Shayna Steele has performed as the guest soloist for more than 100 North American symphony orchestras and appeared in Broadway’s “Rent,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and the Tony Award-winning “Hairspray!”
And on Friday, June 21, Steele will perform at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center (MMCC) at the Center’s historic auditorium.
Born in California and raised in Mississippi, Steele now considers New York City her home. Along the way, she has provided backing vocals for artists as varied as Bette Midler, Rihanna, and Kelly Clarkson, among other A-list stars on the way to developing her solo career.
Steele’s Madison appearance prefaces performances early in July for her with the San Diego Symphony and the Utah Symphony Orchestra.
“Steele’s big voice is let off its reins, ending with the sort of gospel-like force that cleanses the soul,” Backseatmafia.com said.
Okayplayer wrote: “Steele’s range, versatility, and varied influences – from jazz to gospel, soul, and folk – encapsulates all of the possibility brimming from the American musical canon according to the highs and lows of her powerhouse vocal.”
According to her bio, Steele has a “natural ability to traverse musical genres be it in the studio, on the stage, or screen,” and said her “effortless execution of both soul and jazz has grabbed the attention of audiences globally, be it the upcoming Monterey Jazz Festival in September, North Sea Festival with Snarky Puppy, or hundreds of Symphony Orchestras throughout North America.”
Steele has produced four studio albums, with her latest, “Gold Dust,” released in 2023.
To purchase $35 tickets for Steele’s 7:30 p.m., June 1 appearance, visit the Madison- Morgan Cultural Center’s website at mmcc-arts.org.