About Me:

Michelle Willis has been writing songs since she could balance herself on the piano stool... at least, that's what her mom says. A Toronto native, born in North Yorkshire, England, Michelle's musical upbringing involved the rich harmony of cathedral choirs, singing through ye old blue hymnbook, and eventually set the tone for the intricate harmony and melody that weave their way throughout her music. Upon graduating Toronto's Etobicoke School of the Arts, Michelle pursued a degree in Piano at Humber College's reknown Jazz program, and met fellow classmates Heather Crawford, Shawn Rompre, and Charles James. It was here she also met and played with a host of beautiful musicians, students, and teachers alike, all of whom would soon make up the basis of her band, the Michelle Willis Group. Since it's inception, the band has been taking cues from artists across the board, from Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Aretha Franklin, to Erykah Badu, the Beatles, Ben Folds, and Radiohead. The list goes on. Always dedicated to the craft of songwriting, and playing original, soulful and communicative music, the Michelle Willis Group feels their sound is best described as an intricate and lyrical fusion of jazz, folk, pop and R&B. Most recently, you can hear the group getting airtime on CBC Radio One, and in local Toronto jazz watering-hole, The Rex Hotel.

Read more: http://www.myspace.com/michellewillismusic#ixzz12HBkgGDf

Location

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Website

http://www.myspace.com/michellewillismusic

What aspect of the festival are you interested in: Music, Food or the Arts?

All of the above!

How did you find out about Uptown Jazz Dallas IJF?

While playing shows with Snarky Puppy in Dallas, I was able to meet one of the organizers.