Jazz diva dianne reeves to perform in Wisconsin Union Theater

Three-time Grammy winner Dianne Reeves, one of jazz’s preeminent vocalists, will close the Wisconsin Union Theater season on Saturday, April 16, at 8 p.m.

Reeves, whose rhythmic virtuosity and improvisational ease are breathtaking, is the only recording artist in any singing category to have won the Grammy for three albums in a row. With her unique rhythm and blues and jazz stylings, Reeves has captured a huge following and tremendous critical acclaim throughout the world.

Her singing draws upon a world of influences, and, as with Carmen McRae and Billie Holiday, she is tied to a powerful storytelling instinct. Reeves was featured with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra for several Duke Ellington projects, including a recording with Daniel Barenboim and the Chicago Symphony, and a concert appearance at Carnegie Hall with Sir Simon Rattle and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s.

In 2002, Reeves performed at the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. She presented a program of Gershwin with the Berlin Philharmonic on New Year’s Eve 2003, sang on the season finale of HBO’s “Sex and the City” and was the first internationally renowned jazz artist to perform in Qatar. Reeves received the Ella Fitzgerald Award at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, was appointed the Creative Chair for Jazz for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and received an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music.

“Dianne Reeves’ name inevitably is at or near the top of any list of modern jazz vocalists who are able to fill the large shoes of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald or Sarah Vaughn,” the Salt Lake Tribute has written. The Washington Post has described Reeves as “a radiant talent who is at the top of her game. She brings audiences to their feet with her beautiful voice and great musicianship.”

The show is sponsored by the Wisconsin Union Directorate Theater Committee with additional support from WORT, 89.9 FM. Tickets start at $18; tickets for students are $10. For more information, call the box office at (608) 262-2201.