Fri Dec 19
Multi-talented arranger and vocalist, Gracie Jay has performed and recorded with artists including Cyrille Aimee, Nicholas Payton, Camille Thurman, Jamison Ross, and more. Her written works have been performed by groups including the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Next Generation Big Band, and the New Guard Big Band. Part of a rare, niche category of talented female vocalists, Gracie is a powerful force on stage, simultaneously writing and arranging for the same large ensembles she masterfully sings for.
Gracie serves as a bandleader for a diverse collection of musical groups, including the Colorado-based band, J-Calvin, The New Guard Big Band, and, of course, her own solo and group projects. Hired for her diverse artistic contributions, Gracie is known for elevating every group she’s invited to. Performances with these groups include Tuscon Jazz Festival, French Quarter Festival, Telluride Jazz Festival, DC Jazz Festival, and more. Recently, Gracie made it into the quarterfinals of the American Traditions Competition.
Gracie received her Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance and Professional Music from Berklee College of Music. In 2020, she received her Master's degree in Arranging and Composition from North Carolina Central University under the tutelage of Branford Marsalis, Joey Calderazzo, and Brian Horton.