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Tara Middleton

Music is the magic in a changing world. It's a song that is always within.

About Me

Tara Middleton- vocalist-violinist-lyricist

Tara Middleton is a vocalist and violinist whose expressive styling and enchanting stage presence have captivated audiences around the world. See Tara in action once and you'll never forget her. Tara began her music career studying violin at the age of five. She furthered her violin studies with Booker Rowe of the Philadelphia Orchestra. At the age of nine Tara began taking vocal lessons and soon found herself holding the microphone as a lead vocalist.

During her college years she was invited to personal tutorships with professionally acclaimed musicians such as the late jazz pianist Gerald Price, Philadelphia composer Dr. George Allen ,and Jazz Vocalist Patty Wackenhut, with whom she has studied voice, violin, flute jazz and performance. Tara co-founded The Foundations Singers with vocalist Janet McDonald — an African-oriented A Capella trio that garnered wide acclaim thru-out the tri-state folk music community. In 2007, with 100% fan funding, they recorded the CD Foundation Rocks, with guest percussionist William “Duke” Wilson. The CD’s first pressings immediately sold-out at their public performances.

She has worked as the featured vocalist for the ensemble JazGuardian since 1995; and also performed and recorded with the Afro-Cuban/Caribbean ensemble LaTumba, led by percussionist Robert “Rogi” Kenyatta. Tara has also recorded with Sonic Liberation Front, an African-Rhythmic avant-garde ensemble led by percussionist Kevin Diehl. Tara has recently recorded with BBC radio in 2014 and is featured on the 2015 newly released Sun Ra Arkestra international cd ”Babylon LIVE”.

Currently Tara is the lead vocalist and violinist for the Sun Ra Arkestra under the direction of Marshall Allen. Tara is the first woman to take the stage as a musician with the Arkestra in over twenty years. Tara has recently returned from a world tour with the Arkestra. At a time when female jazz singers have been arriving in waves, she is that rarity. An authentic artist who brings an irresistible blend of musicality and melodic insight to every song she sings. Tara focuses on the essential elements of her art, her voice is full of warmth and playing is filled with character.