Antoinette Montague Plays Jazz at the Kitano, 2/13

Antoinette Montague swings back into two of her favorite rooms as she returns to Jazz at the Kitano, located in Manhattan's premier luxury Japanese hotel for a Valentine's Weekend love & romance infused set.  Then she soars upstate to a triumphant return to the Central New York Jazz Arts series in the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Syracuse University .
 
To understand the electrifying impact Antoinette has on audiences, just read what Larry Luttenger, of the Central New York Jazz Arts Foundation has to say: 
 

"Packed house, standing ovation, multiple encores - after a night like that it's the law - your guest has to return for more. We had no alternative but to invite our 2010 cabaret artist - the pride of Newark NJ, the incomparable, bluesy, swinging Antoinette Montague - back once again to present an all new show for us this February.
 
"If you want to travel to the Big Apple in search of a civilized night out, you'll be able to find such cabaret rooms and supper clubs offering all this under one roof - but be prepared to spend hundreds of dollars. Or, for a tiny fraction of the price of such a junket to Manhattan , you could attend our cabaret.
 
"Once again, Brackens Financial Solutions Network makes it possible for us to bring this bonafide blues and jazz legend to Syracuse for our annual celebration. Think Etta Jones - only sassier! For new patrons, note that affordable food stations and cash bar are available once inside. Also note our new location, the elegant Sheraton Syracuse University , with plenty of parking! Miss it and you'll regret it."

 
Born and raised in Newark , Antoinette Montague was drawn to the music by her mother who was always singing and sounded like Ella Fitzegerald. Montague's interest was further jump started by her dad. "On Saturdays my dad would drop me off at the Newark Public Library on his way to work. There I would listen to Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington." Years later Montague met up with the renowned Etta Jones, who became her mentor. "She encouraged me when others were being uncool. She would say, 'I hear it Annie. It is coming along, and it's going to be wonderful. Not everybody wants you to sing like they did me. Keep doing it and don't quit, or I will come back and haunt you.'"
 
Montague released her first CD, Pretty Blues, in 2006 featuring pianist Mulgrew Miller, saxophonist Bill Easley, drummer Kenny Washington, and bassist Peter Washington-the same group of influential jazz players featured on the new release Behind The Smile. Montague has appeared on the cover of Jazz Improv NY Magazine and on two book covers of Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret and Music. She has performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center 's Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, Jazzmobile's Summer Breeze Concert Series, Zebra Room in Harlem 's famous Lenox Lounge, the Blue Note, Jazz Standard and more.
 
Antoinette's album, Behind The Smile features a diverse repertoire of standards and originals including "What's Going On," "The Song Is You," "Get Ready," "Somewhere In The Night" as well the vocalist / composer's original title song "Behind The Smile".  At the upcoming Jazz Vespers performance listeners get to hear Montague tap into her extensive repertoire and distinctive renditions of "What The World Needs Now," "Creole Love Call," "Rough and Ready Man," "Let the Good Times Roll," "God Bless the Child," "On The Street Where You Live," "Lady Be Good," "I Let A Song Go Out of My Heart," Duke Ellington's "I Didn't Know About You," "East Of the Sun," "I'll Be Seeing You," "Swing It Brother Swing," "Smack Dab In The Middle," Mose Allison's, "If You've Got Questions Ask Me Nice", Stevie Wonder's, "Ribbon In the Sky and others.

For more information on Antoinette Montague's performances and bookings, call 203-820-8819 or visit www.antoinettemontague.com