Nancy Newman

Nancy Newman: A Voice Like No Other

Vancouver-based jazz vocalist and songwriter Nancy Newman effortlessly blends jazz, pop, and original compositions to create performances that leave a lasting impression. Known for her lush, evocative vocals and heartfelt interpretations, Nancy's artistry is a seamless fusion of passion, creativity, and raw emotional honesty. Her improvisational talents and fluid, nuanced style make every performance a memorable experience, transcending traditional jazz boundaries.

Kymberlee O'Brien

Born: February 17

Kymberlee O'Brien is a multifaceted artist blending the rich nuances of Jazz, Latin, pop, and R&B with a soulful, powerful voice that tells stories of resilience, love, and self-discovery. An award-winning singer, songwriter, and choreographer, Kymberlee brings an undeniable warmth and authenticity to her music. She draws on her experiences and influences to create a sound that resonates deeply with her audience, combining her training in musical theatre, dance, and world percussion to create unforgettable live performances and recordings. Her dedication to her craft and her love for storytelling make her a unique voice in today’s music scene.

Anton Dromberg & Anna Berglund

Active since: 2011

Stars – Anton Dromberg & Anna Berglund
Shimmering melodies in exceptional interplay – a long-awaited debut
 

The acclaimed duo is back with their debut album! After the "Vocal and Piano Album of the Year" (Lira, 2021), pianist Anton Dromberg and vocalist Anna Berglund return with their first full-length album Stars (Prophone, Naxos). The first single, Stars, features a sax trio with Fredrik Ljungkvist. The album will be released on November 1st, with a release gig at Jazz i Kärrtorp in Stockholm and Katalin in Uppsala. In the fall of 2024, another single and two live session videos from Riksmixningsverket will be released.

Kate DeL

KATE DEL is a highly versatile and accomplished vocalist and recording artist based in the North East Ohio area, where she has built a distinguished career in the music industry. A cornerstone of her local music scene, Kate performs regularly with Backbeat, a premier wedding and event band, and has earned acclaim for her exceptional talent and diverse musical expertise. Her journey as a professional musician is deeply rooted in a rich family heritage of musicianship.

Kate’s musical education began at the age of eight, and from an early stage, her passion for music became evident. Her formative years were shaped by her involvement in a Grammy Award-winning high school music program, which ignited her desire to pursue music professionally. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Findlay. At Youngstown State, she studied classical voice performance, music education, and minored in French horn, further broadening her musical proficiency.

Melinda Rose Rodriguez

Born: November 16, 1995

At just 28 years old, Melinda Rose Rodriguez has already established herself as a rising star in the jazz world. She began her professional music journey at The New England Conservatory of Music and completed her degree with distinction at Florida International University under the guidance of Dr. Lisanne Lyons. Since high school, Melinda has been honored with four Downbeat Music Awards and two YoungArts awards.

Her performance credits are extensive, including appearances at the Miami Downtown Jazz Festival, Litchfield Jazz Festival, Rochester Jazz Festival, and international venues in Bermuda, Japan, and Puerto Rico. Melinda has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Michael Feinstein, Fred Hersch, Cyrille Aimee, and Jane Monheit, and has frequently collaborated with jazz luminary Kevin Mahogany.

Jenny Maybee

Jenny Maybee is “equally talented as a vocalist and pianist.” Her “piano playing and vocals…are altogether eloquent and heart-stopping…her voicing is expertly balanced…and her phrasing sings wonderfully throughout the repertoire.” Her vocals have been described as “exquisite,” “hauntingly beautiful,” and “in the same league” with Billie Holiday—music that “you could close your eyes to and nod out blissfully in a deep groove…”

Her piano style has been compared to Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea, McCoy Tyner, and Cecil Taylor. Jenny “make(s) beautiful music expressing the sheer joy of being alive. You sense it in the augmented chords that Maybee plays on her piano, then leaping like a mad gazelle to catch its essence with her voice.” As a classically trained jazz pianist and vocalist, Jenny’s “unique style seems fairly sedate on the surface, but is capable of sudden intensity whenever the music demands.” This mixture of sensitivity and boldness weaves through her original compositions and interpretations of jazz standards.

April Aloisio

Gala Maria

Born: October 16, 1997

Gala Maria was born into a large family of diverse talents, drawing particular inspiration from her artistic relatives. Her grandmother, an author, fostered her love for reading and writing by taking her to writer's retreats. Her aunts, who were painters, and her great-great grandfather, who wrote the Honduran national anthem’s lyrics, also influenced her deeply. Spending her early childhood in New Orleans, she absorbed the city's jazzy sounds and became obsessed with Old Hollywood films, inspired by Judy Garland and Julie Andrews.

After moving to Honduras, Gala attended Escuela Internacional Sampedrana, where she took advanced art and writing classes

Denise Mangiardi

Kim Maguire

Kim Maguire has been a professional performer, educator, director, and producer for the past 30 years. A 2017 Seattle/Kobe Female Jazz Vocalist finalist, Kim is a mainstay in the vocal Seattle jazz scene. Described as a "stunning singer" with an authentic and charismatic presence, Kim's style is characterized by its joy, technical skill, and a distinctive, silky-smooth vocal texture. Her performance style is a combination of classic swing and contemporary styles, creating a unique sound that is both familiar and fresh, and is known for her creative swing and elegantly nuanced ballads. Kim is a catalyst for inclusiveness and unity through shared musical experiences.