Champian Debuts *New* Show with Jazz at the Ballroom called "Flying High"
FLYING HIGH: BIG BAND CANARIES WHO SOARED
Jazz at the Ballroom salutes the timeless artistry of iconic female jazz vocalist
SAN FRANCISCO (January 2, 2024) – Billie Holiday. Anita O’Day. Lena Horne. Peggy Lee. Rosemary Clooney. Ella Fitzgerald. It’s an impressive, but not complete, list of great vocalists who took swinging jazz standards and added an allusive female perspective. Early in their careers, they were “canaries”—young women singing with the greatest big bands on the scene: the orchestras of Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Gene Krupa, Benny Goodman, and others—and went on to create their own sounds and solo careers.
For the first time, the renowned California-based music nonprofit Jazz at the Ballroom (JATB), proudly announces the debut of “Flying High: Big Band Canaries Who Soared.” This extraordinary musical celebration is a tribute to the legendary women who shaped the jazz genre, showcasing their remarkable talent and the timeless classics that defined the era.
Under the skillful music direction of the esteemed New York-based jazz pianist and vocalist, Champian Fulton, the performance takes the audience on a nostalgic journey through the golden age of jazz. The new show launches during Women’s History Month March 8-10, 2024, at the famous Birdland in Manhattan and is set for a national run.
“We’ve chosen Women’s History Month to launch our new show because it is an ideal time to elevate the artistry of these women and educate others about their influence on music in general and the next generation of artists in particular,” said Suzanne Waldowski, Founder, Jazz at the Ballroom. “We are targeting women’s colleges and landmark venues and festivals. Beyond our New York premiere, we hope to present the show at historical spaces where the original jazz canaries themselves left their mark.”
“As a pianist I have always wanted to accompany vocalists other than myself, and I am so thrilled to be able to do that with this project and recording. It was a ball to be able to step into that role and just focus on the sound of the piano and the rhythm section. ”
Partial Artist List
Carmen Bradford – Vocals, Champian Fulton – Vocals/Piano, Jane Monheit – Vocals, Lezlie Harrison – Vocals, Gretje Angell – Vocals, Olivia Chindamo – Vocals, Vanessa Perea - Vocals, Nicholas Payton – Trumpet, Willie Jones III - Drums, Charles Ruggiero – Drums, Mike Gurrola -- Bass
About Jazz at the Ballroom
Jazz at the Ballroom is a California-based non-profit that celebrates America’s truly original music – classic jazz. They are dedicated to showcasing the greatest jazz artists in unique settings. Through their concert series, scholarship program, workshops and performances at schools, senior living centers, and hospitals, JATB works to enhance the appreciation of jazz in the larger community. For more information: www.jazzattheballroom.com Facebook: jazzattheballroom Instagram: @jazzattheballroom
Media Contact:
Stacie Fasola (650) 703-2753