NYC-based jazz vocalist with the curly red hair from Toledo, Ohio, April Varner is a name you won’t soon forget. She began her studies as a classical vocalist and pianist at age 8 and 6, respectively. No stranger to the stage, April began performing and competing at age 5, displaying vocal, musical theatre, drama and piano talents at the local, regional, national and international levels. Upon earning her bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies (Voice) from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music in the spring of 2020, at the young age of 26, April has already performed/studied with an array of renowned artists. These include Sachal Vasandani, Jane Monheit, Darmon Meader, Tierney Sutton, Peter Eldridge, Walter Smith III, Kurt Elling, Kate McGarry, and Michael Feinstein. Countless appearances at many of the city’s top jazz spots have followed, including The Django, 55 Bar, Dizzy’s Coca-Cola Club, Ornithology Jazz Club, Birdland Theater, Minton’s Playhouse and more. She will be making her Birdland Jazz Club and Mezzrow Jazz Club debut in Spring of 2024. April graduated in May of 2022 with her Master’s degree in Jazz Voice Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. She most recently was awarded the 2023 Winner of the International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition. She is excitedly awaiting the release of her debut full-length album, entitled “Dear April”, on June 28th, 2024. It was produced by GrammyAward winning drummer, producer and educator, Ulysses Owens Jr. The personnel of the album include Russell Malone, Benny Benack III, Dayna Stephens, Theo Bleckmann, Reuben Rogers, Miguel Russell and Caelan Cardello.
For tickets and more information, visit https://www.lyceumhallarts.com/upcoming-events.