This Thursday, Dec. 3, internationally acclaimed vocalist, composer, and educator Jay Clayton will present a jazz vocalist showcase in the Crossroads Lounge at the Radisson Hotel at Cross Keys. The live jazz performances for December include a range of new artists and kick-off with Jay Clayton and four talented and emerging female jazz singers.

Jay Clayton is an internationally acclaimed vocalist, composer, and educator, whose work spans the terrain between jazz and new music. She began her career in 1963 with the standards on the vibrant New York music scene and quickly became a prominent part of the free jazz movement. Her work in these two worlds led to the development of a highly personal, wordless vocabulary later enhanced by her innovative use of electronics. Her current projects, covering both standards and original music, integrate poetry and electronics into her music. Jay also has worldwide acclaim teaching jazz workshops and courses and currently teaches at the Peabody Institute.

Thursday, Dec. 3 Jay will present rising Baltimore jazz vocalists who all study with her at Peabody. The vocalist showcase will feature: Amanda Bloom, Hannah Elson, Integriti Reeves, and Lauren Shusterich. They will each sing a couple of tunes individually as well as some duets and one or two all group pieces. This group performance will be new for the Thursday night live music series and the talent guests will enjoy is an ideal representation of the range of style and techniques that jazz music embodies.

The Crossroads Lounge at the Radisson Hotel in the Village of Cross Keys offers the intimate setting that makes jazz so enjoyable. Guests can enjoy the light jazz music while taking advantage of the fully stocked bar, bar menu, and dining room if a full meal is in order. The new farm-to-table menu in the Crossroads Restaurant has perfect choices for a fresh and affordable meal. The jazz performance is from 6-9 p.m. and free covered parking at the Radisson makes it easy for locals to stop by on their way home from work or for visitors to Baltimore to enjoy an evening of entertainment without the hassles of downtown. The jazz schedule for December includes Marianne Matheny-Katz with Jeff Reed and Richard Johnson on Dec. 10 and the Coldspring Jazz Trio with Mark Osteen on Dec. 17.