The Jazz Studies Program at the Desautels Faculty of Music churns out all kinds of fantastic young performers every year. Classic Summer Blogger Sara Krahn interviews student Kelsey Rosentreter, who's going all out Thursday night with her performance of music by jazz legend Etta James.

The TD International Jazz Festival tends to be a hotspot for The Desautels Faculty of Music school’s local talent, allowing up-and-coming musicians to bare their chops to the public. In her second year of Jazz Studies at the school, Kelsey Rosentreter is one such talented up-and-comer, and she will certainly be showing off her chops this Thursday night, performing music by iconic jazz vocalist Etta James. I had the opportunity to correspond with Kelsey by email, where she told me abit about her upcoming performance, her musical inspirations, and how the U of M Jazz Studies Program has opened up her world as a jazz performer.

Tell me about your involvement with the Jazz Fest this year… what about the prep work and the repertoire you’re working with?

The amount of prep work was an eye opener. To make this show what I wanted it to be there have been so many things to do, to follow up on, to make better. I have this vision in my head and so far I’ve stayed pretty close to it! It has been a growing experience and to work with this music and these musicians is so awesome. I am so thankful. I was speaking to a friend the other day about the show and how happy I am to finally share this music with other people! I’ve been listening to Etta for so long and it’s nice to sing for people, not just in my car or in the kitchen with my dog.

Is this your first year performing at the festival?

Yes, and I feel so thankful and excited about this opportunity! I was talking to my past teacher Erin Propp and we are performing in the same theatre! I feel so lucky to be placed in the festival alongside so many musicians that I respect so much. It is a big step for me and for that I am so grateful.

Who are the other members of your ensemble? Other students from the U of M Jazz Program?

Kevin Waters, Artur Kivilaht, Jared Beckstead, Olivier Macharia and Connor Derraugh.
We are made completely of U of M Jazz students. All of us with a passion to create music that goes somewhere, that moves, that develops.

What kind of performer do you strive to be, or, what kind of experience do you hope to give the audience through your performance?

I strive to be real, to be aware, to respect the music and its history. I want to create art in the air around us, in the moment and then let it go.

What are the jazz artists and styles that most inspire you?

I’m in love with Sarah Vaughan and I hope it never ends! The other musicians that are close to my heart are Nina Simone, Mingus, Basie, Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers and the new and truly wonderful and inspiring Cécile McLorin Salvant.
I place Etta James in a different category. She is very special to me. Her voice is so strong and real, she sings with such raw and honest emotion. She could do it all, but when she sang the blues she was truly in her element.
I also really love classic soul music like Marvin Gaye. I look for strong, colourful voices that sing with a message. Lalah Hathaway is another big one for me.
I’m really getting into Haitus Kayote right now as well.

I'm interested in your experience with the U of M Jazz Studies Program...What has been your experience studying under Steve Kirby and other faculty members of the jazz program?

I have been so fortunate to have been welcomed into this large musical family. I would not be where I am in my path and musicianship if not for them, especially Steve and Anna-Lisa.
In my first year in the program I was placed in an ensemble under the direction of Steve. He inspired me every time I had the opportunity to work him ... or the smarts to convince him to make extra time for me in his crazy schedule! I felt he took me under his wing and I knew he would be there for me and he has been in so many ways. I am forever grateful to him. He has become more than a professor or mentor to me, he is this musical rock in my life that provides guidance, knowledge, inspiration and also hugs when I need them!
Being around the amazing musicianship of all the professors is so incredibly inspiring. It is difficult to explain belonging but when you feel it, you know it. I searched for people like this for the entirety of my younger life, people who lived for the music and the moment. Of course I am still learning and working, but to be around people in similar mindsets, people that have experienced a life of music and jazz, it just feels like home. I am so thankful for this experience and the growth that has come with it.

How has the U of M Jazz Studies program opened doors for you within the Winnipeg performing community? Has it opened up performing/educational opportunities elsewhere?

I think just being apart of the program can set you apart from the rest. These amazing musicians have deemed you worthy to study beneath them or in the least see promise in you to grow and develop. There is definitely something special about that.
As for performing opportunities, it brings a lot of connections. Anna-Lisa especially has been very good to me and her other students. She always introduces us to current vocalists and other musicians whenever they come here to Winnipeg. I have been able to open for the Izzy Asper Jazz Series a couples times, including Omer Avital and Aaron Diehl with Charenée Wade.
There is definitely a path that a handful of students have taken. For example Curtis Nowosad. He started here, studied and has made his way to New York. There is a path if you so choose to take it and the professors are there to guide you if you truly do dedicate yourself to this amazing music.

How has the program made you a better performer?

I could go into specifics like how Anna-Lisa has me direct a band, stand on stage, speak to an audience etc but I think I can sum it up into a couple things. The main thing is confidence and being real, and the other would probably be staying in the moment. Strengthening these two things over the past two years has made a huge difference in me, and it continues to. I look forward to continual growth, and discovering what kind of performer and musician I will be in the future.

Do not miss this opportunity to venture out and support our city’s bright and shining local talent. Kelsey Paige & The Prose: The Etta James Project is happening TONIGHT at the Rachel Browne Theatre from 10:30 - 11:55PM. Tickets are just $15.