“Step into the Spotlight,” sponsored by Viking Cruises, brings to center stage some of those amazing voices that are usually seen (and heard) in the background. Check out the extraordinary lineup of back-up singers or backgrounds vocalists who “step into the spotlight” at the Festival of Arts.

Lia Booth

Lia Booth is quickly establishing herself as one of Southern California’s most talked about young jazz singers. She has been making a strong impression and building a solid fan base with her fun, dynamic and heartfelt performances. Her daring yet effortless musical style is rooted deeply in the past but with a contemporary sensibility that breathes new life into classic jazz standards night after night. Lia had her start singing in the college vocal jazz ensembles Singcopation (Mt. San Antonio College, Bruce Rogers, Director) and Pacific Standard Time (Cal State Long Beach, Christine Guter, Director). These experiences included several recording projects and appearances at the famed Monterey Jazz Festival and other notable concert venues. While actively leading her own groups, Lia is also a featured member of The Tony Guerrero Quintet and The Swingliners. She has just released a new album of standards in a duo setting with guitarist Will Brahm (available on all music platforms for purchase NOW!) and is currently in the planning stages for an upcoming big band album.

Natalie Mendoza

LA bred and based musician Natalie Hanna Mendoza is an award winning jazz vocalist and songwriter. She is well versed in performing many vocal genres including pop, r&b, blues, jazz, motown and classical. With a broad range of vocal styling, Natalie is a lead vocalist for several groups including the acoustic Americana band “The Frogtown Serenaders” and the 1930’s jazz vocal trio “The San Andrea Sisters.” She can be found performing tirelessly at venues throughout Southern California such as The Escondite, the Mint, Clifton’s Cafeteria, Vitello’s, The Skyroom, The Federal Bar (Long Beach and North Hollywood), The Beverly Hills Peninsula Hotel, Le Petit Four, and many more. She has also performed extensively in shows, jazz festivals, and private events.

Gina Saputo

Gina Saputo is one of LA’s most in demand Jazz singers. She is an international jazz performer, College instructor, recording artist, session singer, model, actress and three time published author. She won First Place at the Big Stage Vocal Competition and was the vocalist for Orange County Music Awards winning band for Best Jazz in Orange County, 2009, 2010, and nominated with her own band in 2013 and 2014. She has lived in Los Angeles since moving for college and has become a regular at LA’s top jazz clubs and on the scene. She has been featured on Good Day LA with Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra. Gina can be seen performing regularly with actor and pianist Jeff Goldblum and his band, the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, George Kahn’s Jazz and Blues Revue, Paul Young Quintet, Slide Fx Trombone Tentet, Rusty Stiers Band, Tenth and California, and her own groups.

Jamie Shew

Jamie grew up in the Tri-Cities, a group of towns located in south central Washington State. She began her musical training at the age of four, when she was first introduced to the piano. Jamie earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Washington State University and a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance/Jazz Studies at Western Michigan University. As a graduate assistant at WMU, she had the opportunity to study privately with one of her favorite jazz vocalists, Sunny Wilkinson, and perform and record with the renowned vocal jazz ensemble, Gold Company. As a jazz vocalist, Jamie continues to enjoy a dynamic performance career among many internationally recognized jazz musicians such as Larry Koonse, Darek Oles, Royce Campbell, Chuck Manning, Bruce Babad, Jeremy Siskind, Kendall Kay, Mike Scott, Matt Politano, Danny Janklow, Dave Robaire, Will Brahm, Joe Bagg, Steve Cotter, Jason Harnell, Dan Schnelle, and Josh Nelson.