With a voice likened to that of Sarah Vaughan, I’ve been singing classic jazz most of my adult life. Initially, I started receiving formal training at Cleveland’s Music School Settlement, then went on to get my Bachelor’s in Music Ed from the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music. Upon returning to Cleveland, I sang several years with The Cleveland Orchestra and Blossom Festival Choruses, under the direction of Robert Page, then Gareth Morrell.
After my stint with classical music (which I still sing on occasion), I added vintage jazz, soul, neo-soul, R&B, reggae, and even some rock, and have served as a vocal teacher at School of Rock! So, here’s a little variety of videos, including: ‘Round Midnight, composed by one of my favorite jazz composers, Thelonius Monk. It starts with a quick bio/interview, and was performed in Las Vegas! The Village Underground in NYC is next, followed by Cleveland’s Bop Stop; The Music Box Supper Club; with jazz great Barry Harris unexpectedly in Manhattan at one of his workshops; and more. What’s your favorite?
Celebrate Erie, July 2024 was a blast! That is, until we got cut short by the rain! But the crowd was trying to stay! Oh well, next time we’ll get to slay it longer! One World Tribe celebrating 30 years together!
And, this was a great show at 1899 Social Club on July 26th, with Dave Thomas on keys, Kip Reed on bass, and yours truly!
A few more Live Performances from over the years!
This was a wonderful experience. I had no idea about these weekly workshops even existing in Manhattan, by me not being a New York residence. But suffice it to say, Mr. Harris liked my voice and “spoon-fed” me through this original song of his, “Sometimes Today.” I absolutely LOVE it, and am grateful to have had a random chance to work with him, before he transitioned back Home.
As a vocal instructor for internationally acclaimed School of Rock, all that Frank Zappa, Steely Dan, Eric Clapton, Motown, etc. that I listened to over the years, comes in handy, while I’m being exposed to more contemporary rock! Music is a major part of life’s balance, for me! What’s yours? A few shots from our Rock the Lot show, in addition to a prior year’s staff show. Students and staff were awesome!
My original and cover music is available through major online distributors, including Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, etc…
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/beyondcategorymusic/my-funny-valentine-2
Three of my originals, from my CD “Dawning”
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Music is life. Working as a registered nurse (#nursebarbara #nursevocalist) and a professionally trained vocalist, over the years I came to realize just how important good music is! What’s your happy place?