponsorship development, and community engagement to support one of the Lowcountry’s most treasured arts organizations. Her work sits at the intersection of art, storytelling, and impact - whether curating concert lineups, hosting live interviews, or building partnerships that advance cultural access and education.

A graduate of South Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Industry/Vocal Music, Zandrina founded The ZD Experience as a performing band in 2013 and expanded it into a production company in 2018. Since then, she has produced acclaimed tribute shows honoring legends such as Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner, while also co-creating the P.U.R.E. Concert Series (Peace, Unity, Revival through Entertainment) during the pandemic to help foster resilience and healing through performance.

Her artistic leadership extends to the TEDx stage, where she performed in 2022 and now serves as Chair of Performers and Co-MC for TEDx Charleston alongside her creative partner, Stephen Washington. In this role, she helps set the tone for the entire event, curating dynamic talent and guiding audiences through each speaker and performance, creating a seamless and impactful experience that reflects the heart of TEDx.

She has shared stages with Grammy Award-winning artists, including Charlton Singleton of Ranky Tanky and George Benson, while also earning recognition such as the YWCA What Women Bring Award (2023) and the Lowcountry Legend Award (2024) alongside her longtime creative partner, Stephen Washington.

With a mission to inspire, empower, and build bridges through creative expression, Zandrina continues to set the stage for unforgettable performances, transformative conversations, and impactful community experiences.

Stephen Washington is a highly sought-after pianist, creative director, and producer whose musical versatility and leadership have made him a dynamic force in the Lowcountry arts community and beyond.

A Charleston native, Stephen’s musical journey began at the age of five on drums, transitioning to piano by age nine. By eleven, he was already performing at his father’s church — laying the foundation for a career that has taken him across genres and stages worldwide. While deeply rooted in Gospel, Stephen’s influences span Country, Hip Hop, ’80s Rock, and beyond, allowing him to seamlessly collaborate across diverse musical landscapes.

Since joining The ZD Experience as Creative Director and Co-Producer in 2018, Stephen has helped shape and produce a range of acclaimed tribute shows, including signature productions honoring legends like Aretha Franklin and Pink Floyd. His creative direction was instrumental in bringing Comfortably Pink: A Tribute to Pink Floyd to Piccolo Spoleto 2023, where the performance drew nearly 2,500 audience members.

Stephen’s talents extend beyond the stage. As Co-MC and Music Director for TEDx Charleston, he plays a key role in setting the tone for the highly anticipated annual event, introducing speakers and performers, and curating the musical energy that guides the audience experience throughout the day. His work at TEDx reflects his ability to blend musicality, presentation, and production with precision and impact.

In addition to his work with The ZD Experience and TEDx, Stephen serves as Musical Director for Quiana Parler (of Ranky Tanky), performing with artists such as Elise Testone, BlackNoyze, and The Andy Masker Band. In 2023, he debuted his own radio show, Steve’s House on Ohm Radio (96.3FM), where he interviewed nationally recognized creatives, including Grammy Award-winning Charlton Singleton. A gifted visual artist as well, Stephen is preparing to launch his own apparel line, further expanding his creative footprint.

Grounded by his philosophy that “music is its own language that allows people to communicate without speaking,” Stephen continues to craft experiences that inspire, entertain, and bring people together.