Media

SACRAMENTO ABC BREAKING NEWS, from Lora Painter

The Sacramento-based filmmaker is bringing a fresh twist to the zombie genre with a new full-length project, “Fingers: The Vegan Zombie Musical.” Created by Belton Mouras Jr., the film expands on his earlier comedy short, “Fingers: The World’s First Vegan Zombie,” first introduced in 2024.

The Ranch with Randie O'Neil Ep. 101 Belton Mouras, Jr.

cross-genre composer, producer, pianist, and filmmaker whose musical journey began at the age of five. Classically trained through his early years, he advanced to concert-level piano performance before expanding his musical palette in his twenties to include rock, pop, and blues. By his thirties, Mouras immersed himself in jazz, eventually launching his first album-a blend of new age, jazz, and classical influences that reflected his evolving musical voice. Over time, Mouras became known for crafting original compositions that cross musical boundaries, moving fluidly through smooth jazz, adult contemporary, Latin rhythms, pop, and cinematic orchestration. His love of storytelling eventually drew him into filmmaking, where he writes, directs, and composes music for his own projects. Born in Northern California to a Cajun father, Mouras spent many summers in Louisiana surrounded by Cajun culture and the sounds of classic country and western music – roots that stayed with him throughout his life.

SMOOTH JAZZ BEat Magazine - June 2, 2026

Belton Mouras, Jr. has been busy, releasing his country debut and working on a feature length musical that is ripe with singles.

You might remember watching Belton Mouras Jr dance with a bunch of zombies in his 2024 short film, “Fingers: The World’s First Vegan Zombie Movie.” The Fingers short and two fully choreographed song-and-dance videos have garnered over three million combined views, which spurred Mouras Jr. to expand his imaginative vegan zombie story into a full-length musical feature.

Filming for ” Fingers: The Vegan Zombie Musical,” wrapped in Sacramento, California this past month. The film features a wide-ranging ensemble that includes Broadway performer Grace Field and Sacramento opera vocalists Omari Tau and Vanessa Martucci, who appear in a showcase number Mouras Jr. calls “Opera Rock Hop”—a high-energy fusion of opera, rock, and hip-hop. Two-time Emmy Award-winning jazz musician Tony Saunders and Billboard chart-topping flutist Althea René also make cameo appearances.

SMOOTH JAZZ NETWORK

Belton Mouras Jr. made waves in 2024 with his latest smooth jazz releases and the quirky short film Fingers: The World’s First Vegan Zombie. Showcasing his signature blend of humor and creativity, the project evolved into a viral sensation with the music video Step Step Step, which has captivated audiences worldwide. Looking ahead, Belton Mouras is set to expand Fingers into a full-length musical and continue releasing vibrant jazz tracks, promising an exciting 2025 filled with music, storytelling, and unforgettable moments.

Lora Painter ABC News

Mark Allen ABC News

Fingers Premiere Day

EIN Presswire Press Release

Prepare to feast on laughter with Fingers: The World’s First Vegan Zombie! This wildly original short film flips the zombie genre on its head, serving up a hilarious and unforgettable adventure for all ages. Join a quirky crew of zombies as they battle it out between two factions: recovering zombies determined to convert their meat-loving counterparts to the veggie-loving ZIT Program (Zombies in Transition).

SMOOTH JAZZ NETWORK

Belton Mouras Jr. made waves in 2024 with his latest smooth jazz releases and the quirky short film Fingers: The World’s First Vegan Zombie. Showcasing his signature blend of humor and creativity, the project evolved into a viral sensation with the music video Step Step Step, which has captivated audiences worldwide. Looking ahead, Belton Mouras is set to expand Fingers into a full-length musical and continue releasing vibrant jazz tracks, promising an exciting 2025 filled with music, storytelling, and unforgettable moments.

Inside Sacramento

This article, authored by Jessica Laskey, provides a comprehensive insight into Belton Mouras Jr.’s artistic journey, emphasizing his connection to nature, music, and the creative process. It serves as a testament to his dedication and is a valuable addition to his media page.

Mickey's Tree Film Review by Jonathan Widran

Jonathan Widran is a Los Angles based veteran entertainment journalist who is a frequent contributor to numerous music, film, and entertainment publications throughout the country. He wrote a review of Mickey’s Tree short film and its music soundtrack, which we felt was insightful in providing behind-the-scene peeks into many of the details involved in the making of the film and also captured the overall spirit of the story that Belton has written, produced, and published globally!

Kitty O'Neal KFBK Interview with Belton Mouras Jr. about Mickey's Tree

Belton Mouras Jr.: Behind The Beats

9/15/2022

Each week we’ll take you ‘Behind the Beats’ to learn more about the artists that play on our airwaves. This week: Belton Mouras Jr.

Belton Mouras Jr is new to our Smooth Jazz world, but he has had a successful career as a musician, artist and film maker. His recent short film “Mickey’s Tree” has grabbed the interest of film festivals and the soundtrack is perfectly geared for smooth jazz. The first single “Don’t Let The Music Die” was the Smooth Jazz network’s “Pick of The Week” recently and we thought it would be great to get to know the artist better and share with you as well!

“Mickey’s Tree” Short Film Sending Some Smooth Music Our Way

8/14/2022

New music has arrived on the Smooth Jazz Network airwaves. It’s a tune from a short film that debuted at the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival this year. Check out what the filmmakers have to say about it and watch the trailer below:

MICKEY’S TREE, A Forty Minute Film has been developed & produced entirely in the Sacramento, CA area. Long term Sacramento resident Belton Mouras, Jr. wrote, directed, produced, and composed the music for the film, which is his debut film creation. It’s based on Mouras’s real life experiences with his own rescue dog, the late “Mickey”. The film title “MICKEY’S TREE” is based on an actual tree often visited by the writer and his dog on their numerous walks through the American River Parkway. Half of its roots are hanging out over the riverbank and yet this tree somehow still thrives today. “MICKEY’S TREE” captures some of this spiritual and empowering energy of perseverance and hope within a world of change and uncertainty.

“Mickey’s Tree” Soundtrack has released the first of many singles starting with “Don’t Let the Music Die” on Belton Mouras Entertainment Record Label. This single features Belton Mouras Jr. on Piano & keyboards, Ann Roach Lead Vocals, Keith Stafford Background Vocals and Otis Mourning, on Saxophone. The single is now playing on Smooth Jazz Network Radio and major streaming platforms globally.