Kim Massie
Kim is a St. Louis native who spent her formative years in the Cleveland, Ohio area. As a single mother of three children in the 1980's she struck out for gold on the local karaoke circuit. Though her earliest musical experiences were schooled in the gospels choirs of East St. Louis, she has had no formal training as a vocalist. This god given talent reaped her many a first place prize.
In 1999 Kim returned to St. Louis to be with her mother and persue her dream of live performance.She was first discovered sitting in on a local Thursday night gig with St. Louis' own late great Oliver Sain. This led to her first collaboration with some of this city's best musicians (who became the Solid Senders) and a weekly gig at the Beale on Broadway.
Ten years later Kim has achieved her dream. She is one of the most recognizable vocalists in St. Louis.Her ability to sing not only blues and gospel but rock,pop and country have earned two best Female vocalist of the year awards, a starring role in a Black Repertory Theater production of "Ain't Nothin But The Blues" and four outstanding CD's. The latest ,'Lady by Choice" is a powerful mix of Blues,Gospel and R&b that captures the essence of Kim's dynamic vocal power.
Website: www.kimmassie.net
In 1999 Kim returned to St. Louis to be with her mother and persue her dream of live performance.She was first discovered sitting in on a local Thursday night gig with St. Louis' own late great Oliver Sain. This led to her first collaboration with some of this city's best musicians (who became the Solid Senders) and a weekly gig at the Beale on Broadway.
Ten years later Kim has achieved her dream. She is one of the most recognizable vocalists in St. Louis.Her ability to sing not only blues and gospel but rock,pop and country have earned two best Female vocalist of the year awards, a starring role in a Black Repertory Theater production of "Ain't Nothin But The Blues" and four outstanding CD's. The latest ,'Lady by Choice" is a powerful mix of Blues,Gospel and R&b that captures the essence of Kim's dynamic vocal power.
Website: www.kimmassie.net
Jazz Band II
Featuring local talent, our Saturday night entertainment will be Jazz Band II. This 20-member group consists of graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Illinois, most pursuing degrees in jazz studies. They feature a vocalist as well as director Professor Jim Pugh, a trombonist/composer/arranger with the jazz department. Regular performance venues include the Krannert Center for Performing Arts, Iron Post jazz club, and the Champaign Central Jazz Festival. Bringing that big-band feel, this group will get your feet moving to pieces from jazz greats like Count Basie and Woody Herman, while giving the classic tunes their own creative twist!