NBC-5 coverage of my appearance at the 2017 Chicago Jazz Festival
September 13th, 2023
Announcing a Fall/Winter Tour, with stops in MN, NY, LA, MI, IA, AZ, and FL!
June 18th, 2023
The Belden Stratford‘s 1920s-themed Grand Opening Event. I provided musical entertainment and actors on three floors in this iconic Chicago landmark. What a night!
May 25th, 2023
I’ve got a fantastic line-up of summer concerts and gigs. Check out the details below. Hope to see you soon!
May 1st, 2023
I’m gearing up for my third recording! I’m REALLY excited about this one. It’s going to feature all my favorite music from the 1970s, arranged by the incredible Chris Madsen. Click the link to find out more and be a part of this project.
And, I’m happy to have been featured in Singers Room as “10 Best Chicago Singing and Voice Lessons” I am passionate about teaching and find it to be extremely rewarding. I have the best students! I host a monthly open mic for my students. Come sing!
March 11th, 2023
My friend and colleague Christy Bennett created a cool podcast called Nerd Mountain. I was delighted that she asked me to be her guest to talk about Nancy Hamilton. Nancy wrote the lyric to “High High the Moon,” and was a prolific producer, actor, and writer in the theater and so much more. She led a fascinating and prolific life. Kick back, click below, and take a listen, if you’d like.
November 8th, 2022
This year’s holiday season is shaping up to be outstanding, with private holiday parties, holiday corporate events, private teaching (vocal and piano), caroling, and my vocal jazz jam. I’m grateful for all the good work and I hope to see you out and about soon! Check my calendar for an event near you.
September 17th, 2022
Summer has come to an end and I’m happy to say that it was a busy one. I performed for four outdoor festivals (The Lakeview East Festival of the Arts, The Jazz and Beer Festival in Normal, IL, the Music at Noon Series at Fourth Presbyterian on Michigan Avenue, and The Courtyard Concert Series at the historic Glessner House), as well as three headlining appearances at Winter’s Jazz Club and my monthly residency at Drew’s on Halsted. Thanks for your support!
May 20th, 2022
We kicked off our first night at Drew’s on Halsted last Wednesday and we had an absolute blast! Thanks to all the fine folks who joined us for a beautiful evening of fellowship at this Boystown Bistro. We’ll be appearing monthly and we can’t wait to see you again on Wednesday, June 22nd.
April 3rd, 2022
New Gig Alert! The last Wednesday of every month, starting on April 27th at Drew’s on Halsted from 7-9 PM. Join us for a casual evening of music, great food and wine, and of course, fellowship.
March 27th, 2022
And that’s a wrap…finished a week of concerts in Raleigh-Durham to wrap up my Winter Tour. What a treat! I worked with amazing musicians who welcomed me with open arms and we had an absolute blast! Now it’s on to planning and plotting for a Fall Tour. Below is a pic from C Grace, one of the fabulous venues in NC.
March 13th, 2022
We had an absolute blast at Merriman’s Playhouse (pic below) and got some good ink in The South Bend Tribune. I’ll be back at Merriman’s in the fall for a Strayhorn/Ellington show. Now it’s off to North Carolina for a week of appearances (The Tuscany Club, C Grace, and Sharp 9 Gallery at the Durham Jazz Workshop) to wrap up a lovely Winter Tour.
February 18th, 2022
Just wrapped up a week of performances with my good friend and amazing jazz singer, Rose Colella – at Emerson and Oliver and The Epiphany Center for the Arts for our Valentine’s Day Concert. What a blast! Click the link to see the live stream of our concert. Up next: Winter’s Jazz Club and Merriman’s Playhouse in South Bend, IN. I’m making my third headlining appearance there, this time in celebration of Womens’ History Month, I’ll be highlighting the work of female lyricists in The Lady Lyricists – Queens of Tin Pan Alley.
January 23rd, 2022
Just got back from Noce Jazz Club in Des Moines, IA – the first stop on my Winter Tour, for my third headlining appearance there. I got a standing O (thanks, Des Moine!) and it was an incredibly fantastic way to kick off a tour. The club is beautiful and I got to work with some amazing musicians. Now it’s off to NYC to sing at Feinstein’s 54 Below on Sunday, Feb 6th!
Pianist Jason Danielson, bassist Steve Charlson and drummer Zane Gedler
January 21st, 2022
I’m heading out today to kick off my Winter Tour! First stop – Noce Jazz Club in Des Moines, IA.
January 12th, 2022
Announcing new tour date! At Merriman’s Playhouse in South Bend, IN – for a special concert celebrating Women’s History Month on Friday, March 11th.
