Flying High: Big Band Canaries Who Soared

landing in cities around the country

2025-2026

the styles and sounds of

( some of) the greatest female jazz vocalists

The Story Billie Holiday, Anita O’Day, Lena Horne, Peggy Lee, Jo Stafford,

Rosemary

Clooney,

Ella

Fitzgerald,

and

others...

They started their careers as “canaries”—young women singing with the greatest big bands on the scene in the 1930s-1950s.

But these women were birds of a feather in more ways than one. They also went on to develop their own sounds and styles and build solo careers.

Now Jazz at the Ballroom shares the music of these trailblazing women-- working with today’s most talented jazz vocalists in a revue of the music made famous by jazz canaries once they spread their wings.

What’s Been Said Winner of “Favorite Memorable International Jazz Performance” in 2024 JazzBuffalo Poll “There were too many lovely moments to count” — Broadway World (Rebecca Kaplan)

“… it’s impossible to be bored by Fulton’s singing.”

— NY’s NiteLife Exchange

“...audiences can feel like as if they are taking part in something timeless, one-of-a-kind, and memorable” —Voice Magazine (Jesse Caverly)

From recent audiences: “It was absolutely terrific! Such talented women… What a treat.

Not to be missed so special!”

“Please, please, please bring back Champian Fulton and that great show! All the singers were marvelous!”

About the album: If an anthology of really hip girl singers is to your taste, look no farther…this recording is a serious pleasure…A tribute to canaries is long overdue. And this one is excellent. And sexy too.

— All About Jazz (Richard Salvucci)

“Any library that supports jazz pedagogy should jump at the chance to acquire this wonderful album” — CD HotList (Rick Anderson)

“Each "canary" captures the spirit of that genre...Champian's art shows through on the whole program.”

— WDCB Radio, Chicago

The Music We choose 10-12 songs from our song list for each show, depending on the line-up of musicians.

LISTEN HERE All of Me He's Funny That Way The One I Love (Belongs to Somebody Else) Tea for Two Travelin' Light Sweet Georgia Brown On the Sunny Side of the Street Fine and Mellow Lullaby of the Leaves Exactly Like You Is That All There Is? Why Don't You Do Right I Don't Know Enough About You A Tisket a Tasket Mad About the Boy What a Difference a Day Made You Belong to Me I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire I Only Have Eyes for You Social Call Secret Love Sentimental Journey

The Artists The performance include 5-6 musicians from this line-up.

Exact artists depend on city and performance date.

Champian Fulton Music Director and Lead Piano/Vocals Gretje Angell - Vocals Elizabeth Bougerol - Vocals Carmen Bradford - Vocals Olivia Chindamo - Vocals Alex Frank - Bass Mike Gurrola - Bass Lezlie Harrison - Vocals Willie Jones III - Drums

Neal Miner - Bass Jane Monheit - Vocals Ekep Nkwelle - Vocals Nicholas Payton - Trumpet Vanessa Perea- Vocals Charles Ruggiero - Drums Dylan Shamat - Bass Buster Williams - Bass

Champian Fulton Music Director and Lead Piano/Vocals With 14 albums to her credit, CHAMPIAN FULTON is considered one of the most gifted pure jazz musicians of her generation, being called “an assured vocalist with a galvanizing presence,” by The New Yorker and “a charming young steward of the mainstream jazz tradition” by the New York Times. She has performed with musical royalty such as Lou Donaldson, Frank Wess, Scott Hamilton, Buster Williams, and Louis Hayes. (Her first paid musical engagement was with her own band at Clark Terry’s 75th Birthday Party; she was 10 years old) Champian is a Yamaha and Birdland Artist.

Suzanne Waldowski Jazz at the Ballroom - Executive Director In 2014, after moving to the original Bing Crosby estate in Northern California, SUZANNE WALDOWSKI began inviting musicians to play in the empty ballroom. The concerts grew in frequency and attendance and, before long, the concept of Jazz at the Ballroom was born. Suzanne turned the ballroom into a listening room, put a grand piano in the bay window alcove and set up cabaret-style seating for the 100+ guests. By becoming a nonprofit in 2017, Suzanne formalized JATB's mission: to share classic jazz and the American Songbook with others, bring people together, and build a love of music in future generations.

Contact Info SUZANNE WALDOWSKI JAZZ AT THE BALLROOM Mobile: (650) 868-0465 suzanne@jazzattheballroom.com www.jazzattheballroom.com

JAZZ AT THE BALLROOM is committed to keeping the American Songbook and swinging, classic jazz thriving and sharing this extraordinary American art form with the greater public. ​ Beyond the concerts, JATB works to introduce, teach, and explore this incredible art form through workshops, special events, and public concerts at schools, hospitals, senior living communities and other places where people do not easily have access to the arts. Through these efforts, they keep unforgettable jazz standards alive and foster a love of music in future generations.