About Me

I grew up in Marin, singing in local church choirs before I could read. I have always loved to sing, and continued to sing through high school, performing in local R&R bands. After a period of several years, during which I explored my hippie lifestyle ideas, I returned to the Bay area with a small family. As things turn out, I would end up raising the 2 boys myself.

During this time I studied Music at College of Marin as a voice major, and studied with local voice teachers Cathy Hudnell and her father, John Hudnell. Although CoM emphasizes classical music, it was there I discovered my love of jazz. I found I have a natural affinity for it and I love to interact with the other musicians with the creative improvisation. Since there were at tat time no opportunities for vocalists to sing jazz, I was able to work with Director Stan Kraczeck to start a vocal jazz choir, which became a class, which was just revived this year!

Upon leaving CoM, I went to work at the original Sleeping Lady Café, on Bolinas Road in Fairfax, which had wide variety of  music 7 nights a week. I quickly worked my way into sound shifts and from there, into booking and managing the entertainment for the club. I still occaisionally performed, but when I could not work my way into a recording studio, decided to switch careers and took up landscaping to support my family. This is a field I really enjoyed, and it was much a more reliable source of income.

Once I retired, my love of singing quickly reemerged, and I revived my vocal work. The fabulous Rob Nuckles, a neighbor and retired jazz keyboardist, took me under his wing and I developed more than 100 tunes in my repertoire, with emphasis on Cole Porter and Jimmy Van Heusen. We’re still having fun after more than 10 years!

Studying with several vocal coaches, I quickly recovered my three and a half octave range and developed solid technique. I’ve taken the Jazz Improv classes at CoM several times, with Steve Steinberg, and Casey Carnahan, which is a great way to develop scat singing and learn more about jazz theory. Currently,  I work with vocal coach, Deborah Winters, and between her excellent instruction, and, working with indispensible accompanist Andy Dudnick, I continue to add to my repertoire. This year I recorded eight songs with Andy, and began performing with Bread and Roses  after all these years!

I am always looking to meet and work with new musicians, and expand my circle. I love to maintain a collaborative environment, where the creative back and forth can express itself. I always look to have fun, and combine it with a serious work ethic when it comes to playing music!