Photo Flash: Nita Whitaker at the Castle

It's difficult to put Nita Whitaker into one category. Graced by gospel, trained in opera, honed in pop, Nita's voice is a remarkable instrument that's difficult to define. But when you hear her power chops and sweet bell tones, you know you are in the presence of greatness. Nita Whitaker's The Courage to Dream was recently sold out at the Cabaret at the Castle at the Magic Castle. A very impressive performance backed by piano and percussion, Ms. Whitaker treated the audience to a selection of her own music as well as many popular songs.

Her pitch perfect vocals and comedic timing left the audience wanting more. She offered a hysterically funny "White Girl Medley," which highlighted a series of musical numbers from the Great White Way that she remarked "she would never get cast" and then offered birthday greetings to audience members in Country, Gospel and Operatic style. Ms. Whitaker's acoustically style is not to be missed. Having recorded three independent CD's Nita continues to pull all the elements of her training together into a fusion of pop, soul/ R&B, with a dash of gospel. Nita has found a beautiful blend of music that soothes the soul, enhances the senses, and elevates the spirit. A former Miss Louisiana, Nita took her southern roots, charm and talent to Los Angeles where her incredible voice carried her to Female Grand Champion on Star Search.

With a vibrant and dynamic stage presence, Nita is comfortable singing in any setting, from an intimate club to the Arena Stages, as well as stage, television and movies. She has been the guest performer at The Freedom Awards honoring Oprah Winfrey, Ruby Dee and Paul Rusesabagnia, sang duets with Andrea Bocelli during his 2006 Winter Tour, and also has sung with Josh Groban. Having David Foster as one of her early mentors, she has performed and shared the stage with countless celebrities including Barbara Streisand, Faith Hill, Celine Dion, Richard Marx, Stevie Wonder and Yolanda Adams. A work still unwritten, Nita continues to hone her song writing skills and continues to record and perform. Recently she performed highlights from "Porgy and Bess" with the Chorale Bel Canto Symphony as well as toured with jazz trumpeter Chris Botti. The best is yet to come.