Vic’s Las Vegas, September 19–20
This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira welcomes powerhouse jazz vocalist Nancy Kelly, appearing live at Vic’s Las Vegas, September 19–20. Known for her crystal-clear, no-nonsense style, Nancy shares why music—not showmanship—has always been her true love. She dives into the intimate connection between performer and audience, the humor (and humility) that jazz musicians carry, and why swing and bebop remain at the heart of her artistry.
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Nancy also reflects on being groomed for the stage from an early age, the making of her latest album Be Cool, and her belief that jazz must stay rooted in the blues. Beyond performance, she opens up about her passion for teaching—showing young musicians how to truly back a singer—and why rhythm and the Great American Songbook continue to be her guiding lights.
Renowned jazz vocalist Nancy Kelly commands a global fan base with her timeless swinging style, transporting audiences back to an era where jazz was an authenic expression of raw emotion. With a vocal delivery that seamlessly blends old-school charm with fresh, innovative ideas, Kelly’s performances are a masterclass in phrasing, style, and swing. Hailing from Rochester, New York, she began her musical journey at the teder age of four, studying piano,clarinet, and voice at the esteemed Eastman School of Music.
Over her illustrious five-decade career, Kelly has perfected her trademark swing/bop style on stages across the United States and beyond, gracing venues from Singapore to Switzerland. A classically trained pianist turned jazz sensation, Kelly found her voice as the house singer at Jewel’s, a legendary jazz club in Philadelphia. Sharing the stage with icons like Betty Carter and Houston Person, she honed her craft and emerged as a dynamic force on the international jazz stage.
She was twice named Best Female Jazz Vocalist in the DownBeat Readers’Poll, and was inducted into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame on May 1, 2022. Past alumni include trumpeters Chuck Mangione and Lew Soloff, opera star Renee Fleming, bass legend Ron Carter, drummer Steve Gadd and vibraphonist Joe Locke. Esteemed company indeed!
Nancy appears regularly on New York City’s jazz circuit. Kelly has captivated audiences at renowned venues such as The Blue Note and Birdland, earning accolades including two “Best Female Jazz Vocalist” titles in the Down Beat Readers’ Poll. With eight critically acclaimed albums under her belt, including the chart-topping Live Jazz and the widely praised Remembering Mark Murphy, Nancy continues to push the boundaries of jazz with her soulful sound and unwavering commitment to the art form.
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