January 5th, 2022
Announcing Winter Tour Dates! I’m thrilled to be out and about again, at some of the most gorgeous venues in the country. I hope to see YOU at one of them soon…
December 19th, 2021
I just wrapped up a weekend at Andy’s Jazz Club with my dear friend and incredible jazz singer, Rose Colella. We sang to sold-out crowds both nights and it was thrilling to be on stage singing for actual people again! I’m gearing up for a Winter Tour too (stay tuned for dates in MN, NC, LA, and IA) and I’m happy to announce that Rose and I will be together again in February for a special Valentine’s Day Show at the Epiphany Center for the Arts. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
June 11th, 2021
I’m happy to announce a slew of summer concerts! This Chicago jazz singer is thrilled to be getting back into the swing of things! Head on over to my Calendar Page to check out the line-up, which includes Winter’s Jazz Club, Music at Noon at 4th Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue, Emerson and Oliver Speakeasy in Woodstock, IL, The Medici Jazz and Craft Beer Festival in Normal, IL, The Courtyard Concert Series at the Glessner House and Kenosha, WI’s Sunset Jazz on Lake Michigan, to name a few. I hope to see you out and about soon!
February 12th, 2021
I’m going live in two days for a Valentine’s Day live-stream concert with the amazing guitarist, Andy Brown. It’s a free concert that you can watch in real-time or save for later. Sunday, February 14th | 6:00-8:00 CST | 4:00-6:00 PST | 5:00-7:00 MST | 7:00-9:00 EST|
Just click this link for your exclusive access to the unlisted video: https://youtu.be/kO4V_lqQWZI
December 19th, 2020
It’s been eight months since my last correspondence and as we move into 2021, I’m hoping for a better year ahead. It’s been a challenging year to be a musical artist. Not only did I lose my mother to COVID in May, but I also lost all of my booked gig work in 2020 as well as 2021. In spite of the many losses this year, I remain forever grateful to the family, friends, and fans who have generously supported my work. I was able to make music only a small handful of times this year and I will never again take it for granted. I am sending love to you and yours this season. Warmly, Elaine
March 6th, 2020
Florida was lovely and sunny! Below are some pics from the Arts Garage, the 8th stop on my Winter Tour 2020. The venue was amazing and the audience, very appreciative and warm. Next up: Sharp 9 Gallery Jazz Club in Raleigh/Durham, the last stop on my Winter Tour.
February 27th, 2020
I’m on my way to Del Ray Beach, FL to sing at the Arts Garage and I can hardly wait to see the sun! Last weekend at Noce Jazz Club in IA was a blast. I worked with some very fine musicians there and had a lovely time. Florida, here I come!
February 19th, 2020
Last weekend I had the pleasure of singing at Dazzle Jazz Club in Denver for two sold-out sets on Valentine’s Day – what an incredible experience, they took great care of me! Tomorrow, I’m heading to Noce Jazz Club in Des Moine, IA for my third headlining appearance at this fabulous venue. I feel fortunate to be able to sing at these stellar venues around the country AND with the most amazing musicians in each city. After Noce, I’ll head to The Arts Garage in Del Ray Beach, FL (yay, sun!) to present “The Lady Lyricists: Queens of Tin Pan Alley” on March 1st to kick off women’s history month. That’s it for this update on Winter Tour 2020, hope to see you at a venue near you soon!
January 27th, 2020
LA was a blast! Singing with my friend and incredible jazz singer Rose Colella, we hit Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Jazz Grill in LA, The Winery Ventura, and Puffers of Pismo (Beach). It was hard to say goodbye to the sun! Next up: Andy’s Jazz Club in sweet home Chicago on Feb 7th and 8th.
January 13th, 2020
I just wrapped up an appearance at The Kerrytown Concert House in Ann Arbor, MI – performing for one of the most enthusiastic audiences I’ve ever experienced. What a blast! I got some great ink too! MLive featured my performance as one of the “5 things to do in Ann Arbor this weekend.” Next up: LA! At Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Jazz Grill, The Winery Ventura, and Puffers of Pismo with my good friend and amazing jazz singer, Rose Colella.
January 5th, 2020
I just got back from my first stop on my winter tour, The Dunsmore Jazz Room, a gorgeous listening room in Minneapolis, MN that boasts a 9-foot Steinway. What a treat! Next up: The Kerrytown Concert House in Ann Arbor, MI – my home state!
Hello friends- January 1st, 2020
There are many exciting things happening for this Chicago jazz singer. I’m embarking on my Winter Tour 2020 and heading to venues from coast to coast. The first stop is the Dunsmore Jazz Room in Minneapolis, MN. I had the opportunity to talk with Emily Reese again at Jazz88FM KBEM about the concert, a Strayhorn/Ellington celebration. Listen Here
January 1st, 2019
Last year’s fall tour was a blast! In September of 2018, I began in South Haven, Michigan, as part of their Smooth Sunset Weekend and my hometown newspaper, The Herald-Palladium, wrote a nice piece, what a great way to kick off a tour!
