Melissa is pursuing her dream to be on stage

With a B.A. in Music from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA, Melissa is pursuing her dream to be on stage..it's what she's longed to do ever since she was a little girl. Born in New York City and raised in New Jersey only minutes from the big apple, her parents introduced her to music, theater and the arts at a very young age.

She loved it so much that she started taking piano lessons & dance classes early on, and soon after discovered her voice as she sang in her school musicals, chamber concerts & show choirs while growing up. Melissa has an undeniable amount of dedication and passion for music. She had always known she'd make her living through music, but never knew how until she started writing her own songs in college...she then found her answer...

Melissa will undoubtedly join the ranks of esteemed singer-songwriters who appreciate Duke Ellington's axiom: there are only two types of music- good and bad. Influenced by a wide range of musical genres including Jazz and Pop, Melissa's style is versatile and tasteful; her sound is refreshing and original. She engages audiences with memorable melodies and expressive lyrics all her own. Her music is genuine-it not only reflects Melissa's nature, but it also reveals her most sincere and suppressed emotions.

Songwriting is Melissa's form of expression, and she writes with the intent that anyone who hears her songs will be able to relate in some way or another. Performing and sharing her music with others gives her a sense of fulfillment like none other. Whether Melissa is behind the piano accompanying herself or center stage fronting her band, her performances are always filled with emotion. With a powerful yet angelic voice, she truly brings her own flavor to each song she sings.

Melissa is currently working on new material for her highly-anticipated second album. She proudly released her debut record, WHAT MATTERS, in July 2007. It highlights a stunning talent who holds her own with legendary jazz bassist Charles Fambrough, drummer Mike Clark, saxophonist Joe Ford, pianist Bill O'Connell and guitarist Bill Washer. It is currently being distributed in Japan through Vivid Sound Corporation and receiving great reviews.

Melissa has shared the stage with Chris Botti, Charles Fambrough, Earl Klugh, Mike Clark, Bill O'Connell, Joe Ford, Al Turner, David Lee, Ron Otis, Bill Washer, Tom Cohen, Mike Viola among many others. Based in NYC, Melissa's live performances leave lasting impressions on those who get the chance to hear what she's all about.

Upcoming Shows

Saturday, 12.25.10 BLUE NOTE JAZZ CLUB in New York, NY (12:30AM)