During set-up before worship rehearsal at AGIF I was randomly singing “At Last” by Etta Jameson when my friend (and fellow musician) Ron Mona asked what music I was truly passionate about. There are a few types of music that I love and listen to on a daily basis.
I listen to Jazz, classical music and worship music, but my first love, is jazz. I fell in love with jazz at the age of 10 when I sang the solo in “When I Fall in Love” with my middle school jazz choir at the Newport Jazz festival (in Oregon, not California.) I have been hooked ever since, and truly struggled to not sing jazz all throughout my collegiate studies as Opera and Jazz do not mix (especially in young voices.)
My friend Ron then asked if I might consider singing at the Community Center Shanghai annual Gala at the Historic Peace Hotel. Of course I answered with a resounding yes as the event was titled “All That Jazz” and had a 1920’s theme, therefore I simply could not resist. After being introduced to Steve Sweeting, an exceptionally talented jazz pianist from New York, we began working on a set list. On Saturday evening, we performed an hour set at the fabulous Peace Hotel.
I listen to Jazz, classical music and worship music, but my first love, is jazz. I fell in love with jazz at the age of 10 when I sang the solo in “When I Fall in Love” with my middle school jazz choir at the Newport Jazz festival (in Oregon, not California.) I have been hooked ever since, and truly struggled to not sing jazz all throughout my collegiate studies as Opera and Jazz do not mix (especially in young voices.)
My friend Ron then asked if I might consider singing at the Community Center Shanghai annual Gala at the Historic Peace Hotel. Of course I answered with a resounding yes as the event was titled “All That Jazz” and had a 1920’s theme, therefore I simply could not resist. After being introduced to Steve Sweeting, an exceptionally talented jazz pianist from New York, we began working on a set list. On Saturday evening, we performed an hour set at the fabulous Peace Hotel.
Steve Sweeting played beautifully on a less than beautiful baby grand.
You can learn more about The Peace Hotel and "The Peace Hall,"
Shanghai's most famous ballroom, by clicking here.
My Gorgeous Shanghai friends Jodie and Heidi!
The evening was elegant as the Peace Hotel is rich in history and beauty, I had a date with my husband, I had a fabulous time with dear friends and I sang some of my favorite jazz charts with an awesome pianist. I don’t think I could have asked for a better evening!