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Kymberlee O'Brien

Member Since: 2024 | Location: Boston | Page Views: 760

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About Me

Grammy recognized singer/songwriter with strong influences such as Diana Krall, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and more.

Kymberlee has been a singer, songwriter, and dancer as long as she can remember. She is an award-winning songwriter and choreographer, known for her creativity and energy. Deeply involved in musical theatre as a child, she later studied with international percussion masters and this year became sponsored by Remo Percussion. Originally hailing from California, she played at several jazz and notable nightclubs in La Jolla, Santa Barbara, and San Diego, as well as festivals and private events. Kymberlee still teaches dance locally at Harvard University, where she is deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of dancers. While living in California, she also developed classes in World percussion and dance, as well as Vocal Performance courses at the University of California, San Diego, Santa Barbara.

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My Jazz Story

I was first exposed to jazz by Master World musicians in my early life when I was a volunteer at Kuumbwa Jazz Club in Santa Cruz. At the time, I was in World dance troupes and learning World percussion, songs, and dances. These communities of musicians were such amazing humans and included everyone in the music making. I am forever grateful of the mentors, supportive friends, and musicians throughout my life and that I can still make music. After a long hiatus related to personal tragedies, I nearly lost my life and my voice. Three years ago, I was able to start coming back to music. Music has literally saved my life. I think being there in music for those who paved the way. So many artists loved hard lives and yet, that music is still here because it seemed to come from those experiences. In dance, we say "leave it on the dancefloor", meaning whatever you are feeling, bring it into your art because that what resonates with others; not perfection or ego, but shared experiences.

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This page was last updated on 2026-08-05.

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