Home » Member Page
Shakera Jones
Vocalist Musician Songwriter
About Me
A native of Montclair, New Jersey has been singing since age four. Influenced by her parents’ love for jazz
and soul music, Shakera began performing and singing at every opportunity. Shakera moved to
Philadelphia to attend Temple University's Esther Boyer College of Music, where she graduated with a
Bachelor's degree in Music-concentration Jazz Voice. While attending Temple University, Shakera formed
the Shakera Jones Quartet. Early performances consisted of mostly jazz standards with original
arrangements.
During her studies for a Master's degree in Jazz Studies at the University of the Arts, Shakera began to
focus on songwriting. Since then, she has developed a style all her own winning audiences with her sultry
voice, impressive range, use of personal lyrics, groovy arrangements, and jazz/soul/hip-hop influenced
accompaniment.
Shakera has performed at prominent venues: The Chatterbox in Indianapolis, Twin's in Washington, D.C.,
Warmdaddy’s, Relish, Chris’, and The Clef Club of Philadelphia, Kelsey’s in Atlantic City, as well as The
Women in Jazz Festival, the Lancaster Avenue Jazz Festival and The Center City Jazz Festival. She received
“The Jazz Vocalist Award” from The Clef Club of Philadelphia.
Shakera has had the pleasure of performing with Philadelphia jazz greats who became mentors, including
Mickey Roker, Sid Simmons, Orrin Evans, Tim Warfield, Byron Landham, Robert Bootsie Barnes and Mike
Boone. Shakera has performed and shared stages with The Last Poets, Eric Roberson, Def Poets: MReld,
Sunni Anderson, Georgia Me, Black Ice and Abyss. Her sound, talent, and poise are undeniable!
My Jazz Story
I love jazz because it has allowed me to find my own voice. I was first exposed to jazz as a child through my parents. The best show I ever attended was Cassandra Wilson and Dianne Reeves. AMAZING!!! The first jazz record I bought was "Carmen Sings Monk." My advice to new listeners is to listen with your heart and feel with your experiences.