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| VSA Arts Brings Melody Gardot to Washington VSA arts will bring up-and- coming jazz artist Melody Gardot to Washington for a series of performances in June as part of its annual Start with the Arts Family Festival. Melody Gardot and Quartet will perform on the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage on June 5, at Farragut Square on June 7 and at Columbus Circle outside of Union Station on June 8 and on June 9 Melody Gardot is a 23-year-old award-winning singer/songwriter and guitarist whose multifaceted musical talent has drawn comparisons to Cole Porter, Billie Holiday, and Nina Simone. Her debut album, Worrisome Heart, is an 11-track collection of original songs co-produced by Gardot and Grammy Award - winning producer Glenn Barratt. "Melody exudes emotion in such a way that it leaves the audience captive", said Soula Antoniou, president of VSA arts. "She debuted at the Kennedy Center in March as one of our 2007 International Young Soloists Award recipients, and we are proud to bring this talented performer to Washington once again." Gardot's voice overflows with an expressive candor and yearning - her roots as a piano player in nightclubs of Philadelphia undoubtedly set the framework for developing her post-midnight sultry sound. Gardot first began writing her own songs to improve cognitive function after she sustained traumatic brain injury at age 19. Gardot performed at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater on March 21, 2007, as part of the 2007 International Young Soloists Concert. The program was created in 1984 to recognize outstanding young musicians with disabilities to support and encourage their pursuit of a career. A committee of prominent music professionals selects the award recipients, granting each a $5, 000 award and the opportunity to perform at the Kennedy Center. Gardot has also performed with such notable acts as Livingston Taylor, The Wood Brothers, Brandi Carlile, Susan Tedeschi, James Hunter, Mike Doughty, Jeffrey Gaines, David Poe, Amy Correia, and more. Other venues played include The Kimmel Center, World Cafe Live, The Tin Angel, Club Passim, The Sellersville Theatre, The Media Theatre, The Ritz, Rockwood Music Hall, The Living Room, The Cutting Room and more, along with such festivals as the Philadelphia Folk Festival, The Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, and the WXPN All About the Music festival. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |