Sophisticated jazz performer Emme St. James has Staunton roots

When Emme St. James takes the stage in the Shenandoah Ballroom of the Stonewall Jackson Hotel and Conference Center on Friday, May 11 from 8-11 p.m., she will be extremely pleased to be bringing her romantic and exciting show to her “home away from home.”

Her grandfather, Dr. John Guss, was an internist at King’s Daughters’ Hospital, and Staunton holds a special place in Miss St. James’ heart. She returns each month to visit family and enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Jazz vocalist, jazz singer, cabaret performer, chanteuse – however you describe her, Emme St. James has been performing her sophisticated jazz styling for over a decade. Based in Richmond, Virginia, Emme St. James has performed from New Orleans to New England, including favorite regional venues such as The Homestead, The Greenbrier, The Martha Washington Hotel, The Jefferson Hotel, and Keswick Hall.

As a young girl in Southwest Virginia, Miss St. James spent countless hours singing and playing jazz standards at her parents’ piano while dreaming of one day becoming a jazz singer herself. Today she is backed by top jazz musicians and her dream of being a jazz vocalist is a reality. Combining classical training with the influences of Julie London, Doris Day and Peggy Lee, Miss St. James uses her velvet voice to create the sophisticated atmosphere of yesterday’s intimate cabarets.

An Evening of Jazz and Dancing with Emme St. James and Her Jazz Gentlemen marks the second event in the Shenandoah Concerts 2012 season. Doors open at 7pm and a late night food menu plus full cash bar will be available in the ballroom.  Sorrel’s Lounge in the Stonewall Jackson Hotel will also be open during the evening.  Advance tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Shenandoah Hops, 9 N. New St. or online at www.shenandoahconcerts.com.  Tickets at the door will be $25.

A special An Evening of Jazz lodging package is available from the Stonewall Jackson Hotel.  It includes overnight accommodations, breakfast for two, parking and two tickets to the event for $198.00 per couple.  Visit www.stonewalljacksonhotel.com to book this deal.

For more information: www.shenandoahconcerts.com, phone, 540-324-3215 or email Cheryl and John at [email protected].