Then, I headlined a beautiful venue in New York called The Triad Theater, and the following weekend, I headlined The Dunsmore Room at Crooner’s Lounge in Minneapolis. They were voted Best Jazz Club in the Twin Cities as well as being selected by Downbeat Magazine as one of the “100 Greatest Jazz Clubs.” I spoke to Emily Reese of Jazz88FM Public Radio about my appearance there and was also featured in The Star Tribune as a “Concert of the Week.” Here’s what the music critic, Chris Riemenschneider, had to say: “With her alluring voice and wide repertoire, she entertains with joy and authority.”
Headlining the gorgeous listening room at The Dunsmore in Minneapolis
In November of 2018, I went back to South Haven for two special events there and I wrapped up the tour in Seattle, performing at Tula’s Jazz Club, the Pink Door, and North City Bistro.
Singing at Tula’s Jazz Club in Seattle with the incredible Greta Matassa.
Performing at the Pink Door in Seattle, a very cool venue!
My Winter Tour/2019 kicked off in Detroit to headline the one and only legendary Cliff Bells.
I had a lot of fun talking about the tour and other jazz stuff with Mike Jeffers of Chicago Jazz Magazine on his “Talking Jazz” show:
Then I went to Michigan to perform for the Hanson Theatre Living Room Series at The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College. I got some great press for this one, check it out.
For Valentine’s Day 2019 I had the pleasure of returning to Des Moines, IA to sing with the Turner Center Jazz Orchestra, my second appearance with this incredible ensemble, on the campus of Drake University. February also took me to Raleigh, NC – to perform at a local jazz venue called C Grace in addition to a special concert at the Tuscany Club there.
Singing at C Grace in Raleigh, another gorgeous venue.
Finally, I finished out the tour with an appearance in LA at Upstairs at Vitello’s, a fantastic supper club in Studio City.
AND…BIG news! I’m gearing up for my third recording! With the extraordinary arranger and musician Chris Madsen at the helm, this special project will feature unique jazz renderings of our favorite songs from the ’70s with an all-star line-up of notable jazz instrumentalists. Check out the project via my crowdfunding campaign on Indigogo
Other fun tidbits…
In April of 2017, I was honored to have had my recording (along with Tony Bennett and Jazz Phenom Joey Alexander!) of Billy Strayhorn’s Something to Live For selected as “Five Strayhorn Covers to Celebrate.”
Also in 2017, I was thrilled to kick off an exciting new series as part of the 2017 Chicago Jazz Festival on The Plaza Stage at The Park Grill in Millennium Park. We had a blast performing for the crowd there and NBC, Chicago stopped by to film it – check out the above video!
In 2016, I headlined an incredible venue in New York City called 54 Below and I’ll be returning with my show “The Lady Lyricists – Queens of Tin Pan Alley.” The show debuted in Chicago to sold-out crowds for The Sunday Salon Series at The Moraine Valley Arts Center. And I debuted a new show called “Holiday G.I Jukebox” at the Wilson Center for the Arts in December of 2017. We had two sold-out engagements there!
Still more fun Chicago jazz singer stuff…
I performed a special concert with members of The Chicago Jazz Orchestra – The CJO All-Star Quartet – in honor of Ella Fitzgerald’s 100th birthday on Tuesday, April 25th, 2016 at Winter’s Jazz Club. Check out the video below from our last “Ellabration” there: Ella 101, celebrating Ella’s 101st birthday with pianist Dan Murphy, bassist Patrick Mulcahy, and reed-man Eric Schneider.
Check out the video below from a holiday show at Winter’s in December of 2017:
“We Three Sing – A Winter’s Holiday Celebration” – featuring my pals and incredible jazz singers, Rose Colella and Paul Marinaro.
In September of 2017, I headlined the Jazz Performance Series at Merriman’s Playhouse – doing my “Ellabration” thing for the folks in and around South Bend, Indiana, my third headlining appearance there.
Past engagements include headlining The 2015 Chicago Jazz Festival as well as four headlining appearances at New York City’s iconic Rainbow Room.
As the leader of a Chicago Jazz Band, I continue to provide entertainment for Chicago corporate events and Chicago galas and fundraisers, as well as Chicago weddings.
Philanthropy
Every year, I organize and host a musical benefit for a worthy cause. This 2018 recipient was Rape Victim Advocates, an organization doing crucial and important work in Chicago. The benefit was held on Sunday, July 29th at Chicago Theater Works. We raised $3500,00! The recipient for 2017 was the Illinois Chapter of Planned Parenthood. Featuring a cavalcade of Chicago jazz musicians, the benefit was presented at Southport and Irving on Sunday, May 7th from 6-10 PM. We raised almost $3000.00 in one night! Thanks to all who participated!
