ASHLAND — Join Ashland’s All That Jazz Society on Monday, April 6 at 7 p.m. at the King Road Christian Church for Kelly McLennan and her jazz quintet.
Kelly is considered one of Columbus’ finest jazz singers (Gene Cole’s favorite!).
She will be joined by some of the finest sidemen in Ohio and you’ll hear some of the finest jazz presented in the region.
King Road Christian Church is located at 1425 King Road in Ashland, and is wheelchair-accessible. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Memberships are also available and welcome.
Kelly McLennan
Born in Defiance, Kelly McLennan has over 35 years as a leader/sidewoman vocalist.
Prior to moving to Columbus, Kelly honed her skills studying, listening and sitting-in with N.W. Ohio jazz greats including Lori Lefevre, Larry Fuller, Dan Faehnle, Scott Potter, Eric Dickey and Jeff Halsey at local venues like the well known Rusty’s Jazz Club.
She was the featured vocalist with The Scott Potter Trio and the Stan Sterner Big Band.
Since 1989 Kelly calls Columbus home and has been a regular in the wedding, society and club scenes. A sample of clubs Kelly has performed at include Hyde Park Grill, 501 Jazz Bar, Natalie’s Coal Fired Pizza, Franklin Park Conservatory, Valleydale, The Refectory.
She has been/is featured vocalist with The Rick Brunetto Big Band, In Full Swing Big Band, Bone-a-fide Swing, The Jazz Central Big Band, Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra, Jazz to Go Big Band, New Remnants, Guilfoyle, David Paul Unit, Dayton Jazz Orchestra and the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra.
Kelly is a guest vocalist on the albums of The Rick Brunetto Big Band, Lisa Clark and Vaughn Wiester’s FJO.
She was the youngest vocalist on Tom Carroll’s “Women in Jazz” concerts’ alongside talented Central Ohio greats: Tom Carroll, Hank Marr, Gary Carney, Terry Douds, Marie Walker, Mary McClendon, Jeanette Williams and Michelle Horsefield Carney.
Kelly has been a side woman with various artists including John Ulrich, Bob Allen, Cornell Wiley, Joe Ong, Bobby Floyd, Matt Ellis, Andrew Waters, Jim Rupp, Erik Augis, Mark Flugge, Andy Woodson, Pete Mills and Stan Smith.
She performs at many festivals and series, including the Columbus JazzNRibs, Columbus Arts Festival, Newark Jazz Fest, Upper Arlington Festival, Defiance Jazz Festival, Defiance Big Band Series; PBJ&Jazz Series, COMFEST, Ashland Jazz Series, Galion Oktoberfest and Columbus Oktoberfest.
Some appearance highlights include a performance with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra on their Stan Kenton Tribute concert conducted by Vaughn Wiester; guest artist on the Heisey Big Band concert series conducted by OSU’s Dr. Russel Mikkelson and a sold-out JAG performance “Music of the Harlem Rennaisance” alongside vocalists, Mary McClendon, Jeanette Williams and Lisa Webster at the historical Lincoln Theatre.
Kelly has studied with the late Michelle Horsefield Carney, Sunny Wilkinson and Kevyn Lettau and has performed with national artists, Jon Faddis, Dorsey Brothers Big Band, Cab Calloway Band, the late Frank Foster and Louie Bellson.
She also teaches voice and beginning piano at Music Royale in Powell, Ohio.
