Talent Inquiry

Born to perform! Known as a vivacious entertainer, Mary literally ‘lights up a room when she walks in the door!’ (ON THE TOWN) Her love of singing, her warmth and endless energy while on stage are reflected in the faces of the smiling crowds before her. Raised and based in Grand Rapids, MI, Mary hails from a big, fun-loving musical family and has an extensive background in music, theatre, choreography and dance. Mary brings an expressive warmth to her singing, as well as a skilled ability to communicate the emotional content of a lyric. Her unique abilities as a performer are a culmination of her natural talent, as well as her experience and training as an actress and vocalist. While at Michigan State University (from which she holds a B.S. in both Telecommunications and Musical Theatre – and was a Big 10 Cheerleader as well!), Mary performed under the direction of respected dialect and acting resident artist, Joyce Ramsey and dance legend, Miss Dixie Durr. After graduating, Mary toured throughout the States and to the Orient and South Pacific with the USO/DOD, singing and dancing with a showband. Her travels brought her back to Michigan, where she was a headliner at the popular Tootsie Van Kelly’s in the 5-star Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, till it closed in 1995. This is where she met her good friend and colleague, Bassist, Paul Keller, now residing in Ann Arbor, MI who recorded and tours with Jazz Grammy winner, Diana Krall. Mary is invited to sing with The Paul Keller Orchestra and continues to work with Keller in various jazz venues. Her most recent ventures with Mike Vax (Stan Kenton alum) and The Great American Jazz Band have taken her to Sun Valley, ID and Sacramento, CA, performing at two of the most prestigious jazz festivals in the country. Mary works as a voice talent, doing voice-overs, jingles and backup recording work. She also educates at The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre in voice, dance and acting classes for children.