My 2016 musical benefit was for The Chicago Foundation for Women and we raised almost $5000.00! Past fundraisers have included events for The Chicago Women’s Health Center, Jazz for Japan (for the 2013 tsunami victims), and The Matthew Shepard Foundation.
Check out this accolade from Chicago’s own New City. Thanks, New City (Robert Rodi)!
Finally, my sophomore recording You’re My Thrill was released on December 1st, 2014 with a CD release event at the one and only Jazz Showcase on that date. You can buy the recording, listen to audio samples here and check out the video of the CD release party.
Watch my live performance on WGN TV’s “Music Break.”
Read the write-up in Reservoir Media – “Five Strayhorn Covers to Celebrate”
Listen to my interview on Fearless Radio
Read the interview in Windy City Times
Read the review in New City
Read the interview in The Total Scene
Read the write-up from WDCB Jazz Radio
Read the review from Radio One
Read the write-up from ChicagoNow.Com
Read the review from Listen Here Reviews!
Listen to my feature from Neon Jazz – Kansas City, MO -KCXL, 102.9 FM / 1140 AM
View performance dates HERE
Sites That Swing
All About Jazz
News and reviews for the serious jazz fan.
WDCB Jazz Radio
Listener-supported public radio in Chicago-land, 90.9fm WDCB. “Her new album You’re My Thrill is exactly what you’d expect from a consummate pro here in Chicago. There’s a lot to like here, from a rather grooving take on “You’re My Thrill” to a really nice run-through of “I Was Doing All Right.”
All Music
“a clear and powerful voice along with the ability to improvise with subtlety…an excellent scat singer…beautiful tone.”
Chicago Jazz Magazine
“From the start, it was apparent that Dame offered optimism, enthusiasm, and joy for both her partners and the jazz standards they played together. This musical attitude was just as appealing as her considerable vocal and flute playing skills. Her intelligent phrasing also proves that she also listens to the lyrics she sings…a resounding musical success.”
BeltStyles
312.285.8429
Site edited and proofed by Hallie Belt, M.A. & B.A. in English, Resume Creator, Digital & Print Editor, Writer, Proofreader
SQN Events
773.469.6095
Beth Bernstein, owner of Sine Que Non: Special Events, has quickly risen to the top of her industry. She has been awarded the highest accolades from the professionals in her field, as well as receiving the most sincere appreciation from the clients who have had the good fortune to have hired her. I can personally attest to Beth’s work ethic, her level of commitment to those that she serves, and her elegant and refined sense of style and grace.
Carasco Photo
773.383.4112
An award-winning photography duo based in Chicago, Cara and Scott Carasco produce and preserve memories in a documentary-versus-high fashion format. They appeal to the art-forward bride and groom looking for a unique representation of their day. As wedding documentarians, their goal is to create a vibrant collection of images that portray the real beauty and detail of your celebration. Whether your taste is traditional or contemporary, Carasco Photo creates fresh images that showcase your personal taste and style.
LK Events
LK Events is a full-service wedding planning and event company. I had the pleasure of working with Lauren and her team for a beautiful birthday party at The Chicago Yacht Club.
The Matthew Shepard Foundation
I performed for a benefit in Chicago for this wonderful organization several years ago and hosted my own musical benefit on May 3rd, 2014 at Southport and Irving.
The Chicago Women’s Health Center
…a unique collective working together to provide affordable, compassionate, and collaborative gynecological and mental health care to women and trans people in the Chicago area. Our health care providers, counselors, and health educators share a strong commitment to the vision our founders imagined in 1975 when they formed CWHC: a world in which all people have access to comprehensive, affordable, and sensitive health care. I have been a client since 1992 and in 2010 I hosted a musical benefit. We raised over $6000.00!
Cray Design
Thomas Cray is a designer with impeccable taste. He is easy to work with, incredibly efficient and answers emails and phone calls in a timely manner. He designed the cover of You’re My Thrill and I really cannot say enough good things about his work.
RJ Galla Insurance Company
I have used this company for years (Yay, Kathi Depolis!) and I highly recommend them. They are extremely efficient, professional, and convivial!
Find me and my Chicago jazz band online!
Gigmasters
Gigsalad
Google Profile (Jazz Band)
Google Profile (Singing Lessons)
My YouTube Channel
This and That – Wow! You made it to the end of the page! Shoot me an email letting me know and I’ll send you a free download of my latest recording as my thanks.
Blue Cross Health Care Commercial
Totino’s Pizza Commercial
American Addiction Centers Commerical
