Kings Return

Originally from upstate New York, Vaughn Faison is the tenor 1 in Kings Return. When he's not singing with the group, he's often making and teaching music, playing tennis, or searching for the world's best breakfast sandwich.

J.E. McKissic first learned to sing by shadowing his mother in church, where he still sings today. In addition to his work as a studio background vocalist — having worked on projects with Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber, Kirk Franklin, and more — he likes watching The Office and taking road trips. McKissic is a full-time father to his six children and his rescue dog, Mose.

Jamall Williams, a native of Dallas, is the baritone in Kings Return. Outside of the group, he lends his vocal talents to artists such as Tamela Mann, Marvin Sapp, and Jabari Johnson, to name a few. His dog, Carlisle, has him trained well and keeps him busy running around in his free time.

Gabe Kunda is the bass singer for Kings Return. When he's not providing low rumbling tones for the group, he is in his studio voicing projects for companies such as Disney, Marvel, Hulu, Funimation, Call of Duty, Apex Legends, Valorant, Toyota, Subway, Warner Bros, and more. He and his lovely wife, Karina, live in Dallas with their energetic dog, Charlie.

Kings Return blends R&B, jazz, gospel, pop, and classical influences into a distinctive a cappella style. The group's performances include original arrangements and fresh interpretations of well-known songs, creating a sound that is both familiar and uniquely their own.

Very likely. Kings Return performs a mix of beloved songs and original arrangements, often reimagining familiar music with its signature vocal harmonies and genre-blending style.

If you enjoy groups like Pentatonix or Take 6, you'll likely appreciate Kings Return's vocal artistry. While all three are a cappella groups, Kings Return has its own distinctive sound, blending R&B, jazz, gospel, pop, and classical influences with an intimate, soulful style.

Yes. Kings Return's uplifting music and engaging stage presence make this performance enjoyable for audiences of all ages.

No. Kings Return performs entirely a cappella, meaning every sound is created with the human voice. The singers' rich harmonies are so seamless that audiences often mistake the group for a much larger vocal ensemble or even accompanying instruments.

Kings Return is a quartet made up of four classically trained vocalists: two tenors, a baritone, and a bass. Together, they create a remarkably full sound using only their voices.

Gospel music is one of Kings Return's musical influences, but its repertoire extends well beyond that. The group's performances blend R&B, jazz, pop, classical music, and gospel into a style that appeals to a wide range of audiences.

Kings Return began in 2016 when bass singer Gabe Kunda invited three friends to join him for a college recital. What started as a one-time performance quickly led to local concerts, and the group officially formed as a quartet in 2020. Their audience grew even larger after videos of their stairwell performances went viral on social media, introducing millions of listeners to their signature a cappella sound. 

In addition to singing with Kings Return, bass vocalist Gabe Kunda is a professional voice actor. He's voiced characters in video games such as Call of Duty: Warzone, Valorant, and Apex Legends, along with roles in anime and voiceover work for major film studios.

The most important thing is that you're comfortable. There is no dress code, so do what feels right for you. Do you want to get dressed to the nines for a special night out? You won't be the only one. Do you feel like keeping things casual? You won't be alone there, either.  

All campus parking, including along Alumni Mall, requires a parking permit from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted by signage. 

Parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street at 300 Turner Street NW.

• For many Center for the Arts performances and large events, this garage will be staffed by an attendant and payment ($10, cash only) must be made at the time of entry. This event parking price is $2 higher than the garage’s daily rate to allow us to provide staffing to make both entering and exiting the garage more efficient for larger numbers of cars. You may exit at the Turner Street gate.
• All other times, visitors can take a ticket upon entrance and pay the $8 daily rate using Visa or Mastercard when exiting.

Convenient parking is also located in downtown Blacksburg. Town parking is free every day after 5:00 p.m.

Patrons are always welcome to drop off and pick up guests directly at the main doors of the Center for the Arts on Alumni Mall and Turner Street.

Allowing yourself extra time improves the experience for everyone! We recommend arriving at least 45 minutes prior to the start of the performance so you have plenty of time for the safety screening and to get settled in your seats. Our lobbies and galleries open 90 minutes before performances, and the theatre doors open 30 minutes before the performance start time. Ushers will direct you to your seat and are happy to answer any questions.

For the safety of our guests and performers, all patrons may be required to pass through a walk-through metal detector before entering the theatre. The process is quick and touchless, and you may keep your personal belongings with you. If you need an alternate screening method, please speak with a member of our security team.

A small or clutch-size purse or clear bag is recommended. Oversized bags, luggage, and backpacks will not be permitted inside the theatre. Coat check will be available to check these items.

Concessions from Blacksburg Wine Lab are available for most performances. Concessions availability and locations will be included in the What to Know email for ticket holders. Concessions are available beginning an hour before the performance, so arrive early to avoid the lines and enjoy a drink before the show.

Cameras and recording equipment are not permitted inside the theatre during performances. To avoid distracting the artists and those around you, please turn off or silence your cell phone and put away all electronic devices before the performance begins. Photography, video recording, and audio recording are not permitted unless otherwise announced.

If you’re late, you may hear the beginning of the performance from the lobby while you wait to take your seat — either until intermission or an appropriate break in the program as requested and advised by the artists. Admitting late arrivals into the theatre is timed to cause as little disruption as possible to other guests and the performers on stage. In some cases, you may be seated in an alternate location in the theatre.

You will receive a “What to Know” email approximately 48 hours before the performance with helpful information on approximate runtimes, pre- and post-show activities, and any other information you will need to know before you head out the door. 

We are committed to being fully accessible to all patrons and their companions and strive to make our patrons’ experiences convenient and comfortable. In addition to our venue’s universal design features, we offer services and accommodations for parking, seating, listening, sensory support, courtesy wheelchair, elevators, restrooms, service animals, sign language, and visual aids. Find out more. 

No. Mobile tickets displayed on your smartphone are welcome, though printed tickets are also accepted.

While all sales are final, tickets to most events may be exchanged for another Center for the Arts performance within the current season. Please contact the box office at artscenter@vt.edu or by phone at 540-231-5300 at least one hour in advance of the scheduled performance to request an exchange. Refunds may be offered in extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the box office manager.