About Nikki

Nikki has contributed lead and background vocals for countless bands and productions – both live and in studio settings, has sung and danced in many large-scale musical theater productions, performed in multiple lounges, restaurants and private parties locally, and has toured Europe, the South Pacific and the Caribbean making music. Her career evolved out of extensive training and work not only as a vocalist, but as an actress and dancer in Los Angeles. She is a long-time member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity with numerous film and television credits, earned a scholarship from the popular and prestigious Duprée Dance Academy in Los Angeles and has segued that expertise and other training into work in the fitness industry (Steenfit.me). Sip of Soul is her first self-produced project, and she is thrilled to collaborate with her husband, bassist Larry Steen, arranging, writing and making music that comes from the “soul.”

BONNIE BOWDEN HOUSE CONCERT PHOTOS

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GRETJE ANGELL entrances with her dulcet tones and brings the audience along on a journey with her throughout her performances. Originally hailing from Akron, OH, as a third generation musician, music has been in her heart and soul from an early age.  

Mainly influenced by Anita O’Day, Chet Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, and Carmen McRae, Gretje’s sense of rhythm and phrasing – with a pure, even tone to match – is inspired by these jazz greats. Her tongue dances lightly over both Brazilian rhythms and swing, giving into the music with improvisational performances, making her a tour de force on the scene and rivaling contemporary vocalists such as the much admired Cyrille Aimee and Diana Krall.

She can currently be heard performing with guitarist/music producer, Dori Amarilio, who is producing her much-anticipated upcoming debut album, as well as the acclaimed Ladd McIntosh Swing Orchestra, Jack’s Cats – a swing sextet, and Glen Garrett’s Big Band, in addition to her own configurations of artists.

Gretje is also a professionally trained opera singer, performing in Los Angeles. In 2013, she joined the Los Angeles Metropolitan Opera Company and has had the great pleasure of performing Pamina in The Magic Flute, Ilia in Idomeneo, Oscar in Un Ballo in Maschera, Tebaldo in Don Carlo, and the Voice of the High Priestess in Aida.

Whether she’s performing jazz or using her beautiful lyric coloratura soprano voice in an opera, Gretje brings takes the audience on a fantastical journey with each performance she gives.

Gretje lives in Los Angeles and performs nationally and internationally. A purist at heart, and working with the world’s top musicians, has solidified Gretje’s role as the darling of the underground jazz scene – where Jazz is Jazz.