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Francina Connors
They say good things come in small packages. And so it goes with jazz vocalist, Francina Connors. In an age of gimmicks and slick packaging, this diminutive songstress returns majesty and beauty to the "first instrument" with a natural and unaffected style.
In just a few years on the New York scene, Francina's vocal stylings have led to performances in such noted jazz venues as Smalls, TheVillage Gate, Birdland, St. Nick's Pub and Tatou. To her credit, Francina has performed with young jazz artists Cyrus Chestnut (P), Gerald Cannon (B), Bruce Edwards (G), Eric Lewis (P), as well as seasoned veterans Joe Knight (P), Bill Lee (B), Tom Macintosh (Arr./Trb), John Ore (B) and Britt Woodman (Trb).
The daughter of a classical pianist, Francina began singing at five, continuing on to numerous choirs, small ensembles, public television work and solo competitions. She contributes her keen ear and harmonic sense to a rich diet of musical styles. Her background includes classical, spirituals and extensive choral work as well as the sounds of her Cleveland, OH roots, which provided an intro to jazz with a healthy foundation in R&B, soul and funk.
Francina fell in love with jazz while at Oberlin College. While studying voice in the Oberlin Conservatory, she performed as soloist for the Oberlin Jazz Ensemble under Wendell Logan and Kenny Davis. Subsequently she moved to the dues paying New York City to further hone her skills. She's studied with Opera Ebony's Wayne Saunders and, under the careful tutelage of jazz masters Barry Harris and Benny Powell, continues making headway on the competitive New York jazz scene.
Francina's wide vocal range and diverse musical background have afforded her a myriad of opportunities in and out of jazz. From an Off-Broadway show with Thuli and Dumakude and The South African Singers to recording with Calypso artist, Arrow, jazz Bassist Bill Lee and The Bill Lee Family Singers and recently performing and recording with the Manhattan Jazz Orchestra (Blue Lion Music) - this artist definitely likes to stretch! Her latest endeavors include joining the Barry Harris Jazz Choir in festival in Den Haag, The Netherlands, a voice and guitar project, clubdates throughout the New York area and nurturing a long-standing passion -songwriting.
If talent, charm and tenacity are the keys to success, expect a bright future for this blossoming young artist.
CONTACT: Cinarae Music STYLE: All styles (jazz concentration) P.O. Box 1196, New York, NY 10026 (212) 388-8609/[email protected]
FESTIVALS Harlem Arts and Music Festival (Performed with my group, The Francina Connors Quartet. Francina Connors (V), Eric Lewis (P), Hill Greene (B) and Craig Haynes (D). The Barry Harris Jazz Workshop. Performed with Barry Harris Community Choir in workshop at the Dutch Royal Conservatory, Den Haag, The Netherlands.
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Ethan Mann & Friends Featuring Jazz Vocalist, Francina Connors @ Jules Bistro
Source:
The Cinarae Group
Francina Connors Trio @ Saint Peter's Jazz Vespers, Tomorrow
Source:
The Cinarae Group
Jazz Vocalist, Francina Connors (with Micheal Howell (guitar) and Hill Greene (bass)) delights with a blend of jazz standards and originals - Great music for the heart and soul!
The Francina Connors Trio Francina Connors (vocals), Michael Howell (guitar) and Hill Greene (bass) @ Saint Peter's Jazz Vespers Sun., August 10, 2008 5pm. Free
Saint Peters Church 619 Lexington Avenue (@ E. 54th)
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Francina Connors Trio at Butterfly Blue, Sugar Hill's Newest Restaurant & Bar, Thurs., June 22, 8pm
Source:
All About Jazz
Francina Connors Trio @ Butterfly Blue, Sugar Hill's Newest Restaurant & Bar, Thurs., June 22, 8pm
Source:
All About Jazz
Jazz Songstress Francina Connors brings her soulful stylings to Butterfly Blue in heart of Harlem's classic Sugar Hill. Chill in the blue haze of this exotic Caribbean & Soul Food dining experience!
The Francina Connors Trio Francina Connors (Vocals) Wayne Batchelor (Bass) Piano (TBA) Thurs. June 22 8pm @ Butterfly Blue Caribbean & Soul Food Restaurant & Bar 1813 Amsterdam ...
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Francina Connors Trio @ Butterfly Blue, Sugar Hill's Newest Restaurant & Bar, Thurs., June 22, 8pm
Source:
All About Jazz
Francina Connors Trio heads up New Sunday Brunch at Creole, Apr. 30, 2-6pm
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All About Jazz
Creole Restaurant, the stylish East Harlem eatery, introduces its new Sunday Brunch. April 30, the all-you-can-eat ($26 per person) brunch
presenting The Francina Connors Trio: jazz songstress Francina Connors (vocals) with Stephen Lee (piano) and Dave Jackson (bass).
From spirituals to jazz, this delightful trio promises an afternoon of great food, great sounds and fun! For reservations, please call (212) 876-8838.
The Francina Connors Trio Sun.,Apr.30 2-6pm @ ...
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Francina Connors Trio heads up New Sunday Brunch at Creole, Apr. 30, 2-6pm
Source:
All About Jazz
Creole Restaurant, the stylish East Harlem eatery, introduces its new Sunday Brunch. April 30, the all-you-can-eat ($26 per person) brunch presenting The Francina Connors Trio, jazz songstress Francina Connors (Vocals) with Stephen Lee (Piano) and Dave Jackson (Bass).
From spirituals to jazz, this delightful trio promises an afternoon of great food, great sounds and fun! For reservations, please call (212) 876-8838.
The Francina Connors Trio Sun.Apr.30 2-6pm @ Creole Restaurant ...
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Francina Connors Duo @ Creole Jazz Brunch, Sun., April 23, 2-6pm
Source:
All About Jazz
From the roots of jazz to bebop, Jazz Vocalist Francina Connors covers alot of ground! Catch her with accompanist Stephen Lee at East Harlem's Newest Supper Club, Creole, for a fun afternoon of fine cuisine, jazz, spirituals and more! The Francina Connors Duo Francina Connors (Voice) Stephen Lee (Piano) Creole Jazz Brunch Sun., Apr.23, 2006 2-6pm @ Creole East Harlem's Newest Supper Club
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Francina Connors' "Uptown Jazz" with Michael Howell at Penang, Tues., Mar. 28
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All About Jazz
"Chill out" Tuesday is back this week at Penang. A voice and guitar duo, Uptown Jazz covers a lot of ground--from jazz to r&b, bossas and more.
Uptown Jazz Francina Connors Michael Howell Tues., Mar. 28 8pm-12am No Cover
at Penang The Best Malaysian cuisine in New York" (Downstairs Lounge) 240 Columbus Ave. Corner of W.71st & Columbus) ...
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