Village Vanguard waitress turned music therapist to sing
Marty Elkins, a highly regarded jazz singer, will perform at the Jazz Vespers at 5:30 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 21, at the First Presbyterian Church of Philipstown, 10 Academy St. in Cold Spring.
Elkins was featured in JazzTimes in an October 2014 interview on her growth as a musician, from the early influence of Billie Holliday to her job waitressing at the Village Vanguard in New York City. She honed her singing skills by absorbing the musical styles of major jazz artists while working three nights a week at the Vanguard and singing whenever possible on her off nights.
She confessed that at times she was so engrossed in the music that her customers left without paying their bills. As the jazz scene began to wane she returned to school to put her skills to use in musical therapy, serving first at St. Vincent’s Hospital and later in private practice.
Admission is free but donations are welcomed.
