biography
From school choirs to singing professionally as a lead vocalist, Judy has had a lifelong involvement with music… it started with choirs in her youth and continued with an early career of performing in several bands across Canada. First as an acoustic trio, then a full fledged rock bank in Ontario, to a bilingual artist in Saskatchewan and finally as a blues and jazz act in BC.
Judy has sung everything from folk, rock, jazz and blues to original French compositions that received airplay on CBC Radio Canada. Judy has also produced numerous theatrical shows in Fort Steele and Vernon as well as acted in a variety of productions including Cabaret and The Vagina Monologues.
She has performed on stages in New York, Chicago and Austin in her travels and her jazz and blues ensemble "Judy Rose and the Pretty Boys" performed regularily to sold out shows at the Vernon Jazz Society as well as an exclusive performance at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre.
As on going project, Judy performs as an acoustic duet with the talented Tanya Lipscomb as "LiLi & Rose" and has graced the stage with the remarkable Melina Moore. Her latest endeavors involve various fundraising benefits and creating a new band - "The Killer B's".
Always captivating and deeply entertaining, Judy shares her unique interpretation on the songs that speak to her heart, bringing you on a journey that is not soon forgotten.
I don't sing because I'm happy;
I'm happy because I sing.
William James
Judy's journey so far....
1982 Attended Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA
1983 - 1991 Moved to Niagara Peninsula, ON. Performed in Whitewater which had many permutations… starting with an acoustic trio “a la Crosby Stills and Nash” to a full-fledged “classic-rock-White-Rabbit” band to finally a fine mix of progressive rock -Boston-blow-the-speakers-out ! Fronted bands who opened for Colin James, The Tragically Hip and Burton Cummings in Molson Canadian Rocks outdoor concerts and performed a special show to a full house at Toronto's one and only - The El Mocambo.
1991 - 1993 Moved to Regina, SK. Worked at the University of Regina’s French department and re-discovered the importance of her French heritage. Became involved with the French music scene and participated in the “Gala de la Chanson” in 1993. Represented Saskatchewan in the Western Finals in Vancouver where she was awarded the “Prix du Public” – the People’s Choice award. Also got the opportunity to have two original French songs recorded in the Regina CBC studio and aired throughout the French Canadian air waves on CBC Radio Canada.
1992 - 1993 Created "That's That. Productions" and was responsible for the all original productions in Cranbrook's Fort Steele Heritage Town in BC.
1994 Moved to Vernon, BC. Formed Punch’n Judy, an R’n B band as well as a jazz duo (piano and voice). Performed in the Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival and opened for April Wine, the Powder Blues Band and Rogers Hodgkins.
1996 - 97 Dabbled in musical theatre with the role of Tzeitel in the Powerhouse Theatre’s Production of Fiddler on the Roof; ‘Dem Crazy Blues - A Historical Revue of the Women of the Blues and the Canadian Stage Premier ofTapestry - the Music of Carole King.
1999 - Very honored to be presented with the "Best Blues Vocalist" title in Kelowna's valley-wide contest,
2000 Release independent recording under the name of “Punch’n Judy” entitled FINE. Selected "Best Female Vocalist" in the Okanagan Valley by eVent! magazine.
2000 - 2002 Staged three original productions for Vernon’s Winter Carnival: Starlet: The Next Coronation and Melvis And The Magic Mine. Role included producer (putting cash on the line), promo (making posters), costumes (experience VV shopper), stage manager (bossy), as well as performing (roles included space borg, Klondike dance girl and old ornery bag lady).
2002 Formed jazz quartet – The Ugly Step Sisters. Performed in Feb at the Vernon Jazz Society.
2003 Major supporting role in Viva Musica’s Cabaret in August in Kelowna. Also perform at Vernon Jazz Society in April with The Ugly Step Sisters.
2004 Perform at Vernon Jazz Society in April with The Ugly Step Sisters.
2005 Formed jazz quintet – Judy Rose and the Pretty Boys. Performed at the Vernon Jazz Society in 2005 and 2006 – breaking all sorts of attendance (and bar!) records. Appeared in Vernon Performing Art Centre’s production of the Vagina Monologues for the Transition House in March 2005.
2006 slept?
2007 Did first solo show at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre in Nov 2007 – Judy Rose “…songs from the heart” to rave reviews and near capacity crowd.
2008 Performed with the Pretty Boys at the first Rare Earth Roots and Blues Festival in Vernon with Rita Chiarelli and Jack Semple on the billing. Had two sold out shows in Nov at the Vernon Jazz Society.
2009 Performed with the Pretty Boys at the Rare Earth Roots and Blues Festival in Vernon with Buddy Guy on the bill.
2010 Performed in a 105 member chorus in the Okanagan Symphony's 50th anniversary presentation of Beethoven's 9th Symphony - Ode To Joy as well at the world premiere of Imant Raminish's Quaternity.
Founded duet LiLi & Rose with Tanya Lipscomb and performed at Komasket Festival with a Piaf Tribute.
Performed with Melina Moore at the first Melina and Company Christmas Show - included Cohen's Hallelujah.
2011 Put a new band together "The Killer B's". Performed to a sold out crowd at the Vernon Jazz Society in April.
Formed a house concert series (4 shows throughout the year) concept show "Venus Headlights" with Tanya Lipscomb and Melina Moore. Performed it in March, June, September and December at Headbones Gallery to rave reviews.
Performed with Melina Moore at An Opera Evening at Sparkling Hills Resort in August and at her Christmas Show at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre.
See Judy sing
"La Vie En Rose"
live @ VPAC here!
