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In the last decade, Michelle has found a way to incorporate her love of history into her performances by producing an ever-growing repertoire of shows that celebrate jazz music as a way of telling the story of America. She has titled this series of shows JAZZ: The American Story. These special concerts feature songs and stories tracing the development of jazz through historical events that generated this uniquely American art form. Michelle presents her jazz history shows throughout the Hudson Valley, on stages in libraries, museums, concert halls and festivals.
Michelle’s first effort at creating a show evolved into a journey through the decades of American jazz music, a show which received much attention including an interview by The New York Times. That same year Michelle released her first CD, Now or Never. Soon after, she was commissioned by the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers NY to develop ELLA!, a show celebrating the artistry and international career of Yonkers native Ella Fitzgerald. Michelle’s 2002 show, Women in Jazz, was commissioned by the Southeast Museum in Brewster NY and featured songs written by jazz luminaries including Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee, Dorothy Fields, and Abbey Lincoln. More recent show titles include Cole Porter, Jazz Standards, Starlight Swing, The Jazz Age and 1950’s Jazz: Bop, Cool, R&B.
In addition to her regular Hudson Valley appearances, Michelle has performed on several New York City stages including The Friars Club, The Riverside Chapel, Rockefeller Center’s Rainbow Room with the Cab Calloway Tribute Orchestra and at Town Hall as part of the annual Mabel Mercer Cabaret Foundation showcase. Michelle has studied with several New York City based coaches including Mary Cleere Haran, John Wallowitch, Sheila Jordon, Monica Robinson, and Claude Stein.
Michelle’s efforts as a producer of jazz shows illuminating American culture have been made possible, in part, with public funds from New York State Council on the Arts’ Decentralization Program and the Putnam Arts Fund. In Putnam County, the Decentralization Program and the Putnam Arts Fund are both administered by the Putnam Arts Council. Michelle also receives annual support for her concert series from local museums, arts organizations and businesses.
